Belk harnesses AI to manage inventory

As the department store used SAS Analytics to square orders with demand, margins improved, Vice President Tim Carney said at the NRF's Big Show.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 16, 2020

Stein Mart introduces 'smart button' for BOPIS shoppers

Aimed at connecting pick-up customers and associates, the move is the retailer’s latest effort to revamp its operations and customer experience. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 16, 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

Holiday shoppers spent more than $50B via smartphone

Mobile accounted for 84% of the season's e-commerce growth, according to a new report by Adobe. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 16, 2020

Lily AI secures funding to expand personal recommendation tech

The startup raised $12.5 million to understand consumers' preferences and how they feel when they shop.

By Kaarin Moore • Jan. 15, 2020

Walmart opens cashierless store in Florida

The Neighborhood Market location features the Check Out With Me service and expanded self-checkout lanes with employees on hand to assist.

By Lauren Manning • Jan. 15, 2020

Microsoft tailors collaboration tools to underserved front-line workers

At Mattress Firm, the shift to Microsoft Teams responded to an organic adoption of communication platforms from front-line employees, said CIO Jon Sider.

By Roberto Torres • Jan. 15, 2020

H&M's AI operation helps make its supply chain more sustainable

With precisely honed demand forecasts, supply chains can use only the resources they need and no more.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 15, 2020

How Starbucks uses AI to counter mobile’s isolating effect

At NRF's Big Show, CEO Kevin Johnson shared why the chain is embracing artificial intelligence to compensate for some of mobile's downsides.

By Chantal Tode • Jan. 14, 2020

Walmart expands robots to 650 additional stores

That brings the tech to 1,000 total locations, but a spokesperson noted that the company views robots as "assistants to the associates and their jobs."

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 14, 2020

Sephora, Rent the Runway aim to unlock social’s growing commerce opportunity

Executives at NRF's Big Show detailed how they're leveraging ambassador networks to drive growth via shoppable offerings on platforms like Instagram.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 14, 2020

In-store mobile tech draws repeat shoppers, study finds

However, payment apps remain much less popular than credit and debit cards for brick-and-mortar payments.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 14, 2020

Smart speaker ownership hit 60M US adults in 2019

While voice tech is becoming steadily popular, people are much more likely to use commands on a phone than with a speaker, research suggests.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 10, 2020

Visa, Mastercard hold fast to gas stations' chip-card deadline

Fuel retailers were given an extra five years to upgrade to EMV technology, but 70% of convenience store owners in a survey said they still haven't done so.

By Dan Ennis • Jan. 10, 2020

5 predictions for the future of retail

Emerging technologies continue to drive digital disruption and customer experience is fast becoming the new currency, writes Gartner's Robert Hetu.

By Robert Hetu • Jan. 9, 2020

Google boosts Assistant with device scheduling and text reading tech

Expanded features aim to make Assistant more useful to consumers, a key goal as voice commerce and the market for smart home appliances swell. 

By Robert Williams • Jan. 8, 2020

Sally Beauty recruits influencers in brand, app upgrade

The retailer's new motto, "Unleash Your PROtential," highlights its goal of helping consumers with salon-quality makeovers at home.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 8, 2020

Almost all retail apps leak personal data, security firm warns

Until retailers' apps can be trusted, consumers should delete them from their phones, according to mobile security firm NowSecure.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 7, 2020

Amazon broadens in-car services with major Alexa expansion

The e-commerce giant is collaborating with carmakers, gas stations and tech firms to give drivers more voice-powered services.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 7, 2020

Cadillac, Amazon showcase cloud-based car shopping concept at CES

The collaboration uses tech to deliver personalized and 3D interactive experiences throughout the car buying journey.

By Dianna Christie • Jan. 7, 2020

Neutrogena’s Skin360 app ditches hardware with new AI features

Powered by Perfect's YouCam, the updated app lets smartphone users scan their face and get personalized recommendations without camera attachments.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 6, 2020

Sneakers, cosmetics among top US holiday purchases

A new report from Afterpay found that nearly 80% of seasonal shoppers used mobile devices — an increase of 12% from 2018. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 6, 2020

Nearly half of consumers would pay more for a better shopping experience

Despite improved digital tech, retailers are struggling to deliver coherent encounters with brands, according to an Accenture study.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 2, 2020

E.l.f. Cosmetics boosts clicks via personalized recommendations

The company saw a 17.6% increase in mobile menu clicks after personalizing the experience based on users' past shopping behavior, according to a report.

By Lisa Rowan • Jan. 2, 2020

Majority of consumers want retailers to offer a digital receipt option

Paper slips are falling out of favor as shoppers become more environmentally conscious, according to a Green America survey.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 2, 2020

Cybercriminals latest retail target? Loyalty programs

Failing to protect reward program data can drive customers to more secure competitors.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 2, 2020