E-commerce

Commerce reported that March retail sales, at $734.9 billion, increased 1.4% over February and 4.6% annually. NRF reported that March’s retail sales which are based on Census data and exclude automobile dealers, gas stations, and restaurants, increased 0.6% seasonally-adjusted, from February to March, and were up 5.07% on an unadjusted basis annually.

In addition to the implementation of sweeping tariffs on United States global trading partners earlier this week, the Executive Order issued by the White House also included language regarding the end of the de minimis treatment, which allows goods under $800 sent from China and Hong Kong to the U.S. to not be subject to tariffs. 

The report, entitled “The E-Commerce Boom Isn’t Over: Implications for Logistics Real Estate,” examines how more than five years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent re-opening of the economy, recent consumer behavior is showing a return to value, convenience, and choice, while examining retailers, supply chains, and logistics real estate, as it relates to e-commerce going forward.

The rise of e-commerce continues to disrupt logistics and supply chain operations, driving the need for faster, more efficient delivery models. As consumer demands evolve, traditional freight methods are being replaced by innovative solutions to keep pace with unprecedented growth in parcel shipments. Here’s a look at where we are.

E-commerce demands, labor shortages and the need for space optimization are driving demand for more warehouse automation. Companies are investing in robotics, IT systems and other technologies to boost speed and efficiency. Our 2025 Industry Outlook study reveals how these trends are shaping spending and priorities in the materials handling sector.

The busy e-commerce fulfillment arena is especially fertile ground for a modern WMS. Here are five trends that support the notion WMS is—and will continue to be—a critical part of any supply chain operation’s technology portfolio.

“Logistics operators are now heavily investing in warehouse robotics to alleviate labor challenges and adopting AI-driven route optimization and predictive analytics to streamline order fulfillment,” says Bentz. “We’re even seeing autonomous vehicles and drones being tested to manage costs and accelerate delivery speeds. E-commerce ignited this transformation, and the shift is well underway. Logistics is being redefined.”

Reverse logistics is not only about managing returns; it’s about creating a more sustainable and efficient supply chain. So, whether you’re a retailer, a tech company, or a manufacturer, it’s time to rethink your reverse logistics strategy and stay ahead of the curve.

A culture created by Jeff Bezos encourages failure, but has led to many Amazon successes.

Late last week, President Donald Trump inked an executive order that will take steps, albeit temporarily, to reinstate the de minimis treatment, which allows goods under $800 sent from China to the U.S. to not be subject to tariffs. The de minimis treatment being reinstated came shortly after in the executive order, entitled “Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China.”

In its data on millions of parcels shipped during this period in 2024, ShipMatrix found that the on-time performance (OTP) for the three national carriers—FedEx, UPS, and the United States Postal Service (USPS), came in at 91.8% for FedEx, 96.5% for UPS, and 90.4 for USPS.

DHL Supply Chain said that this acquisition will make it the largest North American-based provider of reverse logistics services.

Workers are demanding improved wages, safety measures, and recognition from the retail giant.

E-commerce growth is reshaping economies, supply chains, and logistics, prompting innovative strategies and technologies to meet evolving retail and manufacturing demands.

Entitled “Bridging the e-Commerce Divide: Meeting Consumer Demands with Merchant Offerings,” a key takeaway cited by FedEx observed how 75% of consumers prioritize free shipping over fast shipping, which it said represents a major consumer behavior trend, as well as the “growing importance of free shipping in the online shopping experience.”