Recently in Logistics; Department stores are facing risk of closures as competition from TJX and Burlington rises. Retailers like Macy’s and Skechers are preparing for fewer shopping days and impacts from the upcoming election. Crowdsourced delivery is aiding Halloween demand with same-day service. Canadians are expected to spend 8% more this holiday and early planning is keeping Walmart and Target’s holiday inventories stable.
Department Stores Face Tough 2024 as Off-Price Rivals Grow
U.S. department stores are currently under strain, closing locations and restructuring amid strong competition from off-price retailers like TJX and Burlington. Macy’s plans to shutter 150 stores, Nordstrom is expanding its Rack outlets, and J.C. Penney is investing $1 billion in an overhaul. Despite a boost from mall traffic, department stores struggle to capture younger consumers, who increasingly prefer discount options.
Holiday Sales Face Challenges from U.S. Election and Shorter Shopping Season
Retailers like Macy’s, Skechers, and Lululemon prepare for fewer shopping days and election-related spending caution. Early promotions, new products, and tightened inventories aim to attract value-focused shoppers. U.S. spending may rise slightly, but with more budget-conscious shoppers favoring discount stores. Lululemon expects lower holiday revenue due to the shortened season.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
Fast Delivery Models Help Meet Halloween Demand
With a crowdsourced delivery model, retailers handle Halloween surges by offering same-day service to last-minute shoppers. Spirit Halloween and others use Roadie’s on-demand solution to scale up quickly, manage bulky orders, and offer branded tracking, ensuring customer satisfaction and higher sales during holiday crunches.
Source: Retail Dive
Canadian Holiday Spending to Rise Despite Cautious Approach: RCC Survey
Canadians plan to spend 8% more this holiday, averaging $972, with 71% prioritizing budgeting and deals amid inflation, per the RCC X Leger survey. Black Friday remains key, and spending trends balance in-store (62%) with online (38%) shopping. Ontarians top the spending, while Quebec residents focus on home celebrations. RCC will unpack more insights in its Oct. 23 webinar.
Source: Retail Insider
NRF CEO: U.S. Retailers Prepared for Holidays with Stable Inventory
NRF CEO Matthew Shay confirms retailers like Walmart and Target have maintained stable holiday inventories through early planning, sidestepping potential supply disruptions. Retailers took measures against possible tariffs, shipping early to ensure smooth holiday operations. Inventory-to-sales ratios have now returned to normal levels.
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