Bringoz Industry Weekly 1/21

edEx plans to launch a new end-to-end commerce platform. Amazon’s Innovation Fund aims to help accelerate last-mile automation and supply chain innovation. Ikea is expanding its new store format across the U.S. Read about these stories and more in our weekly industry news roundup.

FedEx plans to launch a new end-to-end commerce platform, fdx, for retailers in fall 2024. The primary benefit of fdx over other eCommerce technology vendors is that everything lives in one platform, FedEx says. FedEx has access to extensive data from its huge delivery network that it can put into practice for retailers to help them make strategic decisions across their business. Read more.

Amazon’s $1 billion Industrial Innovation Fund will target new industries and geographies for 2024. The company aims to help accelerate automation and supply chain innovation and further establish the fund as a venture investor of choice for innovative startups of all sizes within the robotics, fulfillment, and logistics space. The fund will expand to invest in transportation, including autonomous vehicles and last-mile technologies. Read more.

Continuing its store expansion strategy, Ikea plans to open four more of its “Plan & Order Point with Pick-up” locations in the U.S. this year. The locations enable shoppers to pick up online purchases, as well as talk to sales associates and order products there. The new store openings are part of the company’s efforts to extend its reach through alternative store formats. Read more.

As we look ahead, the retail pharmacy landscape continues to evolve, driven by new technologies, shifting consumer preferences, and new healthcare paradigms. The traditional role of the retail pharmacy is expanding, blending healthcare services with enhanced customer experiences. Here’s a look at some of the key trends expected to impact retail pharmacies in 2024. Read more.

The future of distribution will be filled with technological advancements, sustainability imperatives, and a greater emphasis on customer-centricity. These trends are not just reshaping how products are distributed but also redefining the entire supply chain ecosystem. Here’s a look at some of the top distribution trends expected to shape the industry in 2024. Read more.

With the holiday season behind us, it’s the perfect time to look back on the top trends of the season. Online shopping hit new records as consumers took advantage of big discounts. Shopping is growing across more channels and emerging technologies are transforming the shopping experience. Here’s a look at four takeaways from the 2023 holiday season. Read more.

The consumer packaged goods industry is undergoing a digital transformation, reshaping how companies produce, market, and distribute their products. Companies are leveraging digital tools to better understand consumer behavior and operate more efficiently. Here’s a look at some strategies to help companies remain competitive in the evolving CPG marketplace. Read more.