Supply Chain

Access research reports and presentations on the retail and technology ecosystem, including consumers, companies, economies, and retail and technology trends. Use the filters below to find research reports and presentations by sector, theme, company or other parameters. Alternatively, use the search box above to find relevant research content.

Insight Report | May 14, 2020 Premium

RFID Update: Mature Technology Finds New Applications in CPG, Analytics and Inventory Tracking

We explore the use of RFID in retail, with applications of this 70-year-old technology still expanding due to recent innovations. This report highlights key developments in the field that enable loss prevention, frictionless returns, predictive analytics and inventory tracking. We also discuss a major initiative in Japan, through which major convenience-store retailers are introducing RFID tags across their entire product inventory.

Deep Dive | May 13, 2020 Premium

Operating in a Post-Coronavirus World: How Indian Retailers Can Navigate the Road to Recovery

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic has seen the Indian government impose restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. We discuss the wide-ranging impacts of the ongoing lockdown on India’s retail sector and explore how retailers have responded to the crisis. In addition to examining the challenges that lie ahead, we present a three-pronged approach for retailers to survive the post-coronavirus recovery period and emerge stronger.

Insight Report | May 6, 2020 Premium

Reshaping Supply Chains for the 2020s: Five Forces Impacting Supply Chains

In our Reshaping Supply Chains for the 2020s series, we analyze the technologies and trends that are enabling the evolution of the supply chain. In this first report, we discuss five forces that are influencing change in retail supply chains as we head into the 2020s, which we expect to endure in a post-coronavirus world.

Event Coverage | April 27, 2020

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Fashinnovation’s Worldwide Talks 2020: Fashion, Passion and Sustainability in a Coronavirus World

Industry leaders in the fashion industry came together for two days of discussion amid the coronavirus pandemic. We present key insights from Fashinnovation’s Worldwide Talks 2020 summit, which was hosted online and emphasized sustainability and philanthropy in fashion.

Insight Report | April 23, 2020 Premium

From Steak to Chicken: Coronavirus-Driven Downturn Likely To Prompt a Wave of Trading Down in US Grocery

The economic crisis resulting from the coronavirus pandemic will likely lead to a surge in trading down in nondiscretionary retailing, with value becoming the key priority for US consumers. Shoppers are seeking cheaper options as they look to mitigate the impact of economic uncertainty. We explore this trend, using data from the Global Recession of 2007–2009 to inform our insights.

Insight Report | April 22, 2020

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Israel Retail-Tech Innovator Landscape

We continue our Retail-Tech Landscape report series, which spotlights innovative technology companies that are disrupting the retail industry. Israel’s retail-tech sector is growing and quickly becoming one of the hottest and most innovative ecosystems for retail technologies, with companies offering solutions for wide-ranging applications, from supply chain logistics to the in-store consumer experience.

Event Coverage | April 22, 2020

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Open for Business with Jeff Brown, Supply Chain Expert: Solutions for a Crisis and Beyond

As part of our Open for Business webinar series, we hosted supply chain expert Jeff Brown. We present the transcript from this webinar, in which Brown offered insights into the supply chain challenges and the shape of demand during the current coronavirus pandemic.

Market Navigators/Market Outlook | April 16, 2020 Premium

Market Overview: Luxury—Taking a Back Seat to the Global Pandemic

In this market overview, we explore the personal luxury goods market landscape and consider the top 20 companies and top 15 brands in the global market by revenue. We discuss the impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on both supply and demand in the luxury industry, as well as considering the importance of China’s luxury shoppers in today’s environment.

Flash Report | April 8, 2020

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Gap Cancels Shipments of Summer Orders and Stops Fall Production due to the Coronavirus Pandemic: Retailers Prepare for the Long Haul

Following the temporary closure of all of its stores from March 19, Gap Inc. is reportedly going to cancel shipments of summer order and halt fall production due to the impacts of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. We outline the measures that the company is said to be taking and consider the wider disruption of the outbreak on retail supply chains.

Deep Dive | March 23, 2020 Premium

4Q19 US Earnings Season Wrap-Up

Fourth-quarter 2019 retail earnings show that many companies across the retail industry saw strong growth. However, our coverage of the Coresight 100 reveals that the CPG and department-store sectors bucked this trend, with the latter continuing to struggle. Companies across the board have updated their guidance due to coronavirus disruption in the supply chain and demand in Asia, but we are yet to see updates based on the spread of the virus to the US, with the nation moving closer to lockdown.

Insight Report | March 18, 2020 Premium

Coronavirus Insights: India Suspends Visas as Supply Chains Are Disrupted and Consumers Face Lockdowns

India reported its first COVID-19 case on January 30. Although it appears to be spreading more slowly than in other countries, concerns have prompted a suspension of visitors, lockdowns and product shortages.

Flash Report | March 18, 2020

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Amazon Suspends Inbound Shipments of Non-Essential Products from Marketplace Sellers

As the coronavirus outbreak spreads in the US, online has surged as shoppers shun stores and crowded locations. Faced with unprecedented demand, Amazon suspends support for third-party sellers for all but essential items.

Flash Report | March 17, 2020

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Amazon Plans To Add 100,000 Workers, Bucking the COVID-19 Employment Trend

As coronavirus angst drives people to hoard toilet paper and shun crowded places (including most retail locations), many in retail may worry about their prospects. But Amazon plans to hire 100,000 people—and give them a raise.

Flash Report | March 10, 2020

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Coronavirus Briefing: China’s PMI Slumps as Disruption Continues in Supply Chain; International Demand Could Be the Next Challenge

The effects of the coronavirus outbreak on retail are being felt across the globe. With supply-chain disruption continuing, China’s PMI has slumped, with factory activity falling to an all-time low in February 2020. We consider the impact of the virus to China’s exports market going into the second quarter of the year.

Event Coverage | March 6, 2020

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Highlights from the AAFA Executive Summit 2020: Environmental Stewardship and Digital Transformation

Executives from apparel, footwear and fashion accessory brands and retailers such as Target came together for two days of discussion, seeking to tackle the issues facing their businesses. We present key insights from the AAFA Executive Summit, which emphasized environmental stewardship and sustainability, as well as the advantages for retailers of undergoing a digital transformation.