In 2015 retailers are adapting their supply chains to more efficiently and effectively meet customer needs. Some of these changes occur in their distribution and order fulfillment strategies. Retailers are making these changes because consumer expectations continue to increase which further increases competition in the market. To capture market share retailers must now follow a more “customer centric” strategy. This customer centric strategy is driving two major changes in retail fulfillment. First, retailers are now providing “click and collect” to customers. In this offering customers can place orders online and pick up their merchandise and a pre-determined location. This strategy helps to reduce wait time for order delivery and allows customers to take advantage of special online promotions they would not receive otherwise. Click and collect is being offered in areas including electronics, clothing and even groceries. Secondly, many retailers have made the move to expand their distribution networks to include logistics providers and company-owned distribution centers in strategic geographical locations. By expanding their networks, retailers are able to offer faster delivery times down to the expected two-day and, in some cases, same day delivery. Many retails are using technology to assist in the advancement of their distribution strategies. The top tool retailers are utilizing is functionally robust warehouse management software (WMS). By integrating the WMS with shipping rate shopping technology, transportation management software (TMS) and eCommerce platforms retailers are able to more closely monitor and track inventory and orders to more efficiently service end consumers. To learn more about WMS for retail contact Datex industry experts today at 800.933.2839 ext. 243 or at www.datexcorp.com.

1. TOP 2015:
RETAIL
FULFILLMENT
TRENDS
BY: ANGELA CARVER

2. Industry Drivers
Customer expectations for retailers continue to increase
Competition increasing among retailers to capture market share
Has created a “customer-centric” view

3. Trend 1: Click and Collect
What is it?
Consumers make purchases online and pick up merchandise at the
pre-determined store location
• Eliminates wait time and allows consumers to receive instant
satisfaction of purchase while taking advantage of online deals

4. Trend 2: Decreased Delivery Times
Many retailers are expanding their distribution networks to provide
2-day and same day delivery

5. Manage New Fulfillment Strategies
The top tool for effectively managing complex fulfillment strategies:
• Functionally robust warehouse management system
(WMS) Integrate WMS with:
a) Shipping rate shopping tool
b) Transportation management system (TMS)
c) eCommerce platform

6. Contact Us
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