OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Whether by using artificial intelligence or applying proven merchandising strategies in other areas of the business, retailers can get “smart” about their physical retailing activities.

A regional Midwest grocer is leveraging Instacart’s enterprise commerce platform and also enabling in-store pickup of online orders via the Instacart marketplace.

White Castle is teaming up with Uber Eats and Serve Robotics to offer automated delivery.

Amazon is internationally expanding its network of next-generation fulfillment centers.

New Balance is widening the assortment of second-hand products it sells.

An online delivery platform owned by Wonder is expanding its testing of automated technologies.

Recent freight disruption is uneven by mode, and it’s important not to conflate operational noise with where the real cost impact is building.

Imports at major U.S. container ports are expected to remain below prior year levels for the first half of 2026 amid ongoing tariff uncertainty.