Inventory

Retailers are putting more money into artificial intelligence every year. More than half (56 percent) have increased their spending on generative AI since 2024. However, despite the investment, most still aren’t seeing real business results. Too often, AI is confined to narrow optimization, such as forecasting, pricing or personalization — meaning core retail processes remain…

With fall officially underway, holiday prep is ramping up for retailers. Between tariff uncertainty, lingering supply chain issues, and a more values-driven consumer mindset, the road to a strong year-end starts now. Retailers that plan early and act intentionally will have the advantage. At Lightspeed, we work with thousands of retailers worldwide, giving us a…

Born between the mid-to-late 1990s and early 2010s, Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) is a diverse group, with the oldest now in their late 20s, entering adulthood and the workforce. They're the first true digital natives, growing up with smartphones, high-speed internet, and everything on-demand. Their habits, especially around shopping, are reshaping retail. For…

Import cargo at the nation’s major container ports is expected to see a surge through this summer as retailers take advantage of a 90-day reduction in tariffs that were recently imposed on China, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates. According to NRF Vice President for…

In today's volatile and uncertain business environment, retail supply chain executives face numerous challenges in optimizing inventory and making intelligent supply chain decisions. The ever-changing supply chain management landscape requires agility, strategic planning, and the integration of advanced technologies to stay competitive and meet evolving consumer expectations. Define Your Supply Chain Aspirations Identifying your supply…

As the holiday season approaches, brands shipping direct-to-consumer (DTC) or to retailers face the significant challenge of ensuring timely product delivery. The end goal, no matter your e-commerce omnichannel strategy, is to get products in customers' hands by the holiday gift-giving season. Proper forecasting and strategic planning are essential to meet customer expectations and capitalize…

I have a confession to make: A few weeks ago I found myself buying toys for my kids — toys that they really don’t need. I hadn’t planned the splurge, but as I strolled the charming streets of San Diego, my eyes fell upon an incredible feat of store design: a gigantic wooden puppet, its…

In the omnichannel retail world, inventory optimization is more important than ever before. Retailers need to get the right products to the right places at the right time to satisfy demand in an efficient and profitable way — no matter how, when or where their customers choose to shop. With this in mind, many retailers…

Every year, designers push creative horizons, unveiling innovative styles that push the boundaries of traditional design and showcasing new and unique items that align with current trends. Some of these new pieces quickly capture retailers’ attention and become best-sellers, while others fade into obscurity. Retailers are also dealing with past trends making a comeback while…

Research from Morgan Stanley suggests that inventory restocking may face sustained headwinds as companies respond to persistently high interest rates. The report indicates shippers are increasingly reluctant to rebuild inventory, preferring instead to run leaner operations even at the expense of being late on orders. Meanwhile, the enduring drought in the Panama Canal and the escalating conflict in the Red…