Target, Walmart envision radically different futures for their growing media businesses

The big-box rivals both made their NewFronts debuts this week, but their pitches to advertisers largely reinforced the divide in their audiences and brand positioning.

By Peter Adams • May 3, 2019

Study: Shoppers turn to phones instead of store associates

Consumers rely on mobile devices to check product reviews and look for deals when they visit physical stores, a new report from RetailMeNot says.

By Lisa Rowan • May 3, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

How artificial intelligence is shaping retail

More retailers are leaning on AI as a tool, tapping into the tech to improve customer service and support supply chain functions.

By Retail Dive staff

Pokémon Pass app trades virtual rewards for Target visits

Players who visit select stores can scan a QR code with their smartphone to claim in-game creatures.

By Robert Williams • May 2, 2019

It’s about trust: Why Google, Instagram and Facebook want you to smile for the camera

Retailers and brands should be using pictures to capture sales and increase conversion, writes Performics' Burcu Agma.

By Burcu Agma • May 2, 2019

Amazon rebrands Souq

Souq has grown throughout the Middle East since the U.S. e-commerce giant bought it two years ago, and the name change is set to boost that.

By Daphne Howland • May 2, 2019

Facebook revamps apps with more DTC features while stressing privacy

Influencer sales features and lead-generation tools in Messenger come as the social giant prioritizes private groups and visual stories over the News Feed.

By Robert Williams • May 2, 2019

Foot Locker, Champion team up for esports apparel, in-store competition and streaming

Five esports teams will compete in a tournament on May 18 that will be broadcast on Twitch.

By Barry Levine • May 2, 2019

Amazon Key, Ford unlock in-car delivery

The e-commerce giant has been expanding its last mile offerings through Amazon Key, including in-car and in-garage deliveries.

By Matt Leonard • May 1, 2019

Shopify adds Facebook dynamic ads, Snapchat Story Ads

Merchants now have a broader selection of marketing tools to reach consumers who have shifted their viewing habits to social media.

By Laura Klepacki • April 30, 2019

Study: Instagram sponsored posts surge 150%

Walmart, Target, Nike, Sephora and Amazon rounded out the top brands mentioned in #ad-tagged posts.

By Robert Williams • April 30, 2019

Will the future of shopping be livestreamed?

The feature has gained widespread popularity overseas recently, and with more companies adopting the concept, will it take off in the United States? Eight experts share their thoughts.

By Caroline Jansen • April 30, 2019

Millennial and Gen Z shoppers are leading e-gift card adoption

Retailers have to make more progress with their omnichannel card offerings to keep up with younger consumer demands.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 30, 2019

Shopify fine-tunes POS for a new brick-and-mortar era

The commerce solutions company catches up to rivals with a new suite of tools designed with digital native brands' first stores in mind.

By Daphne Howland • April 29, 2019

Walmart reveals 1st 'intelligent' lab store

Equipped with cameras, sensors, interactive displays and major processing power, the souped-up Neighborhood Market aims to take efficiency and customer experience to new heights.

By Jessica Dumont • April 26, 2019

Down to Shop bets on custom video to sell products

The new shopping app invites customers to purchase while watching comedic videos about a daily featured product.

By Lisa Rowan • April 25, 2019

Retailers, tech companies team up to improve AR/VR

Target, Lowe's and Google are among the companies standardizing 3D shopping tech.

By Robert Williams • April 25, 2019

Walgreens, Kroger test cameras in aisles

The technology can read shoppers' age, gender, eye movements and moods to offer more personalized experiences, but privacy concerns abound.

By Lauren Manning • April 25, 2019

Alphabet's Wing Aviation gets FAA approval for drone delivery

The certification marks the first time a company in the United States has been given clearance to deliver commercial goods by drone.

By Matt Leonard • April 25, 2019

Tillys levels up esports push with in-store AR competition

Students from 1,200 high schools can win prizes by competing in an immersive mobile game at the retailer's locations.

By Robert Williams • April 23, 2019

No free returns? More than half of shoppers won't buy

Retailers need to step up their payments options, returns experience and product descriptions, according to a report by payments company Klarna.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 23, 2019

Decathlon trades registers for iPhones at new store

The sports retailer is opening its first full-scale store in California and will bypass traditional checkout for NewStore's mobile POS.

By Lisa Rowan • April 22, 2019

Adidas, Donald Glover drop short films for new shoe deal

The actor also used Apple's AirDrop feature to give away pairs of the new sneakers to Coachella attendees.

By Robert Williams • April 22, 2019

55% of US mobile users can’t live without cash

While cashless payments promise security and convenience, many businesses are reluctant because of higher costs and some lack of consumer interest, according to a recent study.

By Robert Williams • April 22, 2019

Facebook is building a voice assistant

The new technology will work with the company's AR/VR products including Portal smart displays and Oculus headsets.

By Robert Williams • April 18, 2019

Dote launches live shopping app parties

The new feature allows creators to broadcast to followers while shopping on the app.

By Lisa Rowan • April 18, 2019