Consumers will determine the future of retail distribution: panel

摘要

This year's Surface Transportation Summit, held in Mississauga, Ontario, October 14, featured a panel of shippers and industry consultants who discussed the future of retail distribution in Canada. Moderated by Dan Goodwill, of Dan Goodwill & Associates, the panel examined trends and changes that will shape both retailers' and carriers' strategies for delivery in the near future. What's happening with the retail consumer these days and what are some of the biggest changes seen in their buyer behaviour over the last few years? Serge Carestia, VP Supply Chain, with Home Depot Canada, said the big box stores used to dictate what everybody was going to buy-now it's completely the opposite. "It's in the hands of the consumer. Retailers struggle to constantly find out what the customers really want. Now customers are telling us what they want, where they want it and how they want it delivered. So they don't necessarily want to come into the store anymore."