Editor’s Note
New research reveals a critical gap in retail supply chain resilience, with over 90% of retailers still operating reactively and suffering revenue losses during the peak season. This analysis highlights the urgent need for proactive strategies.
As retailers enter the final weeks of the 2025 peak selling season, new research from DP World shows that 93% are still taking a reactive or ‘firefighting’ approach to operations, while 91% have suffered revenue losses linked to supply chain or transport challenges.
The company’s report draws on findings from a wider study of 680 senior logistics professionals and decision-makers across eight industry verticals.
The findings show that despite early preparations for the year’s busiest period, most retail supply chains remain reactive and stretched. 84% of retailers have seen a rise in customer complaints linked to delivery performance, while nearly two-thirds have had to escalate logistics issues to board level in the past three years.
These risks carry real financial consequences: revenue losses linked to transport issues now threaten peak season margins at a time when customer expectations and competition are highest.
Tony Zasimovich, Global Vertical Leader – Retail, DP World, says: “Our focus is on helping customers move from firefighting to forecasting, building supply chains that anticipate disruption before it happens. By connecting data, infrastructure, and insight, we’re giving retailers the resilience and agility they need to protect both revenue and reputation, especially during the moments that matter most to their customers.”
The study also highlights a gap between investment priorities and operational pain points. While 60% of retailers are investing in warehousing and visibility upgrades, far fewer are addressing the areas causing the greatest disruption – only 43% invest in customs compliance and 45% in international freight, even though 88% cite border delays as a recurring challenge.
Beat Simon, Chief Operating Officer – Logistics, DP World, says: “Investment must now shift toward strengthening the flow itself, through reliable transport capacity, smarter customs processes and integrated data visibility. By connecting these elements, retailers can create supply chains that perform consistently, even in volatile conditions.”
