In today’s episode of Supply Chain Now, we discuss the imperative of leveraging innovation within the supply chain sector, particularly as it pertains to advancements in warehouse automation. Welcome to The Buzz! Today, hosts Scott Luton and Allison Giddens welcome special guest Kait Peterson, VP of Marketing for Locus Robotics, to the show. Listen as they discuss: The fascinating intersection of robotics and artificial intelligence, which is profoundly shaping the grocery fulfillment landscape Pressing industry challenges, including labor shortages and the necessity for businesses to adopt flexible operational strategies to navigate the tumultuous market environment The importance of leadership within the supply chain domain, and the necessity of cultivating authentic connections in leadership roles Supply chain sustainability, spotlighting Mars’ innovative approaches to cocoa cultivation through gene editing A holistic view of supply chain management that integrates technological innovation with ethical considerations and environmental stewardship Join us for a wealth of insights into the future of supply chain management, underscoring the criticality of adaptability and technological integration in achieving sustained success.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Allison Giddens, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton.   Additional Links & Resources Check out all the…

The future of supply chain is accelerating, and on today’s episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Allison Giddens are unpacking the global trends, disruptions, and economic shifts shaping what’s next for leaders everywhere. From declining imports to AI’s growing pains, this episode cuts through the noise to bring clarity to fast-moving industry headlines. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by OMP! Scott and Allison dive into the biggest stories impacting supply chains today — and the ripple effects businesses need to prepare for. Together, they discuss: 📉 Why U.S. imports from China are falling sharply across electronics, furniture, toys, and more — and how tariffs and cooling consumer demand are reshaping sourcing strategies 🤖 The retail AI reality check: Why 95% of organizations see little ROI from AI investments, and how brittle workflows and lack of contextual intelligence are slowing progress 🔮 Top supply chain trends for 2026, including workforce and talent shortages, AI-driven transformation, and mounting geopolitical challenges 🛒 Thanksgiving meal costs drop 5%, but some items — like sweet potatoes and veggie trays — are bucking the trend with noticeable price increases 🌏 What all these signals mean for manufacturers, retailers, logistics providers, and consumers heading…