Holiday spending slowed in December but remained above 2020 levels, data shows

Earlier shopping and the omicron variant shifted spending patterns in the season's home stretch, but sales were still robust, analyses show.

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 7, 2022

Amazon's international app downloads decline: report

For retailers, downloads are becoming more significant as mobile app spending rises.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 6, 2022

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

Why so many DTC brands are into activewear

Whether they launched in the space or expanded into it, DTC brands are taking advantage of athleisure's continued popularity to fuel their businesses.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 6, 2022

Can livestream shopping in the US catch up to China's soaring growth?

As people spend more time online or limit shopping trips during the pandemic, many are seeking digital experiences that bridge the gap with the real world.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 5, 2022

Target launches first storage, home organization private label

The retail giant is starting the year with yet another owned brand, dubbed Brightroom, as consumers look to refresh their homes.

By Maria Monteros • Jan. 5, 2022

Fabletics launches Any-Wear collection

The new offering, which features pieces like pants and a midi dress, is meant to be worn for various activities, like working from home or running errands.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 4, 2022

10 retail trends to watch in 2022

Last year upended some trends and accelerated others. What will 2022 bring for retailers?

By Daphne Howland , Ben Unglesbee , Cara Salpini , Kaarin Moore , Caroline Jansen , Maria Monteros • Jan. 4, 2022

The Backroom: Our traditional interview with the retail prophet, Doug Stephens

While the pandemic isn't over, 2021 seemed to show that physical locations remain important to retail. But each store must have something to offer.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 30, 2021

Pandemic headlines may be deterring last-minute shoppers

Super Saturday's traffic declines indicate that news of the omicron variant may be interfering with consumer confidence, which could worsen in the new year.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 22, 2021

Can this year's department store recovery last?

The sector is having a good holiday season after bouncing back this year as consumers refreshed their closets. But its problems haven't gone away.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 20, 2021

Cultivating consumer loyalty amidst supply chain challenges

As retailers strive to woo shoppers into a long-term relationship, supply chain hiccups can sabotage those efforts — but it doesn't have to.

Dec. 20, 2021

Feds increase scrutiny of buy now, pay later

Concerned over consumer debt, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is demanding information from five of the biggest players in the BNPL space.

By Lynne Marek , Jonathan Berr , Caitlin Mullen • Dec. 17, 2021

The Weekly Closeout: Target to launch 'Bet on Black' startup pitch competition

The retailer will provide mentorship and a total of $500,000 in funding. Meanwhile, Janie and Jack names a new CEO and Bark comes to REI.

By Retail Dive Staff • Dec. 17, 2021

Consumers could return $66.7B in holiday merchandise this year

For retailers, the cost of returns is also going up, according to a report from CBRE.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 17, 2021

Lowe's warns comps could fall by as much as 3% in 2022

The home improvement retailer experienced a boost at the onset of the pandemic, but executives said demand may be waning.

By Caroline Jansen • Dec. 16, 2021

Retail has more — but slower — growth ahead in 2022: Moody's

After a heady comeback this year, the industry could settle in to a more modest pace, with supply chain, spending changes and debt levels posing some risk. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Dec. 16, 2021

Gen Zers relied on buy now, pay later during the holidays. It's time to pay up.

What may be a beneficial feature to retailers poses risks to young consumers who've increasingly flocked to installment services.

By Maria Monteros • Dec. 13, 2021

The retail rebound: What's driving shoppers to stores this holiday season

Accommodate your retail consumers by implementing physical and digital shopping experiences.

Dec. 13, 2021

The Weekly Closeout: J.C. Penney partners with Sports Illustrated, and Pacsun introduces gender-neutral fragrance

An apparel collection from the department store and magazine will drop early next year, while Pacsun for All expands on the retailer's recent offerings.

By Retail Dive Staff • Dec. 10, 2021

Holiday sales could surpass previous predictions, reach 11.5%: NRF

Yet, the omicron variant could further complicate the shopping season and is "the latest wildcard raising uncertainty around the economic outlook."

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 6, 2021

With omicron landing in the US, do retailers actually need the vaccine mandate?

The National Retail Federation won a stay against the government's plan to have big companies immunize or test their employees. That squanders a chance to thwart the pandemic, experts say.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 6, 2021

Popsugar releases first fitness equipment line at Target

The 17-item collection, which will be available in the retail giant's stores and on its website, features products like yoga mats, dumbbells and kettlebells.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 3, 2021

NRF: Thanksgiving weekend shoppers decline for second year in a row

Consumers spent $301.27 on holiday purchases this year, down from $311.75 last year.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 2, 2021

Buy now, pay later orders up 34% this holiday: Afterpay

The service, which has been gaining steam over the past several years, proved especially useful over the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping periods.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 2, 2021

Cyber Monday sales edge down to $10.7B as consumers make a dent in their holiday shopping

Online sales fell 1.4% year over year, but the red-letter event was still the biggest shopping day of the year so far, Adobe said.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 30, 2021