Target offers free shipping, free returns for back to school

The retailer found that sales “soar” when shipping is free.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 4, 2015

Macy's expands same-day delivery to challenge Amazon

Macy’s, with the help of delivery service Deliv, is now offering same-day delivery in 17 markets.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 4, 2015

Explore the Trendline➔

Inside retail supply chains

Companies looking to trim expenses and streamline operations during a crutial year for supply chain management. 

By Retail Dive staff

Profitero: On average, Jet handily bests Amazon & Wal-Mart on price

Although Jet touts some of the lowest prices on the web, price may no longer be the essential differentiator in e-commerce.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 3, 2015

Prompted by Amazon, USPS beefing up on-demand delivery services

The postal service is Amazon’s most prolific carrier, and its “letter carriers” are increasingly delivering more packages and groceries—and fewer letters.

By Daphne Howland • July 31, 2015

How much is free shipping really costing retailers?

The problem with offering free shipping—which is commonly becoming the norm within e-commerce—is that retailers may not even know how much they're losing on the deal.

By Daphne Howland • July 30, 2015

Amazon unveils drone safety plan

Amazon is calling for government cooperation in drone regulation, and has done some of the legwork to get things done.

By Daphne Howland • July 30, 2015

UPS to expand Access Point program to 8,000 locations

The secure delivery locations ease consumer fears about buying online. 

By Ian P. Murphy • July 29, 2015

Can American Apparel continue to keep its commitment to 'Made in the USA'?

If the retailer abandons its longtime commitment to U.S.-made apparel, it becomes just another apparel retailer getting its goods from overseas sources.

By Daphne Howland • July 28, 2015

Nordstrom to boost its partnership with J. Crew's Madewell

Bringing in Madewell has been one of several successful moves Nordstrom has made to diversify its offerings.

By Daphne Howland • July 28, 2015

Wal-Mart boosts online fulfillment footprint

The retailer opened a new fulfillment center in Pennsylvania with the goal of being able to deliver online orders to 95% of the U.S. population in two days or less. 

By Ian P. Murphy • July 27, 2015

Amazon testing drive-through grocery store: report

At first many were surprised by Amazon’s push into grocery with Amazon Fresh, but it's a category that can help it challenge Wal-Mart and other retailers.

By Daphne Howland • July 27, 2015

Eyeing Amazon, Macy's to expand same-day delivery

With 886 stores ready to become mini distribution centers, the department store chain is set to compete with Amazon in the delivery space. 

By Ian P. Murphy • July 23, 2015

Amazon expands Prime Now deliveries into the Midwest

Just a couple of days after its blockbuster “Prime Day” sale, the retailer expanded its one- and two-hour deliveries to Chicago and Indianapolis.

By Daphne Howland • July 20, 2015

Labor Dept. clarifies employment rules as issue comes under scrutiny

Disruptive startups, including retail same-day delivery companies, are relying on workers that in some cases should be classified as employees.

By Daphne Howland • July 17, 2015

Crowdfunding: Not just for Kickstarter anymore

There are numerous reasons why more retailers are choosing to use crowdfunding or pre-ordering when developing products, and it's not just about the money.

By Daphne Howland • July 16, 2015

Gap partners with Virgin Hotels for a new take on room service

Virgin Hotels guests can now order Gap merchandise to their rooms from a button on Virgin’s website.

By Daphne Howland • July 13, 2015

8 perspectives on Wal-Mart's controversial new supplier costs

How will Wal-Mart's recent charges to suppliers affect both its business and relationships with vendors? Industry watchers weigh in. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • July 13, 2015

Dick's creates 'All American Center' with Field & Stream store

The retailer seems to have taken note of the boost its web sales get from physical stores.

By Daphne Howland • July 13, 2015

Growing number of luxury brands starting to move into e-commerce: report

Upscale brands are wading into e-commerce as their customers demand it. And that poses some unique logistical challenges, according to McKinsey & Co.

By Daphne Howland • July 9, 2015

Startup aims to expedite global shipping for new gadgets, fashions

The two Australians who started Big Apple Buddy know first-hand how hard it can be for shoppers to obtain the latest goods abroad. 

By Daphne Howland • July 9, 2015

Prompt delivery key to endorsing peer reviews: survey

87% of orders that were delivered in five days or less pleased customers enough that they helped market retailers' brands, according to a survey.

By Daphne Howland • July 9, 2015

West Coast ports still hurting from port slowdowns

The ports lost significant business to East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, but things are picking up.

By Daphne Howland • July 7, 2015

Best Buy adds store-within-a-store for Samsung home appliances

The electronics retailer and the South Korean device and appliance maker seem to be reaching a certain level of synergy.

By Daphne Howland • July 2, 2015

How a recall can actually help — and not just hurt — a retailer's brand

By alerting customers to product quality issues in a timely manner, retailers can enhance customer loyalty and even help their brand image.  

By Daphne Howland • July 1, 2015

Curbside looks to expand after $25M funding round

The buy online, drive-by pickup service will expand to New York City and other markets.

By Ian P. Murphy • June 29, 2015