Canadian Retail Growth, Warehouse Drones, and Warehouse Automation Growth

Ian Sinclair

Ian Sinclair

EVP, Commercial Solutions

ISinclair@nls.ca

National Logistics Services
150 Courtneypark Drive West
Mississauga, Ontario

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Canadian retail sales grew 2.7% in April, with discretionary spending up only 0.5%. Swiss sportswear brand On uses Verity’s warehouse drones to boost inventory visibility. Canadian shoppers are reluctant to adopt new retail tech and wary of social media ads, says Capterra Canada. Automation-related software revenue is growing faster than WMS, reports Interact Analysis. Meanwhile, Red Sea violence is causing shipping gridlocks and soaring costs.

Canadian retail sales grew 2.7% in April, with discretionary spending up only 0.5%. Concerns over grocery prices are driving shoppers to local grocers. The housing market boosted sales in home furnishings, building materials, and electronics. Despite population growth, Alberta’s retail sales saw modest gains. Ontario’s heat wave raises questions about summer shopping patterns, interest rates, and AI’s impact on e-commerce.

Swiss sportswear brand On partners with Verity to boost inventory visibility with warehouse drones. This technology aims to reduce stockouts and misplacements. Currently deployed in one U.S. facility, the drones are part of a broader strategy to improve product availability and order fulfillment, aligning with industry trends for efficient inventory management.

Canadian shoppers are least likely to adopt new retail tech and wary of social media ads, says Capterra Canada. Only 13% start shopping on social media and 83% don’t want social media tracking purchases. However, 41% welcome AI recommendations. Canadians prefer traditional e-commerce, prioritize price, and distrust social media influencer reviews. Improved search filters and loyalty programs could enhance their shopping experience.

A report from Interact Analysis shows that automation-related software revenue is growing faster than warehouse management software (WMS). Valued at $7.2 billion in 2023, the warehouse software market is expected to reach $16.6 billion by 2030. Automation software, 31% of the market in 2023, will grow to 46% by 2030, driven by automation and robotics. Automation software is projected to grow at a 19.5% CAGR, outpacing WMS’s 8.6% growth rate.

Red Sea violence is causing shipping gridlocks and soaring costs. Disruptions have led to port backups in Asia and Europe, tripling the cost of shipping a 40-foot container since last year. Rates from Asia to the U.S. East Coast are now $7,000. Importers are front-loading orders, worsening congestion. Delays and higher costs are impacting retailers and manufacturers, with container leasing prices also surging.

Are your logistics requirements being effectively addressed? Let’s explore your eCommerce fulfillment strategies if you have a moment for a brief call. Our team of seasoned logistics professionals is prepared to evaluate your needs and formulate a customized plan to propel your business forward.

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NLS Logistics Team Communications
As a leading Third Party Logistics (3PL) firm, we have the strategic infrastructure, technology relationships, and insights to help Canadian and international brands reach and serve the Canadian market
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