Amazon.com, Inc.

The following is the first installment of "Serving Tomorrow's Consumer," a new blog series in which industry thought leader Michael Forhez of Oracle examines the key marketplace changes and business challenges confronting and confounding the consumer goods industry.

CGT presents a comparison chart of product information management solution providers to the consumer goods industry in 2017. Plus, experts provide thought leadership for navigating the challenges and opportunities affecting this area of investment.

The fact that an entire category like men's grooming is now battling online to build loyalty while simultaneously locking in long-term sales is a noteworthy sign of the times.

Commonalities among the 10 most profitable apparel manufacturers on this list (courtesy of sister publication Apparel) point largely to the effective use of technology.

A deal with the e-tailing giant comes as direct digital sales surpass $2 billion.

The former Mondelez and Amazon executive will be responsible for accelerating supply chain innovation and enabling advanced planning processes and technologies.

The e-commerce giant now officially is also a brick-and-mortar retailer.

Manufacturers continue to consider the channel's potential.