The New Black Friday: What the early numbers say about retail's big weekend

From sales to online traffic, retail observers can learn a lot from recent numbers behind this year's Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • Dec. 3, 2014

L.L. Bean, Amazon, Saks most responsive Black Friday weekend

It was a mixed bag at retailers' call centers over the Black Friday weekend.

By Karen Talley • Dec. 3, 2014

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

Simon Property Group and eBay create 'connected mall'

EBay and mall manager Simon Property Group have rolled out a digital directory aimed at upping the shopping experience.

By Karen Talley • Dec. 3, 2014

FTC suit against Amazon will go forward

A U.S. District Court Judge said that the suit over hefty in-app purchases by children can go forward.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 3, 2014

Feds turn to antiquated law to open locked iPhones

Civil liberties advocates are alarmed that federal judges have agreed that the All Writs Act of 1789 can compel companies to unlock their customers’ smartphones.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 3, 2014

FBI issues malware warning after massive Sony breach

The malware overrides all data on hard drives, preventing a reboot.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 3, 2014

Wal-Mart says cyber shopping soars over the weekend

The retailer saw record numbers of online traffic and sales in the five days following the Thanksgiving holiday. 

By Karen Talley • Dec. 2, 2014

The 9 biggest hits and misses of Cyber Monday and Black Friday

Retailers were on edge with reports that Black Friday sales fell precipitously. But, thanks in part to mobile, things may not be what they seem.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 2, 2014

Cyber Monday social conversations focus on 'deals' and 'sales'

Though strong early in the Thanksgiving weekend, Cyber Monday social media mentions dropped on Sunday. 

By Karen Talley • Dec. 2, 2014

Cyber Monday sales up 8.1%: IBM

Mobile traffic and sales were up significantly, as they were throughout the Thanksgiving Day weekend.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 2, 2014

Wal-Mart expanding 'Grab and Go' lockers in Canada

The program is part of the retail giant’s overall strategy to boost its e-commerce efforts.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 1, 2014

Mobile helps boost Black Friday web sales

It's clear that mobile is big this year, with mobile sales outpacing Thanksgiving Day computer web sales for the first time ever.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 1, 2014

Best Buy website crashes twice over shopping weekend

The mortifying outages prompted one analyst to laud the electronics retailer for being so busy.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 1, 2014

Is Cyber Monday just a myth?

Cyber Monday is a concept that has been around for more than a decade. But is it the monumental shopping day consumers think it is? 

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 29, 2014

Twitter launches Twitter Offers: Discounts claimed through tweets

Users can send the tweeted discounts directly to their credit or debit card after linking it with Twitter.

By Kelsey Lindsey • Nov. 26, 2014

Amazon introduces local services marketplace

The e-retailer has unveiled a marketplace where consumers can connect with local professionals like handymen or auto mechanics.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 26, 2014

eBay pulls same-day delivery app

EBay CEO John Donahoe said same-day delivery is not a “sweet spot” for the online marketplace.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 24, 2014

Wanelo launches 'Buy on Wanelo' with 200 retailers

Urban Outfitters and Nasty Gal are among the retailers that can now sell directly from the social media shopping site's app.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 24, 2014

Retailers giving back this holiday season

For many retailers, it’s not just about racking up sales during this do-or-die time of year.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 24, 2014

Zappos opens first brick-and-mortar store

The e-commerce retailer has opened a 20,000 square-foot pop-up store near its Las Vegas headquarters.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 21, 2014

Apple may preload Beats on iPads and iPhones

Sources say the tech giant is negotiating to offer Beats music streaming service at half its monthly fee, but that may not fly with music labels.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 20, 2014

Holiday online sales could jump 16%: report

ComScore is optimistic about holiday retail sales, saying its research finds “American consumers ready to open their wallets.”

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 18, 2014

CVS opening health care innovation lab

The Boston-based hub will help the retailer expand its health care ventures with digital media and other technology development.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 18, 2014

Forrester: Mobile payments will almost triple in volume by 2019

Research shows that Apple Pay is helping usher in an age of mobile payments that many have been waiting for.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 18, 2014

Sears introduces in-store reservation feature

Shop Your Way customers can now have their local Sears store set aside merchandise through the retailer’s app or website.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 18, 2014