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UPS Matches FedEx With 6.9% GRI for 2023

| Mike O'Brien

Days before its third quarter earnings report, UPS matched rival FedEx by announcing a general rate increase of 6.9% for 2023, an unprecedented figure for both major carriers set as a benchmark for pricing shipper contract rates. FedEx took heat last month in announcing its rate increase last month, as it reported a painful quarter.

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Walmart Sees Strong Q2 Results, With Inflation a Driver

| Mike O'Brien

Walmart reported 12% second-quarter ecommerce growth, up 18% vs. 2020, as it gained market share in grocery and passed 1 million deliveries for its GoLocal service that provides last-mile service for other retailers including Home Depot, with inflation helping attract more upscale shoppers. The result was better than at rival Target.

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Amazon Raising the Cost of Prime Up to 43% in Europe

| Mike O'Brien

Nearly six months after doing so in the U.S., Amazon is increasing the cost of Prime in the UK and Western Europe by up to 43%, as it too battles inflationary pressures and higher operating costs. German Prime members will see a 30% increase, with a 20% bump in the UK; Spain, Italy and France will see annual increases between 39%-43%.

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UPS Beats on Profit Even as U.S. Volume Drops

| Mike O'Brien

UPS reported higher-than-expected first-quarter earnings, even as domestic volume declined for the second consecutive quarter, as its pricing strategy and focus on profitable business over volume continues to pay lucrative dividends during the ongoing ecommerce boom. SMB and B2B growth continue to be strong.

Target Upbeat on Q4, 2019 Results and Strategic Plans

| Douglas P. Clement

Target CEO Brian Cornell piled on superlatives when discussing Q4 and 2019 results, including six consecutive years of 25%+ growth in ecommerce sales. Same-day (order pickup, drive up and Shipt delivery) accounted for more than 80% of Target’s Q4 comparable digital sales growth of 20%, compared to 1.5% overall comp growth.

Wayfair Grows Revenue 44% in 2018 But Doubles Net Loss

| Daniela Forte

Ecommerce home furnishings giant Wayfair increased its fourth quarter sales 40.6% to $1.99 billion, but saw its Q4 net loss balloon to $143.8 million, nearly doubling the $72.8 million loss from the same period in 2017. The company accentuated the positive, emphasizing its holiday season and flash sale performance to analysts.

Macy’s Reports 1.1% Drop in Net Sales, Booming Mobile Growth in Q2

| Daniela Forte

Macy’s Inc. reported a 1.1% decline in net sales for the second quarter, from $5.6 billion to $5.5 billion, with comp sales inching up just 0.5% and double-digit online sales in the same period. Mobile sales via the Macy’s app were up 50%+ in the first half of 2018. See how Macy’s did in other areas of its business.

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Target Reports Ecommerce Growth of 41% in Q2

| Daniela Forte

Target reported a 41% increase in ecommerce sales during the second quarter, with overall revenue increasing 7%. Comp sales were up 6.5% in the quarter, the strongest showing since 2005, driven by a 6% growth in store traffic. Here are some opportunities Target plans to focus on in the future.