Amazon Prime box feature

Post Peak, Amazon Removes Ban on FedEx Ground, Home for 3P Sellers

| Mike O'Brien

A month after prohibiting third-party sellers from using FedEx Ground and FedEx Home for Prime orders due to alleged on-time performance issues, Amazon is now saying they’re back on the nice list. Amazon said the performance issues have been resolved to its satisfaction, allowing 3P sellers to use the services again.

Walmart Expands Use of Scanning Robots, Launches MFC for Grocery

| Mike O'Brien

Walmart is expanding its fleet of shelf-scanning robots, adding 650 this year for a total of 1,000 as it looks to address nettlesome grocery out-of-stock issues and battle competitors with the technology like Ahold Delhaize’s Stop & Shop, Giant Eagle and Schnuck’s. It has also launched a micro fulfillment center at a New Hampshire store.

Judge’s Order Stays Imposition of AB5 on Contract Truckers in California

| Mike O'Brien

A federal court judge issued a restraining order on New Year’s Eve that temporarily exempts 70,000 truck drivers from the Jan. 1 implementation of California’s new gig worker law AB5, after a legal challenge from a trucking group. The group contends AB5 was preempted by a 1994 federal statute; a hearing is scheduled for Jan. 13.

The Most Amazing Anti-Amazon Strategy … That Will Never Happen

| Richard Metzler

It is the synthesis of things Amazon does so well that makes it seemingly invulnerable. To me, trying to beat Amazon on just logistics without a symbiotic combination of brand, merchandising, marketing, technology and a financial war chest is just pure, unadulterated sophistry. Is there such a thing as an effective anti-Amazon strategy?

3 Critical Steps to Up Ecommerce Delivery Performance in 2020

| Tommy Barnes

From the Amazons and Alibabas of the world, to B2B suppliers like Grainger and Readerlink, to other niche and specialty suppliers and retailers, delivery is a crucial component of any ecommerce company’s success. Here are three steps ecommerce companies can take to ensure they don’t crack under the pressure to deliver in 2020. 

Target, Walmart Turn Up Heat on Last-Minute Holiday Ordering

| Douglas P. Clement

Target’s new last-minute delivery deals and deadlines for holiday gifts has it going head-to-head with Walmart over whose fulfillment is faster and more accommodating for shoppers. Both retail giants offer free two-day shipping, but Walmart has the edge in guaranteed delivery by Christmas for ultra-last-minute shoppers.

FedEx Express truck feature

Amazon Tells 3P Sellers: No FedEx Ground; Complains of Service Issues

| Mike O'Brien

Amazon is telling 3P sellers they can’t use FedEx Ground for Prime deliveries this holiday season, citing performance issues, according to the Wall Street Journal, saying the policy will remain until there are improvements. UPS and other carriers stand to benefit in the short term if they can find room in their networks.

MCM CommerceChat podcast

How a Supply Chain Makeover Will Help Le Tote Integrate Lord & Taylor

| Mike O'Brien

Le Tote plans to modernize Lord & Taylor’s assets, including integration with Le Tote’s rental business to drive upselling. Retail industry veteran Robert Escobar has signed on to help Le Tote create a roadmap for a supply chain makeover to meet its business objectives. Find out more in this MCM CommerceChat podcast interview.