Meitu taps Bretman Rock to curate virtual makeup looks

The augmented reality app uses proprietary facial recognition to map users' features to offer precise and natural virtual makeup application.

By Dan O'Shea • May 1, 2017

Softbank software reprograms robot Pepper for customization

The new software suite was designed with the non-technical user in mind and will let businesses customize Pepper without the need for expensive technical overhead, development or prowess.

By Dan O'Shea • May 1, 2017

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

Gap CIO stresses fast decision-making during technology transformation

Paul Chapman spoke at the Forbes CIO Summit about the organizational changes he's brought to the retailer's IT team, including integrating corporate and e-commerce IT resources.

By Dan O'Shea • April 30, 2017

Oracle adds chatbot, AI capabilities to customer experience suite

Leveraging mobile video and social messaging innovations, the suite facilitates better engagement with customers on marketing and service support fronts.

By Dan O'Shea • April 30, 2017

Starbucks brews growth with bet on mobile ordering and payments

The company said 1,800 of its U.S. stores had 20% or more of peak transactions from Mobile Order & Pay near the end of the quarter.

By Dan O'Shea • April 30, 2017

Bad bots represent 15.6% of e-commerce site traffic, skewing analytics

A Distil Networks report found that 94% of e-commerce sites are hit with bad bots that distort site traffic and prompt security concerns.

By Dan O'Shea • April 27, 2017

Boxed automates fulfillment center, retrains workers for new jobs

The e-commerce retailer has automated its New Jersey fulfillment center with robotics, a move expected to result in a six-fold productivity increase.

By Dan O'Shea • April 27, 2017

Tommy Hilfiger unveils European mobile app

The app features in-store item scanning, enhanced personalization using geo-fencing technology and the ability to shop from the brand’s Instagram feed.

By Dan O'Shea • April 27, 2017

Study: 89% of retailers will arm associates with mobile tech in next 3 years

About 84% of retailers will also use mobile point-of-sale systems in stores by 2020, according to new research from Boston Retail Partners.

By Dan O'Shea • April 27, 2017

Wal-Mart lowers money transfer fees, unveils mobile services

Starting next month, customers can access the mobile Bluebird2Walmart Money Transfer Service to send money for cash pick-up at Wal-mart store locations.

By Dan O'Shea • April 26, 2017

Amazon's Echo Look transforms Alexa into a personal stylist

The camera-equipped device allows users to track their outfit history and ask Alexa to assess their fashion choices.

By Dan O'Shea • April 26, 2017

MikMak ‘minimercials’ aim to turn retailers’ social media stories into sales

The startup creates infomercials that serve as transitions between when users click on retailers' Instagram and Snapchat posts and arrive at product pages.

By Dan O'Shea • April 25, 2017

Survey: Just 29% of retail employees can identify data security best practices

Retail employees scored poorly in many key risk areas, including identifying phishing attempts, safe social media use and incident reporting, according to a report from MediaPro.

By Dan O'Shea • April 25, 2017

Tulip Retail launches employee management platform, mobile app enhancements

The new features aim to help store managers increase productivity, create a stronger employee community and operate more efficient stores.

By Dan O'Shea • April 25, 2017

Dynamic Yield personalization engine aims to help retailers conquer mobile commerce

Mobile accounts for 60% of online traffic, but contributes to only 16% of purchases due to consumers being turned off by lackluster mobile shopping experiences, the company's research found.

By Dan O'Shea • April 24, 2017

Amazon rolls out third-party subscription marketplace

The e-commerce giant is courting sellers of subscription services to use its "Subscribe with Amazon" marketplace to leverage Amazon product search, recommendations and other tools.

By Dan O'Shea • April 24, 2017

Report: Amazon at work on secret driverless vehicle project

The e-commerce giant is reportedly exploring how it can leverage driverless vehicle technology, which could have significant ramifications for logistics and fulfillment. 

By Dan O'Shea • April 24, 2017

Shopify launches B2B channel support, automated flash sales management

The new capabilities include support for a wholesale storefront and a platform to help merchants manage digital flash sale and event-oriented marketing campaigns.

By Dan O'Shea • April 23, 2017

Mastercard tests biometric, EMV payment authentication

The company said it has conducted multiple tests in South Africa of a payment card equipped with biometric security as an extra layer of consumer protection.

By Dan O'Shea • April 23, 2017

Adidas rolls out more shoes made from recycled ocean plastics

The athletic apparel and footwear company unveiled new editions of UltraBOOST, UltraBOOST X and UltraBOOST Uncaged through its Parley for the Oceans partnership.

By Dan O'Shea • April 23, 2017

Invertex rakes in $2M in seed funding to grow footwear technology

The fashion technology startup uses 3D digitization and other technologies to allow brands to produce and sell measure-to-fit footwear.

By Dan O'Shea • April 20, 2017

Target innovation chief to depart amid strategy pivot

Casey Carl is stepping down as the big-box retailer aims for innovations that can have a near-term impact on its business. 

By Dan O'Shea, Daphne Howland • April 20, 2017

Google Home’s voice recognition gets an edge over Alexa

Google Home's Assistant can now support up to six users and distinguish between their voices, a capability that Amazon's Alexa has yet to pick up.

By Dan O'Shea • April 20, 2017

Report: Macy's RFID effort boosts sales, fulfillment

The store's effort to tag all items by the end of 2017 is already paying off through lesser inventory variance, fewer markdowns and greater display compliance.

By Jennifer McKevitt • April 20, 2017

Pinterest, Michaels partner on trend-inspired DIY kits

The "Make It Kits" are inspired by crafts trending on the social media platform and include all the supplies needed to make the projects.

By Dan O'Shea • April 19, 2017