How chatbots are going to redefine retail customer service

Bots—software that automates everyday customer service tasks—are poised to transform how retailers communicate with consumers. But experts say the human touch remains vital to shopper satisfaction.

By Daphne Howland • April 18, 2016

Study: In-store video ads attract shoppers' eyeballs—and loyalty

Watching digital displays helped time in checkout lines pass more quickly for 84% of consumers surveyed, according to the findings of a new study.

By Kelsey Lindsey • April 18, 2016

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

CVS expands Hispanic-focused 'Pharmacy y más' to Los Angeles

The project was developed after research into local tastes and needs, according to the drugstore retailer.

By Daphne Howland • April 15, 2016

Gilt Groupe founder launches new image-based shopping app

Project September aims to smooth the process of buying something as soon as you see a picture of it.

By Daphne Howland • April 14, 2016

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

Macy's CMO resigns, launching search for replacement

Martine Reardon has worked for the struggling department store for 32 years. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • April 13, 2016

J.C. Penney launches Boutique+ plus-size lifestyle brand

"Project Runway" winner Ashley Nell Tipton, the first plus-size designer to top the TV competition, will create capsule collections for the fall and holiday seasons along with a full spring collection.

By Daphne Howland • April 13, 2016

Abercrombie taps J. Crew vet to help evolve image

The teen retailer is bringing on Ashley Sargent Price as its creative marketing director.

By Daphne Howland • April 13, 2016

Petitions call on Amazon, Nike to cut Trump ties

Activists are pressuring Amazon and Nike to follow in Macy's footsteps and distance themselves from the controversial presidential candidate.

By Daphne Howland • April 12, 2016

Target teams up with celebrity trainer in newest wellness push

Tracy Anderson has her critics, but the collaboration is a canny merchandising move for Target.

By Daphne Howland • April 12, 2016

H&M duets with rapper MIA for World Recycle Week campaign video

The Swedish retailer has come a long way from the days when it discarded and destroyed unsold clothing.

By Daphne Howland • April 12, 2016

Facebook unveils new tool for retailers to share branded content

The social media giant aims to make its pages more useful to marketers—and itself.

By Daphne Howland • April 11, 2016

Cadillac teams with CFDA for Retail Lab store, mentorship program

The pop-up program could help bring change to ingrained fashion retail traditions.

By Daphne Howland • April 7, 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

Kik launches chatbot shop for brands to connect with consumers

The popular messaging app will enable brands like Sephora and H&M to provide styling and product advice to customers, as well as the ability to purchase directly from within the app.

By Kelsey Lindsey • April 6, 2016

As Target leaves Haworth for GroupM, Wal-Mart weighs media review

Target’s $686.3 million media and planning business is moving to GroupM after more than 45 years with Haworth Media and Marketing.

By David Kirkpatrick • April 6, 2016

Burberry runs first luxury Snapchat Discover campaign

The campaign promotes the launch of the Mr. Burberry men’s fragrance and grooming product line. 

By Jason Ankeny • April 5, 2016

Target revamps Cartwheel app to include third-party coupons

Target’s money-saving app is already a hit, and improvements could make its customers happier and stickier.

By Daphne Howland • April 5, 2016

How gender-targeted marketing is hurting toy retail

Experts say that store shelves separating toys for boys from those for girls limit children's imaginations—and retailer revenues.

By Jason Ankeny • April 4, 2016

Bloomingdale's joins festival pop-up craze

But the upscale retailer is keeping its pop-ups in store, unlike rivals that are setting up at the festivals themselves.

By Daphne Howland • April 4, 2016

Lane Bryant, Glamour collaborating on body-positive fall fashion collection

The plus-size retailer's efforts to encourage women to wear the clothing they want could turn its image around.

By Daphne Howland • March 31, 2016

Survey: Non-celebrity bloggers better influencers than celebrities

Millennial shoppers are more inspired by blogs and social media, especially Facebook and YouTube, than celebrity endorsements.

By Daphne Howland • March 30, 2016

Neiman's marketing chief calls it quits

Wanda Gierhart spearheaded the company's omnichannel efforts and its Snap.Find.Shop. visual search app.

By Ian P. Murphy • March 29, 2016

Reveal Mobile, Unacast partner to connect beacons and advertising

The deal promises to help merchants more effectively capitalize on data collected from beacons.

By Ian P. Murphy • March 27, 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