NRF contradicts government figures, spotlighting 2.9% holiday sales gain

The U.S. Census Bureau this week reported that December sales fell 1.2%, the biggest drop in that month since 2009.

By Corinne Ruff • Feb. 15, 2019

The evolution of the 'quick trip to the store'

Brick-and-mortar brands would be wise to bring the convenience of online shopping to their physical stores, writes Adobe's Michael Klein.

By Michael Klein • Feb. 14, 2019

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

Retail sales slid 1.2% in December

Sales during the final month of the year declined in nearly every major retail category, according to the Census Bureau's monthly report.

By Corinne Ruff • Feb. 14, 2019

Victoria's Secret tries on Livy lingerie

The upstart Parisian company is turning heads at home and could help the faltering L Brands banner redefine "sexy."

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 14, 2019

'No light at the end of the tunnel' for store closures

Last year, retailers collectively shuttered 5,524 U.S. locations and will again this year, according to Coresight Research.

By Corinne Ruff • Feb. 14, 2019

Barneys New York to launch 'The High End' cannabis concept

The effort involves a partnership with luxury purveyor Beboe and opens next month, featuring wellness products and paraphernalia in stores and online.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 12, 2019

The plus-size era is over before it began

In its place is a new standard: inclusive sizing, and retailers that haven't woken up to those changes in apparel risk losing billions in sales.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 11, 2019

Retail Therapy: 5 ways to try too hard this Valentine's Day

Nothing quite says romance like the rug form of Colonel Sanders sprawled flat across the floor.

By Caroline Jansen • Feb. 8, 2019

Retailers' personalization efforts fall short of shopper wish lists

A BRP survey found that a large percentage of customers are comfortable sharing their identities in-store if it translates to personalized service.

By Dan O'Shea • Feb. 7, 2019

Walmart debuts size-inclusive jeans online

The retail giant expands its e-commerce options with a new denim line from actress Sofía Vergara.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 7, 2019

How DTC brands see the purpose of stores

For three digitally native brands, brick-and-mortar locations are for consumer education — and more.

By Corinne Ruff • Feb. 6, 2019

Ikea to test furniture leasing option in 30 markets

Testing has begun in Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden and Poland, and the company hopes to cut down on furniture waste through the service.

By Caroline Jansen • Updated April 4, 2019

Draper James expands sizing

Reese Witherspoon's Southern-styled apparel brand is the latest to bring inclusivity to reach more women.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 4, 2019

A third of millennials joined a boycott last year

Men and parents of young kids are most likely to shun a brand or retailer, according to CompareCards.com.

By Corinne Ruff • Feb. 1, 2019

Print book sales up 1.3% in 2018

Political titles, particularly ones focusing on the Trump administration, were among the most popular last year, according to an NPD report.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 31, 2019

Apple expands free 'Today at Apple' sessions

The tech company's new classes are part of its effort to remake stores into gathering and enrichment centers. 

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 29, 2019

Toy sales fell 2% in 2018

In the wake of Toys R Us' liquidation, sales in the category declined, failing to hit $22 billion.

By Corinne Ruff • Jan. 28, 2019

Foursquare report: Discount retailers earn high loyalty rankings

A study by the mobile app company suggests that, above all, low prices and sales may keep customers coming back to stores.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 23, 2019

Nectar teams up with Mattress Warehouse

The move points to a larger trend of direct-to-consumer companies in the space partnering with legacy retailers with a brick-and-mortar presence.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 23, 2019

Only 14% of consumers influenced by in-store VR/AI tech

A study by Oracle NetSuite found that there is a disconnect between retail technology and consumer needs. 

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 16, 2019

Walmart and VC firms see two paths for DTC brands

Brands either need to be a consumer phenomenon like Warby Parker, or they need to fit into a larger portfolio, like the one that Walmart is building.

By Corinne Ruff • Jan. 16, 2019

Study: 73% of consumers want self-service technology

A SOTI survey finds that as new tech sweeps through stores it's changing customer attitudes about engaging with staff.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 15, 2019

Holiday shoppers spent twice as much in physical stores than at Amazon

Consumers like being able to see what they're buying, and BOPIS shoppers bought extra, according to International Council of Shopping Centers research.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 14, 2019

Diversity and inclusion take center stage

Executives from Ikea, P&G, Bonobos, Rebecca Minkoff and other brands share their thoughts on what needs to be done to reach equality in the workplace.

By Corinne Ruff • Jan. 14, 2019

'The right decisions are never tough decisions:' Retail execs on taking a stand

Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods and Levi Strauss provided examples at NRF 2019 of how to lead with conscience. 

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 14, 2019