Samsung's in-store displays tune into job market, inflation, ads

Digital displays help retailers move at the pace of economic change

The economic swings of the last two years are reshaping how retailers make operational decisions. This includes how they introduce new elements into the store experience, such as digital displays. Samsung’s Parrish Chapman talks with The Current about how the electronics maker is adapting its technology and supporting services for concerns about labor and pricing, as well as providing revenue generating opportunities through advertising. 

Retailers tackle cardboard overload with made-to-fit boxes

Big box, tiny product. It’s a frustration of the ecommerce experience that retailers are looking to address. Amazon and Walmart now have technology that’s designed to make packages that align with the size of the item being shipped. With advances in speed and accuracy, there are hopes that cardboard volumes can be cut. – Wall Street Journal

US import volumes falling back to pre-pandemic norms

In February, U.S. ports saw the lowest volume goods since May 2020, when pandemic closures were at their height. Projections from NRF for the rest of the year show 2019 levels of imports returning, but the disruptions may not be over. The ports in Los Angeles were shuttered on Thursday and Friday amid ongoing labor contract disputes when many workers stayed home.

DoorDash and Blue Apron cook up meal kit expansion

Meal kits from a meal delivery service. That’s what a growing partnership between DoorDash and Blue Apron is bringing to 11 markets. Blue Apron’s Heat & Eat meals will now be available in DashMart online convenience stores. It helps DoorDash add to a growing assortment of goods, and Blue Apron access a sales channel beyond subscriptions. – Grocery Dive

This Week in Commerce: Inflation, retail sales, Albertsons earnings

Welcome to a new week. A post-Easter burst of economic data will provide a picture of inflation and consumer demand as the second quarter gets underway. In earnings reports, this week’s snapshot of the state of retail will come from Rent the Runway and Albertsons.

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