Brands are challenged with finding a way forward even when traditional DTC models threaten to crack—and thinking outside the box to find the post-coronavirus formula for success. Fortunately, DTC doesn’t just mean selling on your own site. Here are some of the strong benefits of adding marketplaces to your DTC channel mix.
UPS, facing massive volumes akin to the holiday season due to COVID-19’s impact on ecommerce, is imposing surcharges on larger-volume shippers and those sending bulkier items as of May 31 to offset its costs, impacting companies already reeling from the crisis. Experts agree they expect to see FedEx follow suit shortly.
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.
Right now, there is a golden opportunity for direct to consumer brands to take the initiative and gain share, launch new products and increase their visibility at a time when many competitors are holding back due to various challenges related to COVID-19, experts from ChannelAdvisor said.
Driven by COVID-19 restrictions, ecommerce grew 49% between the early March shutdowns and the end of April, according to Adobe’s latest Digital Economy Index, with large gains in curbside and store pickup and e-grocery as the retail world continues to reset. Bazaarvoice also found ecommerce orders were up 96% in April year-over-year.
Here Technologies, a provider of location and mapping solutions for companies worldwide including UPS and FedEx, has created a free navigation app to help SMBs flipping to ecommerce optimize delivery routes by providing turn-by-turn navigation for multiple stop routes. The app has been tested by restaurants in Australia.
For many ecommerce businesses, even absent COVID-19, a profitable Christmas season will make or break the year. During the shutdowns, many 3PLs have remained open, serving clients even amid the labor challenges. Should you continue internal fulfillment or move to a 3PL? Here are seven considerations as you weigh the choice.
Neiman Marcus Group, owner of the 43-store chain of the same name as well as two Bergdorf Goodman locations and Last Call discount shops, has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as expected, in the process securing $675 million in loans from creditors. The filing also calls for a long-term plan to eliminate $4 billion of debt.
Retailers that have invested in inventory management tools that supply real-time visibility across channels are faring much better than those that didn’t as tactics like ship from store and curbside or counter pickup are proving to be survival factors, industry experts agreed.
How should brands be managing their messaging at this sensitive time, expressing empathy without overdoing it?
Deb Gabor, CEO of brand strategy consultancy Sol Marketing, has led brand and crisis strategy engagements for Dell, Microsoft, HomeAway and others. She discusses brand messaging do’s and don’t’s in the days of COVID-19.