7 takeaways from Shoptalk 2018

From speeding up the supply chain to adding personalization and making shopping more convenient — technology is fundamentally transforming the business. Here's what you need to know.

By Corinne Ruff , Laura Heller • March 23, 2018

6 ways brands and retailers are using stores to boost business

Stores aren't going away, but they are going on a diet. Here are the most innovative concepts showcased at Shoptalk.

By Corinne Ruff • March 23, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

The latest in experiential retail

From new store concepts to accessibility efforts, retailers are constantly shifting their approach to better cater to shopper needs.

By Retail Dive staff

Retailers are being flooded by a 'returns tsunami'

Try-before-you-buy purchasing is great for consumers, but it's becoming a major headache for online retailers, according to a new report.

By Dan Alaimo • March 23, 2018

Toy maker working on bid for Toys R Us

As the ailing toy seller winds down U.S. operations, it's putting $2 billion in discounted toys on the market. In a "sad synchronicity" in timing, the chain's founder has also died.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 23, 2018

Retail Therapy: Old Navy spaces out on gender equality

In a move that says "we didn’t think this through," the brand stocked NASA T-shirts only targeted toward half of the population … we give you one guess.

By Cara Salpini • March 23, 2018

More marketing, IT dollars pouring into mobile

Retail marketers will increase their mobile budget by an average of 25%, pointing to the continued importance of the platform for shoppers.

By Dan O'Shea • March 22, 2018

Sephora launches 30-day exclusives to drive traffic

The new products, part of the "First at Sephora" program, will bypass even the brand's own sites and stores, selling exclusively at Sephora for 30 days after each debut.

By Daphne Howland • March 22, 2018

Instagram expands shoppable posts in 8 countries

Brands in the U.K., France, Italy, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Canada and Spain can now add e-commerce links within their Instagram posts.

By Robert Williams • March 21, 2018

Amazon, AARP reportedly working on tech for seniors

The two companies have been in talks about how to improve technology for older Americans since 2015, according to CNBC.

By Daphne Howland • March 21, 2018

KB Toys plots a comeback as Toys R Us collapses

As the toy retailer winds down operations, a business that revives old brands is trying to bring back defunct KB Toys — with Toys R Us employees.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 21, 2018

Former Gilt Groupe execs launch plus-size brand

CoEdition aims to fill a gap by curating fashion items from well known designers in sizes 10 to 26.

By Daphne Howland • March 21, 2018

Glossier's customer obsession is about stirring up conversation

During a keynote at Shoptalk, CEO Emily Weiss highlighted social sharing as one of the company's biggest drivers of growth. 

By Corinne Ruff • March 21, 2018

Ulta’s Mary Dillon on riding the wave of beauty’s success

The retailer is positioned in a retail sweet spot, and its CEO has every intention of growing the best of its business. 

By Laura Heller • March 20, 2018

Target testing alternative loyalty program

The retailer, which shares a core customer base with Amazon's formidable Prime program, is hoping the new tier could be a ramp to its full Redcard membership.

By Daphne Howland • March 20, 2018

Google to prioritize retailer search results — for a fee

The new program, Shopping Actions, will steer customers that start their product search on Google toward certain non-Amazon retailers.

By Dan O'Shea • March 20, 2018

EMarketer: Facebook, Google duopoly under pressure as ad sales jump for Amazon, Snapchat

The current leaders' share of new digital ad revenue is declining and forecast to hit 48% this year, down from 73% in 2016. 

By Erica Sweeney • March 20, 2018

87% of loyalty members open to being ‘watched, monitored and tracked’

According to a new study by Bond Brand Loyalty, customers will part with personal data if it means receiving personalized rewards, including perks like free Wi-Fi or faster checkout lines.

By Cara Salpini • March 20, 2018

L’Oréal buys AR beauty tech startup Modiface

The acquisition lets the beauty brand control a proven technology that allows customers to virtually try on makeup and keep it out of the hands of competitors.

By Robert Williams • March 19, 2018

How Jordan Brand reimagined its namesake’s iconic dunk to drive m-commerce

A unique combination of technologies and platforms broke new ground for a recent promotion and was the focus of a SXSW session last week.

By Chantal Tode • March 19, 2018

Nike takes gamification to the next level with sneaker try-on game

Dubbed "Reactland," the game lets shoppers try on shoes by running on a treadmill hooked up to a video game.

By Daphne Howland • March 19, 2018

NYDJ invests in personalization to improve direct-to-consumer efforts

NYDJ is among the latest brands to see the value in increasing personalization efforts to better engage shoppers.

By Dan O'Shea • March 18, 2018

Retail Therapy: The jean jacket that swallowed fashion whole

There's bad denim and then there's denim that's so baggy you could fit your whole family in it. This is the latter.

By Cara Salpini • March 16, 2018

Tommy Hilfiger puts Gigi Hadid behind the wheel with Formula One racer

Lewis Hamilton, regarded as one of the world's best drivers and a major social media presence, is the brand's new menswear ambassador. 

By Erica Sweeney • March 16, 2018

How Toys R Us' bankruptcy hopes came crashing down

The toy seller entered Chapter 11 with the goal of a leaner, better business. Instead, a terrible holiday season sent it in a different direction. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 15, 2018

The state of sports retail: How athleisure keeps changing the game

Nike, Under Armour and Lululemon are canaries in the the coal mine as brands are buffeted by changing consumer tastes.

By Cara Salpini • March 14, 2018