Small Businesses Gain Edge with Personalized Holiday Shopping

Small Businesses Gain Edge with Personalized Holiday Shopping

An ActiveCampaign study reveals that 84% of consumers plan to shop at small businesses during the holiday season, with nearly 60% willing to pay more for their products. Gen Z and Baby Boomers show a stronger preference for small businesses. However, trust and convenience remain challenges. Personalized experiences and social media marketing are crucial for small businesses to enhance their competitiveness during this period. They need to leverage these strategies to attract and retain customers in the face of larger competitors.

01/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Cyber Monday Surpasses Black Friday As Top US Shopping Day

Cyber Monday Surpasses Black Friday As Top US Shopping Day

Adobe Analytics data projects Cyber Monday to be the largest online shopping day of the year in the US, with sales reaching $11.2 billion, a 5.5% year-over-year increase, surpassing Black Friday. Mobile shopping is on the rise. Significant discounts are expected on items like strollers and outdoor grills. Popular consumer behaviors include buy-now-pay-later options and curbside pickup. This Cyber Monday highlights the continued growth of e-commerce during the holiday season and evolving consumer preferences.

01/06/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Long Beach Port Sees Record September Cargo Amid Labor Stability

Long Beach Port Sees Record September Cargo Amid Labor Stability

The Port of Long Beach reported a record-breaking cargo volume in September, up 11.8% year-over-year, marking its first increase in 14 months. This surge was primarily driven by the labor agreement resolution and the demand for holiday season preparations. Despite facing competition and environmental challenges, the Port of Long Beach anticipates a moderate recovery towards the end of the year. However, continued investment in infrastructure and embracing technological innovation are crucial for maintaining its competitiveness in the long run.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Fedex Pilot Pension Dispute Risks Holiday Delivery Disruptions

Fedex Pilot Pension Dispute Risks Holiday Delivery Disruptions

Labor negotiations between FedEx Express and the Air Line Pilots Association are centered on pension issues, with both parties seeking expedited mediation to avoid disruptions during the peak season. The company's financial pressures and increased industry competition are complicating the negotiations. Experts suggest flexible pension plans, performance-based incentives, and transparent communication as potential solutions. The goal is to reach a mutually agreeable resolution that addresses both the pilots' retirement security and FedEx's financial stability, especially crucial during the high-demand holiday period.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Retailers Adapt Strategies for Yearround Holiday Shopping Demand

Retailers Adapt Strategies for Yearround Holiday Shopping Demand

In an interview, Roadie executive Will Walker highlights the challenges of an 'always-on' holiday shopping season for retailers. He emphasizes the need to start promotions early, optimize last-mile delivery, and leverage flexible crowdsourced driver networks to meet capacity demands. Key to success is maintaining simplicity, flexibility, and a customer-centric approach, while also addressing returns. The last mile has evolved from 'Amazonification' to personalized service, requiring retailers to adapt and offer tailored delivery solutions to meet increasingly specific consumer needs.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Amazon Sellers Hit by Unexpected Holiday Sales Slump

Amazon Sellers Hit by Unexpected Holiday Sales Slump

Amazon's Christmas peak season arrived early but met with a cold reception, with sellers experiencing a sharp drop in order volume. Contributing factors include early consumer spending, logistical limitations, and sellers activating holiday mode. Changes in platform advertising rules have also intensified pressure on sellers. It is recommended that sellers adjust their advertising strategies and actively prepare for the next consumption cycle, such as the New Year. The early slowdown highlights the need for adaptability in a changing e-commerce landscape.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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USPS Faces Pricing and Innovation Challenges Amid Strategic Shifts

USPS Faces Pricing and Innovation Challenges Amid Strategic Shifts

This paper delves into the strategic initiatives of the United States Postal Service (USPS) in addressing logistics challenges, including holiday peak season price adjustments, explorations of service innovations such as the 'Collaborative Logistics' program, and product structure optimization. It also examines the role and influence of the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) in regulating USPS operations. The study concludes by summarizing the implications of the USPS case for the broader logistics industry, highlighting lessons learned in adapting to evolving market demands and regulatory landscapes.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Import Surge Strains Supply Chains Ahead of Holidays

US Import Surge Strains Supply Chains Ahead of Holidays

Panjiva data indicates strong US imports continued in February, but port congestion, stimulus policies, and holiday season demand create uncertainty. Retailers need to monitor market dynamics, adapt flexibly, address supply chain challenges, and seize opportunities. The sustained import strength is tempered by ongoing logistical bottlenecks and economic factors that could impact future performance. Companies must remain vigilant and proactive to navigate the evolving landscape and maintain a competitive edge in the market. Understanding these complexities is crucial for effective planning and decision-making.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Imports Hit Record High As Holiday Demand Strains Supply Chains

US Imports Hit Record High As Holiday Demand Strains Supply Chains

US imports hit a record high in October, indicating sufficient stockpiling for the holiday season, but supply chain bottlenecks persist. Energy imports surged, industrial goods saw steady growth, while healthcare and consumer staples imports declined. Companies need to diversify supply chains, plan ahead, optimize inventory, strengthen collaboration, and embrace digitalization to address these challenges. Future supply chain hurdles are expected to continue, requiring businesses to prepare for the long term. This proactive approach is crucial for navigating the evolving global trade landscape.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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UPS Prepares for Peak Holiday Demand with New Strategies

UPS Prepares for Peak Holiday Demand with New Strategies

UPS is actively preparing for the upcoming holiday season, anticipating handling over 750 million packages. By scaling operations, adding weekend services, expanding its workforce, and enhancing customer collaboration, UPS aims to manage the surge in demand and ensure efficient and reliable logistics services. Technological innovation and social responsibility are also integral components of UPS's growth strategy. The company is focused on delivering a seamless and dependable experience during this peak period, leveraging its network and resources to meet customer expectations.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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