DP World: retailers struggle to keep supply chains flowing amid mounting peak season pressure
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: “Retailers are under extraordinary pressure to deliver reliability in a world where disruption has become the norm. This research shows that even the best prepared businesses are being forced to react rather than plan, and that’s where partnership makes the difference.”
“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: “Retailers have made strong progress in digital visibility and storage efficiency, but true resilience depends on keeping goods moving.”
“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.”
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Supply chain technology was a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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