IBM: Retailers, brands come up severely short on customer experience

Marketers are struggling the most in several areas that have the potential to be key differentiators. 

By David Kirkpatrick • May 4, 2017

Staples looks 'beyond retail' in new marketing campaign

"It's Pro Time" — only the fourth brand campaign in Staple's 31-year history — comes amid hard times for the office supplies retailer. 

By David Kirkpatrick • May 4, 2017

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

Ikea: What do shoppers want in artificial intelligence?

The Swedish retailer recently launched a survey asking consumers whether AI should be human-like, if it should be male, female or gender-neutral, and even if it should be religious.

By Dan O'Shea • May 3, 2017

Beauty marketers buck broader downward trends as digital innovation blooms

Millennials and makeup have a strong bond that beauty retailers and brands are cultivating through AR, AI and shoppable social media ads.

By Rachel Brown • May 3, 2017

Facebook tests mobile retail rewards feature

The new program allows users to scan a personalized QR code to receive benefits when purchasing items at participating brick-and-mortar stores.

By Dan O'Shea • May 2, 2017

Lululemon takes aim at reinventing the sports bra

The athletic apparel retailer's Enlite sports bra leverages scientific thinking about bra design and uses a proprietary lightweight fabric for high-performance activity.

By Dan O'Shea • May 2, 2017

Amazon, eBay, Target and Google Maps ditch Apple Watch apps

The big brands' retreat from WatchOS support comes as consumer interest in smart watches wanes. 

By Chantal Tode • May 2, 2017

Crocs, Quicksilver leverage new SPS Commerce analytics tool

The new capability, as well as enhancements to its sourcing platform, combines retail point-of-sale and inventory data with external information across channels.

By Dan O'Shea • May 1, 2017

Meitu taps Bretman Rock to curate virtual makeup looks

The augmented reality app uses proprietary facial recognition to map users' features to offer precise and natural virtual makeup application.

By Dan O'Shea • May 1, 2017

Softbank software reprograms robot Pepper for customization

The new software suite was designed with the non-technical user in mind and will let businesses customize Pepper without the need for expensive technical overhead, development or prowess.

By Dan O'Shea • May 1, 2017

Tommy Hilfiger unveils European mobile app

The app features in-store item scanning, enhanced personalization using geo-fencing technology and the ability to shop from the brand’s Instagram feed.

By Dan O'Shea • April 27, 2017

Study: 89% of retailers will arm associates with mobile tech in next 3 years

About 84% of retailers will also use mobile point-of-sale systems in stores by 2020, according to new research from Boston Retail Partners.

By Dan O'Shea • April 27, 2017

Outdoor retailers slam White House review of national monuments

Patagonia, in particular, blasted the executive order rescinding protection of public lands, urging its customers to lobby against it and threatening legal action.

By Daphne Howland • April 27, 2017

MikMak ‘minimercials’ aim to turn retailers’ social media stories into sales

The startup creates infomercials that serve as transitions between when users click on retailers' Instagram and Snapchat posts and arrive at product pages.

By Dan O'Shea • April 25, 2017

Tulip Retail launches employee management platform, mobile app enhancements

The new features aim to help store managers increase productivity, create a stronger employee community and operate more efficient stores.

By Dan O'Shea • April 25, 2017

J.C. Penney to add and expand Sephora shops in stores

The over 10-year-old concession retailing partnership represents one of the best moves the department store has made in recent years to boost traffic.

By Daphne Howland • April 25, 2017

Dynamic Yield personalization engine aims to help retailers conquer mobile commerce

Mobile accounts for 60% of online traffic, but contributes to only 16% of purchases due to consumers being turned off by lackluster mobile shopping experiences, the company's research found.

By Dan O'Shea • April 24, 2017

Report: Apparel maker G-III quietly swaps out Ivanka Trump labels for Stein Mart

The manufacturer has re-labeled apparel for sale at the discount retailer — apparently, unbeknownst to the Ivanka Trump brand.

By Daphne Howland • April 24, 2017

Shopify launches B2B channel support, automated flash sales management

The new capabilities include support for a wholesale storefront and a platform to help merchants manage digital flash sale and event-oriented marketing campaigns.

By Dan O'Shea • April 23, 2017

Adidas rolls out more shoes made from recycled ocean plastics

The athletic apparel and footwear company unveiled new editions of UltraBOOST, UltraBOOST X and UltraBOOST Uncaged through its Parley for the Oceans partnership.

By Dan O'Shea • April 23, 2017

DSW taps former Miss USA as first style ambassador

Olivia Culpo, who has more than 1.7 million Instagram followers, will curate shoe selections each month for the footwear retailer.

By Daphne Howland • April 21, 2017

Pinterest, Michaels partner on trend-inspired DIY kits

The "Make It Kits" are inspired by crafts trending on the social media platform and include all the supplies needed to make the projects.

By Dan O'Shea • April 19, 2017

Facebook tests integration between M virtual assistant, third-party apps

The test enables Messenger users chatting about ordering food to see an interface that allows them to order from Delivery.com.

By Dan O'Shea • April 19, 2017

Marketing spend on Google Shopping ads surpasses text ads

Google Shopping ads accounted for 16.1% of e-commerce sales in 2016, up from just 9% in 2015, according to new research from marketing company Sidecar.

By Dan O'Shea • April 19, 2017

Rue21, mode-ai launch virtual stylist with Facebook Messenger group feature

The struggling teen retailer's push for digital engagements comes just days after it announced it will shutter roughly 400 stores.

By Dan O'Shea • April 18, 2017