New MCM Content Series Addresses Workforce Management Issues

| Mike O'Brien

For those overseeing ecommerce and direct-to-customer operations and fulfillment, Multichannel Merchant is launching a new subscription content series, “The Ecommerce Workforce Management Insider.” Each month we’ll bring you insights and viewpoints from experts in the retail, ecommerce and provider communities.

9 Ways to Make Your Ecommerce Fulfillment Process Change a Success

| Brian Barry

There is no end to the process of reducing labor, saving time, making better use of ecommerce fulfillment center space and reducing costs and errors. To be competitive, flexible and survive in these turbulent times, continuous process improvement is critical. Here are 9 steps to consider when implementing this type of program. 

Locus robots feature

Locus Robotics Raises $40 Million in New Funding Round

| Mike O'Brien

Locus Robotics, makers of autonomous mobile robots for carriers and 3PLs like UPS, DHL, Ceva Logistics, Taylored Services and ShipMonk, has raised more than $40 million in a Series D funding led Zebra Ventures, along with existing investors like Scale Venture Partners.

The Pandemic, the E-Fulfillment Workforce and System Needs

| Mike O'Brien

One impact of the continuing COVID-19 crisis is omnichannel fulfillment operations need to do more with less to comply with safety protocols and restrictions. This special report explores different factors behind system decisions in light of the pandemic, with a particular focus on workforce limitations and unpredictable demand.

Take Our Survey on the State of Ecommerce Fulfillment Operations

| Mike O'Brien

To keep you informed about major changes taking place in the industry, Multichannel Merchant is conducting research into how ecommerce fulfillment operations are managing through this time and looking to improve their performance – but we need your help. Take our brief survey and we will share the results in a subsequent report.

Kendra Scott’s Fast Rollout of New Omnichannel Tactics Amid COVID-19

| Mike O'Brien

A decision by the leadership team at jewelry retailer Kendra Scott to invest in an order management system ahead of last year’s peak season was a critical element enabling the company to quickly turn its fleet of stores into fulfillment centers and initiate curbside pickup, after shutting them down to the public due to COVID-19.

Bezos Says Amazon May Test All Employees for COVID-19 Infection

| Mike O'Brien

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos addressed the company’s response to and operations during the coronavirus outbreak, saying they’re doing all they can to keep workers safe amid reports of growing positive tests, a worker death and walkouts. Bezos also discussed possible company-wide COVID-19 testing, a process that is taking top priority.

Handling Your Ecommerce Operations During the Coronavirus Pandemic

| Brian Barry

Many ecommerce companies are trying to stay open while keeping their employees and customers safe through the coronavirus pandemic. Others have temporarily shut down and are thinking about how and when they can reopen. Here are some things to keep in mind based on our consulting work with retail and wholesale companies.

The Retail Supply Chain Reset After Coronavirus: Three Expert Views

| Mike O'Brien

While much is unknown about the long-term impact of coronavirus, retail supply chains will certainly look different once the crisis is past, industry observers agree. Multichannel Merchant spoke with experts from enVista, Le Tote and Johnson Stevens to get their views on the current situation and where things are headed.