Retail Growth, Consumer Expectations Add to Supply Chain Demands

The retail industry is in the middle of an enormous transformation, growing at a pace that exceeds the gross domestic product and adding about 70,000 jobs this year. Brick-and-mortar retailers, as well as e-commerce providers, are working to expand their offerings, which will place new demands on the supply chain. National Retail Federation CEO Matthew Shay shared those thoughts during the Intermodal Association of North America’s Intermodal Expo 2018 here Sept. 18. Because retail touches everyone everywhere every day, consumers’ expectations put increased pressure on shippers. He said those within the supply chain need to take a strategic approach to shipments and think of the value they can add, especially as consumers demand next day or even same-day shipments. “They should be approaching this with the mindset that it has to be a true partnership because we know that since the recession customers have changed,” Shay said.