Bringoz Industry Weekly 12/17

n Super Saturday, nearly 142 million consumers are expected to go shopping. Kroger is collaborating with Gatik for middle mile autonomous delivery. Dollar Tree is preparing to launch streamlined delivery. Read about these stories and more in our weekly industry news roundup.

On Super Saturday, the last Saturday before Christmas, nearly 142 million consumers are expected to go shopping, according to the latest survey from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The NRF expects holiday spending will reach record levels and grow between 3% and 4% over 2022, totaling $957.3 billion to $966.6 billion. By comparison, last year holiday sales totaled $929.5 billion. Read more.

The Kroger Co. is moving beyond pilot stage with using driverless trucks in the middle mile of its delivery operation. In March 2023, the grocery giant began testing box trucks from autonomous vehicle supplier Gatik AI for middle mile delivery. Based on successful results of this pilot, Kroger and Gatik are launching a multi-year commercial collaboration that will continue using driverless trucks to transport fresh items from the Dallas fulfillment center to area stores. Read more.

Dollar Tree is preparing to launch streamlined delivery for stores serviced by its distribution center in Matthews, North Carolina. Starting this month, the retailer will begin using rotacarts and liftgate trailers at the North Carolina distribution center, CEO Rick Dreiling told analysts. Dollar Tree, which has been testing its rotacarts for some time, remains “on schedule for all of our distribution centers to be using rotacarts by the end of 2027,” the CEO added. Read more.

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it’s also a time when retailers face unique challenges, especially when it comes to supply chain disruptions. Factors such as increased demand, delivery issues, and unforeseen circumstances can impact the availability of products and delivery times. Here’s a look at how retailers can prepare their supply chains and navigate the holiday rush successfully, ensuring a smooth delivery experience. Read more.

Consumers are growing increasingly comfortable with buying furniture across multiple online and offline channels. With eCommerce sales remaining strong, the need for a seamless delivery experience has become paramount. Here are four tips to ensure a fast, smooth, and hassle-free furniture delivery experience, sure to meet your customers’ expectations and improve customer satisfaction. Read more.

White glove delivery service offers customers a premium experience that goes beyond traditional delivery. It is characterized by a high level of attention to detail, professionalism, and care for both the product and the customer. Offering white glove delivery service can help retailers expand their customer base and differentiate themselves from competitors. Here’s a look at the significant role of white glove service in big and bulky delivery. Read more.

Returns are an inevitable part of the retail landscape, and when it comes to big and bulky items, managing returns can be a complex task. To ensure a fast, simple, and seamless returns process for both your customers and your business, it’s crucial to have a clear strategy for handling big and bulky returns. Here are some practical tips to help businesses manage big and bulky returns effectively. Read more.