The Stockout

Welcome to The Stockout! This episode is packed with insightful discussions on global supply chain, business strategy, and technology trends. Join your hosts, Mike Baudendistel and Grace Sharkey, as they interview a special guest, Brittain Ladd, a consultant and strategist in global supply chain and retail. Brittain shares his expertise on a variety of topics, including artificial intelligence, robotics, retail trends, and the latest industry news. In this episode, Brittain talks about: His background, starting in the Marine Corps and transitioning into the trucking industry and consulting. His work with companies like Amazon and his insights into global supply chain trends. Current topics that fascinate him, such as AI, automation, humanoid robotics, and business developments in companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Starbucks. His perspective on the FTC’s lawsuit against Amazon and the broader implications for the industry. The challenges and opportunities in the shifting dynamics of supply chains, especially with companies trying to diversify away from China. Why Starbucks is facing operational and customer experience issues, and his suggestions for improvement. Stay tuned as Grace and Mike dive deep into these topics and explore what’s on Brittain’s mind for his upcoming LinkedIn posts. Don’t forget to join them live at the Future of Supply Chain event in Atlanta this June, where they’ll be hosting The Stakeout show in person! Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 00:39 - Introduction of Brittain Ladd 01:24 - Brittain’s Background and Experience 03:04 - Current Topics of Interest: AI, Robotics, Automation 04:09 - Challenges in Robotics and AI Deployment 07:06 - Amazon and FTC Lawsuit Discussion 09:45 - Competition with Amazon and Walmart 11:12 - Global Supply Chain and Nearshoring Trends 13:45 - India’s Logistics Infrastructure Challenges 17:45 - Starbucks: Problems and Suggestions for Improvement 20:30 - Key Economic Concerns and Future Topics of Interest 26:00 - Conclusion and Upcoming Events Links and Resources: Follow Brittain Ladd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittainladd/ Join the Future of Supply Chain event in Atlanta this June: https://live.freightwaves.com/future-of-supply-chain-2024 Subscribe to The Stockout newsletter for the latest supply chain insights: https://www.freightwaves.com/thestockout Thank you for watching, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful content on The Stockout! See you in the next episode! Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Stockout! In this episode, hosts Mike Baudendistel and Grace Sharkey dive into the latest trends and topics impacting the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and retail industries. From exploring Unilever and Procter & Gamble’s recent earnings reports to discussing how Wayfair is opening a brick-and-mortar store, there’s a lot to cover. Here’s what you can expect: A discussion on Unilever’s shift in its ESG goals, raising questions about the broader ESG trend in the industry. An examination of the implications of falling birth rates on CPG and retail, especially in terms of product focus and market demand. Insight into Wayfair’s strategy as it opens a large brick-and-mortar store in a premium Chicago suburb, and what this might mean for the furniture retail landscape. Plus, we cover the concept of “trailers as a service” and how it benefits logistics providers and shippers. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the latest developments in the CPG and retail industries, and don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful content! Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Stockout, join hosts Mike Baudendistel and Grace Sharkey as they discuss the latest trends and developments in the retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries. The duo kickstarts the show with a lively conversation about the unpredictable Michigan weather and then dives into an array of topics, from essential CPG items for a nuclear fallout shelter to the intricacies of supply chain partnerships. Key Insights: Shein’s partnership with Flexport for U.S. marketplace fulfillment and its implications for the e-commerce and airfreight sectors. The rising trend in airfreight rates and how companies like Shein and T-Mo are impacting the air cargo industry. J.B. Hunt’s unique approach to intermodal capacity management and the competitive dynamics across various transportation modes. A detailed look at consumer behavior, spending patterns, and the impact of inflation on retail sales. Plus, discover exclusive content, including the latest insights on the National Retail Federation’s findings, tax refund spending habits, and more. Don’t miss this engaging discussion on the ever-evolving world of retail and CPG! Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to The Stockout, where we delve into the latest trends and insights shaping various industries. In today’s episode, we uncover the shocking truths behind Lunchables, the beloved childhood snack, and its impact on consumer health. Join us as we dissect a recent Consumer Reports investigation revealing alarming levels of lead and sodium in Lunchables, along with other concerning contaminants. From potential links to increased cancer risk to developmental issues in children, the findings shed light on the hidden dangers lurking in these convenient lunch packs. But the revelations don’t stop there. We also delve into the struggles faced by dollar store chains like Dollar General, exploring possible reasons behind their declining performance amidst fierce competition and shifting consumer preferences. Additionally, we analyze survey results from CPG companies and retailers, highlighting challenges such as inaccurate demand forecasts and the need for real-time data amid global events. Lastly, we touch upon the refrigerated market’s recent developments, exploring fluctuations in tender rejection rates and their implications for the industry. Don’t miss out on this insightful discussion that uncovers the realities behind some of the products and markets we encounter daily. Tune in now and stay informed about the forces shaping the stock market landscape. Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Stockout! In this episode, we dive deep into the retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries, covering everything from the solar eclipse to Amazon’s latest updates and more. Join hosts Grace Sharkey and Mike Baudendistel, as they discuss the latest news and challenges facing the industry. In the first segment, Grace and Mike discuss Amazon’s inventory placement fees and low inventory fees, shedding light on the impacts for sellers and strategies to navigate these changes. Then, Vice President of Supply Chain at Daily Harvest Wesley Williams, shares insights into the frozen supply chain challenges faced by Daily Harvest, highlighting the complexities of sourcing organic ingredients and managing supplier relationships. Next, Wesley elaborates on the strategies and challenges of delivering products both directly to consumers and through partnerships with retailers like Costco, Kroger, and Wegmans. Throughout the conversation, Wesley emphasizes the importance of strong partnerships, technology solutions, and maintaining product integrity throughout the supply chain. Don’t miss out on valuable industry insights and practical tips for navigating the evolving landscape of retail and CPG. Subscribe to The Stockout newsletter on freightwaves.com and join us for our upcoming event in June featuring Ryan Petersen of Flexport. Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember to like, share, and subscribe for the latest updates on The Stockout! Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FreightWaves’ Mike Baudendistel and Grace Sharkey discuss the impact of the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse, Shein opening its supply chain to outside designers, Home Depot’s acquisition and the current freight market. Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🚚 Welcome to The Stockout with Mike Baudendistel, your go-to show for all things CPG and retail industries. In this episode, Mike dives into the latest updates from Unilever's ice cream divestiture to General Mills' input costs and the surge in cocoa prices. He also breaks down the current state of the freight market using Sonar data. 🍦 Unilever's announcement to cut 7500 jobs and divest its ice cream business sets the stage for industry-wide changes. 💼 General Mills faces pricing pressure amidst rising input costs, shedding light on the challenges within the CPG sector. 🌍 Meanwhile, cocoa prices hit record highs due to supply chain disruptions, impacting major players like Hershey's and Mondelez. 🚛 Mike also provides insights into the freight market, highlighting trends in domestic and international intermodal volumes and the impact of truckload rates on intermodal transportation. 📈 Stay informed and gain valuable insights into the CPG, retail, and freight industries with The Stakeout. 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on the latest episodes. Sign up for our newsletter at freightwaves.com/stockout and join us at the upcoming Freightwaves conference in Atlanta on June 4th and 5th. ✉️ For inquiries or collaboration opportunities, reach out to Mike at mbaudendistel@freightwaves.com or connect on LinkedIn. Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows #TheStockout #CPG #Retail #Freight #SupplyChain #Unilever #GeneralMills #CocoaPrices #Intermodal #Freightwaves #Logistics #IndustryInsights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FreightWaves’ Mike Baudendistel and Grace Sharkey interview Paul Jarrett, co-founder and CEO of Bulu, a 3pl and fulfillment provider for subscription services. Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FreightWaves’ Mike Baudendistel and Grace Sharkey discuss the launch of Target Circle 360, Scope 3 emissions and the freight markets. Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FreightWaves’ Mike Baudendistel and Grace Sharkey interview Christine Barnhart, Chief Marketing & Industry Officer of Nulogy. According to Barnhart, contract manufacturing is not a pandemic-era trend but, instead, a growth area that makes data collaboration across CPGs’ suppliers more critical. Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Mike Baudendistel and Grace Sharkey on The Stockout podcast as they delve into the latest trends in the CPG and retail industries, including the adoption of RFID tags for inventory tracking, Walmart's evolving supply chain standards, and Nestlé's market performance. Special guest Tracy Meetre, Chief Commercial Officer of Sunset Transportation, shares insights on navigating the changing landscape of global supply chains and offers valuable advice for shippers looking to optimize their logistics operations. Tune in for expert analysis and industry updates! Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FreightWaves’ Mike Baudendistel and Grace Sharkey discuss trends in the retail industry and SONAR data. Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FreightWaves’ Mike Baudendistel discusses the Amazon FTC lawsuit, record cocoa prices, and the latest FreightWaves white paper on the freight market. Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FreightWaves’ Mike Baudendistel discusses new SONAR offerings, the freight market, the activist situation at Norfolk Southern and whether Amazon should be considered a distributor. Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FreightWaves’ Mike Baudendistel and Grace Sharkey discuss retailers sharing data with suppliers, Carrefour/Pepsi, GenZ’s alcohol habits and the freight market. Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FreightWaves’ Mike Baudendistel and Grace Sharkey discuss J.B. Hunt’s earnings, CPG pricing, the Kroger-Albertsons merger and packaging trends. Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FreightWaves’ Mike Baudendistel and Grace Sharkey discuss CPG companies’ conservation efforts, ultra-processed foods, the freight market and continued pressure on consumers. Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FreightWaves’ Mike Baudendistel and Grace Sharkey talk AI, retail sales and inflation data and interview Josh Bouk, Chief Partnership Officer of TriumphPay Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FreightWaves’ Mike Baudendistel and Grace Sharkey talk Black Friday sales, consumer debt and the freight market. Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FreightWaves’ Mike Baudendistel and Grace Sharkey talk retail earnings and discuss Black Friday weekend shopping trends. Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices