Operations & Fulfillment

Until recently, product labels have told only a fraction of a product's story. A country of origin, a few care instructions, and perhaps a sustainability logo. However, regulators, consumers, and business partners now expect far more information on packaging, such as: Where raw materials were sourced. How products were manufactured. What environmental impact they created.…

Investment in warehouse automation has moved from experimentation to a genuine spending priority for retailers racing to meet delivery expectations. Roughly 4.7 million commercial robots are expected to be installed across more than 50,000 warehouses worldwide by the end of 2026, according to recent warehouse automation research. And the automation market is on pace to…

Retailers have spent the last decade investing heavily in customer experience. They've optimized websites, refined mobile journeys, embraced personalization, and invested in CRM platforms to better understand their customers. Collectively, these efforts have transformed how people discover and buy products online. However, while businesses have become increasingly sophisticated at winning the sale, many still underestimate…

Peak season planning is always a combination of in-depth modeling, informed assumptions and, most importantly, gutfeel guesswork. This year, the ground under those guesses has shifted more than usual. Our quarterly Commerce Signal analysis, drawn from live activity across more than 4,900 U.S. supply chain operators moving 485 million orders a year, points to three…

As shippers and retailers get ready for peak season, most preparation focuses on what retailers can control directly, such as inventory, forecasting, capacity planning, and staffing. However, retailers shipping internationally should also be stress-testing the partner they’re handing those shipments off to. This is where visibility is often lower, and issues can surface that directly…

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will levy a 6 percent average rate hike for several package shipping services during the 2026 peak season, according to an agency filing Tuesday. The temporary holiday rate hikes, which are pending review from the Postal Regulatory Commission, would impact retail and commercial USPS Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, Priority Mail…

The Home Depot has announced the nationwide rollout of its Express Delivery program, bringing rapid fulfillment to customers for a small flat fee in U.S. markets, without the need for a subscription or membership. Customers can get essential items in three hours or less, including materials and supplies for pro construction projects. Shoppers can view…

Retail brands often manage thousands of shipments across multiple carriers, each with contracted rates, fuel surcharges, accessorial fees, and other charges that directly impact profitability. The associated invoices rarely look wrong at first glance. That’s what makes small errors hard to catch. Validating those costs requires more than simply confirming that the final amount appears…

When we think of back-to-school, we often picture backpacks, water bottles, pencils and notebooks. The reality is this season reaches into nearly every corner of the retail industry. Grocery stores are stocking lunchbox staples and classroom snacks. Apparel retailers are promoting school uniforms or showcasing the latest fall fashion staples. And while marketing campaigns are…

U.S. retail sales rose for the fifth straight month in June 2026, according to the Census Bureau’s Advance Retail Sales Report, and with it comes a reimagined, dynamic customer experience. For years, fast fulfillment was a competitive advantage. Now it's the baseline. Retailers who invested in speed didn't build a moat — they set a…