NRF expects holiday sales spike of up to 4.8%

The trade association credits a strong economy and the healthy state of retail for the positive forecast.  

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 4, 2018

16% of consumers to use smartphones for holiday shopping

A new PwC study shows how a shift in buying habits will particularly benefit Instagram, Pinterest and Snapchat, who have boosted their mobile commerce tools in the past year.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 3, 2018

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

Millennials set to spend the most at the holidays

The demographic is choosing retailers that demonstrate awareness of social and political issues important to them, according to an Accenture study.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 2, 2018

More than 60 major retailers to close on Thanksgiving

Many retailers are content to take in sales online and avoid the bad publicity of being open on the holiday, but others can't afford to cede the day to Amazon.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 2, 2018

Gucci, Louis Vuitton rated 'genius' digital luxury brands

While the category lags when it comes to omnichannel functionalities, its adoption of social commerce on Instagram is exploding. 

By Erica Sweeney • Oct. 2, 2018

A new and powerful marketing combination: Virtual testing using emotion

Understanding the emotional triggers of purchase intent improves direct mail response.

Oct. 1, 2018

Amazon, Twitch add shopping, enhanced features to 'Thursday Night Football'

Viewers of the live-streamed games on Twitch can chat and buy NFL merchandise. 

By Robert Williams • Sept. 28, 2018

More holiday shoppers heading to stores, and earlier

People of all ages head to stores for fun at the holidays, according to research from cloud-based retail and workforce platform Natural Insights.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 28, 2018

Retail Therapy: Babies R Us isn't dead, it's just a Halloween store

The retailer's bankruptcy was unexpected in many ways — and nothing prepared shoppers for the sight of Babies R Us banners beside that decorative grave they'd been eyeing.

By Cara Salpini • Sept. 28, 2018

Kohl's lays out women's private label plus brand

The move is part of a renewed size-inclusive effort, which also includes revamped plus areas in stores by fall 2019.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 26, 2018

AT&T set to open retail store, cafe hybrid

The Lounge will feature AT&T products, as well as coffee, and comes just a few days after the company announced plans to open 1,000 new retail stores.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 25, 2018

Can beauty department makeovers keep traditional retailers relevant?

Retailers like Macy's and CVS have made significant strides to update their beauty offerings this year, but it's unclear how effective they'll be against Sephora and Ulta.

By Cara Salpini • Sept. 25, 2018

FabFitFun debuts Facebook video programming

The launch coincides with the subscription box service's new fall box, and future content will be pegged to seasonal sales.

By Dan Alaimo • Sept. 25, 2018

Are subscription services viable for independent retailers?

Small, local retailers are vying for a piece of the market and find a focused approach builds customer loyalty.

By Kaarin Moore • Sept. 24, 2018

Connekt joins with Sony for TV-enabled commerce

The reality of shopping directly on TVs is hastened by a deal between Connekt and Sony.

By Dan Alaimo • Sept. 21, 2018

Gap Inc. to debut men's athleisure brand

The launch of Hill City is yet another challenge to Lululemon, likely building on the success of the company's Athleta brand.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 21, 2018

Halloween spending to hit $9B

The strong economy will help keep spending high, though it won't quite reach last year's record, according to the National Retail Federation's annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 21, 2018

Retail Therapy: Balenciaga thinks your child would be cuter in a $500 tracksuit

The fashion house is also selling a glittery triangle purse and a leather tote with a photo of a puppy and a kitten cuddling. Yes, they are both over $1,000.

By Cara Salpini • Sept. 21, 2018

Amazon unveils new Echo devices, Alexa features

The company rolled out 15 new Alexa-enabled products Thursday, including microwaves, clocks, amplifiers and car gadgets, among other devices.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 20, 2018

Stitch Fix expands men's assortment and sizing

The subscription company has begun to top expectations for sales and profit as it works diligently to expand its customer base.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 20, 2018

Facebook to gain most from big digital holiday ad spend

Digital advertising tops the marketing wish list for two-thirds of retailers, with a huge chunk going to Facebook and Instagram, reported Reveal Mobile.

By Dan Alaimo • Sept. 18, 2018

Holiday sales to grow 4% as e-commerce takes more share

An extra day between Thanksgiving and Christmas should help give retailers one of their best holiday seasons yet, according to Coresight Research.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 18, 2018

Instagram expands shopping features to boost brands' direct sales

Two new features in Stories and Explore could help to close the sales loop for the more than 90 million users that tap shoppable posts for more product information.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 18, 2018

Mobile to drive 68% of holiday e-commerce traffic

The holiday season looks promising, with Salesforce predicting 13% sales growth — but they need to prepare for an early start, especially on mobile.

By Dan Alaimo • Sept. 17, 2018

Nordstrom revamps loyalty with new 'Nordy Club'

The department store joins other retailers in revamping loyalty programs to keep high spenders close no matter how they pay.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 17, 2018