AI recommendations are leading to returns

The problem may not have to do with the technology itself, but rather the product description data, according to a new report.

By Nicole Silberstein • Nov. 3, 2026

Holiday shoppers only want a dash of AI for the gift hunt

Price comparisons and narrowing down gift ideas are some of the ways consumers are using AI this season. But maintaining autonomy in the buying process remains important to shoppers.

By Dani James • Nov. 3, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

How artificial intelligence is shaping retail

More retailers are leaning on AI as a tool, tapping into the tech to improve customer service and support supply chain functions.

By Retail Dive staff

Consumers want to feel the holiday spirit. A good store experience can help.

Minimizing fuss, helping customers keep their holiday traditions alive and righting any problems that come up will be key goals this year.

By Bryan Wassel • Nov. 2, 2026

Walmart dishes up holiday meal deal

The retailer's offering for 2026 can feed 10 people for $35 and includes 18% more items than its bundle last year.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Nov. 2, 2026

Your catalog may already be visible to AI agents. Making it trustworthy is the next step.

Three barriers hinder agentic optimization. Discover how AI agents evaluate products and sway shoppers.

Nov. 2, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Roots CEO exits, the FTC zeroes in on price

The chief executive stepped down following the outdoor retailer’s go-private deal. Meanwhile, the agency has been focused on how retailers set prices.

By Retail Dive Staff • Oct. 30, 2026

Most consumers aren’t using AI for product discovery, yet

Retailers should consider the quality of their metadata to prepare for a predicted upswing in AI usage, new research finds.

By Nicole Silberstein • Oct. 29, 2026

The Backroom: Dynamic pricing and the anxious consumer

With the holidays approaching, consumers are zeroed in on price now more than ever — and Walmart is taking the heat.

By Retail Dive Staff • Oct. 29, 2026

Consumer confidence edges up on decline in gas prices: Conference Board

“The mood among consumers remains pretty bleak,” Pantheon Macroeconomics Chief U.S. Economist Samuel Tombs said.

By Jim Tyson • Oct. 29, 2026

5 of the biggest retail horror stories of 2026

From Nike’s turnaround setbacks to Chip Wilson’s battle with Lululemon, the spookiest sights weren’t found on retailers’ shelves this year.

By Caroline Jansen • Oct. 27, 2026

CVS wants to sell more Pokémon, collectibles

The pharmacy retailer is expanding its assortment of toys and collectibles as adults fuel growth in those segments. 

By Kaarin Moore • Oct. 26, 2026

Genre bookstores are having a moment — especially in Chicago

From romance to horror, genre readers are done settling for just a few shelves. Now they are coming for the entire store. 

By Kaarin Moore • Oct. 26, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Torrid CFO exits and Belk secures financing

Paula Dempsey will leave the apparel retailer next month. The department store, meanwhile, will use some of its new funds for seasonal inventory.

By Retail Dive Staff • Oct. 23, 2026

Why customers are fed up with AI chatbots

Few things will cause a customer to immediately request — or demand — a live agent like a bot that misunderstands them.

By Matt Vartabedian • Oct. 22, 2026

Teen spending up 6% as they trade athletic apparel for fashion

While footwear was down and traditional athletic brands lost share, Target and brands including On gained ground, per a survey from Piper Sandler.

By Lara Ewen • Oct. 21, 2026

Target touts holiday bargains as consumers stress out about their finances

The offer includes what the mass merchant calls “luxe-for-less gifting.” But with apparel and home in turnaround mode, its strongest category is toys.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 21, 2026

Shoppers expect less for more this holiday season. That could mean a sales decline.

Some of the latest projections suggest spending could drop, but even those that predict growth recognize consumers are pressured.

By Dani James • Oct. 20, 2026

NRF forecasts 4.2% holiday sales growth, muted seasonal hiring

Spending may top $1 trillion as consumers grapple with higher prices.

By Dani James • Oct. 19, 2026

Why retail is positioned to win the flexible credential opportunity

Shoppers juggle debit, credit and BNPL. Here’s why retail is poised to win with one flexible card.

Oct. 19, 2026

Halloween without candy? What shoppers are cutting from budgets this year

Nearly two-thirds of shoppers plan to skip some purchases this year, including staple items like costumes and candy, a new LendingTree survey finds.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 16, 2026

Moody’s upgrades retail and apparel outlook as tariffs ease

The firm now expects “solid household finances” to lead to more stability in the sector, although rising energy costs and geopolitical risks are still a factor.

By Lara Ewen • Oct. 14, 2026

Where has the aspirational luxury consumer gone?

High-end brands have raised their prices in the post-pandemic economy. They’re selling less in part because fewer consumers can afford them.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 13, 2026

Gen Z, Gen Alpha and the AI-ificiation of retail this holiday season

AI is “rewiring” the brains of today’s youth, at the same time that they’re craving physical experiences. Can retailers strike the right balance?

By Cara Salpini • Oct. 13, 2026

Tariffs pushed up consumer goods prices by 2.9 percentage points: NY Fed

Consumer expectations for inflation rose for the second straight month to the highest level since May, the University of Michigan said Friday.

By Jim Tyson • Oct. 12, 2026

Nearly half of shoppers are worried about affording holiday gifts this year

Concerns about the job market, as well as personal and household debt, are affecting how much consumers plan to spend this season, per an ICSC report.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 9, 2026