Best Buy swaps Intel concessions for Alienware gaming zones

The electronics retailer is rolling out Alienware PC Gaming Experience zones where customers can test out new games and ask specialists questions.

By Daphne Howland • March 8, 2017

Virginia passes first US law outlining rules for delivery robots

Officials worked with delivery robot maker Starship Technologies to gather input on the legislation, which imposes speed and weight restrictions.

By Dan O'Shea • March 5, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

The state of retail returns

Retailers of all sizes are streamlining operations so customers can have a smooth return experience. 

By Retail Dive staff

Report: Retailer demand for massive warehouses slows

Rents, however, aren’t really falling and remain at a premium for increasingly desirable spaces close to urban centers.

By Daphne Howland • March 3, 2017

Wal-Mart sparks grocery price war to compete with Aldi

The retail giant is testing a pricing policy in some 1,200 U.S. stores in an effort to fend off redoubled competition from no-frills German grocery companies.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 27, 2017

Drizly draws another $2M for its alcohol e-commerce ambitions

The startup will use the money to create new features for its platform, enter more markets within the U.S. and develop recommendations tools.

By Dan O'Shea • Feb. 26, 2017

Gildan to keep some American Apparel manufacturing in US

But overseas factories will also be used in order to make lower price points possible, Gildan CFO Rhodri J. Harries told analysts.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 24, 2017

Survey: Digital transformation 2017's top priority for many retailers

Just over 50% of respondents have either not defined or not started implementing a digital transformation strategy, though progress varies by region.

By Dan O'Shea • Feb. 23, 2017

UPS testing drones that launch from delivery vehicles on routes

The HorseFly octocopter can carry a 10 pound package, fly for 30 minutes and recharge its power supply while docked on the roof of a package delivery vehicle.

By Dan O'Shea • Feb. 21, 2017

Alibaba, offline giant Bailian team up on far-reaching retail tech initiative

The companies will leverage big data capabilities to boost integration between offline stores, merchandise, logistics and payment tools to improve efficiency and enhance consumer experience.

By Dan O'Shea • Feb. 20, 2017

Retail CEOs sit down with President Trump on border tax

The immediate reaction from executives like Target's Brian Cornell and AutoZone's Bill Rhodes was positive, said a RILA spokeswoman.

By Corinne Ruff • Feb. 15, 2017

Bipedaled Cassie the latest robot to enter package delivery race

Agility Robotics' two-legged robot could be positioned as a home delivery vehicle for retail and other industries.

By Dan O'Shea • Feb. 12, 2017

L.L. Bean rethinking signature shipping, returns policy

The retailer is contemplating major changes that could impact its brand, including revoking the return and shipping policies that have given the company a glow of friendly customer service.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 10, 2017

Gartner: Drone delivery market to remain tiny through 2020

Logistical issues still need work and companies need more proof of return on investment before they make more of a commitment, according to a new market forecast.

By Dan O'Shea • Feb. 9, 2017

FedEx targets SMB sellers — and Amazon — with inventory storage and fulfillment service

Businesses using the new FedEx Fulfillment e-commerce platform will be able to store their products at the shipper's warehouses.

By Dan O'Shea • Feb. 7, 2017

Report: Amazon developing two-story grocery store staffed by robots

The prototype store's top level would install robots to pick out goods to bring to shoppers, while the lower floor would offer produce and other items that consumers tend to prefer to choose themselves.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 6, 2017

Amazon building $1.5B Prime Air cargo hub near Cincinnati

The Hebron, KY facility will create more than 2,000 jobs dedicated to loading, unloading and sorting packages.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 1, 2017

Banana Republic embraces 'See now, buy now' for New York Fashion Week

While many designers are showing their fall collections, the struggling brand is tapping style influencer Olivia Palermo to present spring fashions in February.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 31, 2017

Amazon patents package packing robot to speed shipment prep

The e-commerce giant already has at least 45,000 robots working in its supply chain alongside human employees.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 29, 2017

H&M to debut 'see now, buy now' collection at Paris Fashion Week

As fashion houses like Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo and Tom Ford speed up their supply chains, fast fashion is getting even faster.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 27, 2017

Wal-Mart spared additional damages in trucker overtime suit

A jury awarded the drivers $55 million back pay, but a U.S. District Judge on Wednesday declined to award further damages, saying the retailer didn’t willfully break California wage laws.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 26, 2017

Amazon sails into ocean freight forwarding business

The move could allow Chinese factories a more direct path to American consumers — which would also present major challenges to Amazon's U.S.-based Marketplace sellers.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 26, 2017

Postmates edges into on-demand alcohol delivery

Customers in San Francisco and Los Angeles may order beer, wine and spirits from a range of participating local liquor stores, and their purchase is delivered in 25 minutes or less. 

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 25, 2017

Trump vows 'very major' border tax if manufacturing moves abroad

The president called on executives including Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank to devise a plan to increase U.S. manufacturing.

By Corinne Ruff • Jan. 24, 2017

Flirtey lands $16M in new funding to feed drone delivery ambitions

The startup has already demonstrated its delivery capabilities in partnership with 7-Eleven, but it now faces more competition in the space.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 19, 2017

5 technologies reshaping retail in 2017

Robotics and drone delivery are just two of the innovations poised to wield greater influence on retail operations this year.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 19, 2017