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Some Shifts in the Retail Supply Chain are Temporary, While Other Changes are Here to Stay

The retail supply chain has faced significant disruption due to recent global events and technological changes. Experts discuss categorizing changes as fads, trends, or strategies to anticipate future scenarios. The discussion highlights essential aspects like altered U.S. export routes, digitization challenges, and upcoming sustainability regulations.

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By Christine Russo · Christine RussoDavid MarcotteFadJames Tenser
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Key takeaways

01

Distinguish between fads, trends, and strategies in supply chain changes.

02

Significant shifts in U.S. export routes impact logistics.

03

Sustainability regulations are an emerging challenge for retail supply chains.

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The current landscape of the retail supply chain has been in turmoil in recent years, with unexpected and disruptive challenges like the Suez and Panama Canal incidents, alongside the ongoing digitization struggles. Now, this volatile environment turns up critical questions about the resilience and adaptability of supply chains given unanticipated disruptions. With the retail supply chain management at a pivotal stage, understanding the evolving dynamics and future directions of this sector is priority.

As the world continues to navigate an era marked by disruption and rapid change, how are retail supply chains adapting, and what strategies are proving most effective in navigating these turbulent waters?

On a new segment of "Fad, Trend, and Strategy" on “What Just Happened" podcast, host Christine Russo talked with David Marcotte from Kantar Retail and James Tenser of VSN Media and BrainTrust commentator at RetailWire. The three of them discussed the trajectory of the retail supply chain. They further detailed what areas of the shift fell into fad, trend, or strategy. The episode also explored the complex nature of the retail supply chain’s disruptions, exploring the changes in coastal exports in the U.S., the ongoing challenges with digitization, and the impact of sustainability regulations on the industry.

Their conversation covered more on supply chain disruptions and they also:

  • Examined the recent shift in U.S. export routes and its impact on logistics.
  • Discussed some of the challenges and failures in implementing digital solutions.
  • Explored upcoming apparel sustainability regulations and their impact on the industry.

David Marcotte is the SVP at Kantar Retail and the SVP of Operations and Strategic Advisory Services, Americas, for Kantar Consulting. Marcotte has expertise in cross-industry, cross-border, and tech-related aspects of retail. Additionally, he has an extensive background in the dynamics of supply chain management. James Tenser is the President of VSN Media and a seasoned BrainTrust commentator at RetailWire. Tenser has in-depth insights into retail strategies and trends.

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About the author

CR

Christine works as a technology solution provider for CEOs, Founders, Executive and Senior Leadership to give them a platform to tell their story to Enterprise, SMBs, independent boutiques, graduate students, media thought leaders, retail executives, brands and DTC retailers. She works with US-based technology companies as well as global startups throughout Europe and Israel.

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About the Experts

CR
Christine Russo

Host, What Just Happened

Christine Russo is a globally recognized thought leader in retail and innovation. She hosts exclusive CEO interviews and roundtables in the startup and technology space, focusing on commerce, retailers, and brands. Russo covers topics ranging from the metaverse and web 3.0 to ecommerce.

DM
David Marcotte

SVP of Operations and Strategic Advisory Services, Americas

Kantar Retail

David Marcotte is the SVP at Kantar Retail and Kantar Consulting, with expertise in cross-industry, cross-border, and tech-related aspects of retail. He has an extensive background in supply chain management dynamics.

JT
James Tenser

President

VSN Media

James Tenser is the President of VSN Media and a seasoned BrainTrust commentator at RetailWire. He provides in-depth insights into retail strategies and trends.

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