UPDATE Amazon slashes shipping fees on small packages

Marketplace sellers will pay about 67% less to ship small, light items like USB cables and smartphone screen protectors.

By Daphne Howland • June 16, 2016

Instacart tries its hand at BOPIS with pickup-only option

The online grocery service is experimenting with in-store pickup options in tandem with partners including Whole Foods.

By Dan O'Shea • June 15, 2016

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

FAA may fine Amazon $350k over unsafe hazmat handling

The Federal Aviation Administration alleges that Amazon has a history of violating hazardous materials regulations.

By Daphne Howland • June 14, 2016

Staples launches Rush same-day delivery service in 8 cities

The service will initially cost $14.99, although the company says the price point could change.

By Daphne Howland • June 14, 2016

9 experts on the state of 'buy online, pick up in-store'

Many retailers are adding the service to their omnichannel offerings, even if it's not 100% efficient—yet.

By Kelsey Lindsey • June 13, 2016

NRF: Port volumes still weak as retail inventories hold steady

Volume should be up by the back-to-school and holiday seasons, according to the NRF.

By Daphne Howland • June 8, 2016

Wal-Mart testing same-day delivery with startups Uber, Lyft, Deliv

The trials will begin within the next two weeks in Denver and one other market, Wal-Mart said.

By Daphne Howland • June 3, 2016

Target halts curbside pickup program

Target said it will shift its focus to “retail fundamentals” and tech initiatives that are experiencing greater success, like its Cartwheel app and other omnichannel services.

By Daphne Howland • June 2, 2016

Target's strict new supplier guidelines 'myopic,' experts say

Vendors who fail to provide complete and accurate product information could incur fines as high as $10,000.

By Daphne Howland • May 31, 2016

Study: Retailers' omnichannel efforts leave customers wanting

A recent study found that 17% of retailer apps displayed in-store inventory quantities, and just 7% attempted to save the sale when there’s friction. 

By Daphne Howland • May 27, 2016

Report: E-commerce growth driving rush for warehouse space

Retailers are racing to catch up with Amazon and its mass of warehouses scattered across the country.  

By Daphne Howland • May 25, 2016

Report: Amazon on the hunt for freight management tech

Start-ups say they’ve been approached by Amazon to license or sell their technology, which could be a boon to its freight ambitions but maybe not to its marketplace sellers.

By Daphne Howland • May 19, 2016

How retailers can use curbside pickup to build customer loyalty

When done right, curbside pickup could bring back customers who never make it past a retailer's front door.

By Daphne Howland • May 18, 2016

Report: Warehouse rents spiking due to e-commerce growth

E-commerce and omnichannel commerce are pushing premium warehouse rents skyward, especially in areas where same-day delivery is rampant.

By Daphne Howland • May 17, 2016

Is the Staples/Workbar partnership the answer to retail's real estate glut?

The problem of excess retail property is growing. Staples' novel solution: Partner with startup Workbar to offer co-working spaces.

By Daphne Howland • May 16, 2016

Wal-Mart takes aim at Amazon Prime with free two-day shipping

The new regional delivery network hinges on a range of shipping partners and eight e-commerce warehouses positioned across the U.S.

By Daphne Howland • May 12, 2016

EBay, FedEx partner to expand valet services to sellers

EBay Valet Drop-Off enables customers to bring items to FedEx Office locations, where staffers pack them up and ship them off to an eBay processing center to be listed, sold and mailed to the buyer.

By Daphne Howland • May 11, 2016

Amazon pledges same-day delivery to all urban neighborhoods after outcry

Amazon also said it will provide service in all zip codes whenever launching same-day delivery in additional markets moving forward.

By Daphne Howland • May 9, 2016

American Apparel launches campaign to source American-made accessories

The effort seeks leather goods, canvas goods, footwear, jewelry, paper goods, fragrances and small home furnishings from U.S. vendors.

By Daphne Howland • May 6, 2016

Amazon expands delivery horizons with Atlas Air cargo deal

The cargo airline granted Amazon warrants to acquire up to a 30% stake in the company.

By Jason Ankeny • May 5, 2016

Report: Target plays hardball with vendors to speed up supply chain

Vendors will face tougher penalties for late deliveries or faulty product information as Target moves to correct supply chain problems.

By Daphne Howland • May 5, 2016

Recipe for success: Creating retail-host restaurants that resonate with shoppers

As retailers vie for customers and deal with excess space, many are turning to food and beverage concessions to drive traffic. But some stores may be biting off more than they can chew.

By Daphne Howland • May 2, 2016

UPS earnings rise on growing e-commerce shipper demand

The impressive earnings report comes amid speculation that Amazon will enter the shipping space. 

By Jason Ankeny • April 28, 2016

Shyp adds $5 fee to return deliveries

Like other delivery services, the startup is likely feeling the pressures of waning venture capital interest.

By Daphne Howland • April 26, 2016

Amazon reportedly shuttering MyHabit flash sales unit

But another channel for apparel sales could be useful now that Amazon has entered the category.

By Daphne Howland • April 22, 2016