Logistics companies will likely make greater use of internet-connected packaging with sensors, smart labels, smart tags and other features as the technology becomes more affordable, according to a DHL study. Some advanced packaging won't need batteries, "which is useful for returnable packaging applications," writes Edson Perin.

Walmart has raised the minimum hourly wage from $11 to $12 in about 500 of its stores, as part of a test of a new team approach to staffing the stores. The new model will give lower-level employees more training, responsibility and opportunities for advancement, the company said.

Cats are natural predators and research shows hunting for food could improve their physical and behavioral health. To feed a cat in a more natural way, try food puzzles or give him multiple meals placed in different locations throughout the day, Kim Campbell Thornton writes.

General Motors is converting its Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant to make only autonomous and electric vehicles with a $2.2 billion investment. The company will employ 2,200 people at the site.

An Averitt Express survey of over 1,800 shippers found that more than 66% of respondents expect greater shipments, a decline of over 3% from last year. The 5th Annual State of the North American Supply Chain survey also found that shippers' confidence level was the lowest since the study was launched.

Asking for help at work, whether you're the CEO or a new hire, shows courage and vulnerability, argues Wayne Baker of the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business in a new book. "You have to be clear on why you are making the request, the goal you are trying to achieve, and use SMART criteria," he says, with SMART being defined as specific, measurable, assignable, realistic and time-related.

Under Armour was flying high not long ago with major celebrity athlete endorsers including Stephen Curry and Tom Brady, but the brand's fortunes have waned in recent years amid shifting trends. The brand kept its focus on performance while consumers' attention has increasingly focused on athleisure fashions, NPD Group analyst Matt Powell said.

Chewy founder Ryan Cohen is contemplating his next move for taking on Amazon, after selling his online pet product retailer to PetSmart for $3.35 billion in 2017. It's tougher this time around to find another concept that resonates with consumers as much as pet products do, said Cohen, who looked to his father as well as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos as his inspirations while building Chewy.

Canada-based e-commerce platform Shopify works with more than a million merchants around the world to create and manage their online shops. Shopify's platform supports e-commerce efforts by influencers and direct-to-consumer brands such as Allbirds, helping them compete with Amazon and big retail players.

From understanding customer obsessions to luring younger shoppers, the 2020 FMI Midwinter Executive Conference put on by FMI -- The Food Industry Association in Phoenix focused on innovating to serve a customer base that's rapidly evolving for retailers and CPG suppliers. Themes from the conference included creativity, urgency and action.