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…

In the energy sector, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. As the world faces urgent environmental challenges, the energy industry plays a critical role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting a cleaner future. Sustainable practices are not only essential for environmental stewardship but also for ensuring long-term resilience and competitiveness in an evolving market. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, sponsored by Microsoft, Scott Luton and his co-host Kevin L. Jackson are joined by Dwight Jacobs, the Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Chief Procurement Officer at Duke Energy. They delve into various aspects of the intersection between supply chain procurement, technology, and sustainability within the energy sector. Dwight shares insights from his journey at Duke Energy, emphasizing the importance of a people-centric approach and servant leadership in driving success. He reflects on Duke Energy’s mission to power communities and discusses the evolving role of technology in achieving sustainability goals, such as transitioning to net zero carbon emissions. Join us for this conversation that covers a range of topics, from the role of procurement in organizational success to the impact of technology on decision-making processes. Listen in as Dwight highlights Duke Energy’s initiatives, including supplier development…