Study: Global chatbot market to grow 24.4% in next 4 years

Still, the lack of awareness and standardization are major impediments to mainstream traction.

By Robert Williams • July 2, 2018

Snapchat expands commerce to influencers, partners with Kylie Jenner

This comes after a tweet from the reality TV star in February caused Snap's stock to drop $1.3 billion.

By Robert Williams • July 2, 2018

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

Apple reportedly exploring bundle for video, news and music

Multiple subscriptions are the bane of many consumers’ lives, and Apple’s rumored plan to consolidate these may ease that pain and grow revenues.

By Dan Alaimo • June 29, 2018

Walmart adds 3D shopping tool to drive e-commerce

Two new features designed to grow sales in the key home furnishings category are aimed at small space dwellers, just in time for back to college shopping. 

By Dan O'Shea • June 28, 2018

What b8ta has figured out about retail

The startup says it's unearthed a new purpose for brick and mortar. Its Macy's partnership provides a chance to scale but could test the limits of the concept.

By Daphne Howland • June 28, 2018

Driverless grocery store ready to roll out pilot in two markets

Robomart will test six mobile markets in California that shoppers can summon with their phone — and when it arrives, they can pick produce and snacks. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 28, 2018

Retail IT execs struggle to get budget for innovation

Almost 90% of IT decision makers across industries are having trouble getting budget buy-in to pursue innovation goals, according to a new survey.

By Dan O'Shea • June 27, 2018

EMarketer: Mobile makes up 70% of retailers’ digital ad spend

The industry's investment in mobile ads is expected to rise 23.6% this year to $16.33 billion.

By Robert Williams • June 27, 2018

Amazon teams with Amex for small business credit card

This news comes three months after Amazon was reportedly in talks with JPMorgan Chase and other banks about launching a small business credit card.

By Dan O'Shea • June 27, 2018

Staples buys business solutions company HiTouch

Both Staples and rival Office Depot are elevating business services as office supply retail fades.

By Daphne Howland • June 27, 2018

XPO launches AR tool to help retailers increase cost savings

The new tool will preempt returns of goods bought online and help retailers better meet consumer demands.

By Kate Patrick Macri • June 27, 2018

B8ta snags $19M in funding round led by Macy's

The startup’s total funding to date is $39 million and the new infusion will help grow operations, including its new Macy's partnership.

By Daphne Howland • June 27, 2018

Shopping via voice gains momentum

A new report found 26% of smart speaker users have purchased by voice command, and 16% make monthly purchases using the technology.

By Dan Alaimo • June 27, 2018

Liquidation startup B-Stock snags $65M investment

The company has been profitable for a decade as the complicated logistics and a flood of returned merchandise grow along with e-commerce.

By Daphne Howland • June 26, 2018

Venmo rolls out debit card

A year after reports claimed such a move was on the table, the payments service is allowing users to make purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

By Dan O'Shea • June 25, 2018

JD.com rakes in $24B from self-made shopping holiday

The Chinese e-commerce company's festival sales increased by 37% this year, challenging the success of Amazon's Prime Day and Alibaba's Singles Day.

By Dan Alaimo • June 25, 2018

Shopify rolls out messaging app for merchants

Store owners can now interact with customers through social media, their online storefronts, email and more in the same interface.

By Robert Williams • June 25, 2018

PayPal plans to buy fraud fighter Simility

Through its latest startup acquisition, the payment company snagged a machine-learning based anti-fraud platform to help round out its capabilities.

By Dan O'Shea • June 24, 2018

Major funding round underscores growth of aisle-scanning bots

Bossa Nova Robotics raised an additional $29 million, bringing its total to $70 million after Walmart expanded the technology to more stores.

By Alicia Kelso • June 22, 2018

Google Assistant debuts ‘Continued Conversation’ feature

The update allows for more natural conversation with Google's voice assistant — a feature that Amazon has been working on for Alexa as well.

By Dan Alaimo • June 22, 2018

Japan’s Mercari marketplace app poised for US growth

The flea market app has been compared to eBay and Craigslist, and is poised to challenge both as it expands in the U.S. and raises billions through an IPO.

By Dan O'Shea • June 21, 2018

Too many third-party features slow e-commerce sites

Adidas AG, The Men's Wearhouse and Ulta Beauty had the best site performance, according to a new study, but third-party features increased by 50%, dragging others down.  

By Dan O'Shea • June 21, 2018

Under the sea: Microsoft's submarine data centers

Cloud vendors are already using wind and solar solutions to conserve energy consumed by their servers. The next frontier, however, is in the ocean's waves. 

By Samantha Schwartz • June 21, 2018

Dollar General testing mobile checkout in 10 stores

With its DG GO! scan-and-go app, the retailer may be the first in the extreme low-price segment to try out the technology.

By Dan Alaimo • June 21, 2018

Walgreens plans big tech office in downtown Chicago

The Old Post Office was one of the sites offered to Amazon, but now Walgreens plans to consolidate and expand its tech operations in the landmark building.

By Dan Alaimo • June 20, 2018