Sources: Fab founder's startup Bezar running out of money

The flash sales site's recent pivot to a marketplace may make it less attractive as a “techquisition."

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 14, 2016

A look into the effects of the 'Amazon tax'

The ability to forgo state sales tax collection was a boost for Amazon in its early days, but it's not really a big driver of sales overall, according to a study by Ohio State University.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 14, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

What's shaping the e-commerce landscape?

From pivots in digital strategies to challenges retailers must overcome with reverse logistics, here are some of the forces shaping online retail.

By Retail Dive staff

Pitney Bowes buys cloud software firm to boost shipping logistics for e-commerce

The acquisition of Enroute Systems Corp. will help clients find shipping options and track packages.

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 14, 2016

Survey: 32% of holiday shoppers used 'click-and-collect' in 2015

More shoppers than ever took advantage of omni-channel options this holiday season, research shows.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 14, 2016

Report argues pure-play e-commerce not viable for success

Not even Amazon shows that the business strategy is sustainable, according to a report from L2 and Simon Property Group.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 13, 2016

Report: Mobile sales during holiday season grew 59% over 2014

With desktop sales up 6%, total digital sales grew 13% to reach $69.1 billion. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 12, 2016

Louis Vuitton suing online sellers in China over fakes

Partnering with Alibaba’s Taobao or JD.com is an essential way for retailers to sell to China’s vast middle class. But many have had to become more savvy about battling counterfeiters. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 11, 2016

Amazon to sell its own brand of chips in semiconductor market

The Alpine line is designed for servers and IoT devices. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 8, 2016

Inside Amazon's delivery ambitions

Amazon continues to make strides in its delivery and shipping innovations, with moves that will have varied impacts on traditional shippers and retailers.

By Melissa Anders • Jan. 7, 2016

Report: Teen retailers use Instagram more than Facebook

Increased post frequency did not have a negative impact on engagement for brands targeting Gen Z, according to a report. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 7, 2016

Pinterest's progress: Where the social platform stands in 2016

2016 could be the make-or-break year for the visual bookmarking platform. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 6, 2016

Amazon reveals select marketplace statistics

Independent sellers shipped more than 1 billion items in 2015. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 6, 2016

UPDATE: Online furniture retailer Hem sold

The retailer, brainchild of Fab.com founder Jason Goldberg, may have been ahead of its time.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 6, 2016

5 key trends for retailers to watch in 2016

This year will see a mobile-driven transformation for retailers, who will be keen to reach customers in store and online in whole new ways.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 5, 2016

Report: Customer service sells for luxury brands online

Luxury brands have added service features to their sites fast. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 5, 2016

3 ways the retail holiday season was different in 2015

The numbers aren’t all in yet, but there are three major trends that could be driving forces in 2016.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 4, 2016

Girl Scouts double down on digital cookie sales

Dell and Visa have contributed to the organization's "digital cookie" platform content and training. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 4, 2016

UPS delivers every package by Christmas Eve, FedEx misses

UPS David Abney says that the company’s new systems will make it indispensable to retail e-commerce, including Amazon, at the holidays and beyond.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 30, 2015

E-commerce saves the holiday season for retailers

It looks like retailers were able to pull off a fairly healthy season this year, according to the MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 29, 2015

Why 2015 was the year for m-commerce

Smartphones, tablets, and apps had a 'profound influence' on consumer behavior this year.

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 23, 2015

Report: E-commerce growth outpacing brick-and-mortar

But the question this holiday season is whether it’s omnichannel, mobile, or the weather that is having the biggest impact on online sales.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 23, 2015

Why 2015 wasn't the year for 'buy' buttons—and how 2016 can be different

Even with this holiday season’s apparent surge in mobile commerce, social media hasn’t turned out to be a major channel for sales. Will it ever be?

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 22, 2015

Apple veteran will help Alibaba head off counterfeits

IP wunderkind has helped Apple, Pfizer fight fakes in the past.

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 22, 2015

Report: Amazon exploring launch of air-freight operations

The retailer may lease up to 25 planes in the next three years, reports the Wall Street Journal.  

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 21, 2015

Jet warns some holiday packages will be delayed

The delivery delays may not be the newcomer’s fault, but the timing isn’t good.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 21, 2015