NYNJ Port Cargo Volumes Drop Amid Retail Inventory Surplus

NYNJ Port Cargo Volumes Drop Amid Retail Inventory Surplus

The Port of New York and New Jersey experienced a 21% year-over-year decrease in cargo volume in August, primarily attributed to retailers working through existing inventory and shifting consumer spending patterns. Despite this decline, the cumulative cargo volume for the first eight months of the year remains higher than the same period in 2019. The port is actively addressing these challenges by upgrading infrastructure, optimizing operational processes, and expanding its range of services. These efforts aim to maintain competitiveness and prepare for future growth.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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South Carolina Port Volumes Decline Hinting at Retail Slowdown

South Carolina Port Volumes Decline Hinting at Retail Slowdown

South Carolina's port throughput declined by 12% year-over-year in September, signaling a potential cooling of holiday season consumption in the US retail sector. Reduced consumer spending, retailers' inventory returning to normal levels, and optimized supply chains are key contributing factors. Expect increased promotional efforts during the holiday season, with rational consumption becoming the dominant trend. Ports need to actively transform to meet these challenges.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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DHL Enhances Retail Supply Chains with Streamlined Customs Clearance

DHL Enhances Retail Supply Chains with Streamlined Customs Clearance

DHL Global Forwarding introduces an integrated customs clearance service designed to help retailers navigate US import challenges. By consolidating freight batches, the service simplifies the clearance process, reduces costs, and improves efficiency and compliance. Leveraging DHL's robust global network and expertise, it provides customers with end-to-end solutions, empowering retailers to stand out in a competitive market, especially during peak seasons. This streamlined approach helps businesses manage complex import regulations and optimize their supply chain for faster and more reliable delivery to US consumers.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Sams Club Deploys Inventory Robots in Retail Automation Shift

Sams Club Deploys Inventory Robots in Retail Automation Shift

Sam's Club will deploy inventory scanning robots in nearly 600 stores nationwide, leveraging AI to improve operational efficiency and address labor challenges. Developed in partnership with Brain Corp and Tennant Company, the system automatically scans shelves, providing inventory reports. Having already been implemented in other retail settings, this deployment signifies an acceleration of automation adoption within the retail industry. The robots aim to optimize stock levels, reduce out-of-stocks, and free up employees to focus on customer service, demonstrating a growing trend towards technology-driven solutions in retail management.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Target Invests 7B in Supply Chain to Transform Retail

Target Invests 7B in Supply Chain to Transform Retail

Target's Chief Supply Chain Officer, Gretchen McCarthy, explains the company's $7 billion investment strategy in its supply chain, aimed at optimizing the in-store experience and improving fulfillment capabilities. This investment focuses on store upgrades, logistics optimization, and data analytics to enhance customer experience and strengthen brand loyalty. The goal is to differentiate Target in the competitive retail market by creating a seamless and efficient shopping journey, ultimately driving customer satisfaction and repeat business.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Retail Giants Warn Border Tax Could Raise Consumer Prices

Retail Giants Warn Border Tax Could Raise Consumer Prices

Retail giants, led by Walmart and Target, united in opposition to the Border Adjustment Tax (BAT), arguing it would lead to higher prices for consumers, harm consumer interests, and jeopardize retail jobs. Retailers actively lobbied Congress, emphasizing the tax's potential to trigger trade wars and advocating for fair tax reform. They argued that the BAT would disproportionately impact low-income consumers and disrupt supply chains, ultimately hurting the American economy. Their efforts highlighted the potential negative consequences of the proposed tax policy on both the retail sector and the broader consumer base.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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CPG and Retail Firms Adapt SOP to Market Volatility

CPG and Retail Firms Adapt SOP to Market Volatility

The consumer goods and retail industry faces a rapidly changing market environment, making efficient Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) crucial. This paper explores how optimizing the S&OP process can lead to more accurate demand forecasting, optimized supply and capacity planning, more efficient production and delivery coordination, and faster responsiveness to changes. By improving these areas, companies can gain a competitive edge in the market. The focus is on practical strategies and best practices for implementing a robust and effective S&OP framework.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Import Boom Driven by Tariff Worries Retail Stockpiling

US Import Boom Driven by Tariff Worries Retail Stockpiling

The National Retail Federation reports that potential tariff hikes by the Trump administration are driving a surge in US imports, despite a port labor agreement. Retailers are stockpiling goods to avoid higher costs, leading to increased import volumes. The report forecasts that import volumes in the coming months will be influenced by various factors, including Lunar New Year factory shutdowns. Retailers are trying to mitigate potential cost increases before the new tariffs take effect, impacting supply chains and import patterns.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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REI Opens Sustainable Distribution Hub Setting Retail Logistics Standard

REI Opens Sustainable Distribution Hub Setting Retail Logistics Standard

REI's sustainable distribution center in Arizona blends innovative technology and design for efficient operations, environmental protection, and social responsibility. As the first distribution facility in the US to achieve both LEED Platinum and Net-Zero Energy certifications, it sets a new standard for the retail logistics industry. The center showcases REI's commitment to sustainability by incorporating features like solar power, water conservation, and waste reduction. This project demonstrates that environmentally conscious practices can coexist with operational excellence and contribute to a more sustainable future for retail.

01/21/2026 Warehousing
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Amazon Sellers Leverage Tacos to Boost Brand Growth

Amazon Sellers Leverage Tacos to Boost Brand Growth

This article delves into the significance of TACoS (Total Advertising Cost of Sales) on Amazon, emphasizing its strategic importance as a metric for measuring the relationship between advertising spend and overall sales for long-term brand growth. By analyzing TACoS trends, it provides sellers with practical advice on optimizing advertising strategies and enhancing brand value, ultimately helping brands achieve sustainable growth in the Amazon marketplace. Understanding and managing TACoS is crucial for efficient ad spending and maximizing return on investment, leading to improved profitability and brand recognition.

01/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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