The consumer price index increased 3.7% in August compared with August 2022, according to the Labor Department, marking the second consecutive increase and the biggest one in 2023. Markets largely shrugged off the increase Wednesday, with Treasury yields declining and the S&P 500 closing up slightly.
Ongoing drought conditions have forced The Panama Canal Authority to suspended super vessel bookings through Sept. 30 and other restrictions imposed earlier this year will remain in place until next year, according to company reports. Ricaurte Vasquez, administrator of the ACP, says they're seeing more container vessels lightening their loads to see movement but expects adverse conditions to be ongoing.
There are several trends that could have major implications for logistics real estate, according to an analysis by Prologis, Inc. Among the four developments to watch are a decline in volatility and a desire for supply chain resilience.
We surveyed over 200 consumers to find out their plans and concerns about moving into peak season during a potential inflation-ridden recession. Learn sentiment around shipping, product shortages and how much they plan to spend. Grab the report:
Amazon has unveiled a new service called Multi-Channel Distribution that will give merchants who sell on the marketplace the ability to ship their goods to other logistics providers' warehouses and brick-and-mortar retailers. The service, which is in test mode, is the latest move in the ecommerce giant's ongoing plan to grow its role as a logistics provider.
Efforts to unite the US' fragmented food safety regulatory system have been attempted since 1949 without success, but a reorganization is more necessary than ever in order to implement a more efficient, risk-based approach driven by science, write Mindy Brashears, former undersecretary for food safety at the USDA, and Frank Yiannas, former deputy commissioner for food policy and response at the FDA. While the matter of whether such an agency would be housed at the USDA, FDA or HHS is still an open question, "the right structure is needed to effectuate a unified strategy and vision," Brashears and Yiannas write.
Dollar General says it will use a new planning tool to support distribution centers and stores by better forecasting demand and join other retailers in reducing excess inventory, which crept up 3.4% year over year in the second quarter. Markdowns will cost the chain $95 million in operating profits in the quarter, says CEO Jeff Owen.
Standing out in the sea of brands Brands are looking for ways to cut through the noise and reach consumers in an authentic way. Capturing share of wallet and developing deeper shopper relationships is top of mind for retailers across industries. Register for the webinar.
Nortal's Jon Stephens advises marketers to create a cross-functional innovation team to oversee the implementation and exploration of generative AI, which should investigate all available options, not just ChatGPT. Stephens recommends an experimental yet steady approach, leaning on the technology to improve the efficiency of the creative process but leaving creativity and messaging to humans.
Generating a positive buzz through word of mouth requires a long-term commitment, digital marketer Shamael Zaheer Khan writes. He outlines eight tactics that build word-of-mouth marketing, including exceptional service, positive online reviews and community initiatives.
Increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters make it important for small businesses to have more than the typical one- to two-month cash supply, says Eric Groves, CEO of Alignable, a network of business owners. Experts share how to find disaster recovery funding from local, state and federal governments, how to avoid predatory lenders, and how to line up insurance details and trusted partners before a disaster hits.
Get in the routine of doing 13-week cash flow forecasts to provide more clarity and direction for growth, write Zach Chandis, senior director, and Adam Stevens, managing director at Accordion. The method allows a business to more easily navigate financial obligations when needed, they say.
Attending the Innovators Summit lets you stay updated with the latest industry developments and remain ahead of your competitors. By being aware of emerging trends and disruptive technologies, you can proactively adapt your business strategies, identify new revenue streams, and gain a competitive edge in the market. Learn more.
