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

Explore the Trendline➔

Digital innovation and technology trends in retail

Generative AI and TikTok Shop have replaced the metaverse and NFTs as the hot topics of the day — here’s a look at how brands are using them.

By Retail Dive staff

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

[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 • 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

Overcoming the barriers to omnichannel by recognising that one size doesn’t fit all

Omnichannel success lies in tailoring strategies to customer needs, not relying on a one-size-fits-all approach

By Andreas Bicking, Global Head of E-commerce and Returns, DHL Supply Chain • Jan. 20, 2026

Sephora to dedicate curated spaces to K-beauty rival Olive Young

The effort is part of the Korean beauty retailer’s global expansion, which includes opening its first U.S. stores later this year.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 20, 2026

Top loyalty trends for 2026: Driving profit, not just participation

How brands are rethinking loyalty to drive real growth, not just member sign-ups.

Jan. 20, 2026

Walmart: This year, AI tinkering ‘becomes transformation’

A year from now, customers will look back and realize just how much has changed about the shopping experience, Walmart’s Daniel Danker predicts.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 15, 2026

What 10 retail executives have to say about AI

Executives from Dick’s Sporting Goods to Macy’s offered insights as the industry grapples with integrating the new tech into their operations.

By Dani James , Caroline Jansen • Jan. 15, 2026

‘You have to be willing to challenge everything’: VF Corp leaders discuss turnaround progress

Executives from Vans, The North Face and Timberland laid out their plans for evolution while maintaining each brand’s heritage.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 14, 2026

Five Below CEO Winnie Park reflects on one year at the helm

The Forever 21 veteran redefined the retailer’s target customer, simplified its pricing structure and is eyeing more changes to product assortment.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 13, 2026

6 retail trends to watch in 2026

From pricing dynamics to the shifting state of malls, here are the trends we’ve got our eye on in 2026.

By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 8, 2026

US e-commerce spend reached nearly $258B over the holidays

Adobe Analytics data found consumer spending grew 6.8% compared to 2024, with buy now, pay later usage reaching a new high.

By Dani James • Jan. 7, 2026

Visa, Mastercard track roughly 4% US holiday retail sales growth

The 2025 holiday season saw consumers shopping across channels to land the best deals and maximize convenience, according to new reports. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 6, 2026

What shaped retail’s holiday season in 2025

It was a year of AI-generated gift recommendations, tariff upheaval and increased financial stress on shoppers.

By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 6, 2026