Consumer Packaged Goods

African Americans Urged to Spend More in Black-owned Businesses

November 18, 2015

Blacks spend less money in black-owned businesses than other racial and ethnic groups spend in businesses owned by members of their groups, including Hispanics and Asians.

Terrorist Attacks, Like Those in Paris, Said Not to Have Lasting Negative Impact on Economy

November 18, 2015

The Economist

For some people, even to discuss the impact on an economy, let alone financial markets, of a tragedy such as the Paris attacks is poor taste. But one of the aims of terrorists is to cause economic and financial damage; hence the attacks on Wall Street on 9/11 or on tourists in Tunisia earlier this year. So the issue is worth considering.

Thirty-two Percent of Shoppers Use Social Media for 'Brand Engagement', Survey Says

November 17, 2015

Chain Store Age

Consumers find it easy to use social media for brand engagement, but that doesn't mean they are using it.

Many Consumers Begin Holiday Shopping Earlier Than Ever

November 17, 2015

Fierce Retail

Anyone looking for more proof that holiday shopping begins earlier has some new statistics to cite: 56.6 percent of those celebrating the holidays had begun shopping by early November, up from 54.4 percent last year and up further from the 49 percent who had started by this time in 2008, the first time the National Retail Federation asked the question.

Sales on the Run: Retailers Must Cash in on Mobile Commerce

November 17, 2015

Apparel

For the retail industry, mobile has become a major aspect of the brand and commerce experience.

More 'Sophisticated' Product Placement Seen Among Retailers, Study Says

November 16, 2015

Upstream Commerce

Analysis of 2013 and 2014 holiday sales data on 300,000 products indicated more sophisticated retail product management, higher quality merchandise offered at discounted prices, and promotions extended after the holiday season, suggesting a promotion trend retailers are likely to apply for the 2015 holidays and beyond.

Will A Paris Summit Yield Green Results?

November 16, 2015

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

Inevitable, irreversible and irresistible. That's how some environmental experts view the coming of "the low-carbon economy."

Retailers Who Fail to Get Home Delivery Right First Time May Not Get Second Chance

November 13, 2015

FierceRetail

Home delivery is shaping up to be the sticky widget in retailers' toolboxes this holiday season - and one that could affect customer loyalty for a long time to come - as half of all consumers won't give merchants a second chance following a disappointing online experience.

Consumers Prefer Free Delivery Over Fast Shipping, Survey Says

November 13, 2015

Deloitte

Consumers expect to hear knocks on their door from delivery services well into the holiday week and for no cost at all, according to Deloitte's 30th annual holiday survey of consumer spending intentions and trends. In fact, free shipping is the top priority for shoppers when it comes to retail policies, with 72 percent of responding consumers planning to take full advantage of the perk. Nearly 9 in 10 shoppers (87 percent) prioritized free shipping over fast shipping (13 percent) when purchasing gifts shopping online.

Game On: A New Tool for Supply-Chain Simulation

November 13, 2015

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

Can playing a game help supply-chain managers cope with the uncertainties of the real world?

Consumer Packaged Goods

The latest supply-chain news, analysis, trends and tools for executives in the consumer packaged goods industry. Learn how consumer packaged goods companies and their suppliers around the world are managing the flow of products across all channels of the enterprise. Experts sound off on forecasting and demand planning, supply-chain visibility, logistics outsourcing, inventory optimization, transportation management, warehouse management, supply-chain security, corporate social responsibility and more.