US core capital goods orders rose 0.5% in October, surpassing expectations, while shipments increased 0.7%, according to delayed data from the Commerce Department. The report documents strong business spending on equipment, supported by a boom in AI investment. However, durable goods orders fell 2.2%, driven by a significant drop in nondefense aircraft orders.

Fortune International has acquired Simply Fresh, a Durham, N.C.-based seafood processor and distributor, to strengthen its operations in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions and support its ongoing expansion in specialty food distribution. Simply Fresh owner Jim Vassallo will join Fortune Fish & Gourmet as director of seafood for North Carolina.

Data analytics can help retailers manage product returns by addressing root causes such as product quality, packaging and supply chain performance, writes Thomas Borders of DHL Supply Chain. With US retail returns totaling $890 billion last year, handling costs can consume as much as 65% of a product's value, making a priority of returns management. Some retailers have adopted "keep it" policies to reduce costs, but this approach has drawbacks, including potential fraud and lost resale value.

Category management is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting from a rigid, process-driven discipline to a more dynamic, insight-led approach, says Richard Brown, the head of sales and marketing at Anvil Analytical. Rather than relying solely on governance and documentation, organizations are now emphasizing continuous, data-driven decision-making to achieve greater agility and precision. This evolution is widening the gap between leaders and laggards, highlighting the importance of clear strategic objectives, targeted technology adoption and executive support for successful category management, Brown notes.

B2B marketers are facing challenges due to a generational shift among decision-makers, with younger buyers preferring modern, tech-enabled experiences and older generations favoring traditional methods, according to a Seismic survey. "The sellers who succeed will be those who blend innovation with personalization, ensuring buyers at every stage -- and of every age -- feel understood and supported," says Irina Soriano, vice president of strategic enablement at Seismic.

Procurement digital transformation is accelerating as organizations invest in advanced technologies like AI and automation to remain agile amid supply chain disruptions and talent shortages, writes Todd Abner, the founder, president and CEO of OMNIA Partners. However, a gap in digital maturity persists, with some procurement teams progressing beyond experimentation while others are just beginning their journey. Abner emphasizes that successful transformation goes beyond implementing new tools; it requires strong leadership, clear strategic alignment and continuous measurement of outcomes to ensure that technology investments drive real value.

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