Manhattan Associates released findings from its 2024 Supply Chain Confidence Survey, conducted in September 2024, which polled 250 retail executives, 250 supply chain logistics executives, and 500 consumers. The survey revealed that 85% of consumers are concerned about inflation and increased prices for the upcoming holiday season, leading 64% to reduce spending on non-essential goods. In response, 61% of supply chain leaders invested in new technologies for efficiency and cost reduction.
Retailers are responding to inflationary pressures by planning increased sales and discounts (70%), loyalty program discounts (56%), and flexible payment options (34%). Additionally, 80% of retail and supply chain leaders are leveraging AI tools to improve inventory management, demand forecasting, and customer service. Despite general wariness, 46% of shoppers do not anticipate major delivery issues, prioritizing cost-effective options and precise order tracking over rapid delivery.
The survey also noted that 44% of retailers plan fewer seasonal hires in stores, while 58% of supply chain leaders plan to increase their workforce for peak omnichannel demand. More than a third of retailers (35%) will implement automation technologies to hedge against rising costs and manage last-minute order surges (42%). This research positions Manhattan Associates as a key provider of market intelligence, demonstrating its deep understanding of current retail and supply chain challenges and trends.
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