What last year’s receipts say about the year ahead

Retail wasn’t out of style in 2025, shoppers simply chose more carefully. See the trends that filled bags, emptied shelves, and set the tone for retail’s 2026 runway.

March 9, 2026

Tariff refunds: Court provides first step with liquidation order

The Court of International Trade on Wednesday directed Customs and Border Protection to remove defunct tariffs when finalizing non-liquidated entries.

By Phil Neuffer , Antone Gonsalves • March 5, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Retail Dive

From Target’s path forward under a new CEO to the retailers most vulnerable to bankruptcy, here’s a look at the stories shaping the industry.

By Retail Dive staff

‘Target is not an everything store’: CEO

The retailer unveiled its multiyear turnaround plan, which includes an additional $1 billion operational investment and revamps of some private labels.

By Dani James • March 4, 2026

How Brooks Brothers is refreshing the oldest apparel brand in the US

Marisa Thalberg, chief customer and marketing officer at Catalyst Brands, details how the “Make It Yours” campaign transforms the brand’s positioning.

By Chris Kelly • March 4, 2026

[Podcast] Decoded: The New Consumer

This podcast uncovers how AI, influencers, and shifting consumer habits are reshaping the future of retail.

By Retail Dive's studioID • March 4, 2026

Premium toys drive US toy market rebound

Shoppers have turned away from more affordable options in favor of toys at higher price points, according to Circana.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 27, 2026

The Backroom: Walmart and Target are not the same

The team discusses how different the companies are, despite ushering in new executive leadership at the same time.

By Retail Dive Staff • Feb. 26, 2026

Lowe’s cuts jobs, issues cautious guidance amid sector pressures

Despite better-than-expected revenue, CEO Marvin Ellison said “consumers are reluctant to make significant investments in their homes” right now.

By Caroline Jansen • Feb. 25, 2026

US e-commerce sales to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030

Though shoppers are projected to spend more online, over 70% of retail sales will still come from stores, according to a Forrester report. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 24, 2026

The fractured, fragile US consumer

There are various reasons why spending in the U.S. remains strong despite low consumer confidence, and it’s not just about having higher incomes.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 24, 2026

Walmart grocery penetration reaches record-breaking 72%

This significant uptick and the overall momentum of mass retailers and dollar stores are fueled by ongoing financial insecurity among U.S. shoppers, according to a new report. 

By Peyton Bigora • Feb. 23, 2026

Supreme Court invalidates Trump tariffs based on emergency powers

In a 6-3 decision, the court rejected President Trump's claim that a 1977 law gave him the authority to impose broad tariffs globally.

By Antone Gonsalves • Feb. 20, 2026

Walmart furthers gains with higher-income shoppers

The retailer released a conservative outlook as lower-income households remain stretched, with CEO John Furner saying some spend “paycheck to paycheck."

By Dani James • Feb. 19, 2026

Why brands need to optimize their mobile apps and websites for AI

Brands have built their digital experiences on Google’s search algorithm, but that needs to change as consumer behavior evolves, experts say.

By Michael Brady • Feb. 18, 2026

Outcomes are table stakes. How brands deliver them is the advantage.

How performance is expanding beyond transactions in commerce media

By Saket Mehta, CRO at Nift • Feb. 17, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Tree Hut’s Gen Alpha brand — and will Lululemon’s new training line hit?

The body care company is launching “Splash” to appeal to a younger audience, while the activewear brand is pushing past its latest leggings snafu to debut a new fabric.

By Retail Dive Staff • Feb. 13, 2026

What December retail sales say about consumers in 2026

Shoppers are likely to keep spending, but even luxury consumers are wary.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 12, 2026

Fewer consumers are shopping online on a daily basis

The number of consumers who turn to e-commerce daily has declined 12 percentage points from last year, with in-store shoppers on the rise.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 11, 2026

The latest evolution at Victoria’s Secret is an expanded T-shirt bra line

According to Victoria’s Secret Brand President Anne Stephenson, the retailer has updated craftsmanship and is leaning into products that are both comfortable and sexy.

By Dani James • Feb. 11, 2026

What to watch in retail in 2026

From the trajectory of the department store segment to the rise of generative AI, here’s what Retail Dive is keeping an eye on this year.

By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 30, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Valentine’s Day spending to top $29B, Merit to raise prices

Consumers are budgeting roughly $200 on gifts for the holiday, per NRF, while the beauty brand is increasing prices on select products.

By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 30, 2026

Private label sales set another record in 2025

Shoppers spent just under $283 billion on store-brand products last year, up 3.3% compared with 2024, the Private Label Manufacturers Association reported.

By Sam Silverstein • Jan. 26, 2026

Retail’s risky AI commerce bet

As retailers race to meet consumers on external AI platforms, they risk losing data and direct interaction with shoppers. Experts say disruption has only just begun.

By Dani James • Jan. 26, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Reebok teams with Karol G and will January storms ice out retail sales?

The activewear brand signed a multiyear deal with the Colombian artist, while analysts speculate upcoming weather could slow spending.

By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 23, 2026

Cautious consumers shunned big-ticket items last year

Higher tax refunds could lift discretionary spending in 2026, but the labor market is the biggest factor, according to Bank of America Institute research.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 21, 2026