No, Amazon's $1 fee won't cut returns

Author

Stephen Babcock
April 19, 2023

The revelation that Amazon will charge a $1 fee for some returns at UPS stores was treated as a moment of massive change for the ecommerce giant. But look more closely at the policy, and the small fee probably won’t do much to solve the splitting returns headache in the logistics network. However, the hubbub around the fee shows there is risk to the Amazon brand, and that could prove just as crucial to monitor in a time of cost-cutting.

Kroger may soon be adding a different kind of apple to the checkout aisle. The grocer has been a longtime holdout in the adoption of Apple Pay, but this week social media is abuzz that several stores under its umbrella are beginning to accept transactions using the mobile wallet. It comes several years after Kroger tested its own mobile payment solution, called Kroger Pay, but couldn’t find a foothold. Increasingly, expanding payment options is a must, especially for retailers seeking to expand their digital footprint. – Supermarket News

Instagram is now allowing multiple links in bio. YouTube opted for an affiliate model, and is sunsetting a product tagging feature as a result. These are in-the-weeds changes to links and creator earning methods. But if social commerce is ever going to scale, they are also the details that need to be executed properly.

This week, Walmart’s top US merchant is stepping down, while Nordstrom is adding tech leadership and The Home Depot elevates a head of retail media. Meanwhile, the CFO seat will have new occupants at Hasbro, Rent the Runway and Groupon.

Is an uptick in consumer spending around the corner? Air cargo contracts could be a leading indicator, even if this year’s peak season doesn't quite fly at the usual heights. There was a 36% increase in six-month agreements signed in Q1, according to Clive Data Services. It’s a sign of stabilization in air freight after 13 months of declines. – Supply Chain Dive

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