Reuters: Amazon's new packing robots to replace workers

An Amazon spokesperson stated the technology is intended to increase safety, speed up delivery times and add efficiency across its network. 

By Emma Cosgrove • May 14, 2019

Instagram unveils curated @shop account to showcase online merchants

The new account will feature community trends including fashion, beauty and home decor.

By Robert Williams • May 13, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Digital innovation and technology trends in retail

Generative AI and TikTok Shop have replaced the metaverse and NFTs as the hot topics of the day — here’s a look at how brands are using them.

By Retail Dive staff

Nike runs shoppable Snapchat lens to support women’s soccer

On May 9 only, fans could virtually try on team jerseys and make direct purchases ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup next month.

By Robert Williams • May 10, 2019

Study: Chatbots to drive $112B in retail sales by 2023

Retailers that don't adapt will face strong challenges from more technologically adept disruptors, Juniper Research warns.

By Robert Williams • May 9, 2019

Nike aims for perfect shoe fit with tech rollout

The mobile app feature scans customers' feet to tell them what size shoe they need, and lays the groundwork for future fit personalization.

By Cara Salpini • May 9, 2019

Square acquires AI firm Eloquent Labs

With the addition, the payment company aims to offer its small business users another tool once reserved for larger companies.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 8, 2019

Google Search upgrades AR and Lens features

The tech giant showed how New Balance let mobile users virtually try on shoes after searching for them online as part of its I/O developer conference.

By Robert Williams • May 8, 2019

Amazon Go store in NYC is the 1st to take cash

The 12th location is taking old-fashioned currency while cities across the country consider bans on cashless stores to protect low-income shoppers.

By Ben Unglesbee • May 8, 2019

Tech beyond tech's sake

The new intersection of customer experience is between retail and omni-channel.

By Laurent Vernerey • May 7, 2019

Google tests shoppable recommendations in YouTube videos, The Information reports

Nike and Ulta Beauty reportedly have tested the ad unit that lets consumers buy from the Google Express marketplace, unnamed sources told the publication.

By Robert Williams • May 6, 2019

NBCUniversal tunes into commerce with ShoppableTV

Viewers scan televised QR codes, which directs them to a brand's website to make a purchase.

By Robert Williams • May 6, 2019

Google launches call service CallJoy for small businesses

The company's cloud-based agent is targeting millions of independent companies that need to answer their customers' phone inquiries.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 6, 2019

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

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