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

By Christine Russo · Published 2023-11-21 · Updated 2026-06-09 · Professional AV on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/pro-av/some-shifts-in-retail-supply-chain-temporary
Creator hub: What Just Happened

> Companies must distinguish between temporary adaptations and permanent structural shifts to future-proof their supply chain strategies

## Key points

- Distinguish between fads, trends, and strategies in supply chain changes.
- Significant shifts in U.S. export routes impact logistics.
- Sustainability regulations are an emerging challenge for retail supply chains.

Block Field

The current landscape of the retail supply chain has been in turmoil in recent years, with unexpected and disruptive challenges like the [Suez](https://marketscale.com/industries/transportation/suez-canal-blockage-will-have-unexpected-consequences/) and [Panama Canal](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/09/panama-canal-shipping-pileup-due-to-drought-reaches-154-vessels.html) 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](https://marketscale.com/shows/what-just-happened/)" podcast, host Christine Russo talked with [**David Marcotte**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmarcotte/) from [**Kantar Retail**](https://www.kantar.com/industries/retail) and [**James Tenser**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtenser4vsn/) of [**VSN Media**](https://vsnstrategies.com/) and BrainTrust commentator at [RetailWire](https://retailwire.com/braintrust/). 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.

### About the Speakers

**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.

Tags: Christine Russo, David Marcotte, fad, James Tenser, Kantar Consulting, Kantar Retail, retail, retail supply chain, trend and strategy, VSN Media

---
Source: MarketScale, https://www.marketscale.com/industries/pro-av/some-shifts-in-retail-supply-chain-temporary. Published for AI indexing and citation; cite the canonical URL. Site guide for agents: https://www.marketscale.com/llms.txt