Shopify hops chatbot bandwagon with Kit CRM acquisition

The deal, which furthers Shopify’s commitment to “conversational commerce,” comes on the heels of Facebook adding chatbot services to its Messenger app.

By Daphne Howland • April 14, 2016

The riddle of the post-purchase customer experience—and how to solve it

Retailers spend billions acquiring new customers, but repeat customers are even more vital to the bottom line. Experts explain how to transform shoppers into fiercely loyal brand advocates.

By Jason Ankeny • April 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

Report: Amazon Prime used by 70% of upper-income households

And half of all households in the U.S., regardless of income, are Prime members. 

By Daphne Howland • April 14, 2016

Google Shopping retail sales surge 52% in Q1, driven by mobile

While Amazon's product search reach is now larger than many realize, Google remains a viable competitor. 

By Daphne Howland • April 14, 2016

Facebook brings bots to Messenger in bid to redefine retail customer service

Chatbots are app-like software designed to automate customer service tasks now offered via phone and e-mail.

By Daphne Howland • April 13, 2016

Tiffany turns to Net-A-Porter to boost online sales

The upscale American jeweler is selling select items for a limited time through the upscale online retailer, but if it’s successful, expect Tiffany to stay there.

By Daphne Howland • April 13, 2016

Alibaba buys controlling stake of retailer Lazada for $1b

The acquisition is Alibaba’s largest foreign investment so far, and reflects Southeast Asia’s huge growth potential.

By Daphne Howland • April 12, 2016

Overstock CEO to take 'indefinite' medical leave of absence

Founder Patrick Byrne is stepping down effective immediately to focus on fighting Stage IV hepatitis C. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • April 11, 2016

Report: Amazon India could be violating new e-commerce rules

New guidelines clarifying foreign investment in India’s e-commerce players include curbs on discounting that are effective immediately.

By Daphne Howland • April 8, 2016

Report: Retailers struggling to adapt labor practices in changing market

Various forces are making it difficult for store managers to meet labor demands in an increasingly omni-channel environment.

By Daphne Howland • April 8, 2016

From phone to store, the entire customer experience is the key

In an omni-channel world, retailers need to meet customer expectations across all platforms. Here's how they can do it.

By Ian P. Murphy • April 6, 2016

E-commerce in India: The opportunities and the obstacles

India's retail market is competitive, increasingly lucrative and poised for dramatic growth. Here's how new foreign direct investment rules instituted by the Indian government will change the landscape.

By Daphne Howland • April 5, 2016

Mobile helps apparel reach top digital sales category in 2015

Mobile now accounts for 60% of time spent shopping online, but just 16% of all retail dollars spent.

By Daphne Howland • April 4, 2016

Report: Amazon expanding Prime Now to the web

As its same-day delivery option goes beyond its mobile app, Amazon plans a marketing blitz.

By Daphne Howland • April 4, 2016

Wal-Mart's new reward program puts emphasis on e-commerce

The new program pales compared to the one Costco has developed for its members, and it’s not clear that Wal-Mart should be chasing web sales anyway.

By Daphne Howland • April 1, 2016

Amazon triples Dash Button brand lineup, orders surge 75% in Q1

New Dash offerings include Doritos, Red Bull and Trojan condoms.

By Daphne Howland • March 31, 2016

Square's new tools bring payments to all retail sites

Build with Square allows developers to add Square's payment capabilities to their custom apps and websites. 

By Ian P. Murphy • March 31, 2016

Behind Amazon's bet on private label fashion

Amazon Fashion may not be cool yet, but the company is betting that millennials will be more concerned with looks and price than labels and logos—and it’s doubling down on this future of fashion.

By Lara Ewen • March 30, 2016

Amazon Home Services expands to 30 cities in first year

Rival retailers could feel a pinch as more shoppers learn Amazon can help with household tasks and big-item purchases.

By Daphne Howland • March 30, 2016

Ron Johnson's Enjoy expanding to LA, Chicago

A year in, the startup now sells and sets up 150 tech products, and has learned a few lessons.

By Daphne Howland • March 29, 2016

Fab co-founder Shellhammer scooped up by eBay

Shellhammer's hire is a good fit considering eBay's push to get more creative in its curation and collections efforts.

By Daphne Howland • March 28, 2016

Report: Mobile now dominates Chinese e-commerce

Almost two-thirds of Chinese e-commerce sales in Q4 2015 originated on mobile devices.

By Ian P. Murphy • March 27, 2016

How apps are transforming the mobile web experience

Having a functioning mobile site isn't enough anymore. Now, many customers are looking for the same user experience they receive in apps. 

By Ian P. Murphy • March 24, 2016

FedEx rebrands global e-commerce arm as FedEx CrossBorder

The shipper is making moves to handle the mounting number of packages moving globally.

By Daphne Howland • March 23, 2016

Alibaba reaches huge sales milestone as China growth slows

The company sold 3 trillion yuan of goods last year and is planning a major push into India.

By Daphne Howland • March 22, 2016