California approves Nuro's driverless vehicles to begin testing

Cities across the U.S. were seeing an uptick in interest in delivery robots and vehicles even before COVID-19 confined many people to their homes. 

By Chris Teale • Updated Dec. 29, 2020

Grocers are wait-listing shoppers to cope with e-commerce demand

Amazon is putting new online grocery customers in a queue, while companies like ShopRite have installed virtual lines to manage site inflow.

By Jeff Wells • April 14, 2020

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

Builder.ai launches pre-packaged apps for small businesses

The company is among the latest to release technology aimed at bolstering independent businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 14, 2020

Walmart’s grocery app downloads reach record highs

The retailer saw 460% growth in daily downloads, according to App Annie, while Amazon's growth by comparison was 20%. 

By Jessica Dumont • April 14, 2020

PayPal, Square, Intuit approved to participate in coronavirus relief program

The ability to provide the loans is a major step for fintechs, which have been lobbying Congress for weeks for the opportunity to assist in the program.

By Anna Hrushka • April 14, 2020

Instacart aims to add flexibility, speed up grocery delivery

One new feature lets shoppers opt for the first available delivery time while another lets them place orders up to two weeks ahead. 

By Jessica Dumont • April 13, 2020

Pinterest adds new ‘shop’ tabs and curated style guides

The social platform made several upgrades to encourage shopping through its search function, as well as through user pins and boards.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 9, 2020

Kroger will use checkout technology to limit customer traffic

The grocer will use its QueVision system to monitor store levels and make sure it doesn't exceed 50% capacity.

By Jeff Wells • April 9, 2020

Ingka Group, owner of Ikea, acquires 3D, visual AI tech firm

The company will tap into Geomagical Labs' vision-based technology for Ikea’s website and app. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 8, 2020

Consumers aren’t adopting mobile wallets, even during the pandemic

A PYMNTS.com study conducted in March found that mobile wallets accounted for a small portion of eligible transactions, despite the coronavirus outbreak.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 7, 2020

Consumers spent more than $23.4B via app stores in early 2020

As consumers stay inside to curtail the spread of COVID-19 they’re spending more time on their smartphones, according to a new report.   

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 7, 2020

Indyme unveils social distancing device as coronavirus changes in-store experience

The company released a camera-like tool that uses audio cues to remind shoppers to keep six feet apart.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 2, 2020

Walmart expands contactless options for in-store shopping, pickup, delivery

Streamlining in-store checkout technology is one way the retailer is responding to consumer concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 2, 2020

Startup Fast raises $20M to streamline e-commerce checkout

The Series A funding round was led by Stripe with the aim to accelerate the rollout of its Fast Checkout technology. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 2, 2020

YouCam Makeup gives beauty brands free AR sampling tech

Beauty brands can list up to 100 products in the augmented reality app through July 31 as part of the complimentary program.

By Robert Williams • March 31, 2020

Pinterest upgrades merchant services as shopping searches jump

The platform updated its "conversion insights" to help retailers see more information about its effect on website visits, checkouts and sales.

By Robert Williams • March 31, 2020

E.l.f. Cosmetics remixes TikTok song for COVID-19 awareness

With the "Eyes. Lips. Face. Safe." video, the beauty brand demonstrates hand washing and social distancing measures to help curb the spread of the virus.

By Robert Williams • March 31, 2020

7-Eleven offers free delivery for app users

A contactless delivery option is available for consumers taking advantage of the temporarily waived fees during the coronavirus pandemic.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • March 31, 2020

B8ta announces corporate layoffs and store associate furloughs

The company is the latest to feel workforce fallout due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • March 26, 2020

Shopping platform Streetify offers free digital storefronts amid coronavirus outbreak

The virtual commerce platform will be free for one year for retailers in the U.S. trying to find ways to deal with the spread of COVID-19.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • March 26, 2020

Analysts on CDPs and their quest to become more intelligent

Marketers increasingly expect AI capabilities to meet their business objectives, and while CDPs hold promise, it is unclear that they alone provide the solution.

March 25, 2020

Nike offers workout app for free as COVID-19 keeps people indoors

The sportswear brand also revamped its messaging to urge people to work out while in isolation.

By Robert Williams • March 24, 2020

AxleHire introduces no-touch tech for delivery signings

The move comes as consumers practice social distancing and shift to online shopping.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • March 24, 2020

Instacart plans to hire 300K additional shoppers

The decision will double the company's number of gig workers over the next three months to meet ongoing demand during the pandemic.

By Jessica Dumont • March 24, 2020

FutureProof Retail donates mobile checkout tech during pandemic

The company is offering its line-free tech to essential retailers as a means to promote social distancing amid the COVID-19 outbreak. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • March 23, 2020