Walmart hosts virtual summer camp, drive-in movies to keep families entertained

Through experiences powered by its mobile app, the retailer aims to connect with parents trying to keep their kids engaged this summer.

By Dianna Christie • July 7, 2020

Amazon plans more Go Grocery stores

The retailer will open cashierless stores in the Seattle area and Washington, D.C., and plans to open supermarkets in California and the Chicago area.

By Jeff Wells • July 7, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

What's shaping the e-commerce landscape?

From recent statistics on e-commerce growth to the Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuit against Amazon, here are some of the forces impacting online retail.

By Retail Dive staff

Walmart's front-end experiment adds service to self-checkout

The retailer is testing customer-operated checkout stations, with cashiers serving as "hosts" to assist shoppers at a Fayetteville, Arkansas, store. 

By Sam Silverstein • July 7, 2020

Francesca’s plans first mobile app

The retailer is creating its debut application for iOS and Android amid financial woes that have been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 6, 2020

Amazon Pay launches ‘Smart Stores’ in India

The technology allows local shops to establish digital storefronts and provides contactless payment options. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 2, 2020

David's Bridal names new chief technology officer

The appointment of Danny Luczak comes on top of a slew of tech features the retailer has rolled out in recent months.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 1, 2020

Giant Food merges e-commerce services into updated platform

As savvy consumers demand better online experiences, retailers will need to streamline their digital presence to offer easier shopping. 

By Jessica Dumont • June 30, 2020

Tanger Outlets debuts virtual shopping service

While its physical locations are beginning to reopen, the feature provides an option to consumers who may not feel comfortable in stores. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 30, 2020

Google extends free product listings to search results

Free listings for brands and retailers are part of the search giant's increased push into e-commerce.

By Robert Williams • June 30, 2020

Lululemon snaps up at-home workout platform Mirror for $500M

Analysts hailed the move as synergistic for both companies, especially considering the appeal of virtual workouts during the pandemic.

By Daphne Howland • June 30, 2020

Bollé unleashes sunglass try-on experience on Instagram

The AR feature has a viewpoint for each camera on a smartphone, and helps customers find nearby retailers that carry the brand.

By Robert Williams • June 30, 2020

Nike anticipates layoffs as it accelerates digital strategy

The job cuts are not related to losses incurred by the pandemic, a company spokesperson said, and savings will be reinvested in the retailer's priorities.

By Cara Salpini • June 29, 2020

Microsoft to close its physical stores

The tech giant is investing in its online channels while transitioning to virtual customer services.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 29, 2020

Snapchat’s first shoppable show will sell streetwear

The platform's original programming also includes a makeup competition show that features AR try ons.

By Robert Williams • June 26, 2020

Sonos to lay off 12% of workforce

The company is also temporarily cutting executive pay to trim costs while it copes with the economic uncertainty brought on by the pandemic.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 25, 2020

Ikea debuts platform for testing home design experiments

The furniture retailer has enlisted various designers and studios to explore new ways to use home and living spaces.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 25, 2020

David's Bridal introduces virtual appointments via Zoom

The bridal retailer released the latest in a series of technological services it's leveraging to connect with consumers. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 25, 2020

Giant Food adds electric vehicle charging stations

The chain will allow customers at select stores to charge plug-in vehicles for free while they shop.

By Sam Silverstein • June 24, 2020

Sephora launches on Instagram checkout with over 80 brands

The partnership demonstrates the growing importance of social commerce, especially as companies attempt to reach young consumers.

By Cara Salpini • June 24, 2020

How to prep reverse logistics for an upcoming 'flood of returns'

Technology and warehouse worker safety are critical as state reopenings could prompt an uptick in retail returns.

By Jen A. Miller • June 24, 2020

Mastercard partners with installment payment company Splitit

The move will propel the platform across Mastercard's global merchant and customer base.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 23, 2020

Study: Shopping apps boost engagement during pandemic

The cost to acquire a shopper who completed a first purchase plunged by more than half from last year to $19.47.

By Robert Williams • June 23, 2020

North Face, Patagonia, REI boycott Facebook after calls from civil rights groups

Others have since joined the #StopHateforProfit campaign, which seeks to pressure the social network to be more aggressive in removing hate speech.

By Robert Williams • Updated June 24, 2020

Google unveils shoppable video ads for YouTube

In tests, Aerie generated sales conversions that were nine times better than its traditional media mix and saw return on ad spend 25% higher than a year prior.

By Robert Williams • June 23, 2020

David’s Bridal, Popwallet partner for marketing via mobile wallets

The effort will allow customers to obtain offers and deals directly on their smartphones.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 22, 2020