Consumer Trends

Nectar teams up with Mattress Warehouse

The move points to a larger trend of direct-to-consumer companies in the space partnering with legacy retailers with a brick-and-mortar presence.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 23, 2019
Only 14% of consumers influenced by in-store VR/AI tech

A study by Oracle NetSuite found that there is a disconnect between retail technology and consumer needs.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 16, 2019
Walmart and VC firms see two paths for DTC brands

Brands either need to be a consumer phenomenon like Warby Parker, or they need to fit into a larger portfolio, like the one that Walmart is building.

By Corinne Ruff • Jan. 16, 2019
Study: 73% of consumers want self-service technology

A SOTI survey finds that as new tech sweeps through stores it's changing customer attitudes about engaging with staff.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 15, 2019
Holiday shoppers spent twice as much in physical stores than at Amazon

Consumers like being able to see what they're buying, and BOPIS shoppers bought extra, according to International Council of Shopping Centers research.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 14, 2019
'The right decisions are never tough decisions:' Retail execs on taking a stand

Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods and Levi Strauss provided examples at NRF 2019 of how to lead with conscience.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 14, 2019
Diversity and inclusion take center stage

Executives from Ikea, P&G, Bonobos, Rebecca Minkoff and other brands share their thoughts on what needs to be done to reach equality in the workplace.

By Corinne Ruff • Jan. 14, 2019
Column
Retail Therapy: The Court rules in favor of this fashion statement

Thanks to Banana Republic, we can all feel a bit more "notorious."

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 11, 2019
Deep Dive
5 trends that will define retail marketing in 2019

From loyalty programs to bolder ad campaigns, here's what's in store for the coming year and what it means for retailers.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 09, 2019
Sponsored
How AI is assisting the comeback of brick & mortar retail

Brick-and-mortar stores aren’t going away completely. Technology is allowing online retailers to invest in physical shops.

By Ryan Lester, Director of Customer Engagement Technologies, LogMeIn
Study: 57% of shoppers use retailer mobile apps in-store

Mobile is being used in-store, but could it be used for more?

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 08, 2019
Deep Dive
10 retail trends to watch in 2019

From store concept advancements to an e-commerce reckoning, the Retail Dive team takes on predictions for the year ahead.

By Daphne Howland , Corinne Ruff , Cara Salpini , Kaarin Vembar , Caroline Jansen • Jan. 07, 2019
Holiday spending sleighs

Consumer confidence and prepared retailers made the perfect partnership for a strong retail season.

By Kaarin Vembar • Jan. 04, 2019
Column
Retail Therapy: Louis Vuitton wants toy maker to cut the crap

While it may seem painfully obvious that the slime-filled, poop-shaped toy purse isn't designer, the luxury brand filed a complaint for good measure.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 04, 2019
RBC: About 41% of Americans now own smart speakers

2018 was a big year for smart speaker adoption by consumers, but that doesn't mean voice commerce is exploding yet.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 03, 2019
Gift cards' true value: A post peak season inventory rush

Gift card sales are growing and can be a goldmine if pricing and inventory are on point.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Jan. 02, 2019
58% of retail sales will be influenced by digital by 2023

A new Forrester report finds an increasing number of all purchases are influenced by digital capabilities like mobile search and online marketplaces.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 02, 2019
5 stories that shaped retail tech in 2018

While there have been several technological advancements this year, a select few stood out as game changers in the category.

By Caroline Jansen • Dec. 21, 2018
5 stories that shaped retail marketing in 2018

Some stories — and trendlines — stuck out more than others, both because of their impact at the time and for what they say about other moves in the space.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 21, 2018
Column
Retail Therapy: 6 trends and travesties that plagued 2018

While the year has brought many unwelcome products, we are thankful for one thing: the $100,000 Louis Vuitton toilet that'll flush them all away.

By Corinne Ruff , Cara Salpini • Dec. 21, 2018
Deep Dive
How Bonobos is growing up under Walmart's wing

Since CEO Micky Onvural took over in September, she says "Nothing has changed, but everything has changed."

By Corinne Ruff • Dec. 20, 2018
3 trends that pushed beauty retailers to new heights in 2018

As a category, beauty is often highlighted for its fresh retail approach, and this year was a big one for renovations and revamps.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 19, 2018
More US consumers ditching cash for cards, mobile

Paper currency could be on its way out in the U.S., but a cashless society is not yet in sight.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 18, 2018
12 news stories that shaped retail in 2018

From Sears and Mattress Firm's bankruptcies to Walmart's $16 billion Flipkart buy, here's a look back at the biggest news from the last 12 months.

By Corinne Ruff • Dec. 18, 2018
Nearly 70% of marketers to use Instagram in 2018

Marketers are increasing their use of both Instagram and Snapchat, though the latter falls in much lower, at 28% on the year.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 17, 2018