US consumer prices rose 2.7% in the 12 months to November, below expectations, with core inflation at 2.6%, offering investors reassurance that price pressures are easing after a data gap caused by the government shutdown. Equity futures rose early Thursday, led by the Nasdaq-100, as AI-linked stocks gained on optimism over demand growth.

Home Depot has significantly improved its supply chain since 2017, now able to deliver 55% of in-stock SKUs within a day, a three-fold increase from 2022. The advancement stems from nearly 200 new facilities established over eight years, including 160 market delivery operations for consolidating large and bulky products, 20 direct fulfillment centers focused on popular SKUs and 17 flatbed distribution centers for building materials. The retailer has also developed a proprietary algorithm that determines the best shipping locations.

The Federal Trade Commission is investigating Instacart's AI-driven Eversight pricing tool, which has been criticized for creating price discrepancies among shoppers. A recent study found that some shoppers paid up to 23% more for the same items at the same store. The probe comes amid broader scrutiny of digital pricing tactics, with the FTC previously seeking information from major companies about their data-driven pricing tools.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern on Friday plan to officially file their merger application with the Surface Transportation Board. The review process could take up to 16 months. Industry stakeholders and senators have expressed concern about the proposal and are urging the STB to thoroughly scrutinize the merger to ensure long-term competition and mitigate potential negative impacts on intermodal shipping communities.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern's proposed merger has lost support from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division, which cite concerns about safety, higher shipping rates and potential disruptions. The deal is also opposed by a number of agricultural groups and BNSF, a competing railroad. Although the merger has been backed by the largest rail union, individual shippers and President Donald Trump, it still faces scrutiny from the Surface Transportation Board under stringent standards.

United Natural Foods has reported significant improvements in supply chain performance after implementing a standardized lean operating model at 34 of its 49 distribution centers late last year. The model, based on lean management principles, focuses on a daily review of safety, quality, cost and delivery metrics to enhance productivity and efficiency. The company is also integrating digital tools and AI to help independent grocers compete with larger national chains through an "endless aisle" initiative, which allows retailers to offer products not stocked locally, thereby expanding their digital assortment without incurring inventory risk.

AI has shifted the dynamic between B2B sales and marketing teams, with 49% of tech executives saying AI has enabled marketing to own more of the buyer relationship, Walnut reports. The report also notes that 30% of executives expect marketing to gain more influence and budget, while 21% see increasing competition between sales and marketing.

AI and automation are expected to contribute to a skills gap rather than replace workers, according to a Randstad USA report, which notes that 78% of workers are ready to adopt AI, but 46% doubt employers will invest in AI training. Key trends for 2026 include the importance of AI skills, increased demand for skilled trades, a shift in work-life balance priorities and the challenge of integrating young workers amid a wave of retirements.

Prioritize your organization's greatest asset — your people. NAW's premier education programs, such as the online Management Academy and the in-depth Distribution Leadership Program at THE Ohio State University, are designed to equip your high-potential employees with the skills and insights they need to lead and succeed. Ensure your rising stars are prepared to drive your business forward by investing in their growth today. Learn more about how NAW can help you develop the leaders of tomorrow.

Interested in membership with NAW? Reach out and let us know how we can help you.