Retail crime isn’t just a storefront problem anymore. This blog explores how strategic fulfillment operations are becoming a critical defense against growing retail crime threats.
Alyssa Wolfe
Alyssa Wolfe is a content strategist, storyteller, and creative and content lead with over a decade of experience shaping brand narratives across industries including retail, travel, logistics, fintech, SaaS, B2C, and B2B services. She specializes in turning complex ideas into clear, human-centered content that connects, informs, and inspires. With a background in journalism, marketing, and digital strategy, Alyssa brings a sharp editorial eye and a collaborative spirit to every project. Her work spans thought leadership, executive ghostwriting, brand messaging, and educational content—all grounded in a deep understanding of audience needs and business goals. Alyssa is passionate about the power of language to drive clarity and change, and she believes the best content not only tells a story, but builds trust and sparks action.
October is already behaving like peak season. Prime Big Deal Days drove nearly $10 billion in U.S. online spending, while Lowe’s is starting Black Friday promotions four weeks early. This week also brings new virtual try-on tools, growing interest in AI-assisted shopping, strong recommerce demand, and another route to market for independent fashion brands.
Supplement brands now sell through storefronts, marketplaces, subscriptions, and retail shelves. Each channel changes how inventory is allocated, packed, documented, and delivered, while the customer expects the right product at the right time.
Fulfillment costs depend on the work a brand needs its 3PL to perform. Learn how storage billing, sales channels, delivery requirements, and value-added services shape a useful quote.
Adobe expects U.S. holiday ecommerce to reach a record $275.1 billion as shopping moves further into October. This week also brings a new TikTok Shop returns partnership, updated retail theft data, David’s Bridal’s push beyond traditional retail, Nordstrom’s delivery plans, and another month of retail sales growth.
WMS, OMS, and TMS handle different parts of fulfillment, but brands experience the handoffs between them. This updated guide compares their roles and shows how integrations, practical automation, and AI can support a connected 3PL operation.
AI agents are moving closer to making purchases for consumers while new forecasts point to strong ecommerce growth through the holidays. Amazon Shipping has announced its 2026 peak surcharges, FedEx is tackling cross-border costs, and BuyWander raised $21 million to expand its marketplace for returned goods.
AI assistants are helping holiday shoppers choose gifts before they reach a retailer’s website. As these discovery channels grow, retailers face new questions about anticipating demand and keeping delivery promises during peak season.
Ecommerce sellers are already using AI to prepare for holiday, while USPS adds another peak-season cost consideration. This week also brings a $10 million ecommerce fund, Sur La Table’s move into recommerce, new FTC scrutiny of personalized pricing, and retailers reducing product variety to manage higher costs.