Home Depot has been an early adopter of drop shipping. The practice, known as drop shipping, lets retailers offer more products for sale on their websites—such as multiple colors of the same sweater—without having to keep those items in stock. Some analysts predict drop shipping will hit the mainstream this year, as consumers spend more online and less in stores. Home goods seller Pier 1 Imports Inc. and footwear chain Shoe Carnival Inc. are among the retailers that in recent months said they would begin using drop shipping to expand their online offerings. Drop shipping accounts for about 20% of CTL’s revenue, compared with 5% five years ago, Mr. Miller said.

Source: Wall Street Journal January 26, 2017 17:57 UTC