Google lines up an army of assistant-enabled products

The tech company is throwing its virtual assistant into heated competition with Amazon's Alexa, with plans to put Google Assistant into many new products.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 10, 2018

Amazon’s Alexa strategy hinges on everyday items — even toilets

The company is determined to stay ahead of Google Assistant, and it's getting Alexa into as many products as possible in the process.  

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 10, 2018

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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

10 tips for getting the most out of NRF's Big Show

A smartly planned trade show can be the difference between retail transformation and spinning wheels, writes independent consultant Christopher Walton.

By Christopher Walton • Jan. 9, 2018

Walmart expanding ‘Scan & Go’ mobile checkout to 100 more stores this month

The retailer's pilot program is addressing consumer demand for a faster front-end experience while also keeping pace with rivals Amazon and Kroger.

By Pamela DeLoatch • Jan. 9, 2018

Toyota partners with Uber, Amazon, Pizza Hut to roll out 'flexible' vehicles

The alliance of brands unveiled a concept car this week at CES that can quickly switch from delivery truck or mobile store to ride-sharing vehicle.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 9, 2018

5 ways to win with Gen Z shoppers

Causes, convenience and calls to action are helping brands successfully court the youngest demographic, writes Oded Edelman of Signet Jewelers. 

By Oded Edelman • Jan. 9, 2018

6 trends that will define mobile marketing in 2018

The future will come into clearer focus during a year that is likely to see budgets grow, major acquisitions and newer sub-channels reaching critical mass.

By Chantal Tode • Jan. 9, 2018

Retailers prepare for ‘the second coming of QR codes’

The technology is poised to grow, with 1.3 billion mobile QR code coupons redeemed last year and 5.3 billion expected by 2022, according to a new study from Juniper Research.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 9, 2018

Mobile tech in stores could boost sales by nearly 150%

Despite significant obstacles, developing mobile services is one of the best areas of investment for retailers, according to a new study.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 9, 2018

Finish Line seeks an edge in merchandising revamp

Between its own stores and online efforts, Finish Line has been grappling with a complex multi-channel inventory challenge. 

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 8, 2018

Amazon unveils Alexa development kit for mobile accessories

The company's next frontier for Alexa looks to be Bluetooth-connected headphones, smart watches and fitness devices.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 8, 2018

Neutrogena set to debut mobile SkinScanner

The tech innovations keep on coming from the beauty sector, as Neutrogena prepares to unveil a skin-scanning smartphone accessory.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 8, 2018

NRF 2018: Pop-up goes high-tech

As pop-up stores become more prevalent, the ability to provide the kind of technology, connectivity, and digital shopping experience customers experience from online retail is crucial. 

Jan. 6, 2018

Forrester: Mobile will drive 69% of search ad growth by 2022

Google faces more competition from Amazon as smartphone users increasingly look for products directly on the online retailer's app.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 5, 2018

AI startup draws $37M investment

Rubikloud's big funding payday is just another indication of how deeply AI is working its way into retail.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 5, 2018

Amazon cooks up Alexa-enabled microwave plan

Alexa may soon work its way into microwave ovens as Amazon unveils ways for appliance makers to integrate skills that activate cooking functions.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 5, 2018

5 ways to boost your fraud prevention game

Online businesses collectively lose $30-60 billion every year due to fraud, writes Michael Manapat​ of Stripe. Here's what you can do about it.

By Michael Manapat • Jan. 4, 2018

Study: Amazon Echo owners are big spenders

Customers who use the smart speaker spend 66% more than average.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 4, 2018

Amazon patent brings ‘blended reality’ mirror into view

A new patent hints at how the online retailer could move beyond the virtual try-on applications of its Echo Look.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 4, 2018

7 trends that will disrupt and define retail in 2018

From renewed investment in brick and mortar to a growing appetite for acquisitions, here's what to expect in the year ahead. 

By Corinne Ruff , Ben Unglesbee , Laura Heller , Cara Salpini • Jan. 4, 2018

NYC is marketers’ playground as out-of-home experiences swing high

From a sparkling water event that stoked the senses to a pop-up forest in Times Square, brands cavorted around the Big Apple throughout 2017. 

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Jan. 4, 2018

New malware injection technique poses retail risk

The bad guys keep finding new ways to get past the good guys, as a new malware injection technique aims to escape retailers' detection efforts, according to cybersecurity company Cyberbit.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 3, 2018

Amazon reportedly mulling CPG ads for Alexa

The company has been discussing the possibility with Proctor & Gamble and Clorox, and the move would be a big change for Alexa users.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 3, 2018

Forever 21 confirms POS breach captured customer card data

The incident, which was first discovered in November, compromised an unspecified amount of data and was due largely to device encryption being turned off.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 3, 2018

Can Google Home take on Amazon’s Echo in 2018?

Venture capital firm Loup Ventures foresees a year of growth for Google's smart speaker despite Amazon’s early domination of that sector.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 3, 2018