Consumer Trends

Column

Retail Therapy: Burger King brews up the perfect combo

In partnership with Danish craft brewer Mikkeller, the fast-food chain created a nonalcoholic beer, The King's Cup, to serve in Denmark and Sweden.

By Caroline Jansen • July 10, 2020

Back-to-school spending holds steady this year at $28.1B

But the shopping season is fraught with anxiety and uncertainty amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to two Deloitte surveys.

By Daphne Howland • July 09, 2020

Department stores miss out on Fourth of July consumer attention

Specialty retailers, while giving off-price retailers a run for their money, leaned on promotions to sway shoppers, according to Wedbush analysts.

By Daphne Howland • July 07, 2020

Deep Dive

Will the protests be a turning point for diversity in athletics retail?

The backlash and resulting action at top sportswear brands is a microcosm of an issue that's being tackled with renewed force in every area of retail.

By Cara Salpini • June 30, 2020

Column

Retail Therapy: Lush UAE develops a product to make hand washing a breeze

The cosmetics brand created a soap designed to dissolve in 30 seconds, which it will provide for free across Dubai through a partnership with Deliveroo.

By Caroline Jansen • June 26, 2020

Drugstores got a lift as essential retailers, but what's next?

Analysts say CVS could benefit the most from the sales boosts in recent months as consumers flock to stores for health care and everyday items.

By Daphne Howland • June 25, 2020

Podcast

The Backroom: Tracking retail sales numbers in a pandemic

In this episode, the team discusses how Retail Dive reports monthly sales numbers and what those figures signal about the industry's future.

By Caroline Jansen • June 25, 2020

Back to school? Maybe

As summer rolls on, the COVID-19 pandemic promises to interfere with one of retail's most important shopping seasons.

By Daphne Howland • June 24, 2020

Resale market predicted to reach $44B in 2029

A recent survey from ThredUp indicates more consumers may turn to used goods as they look to save cash. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 23, 2020

Sponsored by Oracle

3 strategies to lead through the "New Next"

Help retailers plot a steady course and find their way through uncharted territories.

By Mike Webster, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Oracle Retail • June 22, 2020

Column

Retail Therapy: Busch takes inspiration from Willy Wonka in latest campaign

The beer maker launched a contest where fans could win a $5,000 outdoor vacation if their Busch-branded puzzle features a golden can.

By Caroline Jansen • June 19, 2020

Do brands still care about sustainability amid the pandemic?

As the coronavirus took hold, companies were forced to shift their attention to more immediate needs. Eight experts weigh in on what that means long term.

By Caroline Jansen • June 17, 2020

About a third of consumers are shopping at pre-COVID-19 levels. They're just doing it online.

A PYMNTS.com report found that, while some consumers have transitioned purchases to digital channels, a larger number haven't made any shifts.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 16, 2020

Deep Dive

Consumers want retailers to do the right thing

Storytelling is how brands connect with customers. As protests lead to widespread demands for change, they must prove they're selling more than fairy tales.

By Daphne Howland • June 15, 2020

Black-owned beauty brands in the spotlight

Campaigns led by Black entrepreneurs are pushing retailers and brands to take action beyond their "Black Lives Matter" social media posts.

By Daphne Howland • UPDATED: June 12, 2020 at 4:06 p.m.

Column

Retail Therapy: Boy Smells releases 'genderful' collection

The candle and intimate apparel brand created a collection in celebration of Pride month with proceeds going toward The Trevor Project.

By Caroline Jansen • June 12, 2020

Apparel margins take a hit as retailers face a new future

Reopenings are boosting clothing sales due to pent-up demand, but specialty and department stores will keep some doors shut for good.

By Daphne Howland • June 10, 2020

Reopening in the home category

From single-use slipcovers over furniture to appointments for shopping, retailers in the space must navigate how to resume operations.

By Caroline Jansen • June 02, 2020

Brick and mortar's next chapter

The pandemic is forcing retailers to finally define just what their stores are for.

By Daphne Howland • June 01, 2020

Column

Retail Therapy: Ben & Jerry's new drop is out of this world

The ice cream brand this week unveiled a new flavor, Boots on the Moooo'n, to coincide with the release of the Netflix comedy, "Space Force."

By Caroline Jansen • May 29, 2020

The incredible shrinking department store

The COVID-19 pandemic has made certain that the century-old retail model will never be the same. Which ones survive, and what will they look like?

By Daphne Howland • May 28, 2020

Walmart joins long line of retailers partnering with resale site ThredUp

The retail giant is selling the secondhand goods only online but will take returns in stores.

By Daphne Howland • May 27, 2020

Financial anxiety persists as health concerns ease

More U.S. consumers feel safe going to the store, and are spending on wants as well as needs. But many also worry about losing their jobs, Deloitte found.

By Daphne Howland • May 26, 2020

Column

Retail Therapy: Chipotle, American Eagle reimagine Prom night

To coincide with a prom afterparty, the fast-casual chain teamed up with cosmetics brand E.l.f to release a makeup line inspired by its burrito.

By Caroline Jansen • May 22, 2020

Sponsored by Neustar

Now is the time for retailers to get consumer data right

Now is the time to implement a strategy that ensures that customer information on file is consolidated, complete, and dynamically updated.

By Dave Krasinski • May 19, 2020