Crowdfunding: Not just for Kickstarter anymore

There are numerous reasons why more retailers are choosing to use crowdfunding or pre-ordering when developing products, and it's not just about the money.

By Daphne Howland • July 16, 2015

Gap partners with Virgin Hotels for a new take on room service

Virgin Hotels guests can now order Gap merchandise to their rooms from a button on Virgin’s website.

By Daphne Howland • July 13, 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

8 perspectives on Wal-Mart's controversial new supplier costs

How will Wal-Mart's recent charges to suppliers affect both its business and relationships with vendors? Industry watchers weigh in. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • July 13, 2015

Dick's creates 'All American Center' with Field & Stream store

The retailer seems to have taken note of the boost its web sales get from physical stores.

By Daphne Howland • July 13, 2015

Growing number of luxury brands starting to move into e-commerce: report

Upscale brands are wading into e-commerce as their customers demand it. And that poses some unique logistical challenges, according to McKinsey & Co.

By Daphne Howland • July 9, 2015

Startup aims to expedite global shipping for new gadgets, fashions

The two Australians who started Big Apple Buddy know first-hand how hard it can be for shoppers to obtain the latest goods abroad. 

By Daphne Howland • July 9, 2015

Prompt delivery key to endorsing peer reviews: survey

87% of orders that were delivered in five days or less pleased customers enough that they helped market retailers' brands, according to a survey.

By Daphne Howland • July 9, 2015

West Coast ports still hurting from port slowdowns

The ports lost significant business to East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, but things are picking up.

By Daphne Howland • July 7, 2015

Best Buy adds store-within-a-store for Samsung home appliances

The electronics retailer and the South Korean device and appliance maker seem to be reaching a certain level of synergy.

By Daphne Howland • July 2, 2015

How a recall can actually help — and not just hurt — a retailer's brand

By alerting customers to product quality issues in a timely manner, retailers can enhance customer loyalty and even help their brand image.  

By Daphne Howland • July 1, 2015

Curbside looks to expand after $25M funding round

The buy online, drive-by pickup service will expand to New York City and other markets.

By Ian P. Murphy • June 29, 2015

Delivering convenience: The keys to buy online, pickup in store

Retailers still face a slew of hurdles, from inventory management to consumers' ballooning expectations. 

By Ian P. Murphy • June 25, 2015

Congress agrees to 'fast-track' trade agreement

Because of its Asia focus, the Trans-Pacific Partnership will have a significant impact on apparel retailers and others that source and manufacture merchandise there.

By Daphne Howland • June 25, 2015

Zulily breaks no-return policy

The return program, which remains unofficial, is still quite limited compared to other online retailers.

By Daphne Howland • June 25, 2015

Logistics costs poised to spike on capacity, driver shortages: report

The costs could be exacerbated by any rise in interest rates, according to an annual report from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals.

By Daphne Howland • June 24, 2015

USPS testing grocery delivery in New York City

The pilot program is similar to USPS' partnership with AmazonFresh in San Francisco. 

By Daphne Howland • June 23, 2015

Instacart offers some contractors employment status

The move comes on the heels of a well publicized ruling last week that an Uber driver should have been compensated as an employee.

By Daphne Howland • June 23, 2015

What the California Uber ruling means for same-day delivery

The California Labor Commission recently ruled that an Uber driver must be reimbursed more than $4K because she's an employee, not an independent contractor. Here's how that could affect retailers. 

By Daphne Howland • June 18, 2015

FAA to issue rule on commercial drone flights within a year

Amazon Prime Air could take flight as early as next summer. 

By Ian P. Murphy • June 18, 2015

Petco now offers same-day delivery with Instacart

The retailer will offer 13,000 items for delivery in 14 cities. 

By Ian P. Murphy • June 18, 2015

California Labor Commission: Uber driver not a contractor

This ruling, though just one case that is under appeal, is widely seen as a serious threat to Uber’s basic business strategy as well as others that depend on the so-called demand economy.

By Daphne Howland • June 18, 2015

Amazon looking into crowdsourcing deliveries

The Wall Street Journal reports that the e-retail giant is developing an app that could call on ordinary people running errands to make deliveries.

By Daphne Howland • June 17, 2015

UPS acquires insurer of precious items

Parcel Pro specializes in jewelry, watches, collectibles. 

By Ian P. Murphy • June 16, 2015

Fast Retailing to integrate channels in the cloud

Accenture will help the Uniqlo parent create a seamless customer experience. 

By Ian P. Murphy • June 15, 2015

Amazon trying out Prime two-day 'ship-from-store'

The move could greatly boost the number of items eligible for Prime’s two-day shipping.

By Daphne Howland • June 15, 2015