A recent report from CB Insights provides critical information on 2019 trends within the retail sector that industry players should keep into consideration as they finalize strategic initiatives for the upcoming year.

In the report, private retailers are the spotlight of the report findings as 2019 trends. It is estimated that private label retailers will increase their expansion efforts, in spite of a minimal margins to work with. The report details that the rise in private label has been the topic of conversation for the last five years and the industry will see it coming to fruition in 2019.

Retail stores are now providing more than just a product by offering an experience and sense of culture within the shopping confines customers experience, turning the shopping trips into “destination” stores, according to the report. Apple was one of the brand focus in the report, as the company now offers in-store workshops and courses that create an interactive environment beyond a purchase, ultimately creating a “community.”

It’s also no surprise that technology-driven solutions are on the rise for supply chain management efforts. For the duration of 2018, global trade, supply chain management and logistics news was saturated with automation and technology-driven solutions providing an increased level of transparency while minimizing risks and creating an overall decrease in inefficiencies. For 2019, technology will undoubtedly step it up for industry competitors.

These are just a few of the top trends to look out for in 2019, but it’s safe to say that these are some of the most important in terms of supply chain and logistics management.

Source: CB Insights