Google gears up for drone delivery by 2017

The move comes as retailers from Amazon to Wal-Mart explore these unmanned aircraft systems as the answer to instant package delivery.

By Barbara Thau • Nov. 4, 2015

Google says goodbye to would-be first NYC store

The tech company is subleasing a SoHo space it already spent $6 million to renovate.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 4, 2015

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

Amazon aims to use Black Friday to boost Prime membership

The retailer opened its Black Friday Deals store Monday with an added perk for Amazon Prime members.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 3, 2015

Retailers sweetening the pot to attract holiday workers

With fewer workers looking for part-time season work, retailers are offering better wages and more hours to get the staffing they need.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 2, 2015

Amazon delivery workers file suit over employment status

Drivers for Amazon Prime Now last-mile deliveries say that they’re being treated like employees except when it comes to compensation, benefits, and protections.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 2, 2015

Wal-Mart's holiday strategy doesn't include free shipping

The retailer won’t be joining Target and others in offering free shipping, or even a lower minimum, on holiday orders.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 30, 2015

Resale startup Poshmark launches wholesale portal

CEO-co-founder Manish Chandra said the expansion into new merchandise will be a boon to brands and the site.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 29, 2015

Amazon may develop its own private-label clothing lines

The site is having some trouble expanding its fashion sales.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 29, 2015

Outdoor Research follows REI, to close on Black Friday

Another Seattle-based outdoor retailer, owned by former Nordstrom CEO and heir Dan Nordstrom, calls REI’s move “monumental.”

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 29, 2015

Drivers file suit against Prime Now fulfillment partner

The California class action suit could have vast repercussions for same-day deliveries. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Oct. 28, 2015

Shippers outline plans to avert holiday delivery snafus

Year-long communication with retailers and last-minute hiring plans should enable UPS and FedEx to handle a predicted surge in holiday e-commerce.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 28, 2015

FedEx predicts shipments to surge this holiday season

The shipping company will beef up workforce to handle record volume increases in the era of online shopping.

By Barbara Thau • Oct. 27, 2015

Wal-Mart seeks permission to test delivery drones

Wal-Mart’s application comes as companies are pressuring the FAA to establish rules for the commercial use of drones.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 27, 2015

REI to close on Black Friday (Yes, Black Friday)

The outdoor and sportswear retailer, a privately held co-operative, has launched the hashtag #OptOutside to coincide with its decision. 

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 27, 2015

Is Amazon a shipping company?

Amazon is a retailer and a tech company. But its innovative and often superior fulfillment in many ways makes it a shipper, too.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 26, 2015

UPDATE: Target to offer free holiday shipping, again

Free shipping is an expensive but critical way to keep holiday consumers from shopping elsewhere.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 26, 2015

Two years after Rana Plaza, garment factories in Bangladesh remain unsafe

Quartz reports that fire hazards and structural weaknesses in buildings still remain.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 26, 2015

Wal-Mart streamlining stores, targeting higher-income shoppers

But the question remains: Is all that going to help Wal-Mart meet its new goals?

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 26, 2015

Cabela's rethinking expansion

The outdoor and hunting gear retailer said Thursday it’s slowing its expansion after finding that its new superstores are stealing sales from existing stores.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 23, 2015

Amazon weighing package delivery via newspaper couriers: WSJ

The expense of delivery has become a particular thorn in Amazon's side.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 22, 2015

Bucking the trend, Amazon boosting holiday hiring by 25%

While many retailers are keeping their holiday hiring even with last year, Amazon will add 100,000 seasonal jobs. 

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 21, 2015

TPP could speed up Vietnam-based apparel manufacturing

But could that create a “retail funk” in China?

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 20, 2015

UPS targets marketplace sellers with new fee

The shipper will now assess a 2.5% surcharge on third-party shipments. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Oct. 19, 2015

Retailers speeding up holiday shipments to avoid past delays

Robots and algorithms are shaving off fulfillment time in and out of the warehouse as e-commerce orders are expected to rise this holiday season.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 19, 2015

Ikea CEO admits company was late to e-commerce

The Swedish retailer wants to quintuple its e-commerce business in five years.  

By Ian P. Murphy • Oct. 15, 2015