Shipping

Type “unboxing” into YouTube and you’ll find thousands of videos, many with millions of views, revealing the contents of a package. What started as a quirky internet trend has evolved into a powerful retail experience, where the packaging itself is as much a part of the appeal as the products inside. Whether it’s a collection…

In today's unpredictable global economy, retailers of all sizes, from big-box chains to regional grocers, are now taking a pervasive "wait and see" business approach. Economic slowdowns, persistent inflation, and tariff changes have understandably led many retail executives and operations leaders to hit the brakes on significant capital investments. However, for retailers operating transportation fleets,…

In recent years, the blame game around shipping mishaps has shifted. According to a recent report from UPS Capital Insurance Agency, Inc., only 39 percent of surveyed consumers now blame shipping providers for delivery issues — a stark contrast to 83 percent in 2022. This means consumers are holding retailers directly accountable for a superior…

E-commerce continues its steady climb, growing 6.1 percent year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The undercurrent to this stable growth is a more complex reality: With tariffs and trade policies shifting weekly, retailers are grappling with unprecedented supply chain volatility and cost pressures. This environment demands more than…

By now, retailers are used to disruption — from the pandemic to the Red Sea shipping crisis, instability has become the norm. This year, tariffs may cast a shadow over the holiday shopping season, creating more volatility. The reality is there will be factors out of their control; however, the more retailers can prepare for…

Making good on its promise to spend $4 billion by the end of 2026 to triple the size of its rural delivery network, Amazon.com announced Tuesday it would soon be providing same- and next-day delivery to 4,000 smaller cities, towns and rural communities across the country. The company said in a press release the extra…

For years, the retail delivery game was a race. Whoever could slap a “next-day” badge on the checkout screen won. Back in 2018, for example, Rent the Runway ran the social lives of countless New York women. Friday nights hinged on outfits that arrived just in time, and networking coffees and panel appearances often featured…

Meeting consumer demand for fast shipping is a balancing act for merchants — one that requires delivering expedited services while keeping rising costs in check. A recent report from UPS Capital Insurance Agency, Inc. highlights the financial strain. Eighty-four percent of surveyed merchants say meeting two-day shipping expectations has increased their operational costs, with 37…

With many recent natural disasters — hurricanes, forest fires and flooding — serving as a constant reminder of the threat of climate change, the environment is playing an increasing role in decision-making for retailers and consumers alike. But how motivated are consumers to reduce their carbon footprint through sustainable products and eco-friendly home delivery options?…

Millennials and Gen Z represent a significant portion of today’s consumer base, and their preferences are shaping the future of retail, especially in e-commerce. With the peak holiday shopping season upon us, to remain competitive and profitable retailers must align their strategies with the expectations of these younger generations. Meeting their needs not only drives…