The past year brought unprecedented challenges – and opportunities - for businesses engaged in global trade. While COVID-19 lockdowns interrupted supply chains, it also super-charged international e-commerce. Beyond the pandemic, 2020 was also marked by trade disputes between the U.S. and China, the implementation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and continuing tariffs imposed on Read More
Call it the perfect storm of opportunity for retailers around the world. Continuing globalization, a host of new digital shopping apps, and an enduring period of e-commerce growth all point to a record holiday season for online sales, including cross-border transactions. Add to the equation the fact that uncertainties surrounding the pandemic have moved more Read More
Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted American small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in varying ways — some companies have seen sales slumps and employee layoffs while others benefitted greatly from increased online shopping. Now as the holiday shopping season approaches, uncertainty about the long-term economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic remains. Many SMEs Read More
As online sales skyrocket, there is no better time than now to reevaluate your company’s commitment to providing excellent service for your e-commerce customers. This year’s National Customer Service Week (October 5-9, 2020) is the ideal opportunity to reassess your e-commerce strategies, measure your results, and shift your plans into high gear. Why is customer Read More
There is no doubt that engaged and committed employees are essential to your company’s success. Most business leaders today understand a culture of motivation and participation leads to improved customer loyalty, increased profitability, and better overall results. According Gallup data, highly engaged business units are able to achieve a 17% increase in profits and a 41% Read More
What happens to your business when everyone, everything and everywhere in the world is connected? To a large extent, you know the answer to this question. You know that online platforms have enabled global organizations to reach new levels of engagement with their customers, while enhancing operational efficiency. You also know that wireless technology and Read More
E-commerce is a powerful tool for your business. It's a great way to reach customers overseas, make products visible to self-directed consumer researchers, even transform a small organization into a global contender. But are you making the most of your e-commerce potential? If your company is counting on third-party digital catalogs for its e-commerce sales, Read More
With the vast majority of brick-and-mortar stores forced to close their doors due to the pandemic, 2020 has become a very challenging year for American retailers. However, retailers who leveraged e-commerce sales not only survived this difficult time – they thrived. With stay-at-home orders making consumers increasingly dependent on e-commerce purchases, those companies that adapted quickly Read More
Around the globe, COVID-19 has upended economic and social norms and expectations – and small businesses are paying a heavy price. Temporarily closed storefronts, reduced consumer demand for many goods and services, and widespread financial anxiety have generated the perfect storm to drive down the revenues of companies with limited cash reserves. Resources are Read More
Your business's ability to reach new audiences and markets - and to deliver high-quality service to those it already serves - depends on the strength and resilience of your supply chain. A flexible supply chain that gives you options is clearly preferable to one that doesn't adapt and is prone to bottlenecks. But what does Read More
