CNBC Marathon explores how companies like Amazon, Walmart and their competitors are shifting their marketing and business strategies to compete in today’s economy.
Quietly launching its app in September 2022, it only took Temu a few weeks to top app store charts, edging out Amazon, Walmart and even fast-fashion brand Shein. By February 2023, the 5-month-old company made its TV debut during Super Bowl LVII, airing two commercial spots totaling an estimated $14 million. With an annual advertising budget of about $1.4 billion, Temu is focused on aggregating a user base of nearly 100 million people by year-end.
Walmart employs more people than any other company in the world and is the country’s largest grocer. But when it comes to e-commerce, Amazon is the clear leader, with 39.5% of the market share compared to Walmart’s 7%. Now Walmart has ambitious new plans, and new leadership, to try and catch up.
Livestream shopping took China by storm during the pandemic, growing into an estimated $423 billion market in 2022. The trend has caught on more slowly in the U.S., but now Amazon, TikTok, YouTube and Shopify are making big investments in hopes it takes off. CNBC goes behind the scenes with creators like Myriam Sandler to find out what it’s like to sell via livestream, and what it’ll take for the emerging model to become a mainstream way that U.S. consumers shop.
The remarkable Kroger–Ocado story continues to generate extraordinary chapters rarely seen in supply chain distribution, automation and robotics—a story that will likely be studied for years.
Flexport has opened its first fully automated fulfillment center just outside Chicago.
Last year, Amazon Pharmacy debuted pharmacy kiosks—somewhat like vending machines—for quick and convenient prescription fills.
The Los Angeles-based activewear firm is moving into an existing building and will occupy up to 1.2 million square feet
750,000 sq. ft. Metro Vancouver food distribution terminal could strengthen Canada's food security
Procter & Gamble (P&G) is pursuing an ambitious expansion of robotics and automation across its global manufacturing and distribution network
Symbotic became the largest warehouse automation vendor in the Americas by market share in 2025, overtaking several established providers
Pattison Food Group Modernizes Langley Distribution Centre with Advanced Grocery Automation.
As part of an ongoing warehouse automation modernization project, a fleet of pre-owned ASRS robots is available for purchase.
Symbotic’s new SymMicro system begins its first in-store installation, with the potential to expand to 400 Walmart locations.
Two brand-new Kardex Shuttle XP 500 vertical lift modules are available for immediate delivery.
A robot accident at Hong Kong International Airport offers an important lesson about mobile robot safety
Recent Updates to FCC Covered List Regarding Foreign-Produced Advanced Robotic Devices
There is another major advantage of automation that is often overlooked.
S&S Activewear is one of the more technology-forward apparel companies in North America’s branded-apparel distribution market.
Situated in Arvin, California, the new 700,000 square foot facility is described as its largest and most technologically sophisticated distribution center to date.
SoftBank is reportedly selling its remaining 9.65% stake in Boston Dynamics to Hyundai Motor Group for US$325 million.
The company had automation. It had robotics. It had government support, customer momentum, press attention, and a massive facility.
Massive fire destroys 1 million-square-foot Tracy Medline Industries distribution facility
Artificial Intelligence and LLMs are currently being pushed aggressively into logistics, warehouse operations, robotics, and supply chain execution.
Walmart’s latest comments around same-day fulfillment, 30-minute delivery windows, AI-driven inventory positioning, and supply chain automation should be a wake-up call for the entire retail industry.
The promise made to Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol was enticing. To eliminate persistent product shortages that hurt sales, the company deployed an automated counting system.
The retail giant is using unlikely spaces to push against Amazon’s recent strategies to capture more customers.
Traditional WMS lacks the real-time visibility into the availability of automated materials handling equipment that a WES brings to the table.
Ulta Beauty has selected AutoStore technology for its new Utah regional distribution hub supporting both stores and growing e-commerce fulfillment.
Ikea is testing robotic boots in Helsingborg, Sweden, to speed up order picking and reduce physical strain. Initial measurements showed that employees walked up to twice as fast, and average hourly picking productivity increased by 16%.
The cost of the SAQ's automated distribution center project, scheduled to begin operations next year, has gone from $48.5 million to $300 million in four years.
Piece-picking robots are currently one of the hottest solutions in warehouse automation
Home Depot acquires warehouse tech firm to boost fulfillment strategy
At Hannover Messe 2026, SAP and Vodafone showcased a pilot conducted at Vodafone’s warehouse in Duisburg,