Google Maps update steers shoppers during Black Friday traffic frenzy

The new Maps update is designed to help consumers more efficiently manage their time as they plan to visit stores, bars and other businesses likely to be crowded during the holiday season.  

By Dan O'Shea • Nov. 23, 2016

Pilot strike threatens Amazon, DHL holiday fulfillment

About 250 pilots flying for a subsidiary of ATSG’s ABX Air say they won't fly the scheduled 35 daily flights for Amazon and 45 daily flights for DHL, among others.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 22, 2016

Patagonia planting Black Friday profits in grassroots environmentalism

CEO Rose Marcario said the outdoor retailer will give away 100% of its profits from the holiday, adding that protecting the environment “is not in conflict with running a successful business.”

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 22, 2016

6 shopping trends that will dominate Black Friday 2016

Black Friday still looms large on the retail calendar, but digital disruptions and pre-holiday sales are redefining its role. Here's what merchants need to know.

By Jason Ankeny • Nov. 22, 2016

Report: Amazon Echo to lead record-setting tech sales on Black Friday

Consumer demand for the voice-activated speaker is surging thanks to increased awareness over its range of capabilities, audio quality and exclusive deals.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 21, 2016

5 mistakes from Black Fridays past — and how retailers can avoid them

Retailers won't bask in the bounty of Black Friday sales before first navigating these pitfalls.

By Corinne Ruff • Nov. 21, 2016

Lowe's promotes Black Friday deals via Facebook Live

The event, hosted by Drew and Jonathan Scott of the HGTV show "Property Brothers," revealed deals between comedy bits and interactions with viewers.

By Dan O'Shea • Nov. 20, 2016

EBay offers #GiftGoals guide to help with holiday shopping

The e-commerce marketplace is combining social media capabilities with practical advice for engaging friends and family in conversation to come up with holiday gift ideas mapped to 12 different personality types.

By Dan O'Shea • Nov. 17, 2016

What US retailers can learn from Alibaba's record-setting Singles Day

China's annual marketplace sales event once again shattered sales and volume milestones. What does its success mean for retailers on this side of the Pacific?

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 17, 2016

Target enhances in-store order pickup program for holiday season

More than 90% of pick-up orders will be ready in an hour, up from last year thanks to program enhancements, team efforts and deployment of new technology. 

By Dan O'Shea • Nov. 16, 2016

EBay overhauls mobile shopping apps in sync with holidays

The digital marketplace has updated both its iOS and Android applications with new browsing capabilities, product viewing options and other features.  

By Dan O'Shea • Nov. 15, 2016

Macy's taps social media to spread the Santa spirit

The campaign signals an attempt by the retailer to counteract some of the negativity on the internet after the presidential election.

By David Kirkpatrick • Nov. 15, 2016

How UPS stays steady in center of e-commerce shipping storm

Despite Amazon's shipping ambitions and myriad other forces driving market upheaval, UPS continues to invest in a future defined by e-commerce opportunities and obstacles.

By Dan O'Shea • Nov. 15, 2016

Amazon expands Home Services to 20 more US cities

Customers can request services like house cleaning, which can be helpful during the busy party season, as well as assembly or installation of products.  

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 14, 2016

Study: Most retailers duplicating last year's Black Friday deals

Some shoppers could get turned off by higher prices for year-old electronics, according to research.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 14, 2016

Alibaba's Singles Day shatters expectations with $18B in sales

Sales across Alibaba's China and international retail marketplaces increased 32% over last year's shopping event, with mobile gross merchandise volume accounting for 82% of that total, compared to 69% in 2015.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 14, 2016

Ikea calls Uber and influencers for hearty 'Friendsgiving' promotion

The retailer’s partnership with Uber suggests it's looking to reach the ride-sharing app’s urban customers where they are spending time — on their phones. 

By Chantal Tode • Nov. 11, 2016

Survey: Speedy delivery top of mind for holiday shoppers

A Deloitte survey shows 83% of shoppers now consider “fast” shipping to mean delivery within two days, and free shipping is expected.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 11, 2016

Wal-Mart rolls out mobile-exclusive Black Friday deals

With shopping visits on mobile devices set to outpace desktops this holiday season, the retail giant is steering deals and discounts to its flagship application.

By Corinne Ruff • Nov. 10, 2016

How retailers can sidestep the pitfalls of holiday season hiring

Retailers are bringing aboard the same number of seasonal hires as last year, but other changes are afoot. Here's how merchants can leverage technology for more productive, secure workplaces.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 10, 2016

Burberry trimming product offerings for the holidays

The upscale British fashion house is shifting its focus to its newest items, especially those selling well after its September runway show.  

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 9, 2016

Study: Retailers abandon generic mobile coupons during holidays

Only 8% of chief marketing officers plan on using generic mobile coupons this year, compared to 34% in 2015.

By David Kirkpatrick • Nov. 8, 2016

5 fashion experts size up what's hot for the holidays

Fashion is on pace to top gift purchases this season, driving half of all sales in a projected $656 billion holiday shopping market. Here's what's trending.

By Lara Ewen • Nov. 7, 2016

Kohl's launches Apple Watch sales to boost wellness business

The discount department store plans to feature the devices in its fitness sections rather than alongside other electronics.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 3, 2016

How retailers can maximize mobile revenues this holiday shopping season

More and more consumers are visiting retailers via mobile devices, but few are completing purchases. Here’s how merchants can turn mobile into a moneymaker. 

By Jason Ankeny • Nov. 2, 2016