Toys R Us CEO: Toy sales may disappoint this year

The toy retailer has reversed last year's sales decline by cutting costs and developing popular toys not available at competitors, but that may not be quite enough to fuel big growth.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 30, 2015

A chilly Black Friday for some brick-and-mortar retailers

Investors and retailers are anxiously awaiting results as the line between in-store and online purchases continues to blur.

By Randy Lilleston • Nov. 27, 2015

Explore the Trendline➔

How artificial intelligence is shaping retail

More retailers are leaning on AI as a tool, tapping into the tech to improve customer service and support supply chain functions.

By Retail Dive staff

A retailer's guide to Black Friday

The biggest shopping weekend of the year is here. Here are three trends to watch, five Twitter accounts to follow, and more.

By Kelsey Lindsey • Nov. 25, 2015

REI's #OptOutside 'movement' a hit on social media

Several companies, parks, and other organizations have joined REI in opting out of Black Friday.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 24, 2015

Taking a cue from Black Friday, retailers stretch Cyber Monday deals

The Black Friday wars are spilling into Cyber Monday as online days move to Sunday and beyond.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 24, 2015

Early holiday ads can be effective, consumers say

Almost half of online shoppers had viewed a holiday ad by Nov. 4, according to an AYTM survey. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 24, 2015

12 charts that explain this year's holiday shopping trends

We sifted through all the waves of holiday data—so you don't have to. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • Nov. 23, 2015

Could procrastinators save the retail holiday season?

Black Friday sales dropped precipitously last year, but there were more last-minute shoppers—and there may be even more again this year.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 23, 2015

Retail Therapy: Lululemon's all-black collection to launch on (when else?) Black Friday

Plus, a look inside Rent the Runway's alleged "Mean Girls"-like company culture.

By Kelsey Lindsey • Nov. 20, 2015

NRF predicts big Black Friday crowds

But there are a few forces in play that could keep shoppers home.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 20, 2015

Users say sponsored social media posts highly effective

Paid social media messaging beats everything but TV in a new survey. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 19, 2015

Survey: Retailers fail to respond to 83% of social media messages

Sprout Social's latest index finds customer engagement is lacking and misplaced. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 19, 2015

Why Amazon's Black Friday could disrupt the retail holiday

And the e-retail giant’s mobile app seems ready for Prime time.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 19, 2015

There's more to holiday shopping than Star Wars

Other licensed toys and technology will drive holiday sales for both adults and children this year. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 18, 2015

Survey finds teens favor Forever 21 as top brand

Victoria's Secret, Nike, and H&M also make the top 10 spots in the survey polling teens in-the-know. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 18, 2015

Retailers facing an uncertain season heading into Black Friday

With decidedly mixed earnings reports, terror attacks in Paris, and changing consumer priorities, it’s hard to know what Black Friday will be like this year.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 18, 2015

Surprise! Cyber Monday a big day for stores too

More than 70% of Americans plan to shop Thanksgiving weekend.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 17, 2015

Survey: 93% of millennials plan to shop Black Friday or Cyber Monday

The digital-savvy demographic will webroom as the shopping season ramps up. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 17, 2015

Star Wars has the retail Force this year

“The Force Awakens” merchandise is expected to bring in some $2 billion the last four months of 2015.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 17, 2015

Are Americans addicted to discounts?

Full-price retailers are suffering the effects of habits formed during recession. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 17, 2015

Why Urban Outfitters is buying a pizza chain

While investors and some observers were dubious of the move, many retailers have long had eateries to keep customers in their stores.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 17, 2015

Does Black Friday need a makeover?

It’s not a day anymore. But even as a concept, Black Friday may no longer hold much purpose for retailers.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 16, 2015

Creating wish lists is now a leisure-time activity

Retailers are responding with apps that help shoppers detail their holiday wants. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 16, 2015

Experts say all retailers suffering as consumer habits shift

Changing shopping priorities, a shift to off-price approaches, and movement toward e-commerce are hurting retailers, experts say.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 16, 2015

J.C. Penney maintains 'Black Friday creep' with earlier Thanksgiving opening

Opening at 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving this year, the chain will have a three-hour lead on competitors. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 16, 2015