Bringoz Industry Weekly 1/14

almart expands drone delivery to 1.8 million more homes. Retail tech investments are expected to rise this year. Pitney Bowes and PackageHub launch a drop-off network for product returns. Read about these stories and more in our weekly industry news roundup.

Walmart, which uses drones from partners such as Zipline and Wing to deliver within minutes to customers nationwide, is adding 1.8 million households to its Dallas-Fort Worth service area, which will soon cover three-quarters of the area’s population. According to the retailer, no U.S. company has offered drone delivery to as many households in a single market. The expansion adds stores in 30 towns and municipalities to Walmart’s existing Dallas-Fort Worth service. Read more.

Technology will be a retail industry investment priority for 2024, according to a new survey of retail executives conducted by IT consulting and digital services provider Softstream and Wakefield Research in which 99% of retail executives predict a surge of technology investments to happen this year. Across all respondents, investments are expected to increase by an average of 10%, while 94% of respondents reported technology to be a significant driver for new customers. Read more.

Pitney Bowes and PackageHub, a franchise system of retail shipping stores, have launched a drop-off network for product returns with no box or label required. The network features nearly 1,000 locations for returns across the U.S., with roughly 50% of the population within 10 miles of a location. Hundreds of additional locations are launching in the coming months. The collaboration allows Pitney Bowes to expand its existing returns network and lower the cost of returns while improving the shopper experience. Read more.

By staying ahead of the trends and adapting to changing consumer preferences, CPG brands can navigate these challenging times and emerge stronger and more successful in the future. Here’s a look at four CPG trends you should keep an eye on in 2024 as they continue to influence consumer behavior and company initiatives. Read more.

Automakers are embracing digital solutions as consumers increasingly value the convenience of completing the car-buying process when, where and how they want. Automotive aftermarket companies are implementing digital platforms to streamline operations and keep up with growing demand. Here’s a deeper look at what 2024 has in store for the automotive industry. Read more.

Last-mile delivery has transformed in recent years, as growing customer demand drives the need for companies to expand and modernize their delivery capabilities. The future of last-mile delivery is being shaped by evolving consumer demands, innovative technologies, and a growing pursuit of sustainability. Here’s a look at five last-mile delivery trends to watch in 2024. Read more.

The grocery industry is in a constant state of evolution, influenced by evolving consumer shopping habits, inflation, and technological innovations. Staying informed about the industry is crucial for making informed business decisions, attracting and retaining customers, and driving business growth. Here’s a look at four grocery trends expected to shape the industry in 2024 and beyond. Read more.