Ports slow down, supply chain tech trends up

Ecommerce faces down headwinds, eyes sunnier skies ahead

Ecommerce leaders are sorting through overlapping challenges in the present, while still building for long-term growth. This balance came through on second quarter earnings calls from Wayfair, eBay, PayPal and more. Amid the shakeout, it's worth keeping in mind that the strategies that will find success in the next era are likely being hatched today. 

Direct-to-consumer sales are fueling supply chain tech growth

DTC isn’t just for startups with a few SKUs anymore, as brands of all sizes are adopting approaches that involve owned channels and direct relationships with customers. This has elevated the importance of a brand's own supply chain, in turn fostering what the Wall Street Journal calls a “growing ecosystem of providers” that help manage inventory and move goods.

Dealboard: Walmart, 7-Eleven make acquisitions

This week, Walmart and Amazon post their latest acquisitions, and 7-Eleven brings on a delivery platform. Meanwhile, key investment deals are backing technology for supply chain planning, sustainability and step-and-go shoes. Check out the latest M&A and VC activity in ecommerce.

US imports are expected to slow in the second half of 2022

After a record-setting first six months, US port activity is expected to ease up in the back half of the year amid a slowing economy, according to the latest Global Port Tracker from the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. While this may help sort through congestion, “global supply chain challenges are far from over,” said NRF’s Jonathan Gold.

Demand for grocery delivery cools as food costs rise

Shoppers are changing habits as they seek to save money. That’s on view in grocery, where delivery is being traded for curbside pickup or in-store shopping. Retailers are in turn making their own adjustments, including varying prices at different times of the day.

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