Turning Stores Into Delivery Hubs; China Fuels a Green-Energy Glut

21Sep

Walgreens’s overall sales fell last quarter but online sales rose sharply.
PHOTO: PHIL VELASQUEZ/ZUMA PRESS

Walgreens wants to turn the corner drugstore into a delivery hub for e-commerce orders. The pharmacy giant recently closed a fulfillment center dedicated to handling online orders, the WSJ Logistics Report’s Liz Young writes, signaling that it is going all-in on the idea that its stores will do double duty as both retail outlets and hubs for home deliveries. It’s a bet on the retailer’s network of 8,700 bricks-and-mortar stores, and the strongest turn yet by retailers looking to make more use of their stores for order fulfillment. It also comes with significant complications, including the need to manage inventory in a dynamic store environment. But Walgreens is taking advantage of another online commerce trend by tapping third-party apps such as DoorDash and Uber Eats for delivery. Those operators are trying to expand beyond takeout meals, and the toothpaste, shampoo and other goods on drugstore shelves may make a good fit.

Home Depot’s same-store sales fell 3.5% in the third quarter, the fourth straight annual decline. (WSJ)
An analysis of inventory turnover rates suggests retailers are again overstocked heading into the holidays. (Reuters)

Turning Stores Into Delivery Hubs; China Fuels a Green-Energy Glut

Turning Stores Into Delivery Hubs; China Fuels a Green-Energy Glut

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