Consumer Trends

Column

Retail Therapy: Cheetos Mac n' Cheese gives humans a ray of hope during apocalypse

The pasta comes in three flavor varieties and is made with "authentic Cheetos cheesiness." 

By Kaarin Vembar • Aug. 07, 2020

Sponsored by sticky.io

How retailers can succeed with subscription-based services

As brands look to capitalize on the demand for subscription-based services, a key aspect of retaining loyal customers hinges on creating an experience that deepens the customer and brand relationship.

Home Depot adds 3 warehouses as DIY demand grows

The pandemic has shifted consumer behavior and buying patterns, but it hasn't deterred the retailer from its plan to invest in its distribution network.

By Shefali Kapadia • Aug. 05, 2020

Sponsored by Rakuten Ready

What do consumers expect from a contactless experience?

How retailers can optimize a contactless experience to drive customer loyalty.

Column

Retail Therapy: Oskar Blues, French's brew up summer in a can

While absolutely nobody asked for it, the two brands teamed up to release a one-of-a-kind mustard-flavored beer.

By Caroline Jansen • July 31, 2020

Opinion

Top customer service considerations for retailers in a post-COVID world

The customer experience is one of the most critical touchpoints a retailer has with its customers, writes 7-Eleven's Jerry Campbell. 

By Jerry Campbell • July 30, 2020

Deep Dive

Can technology save bridal retail?

The pandemic pushed a traditional, high-touch segment of the industry to finally confront its hesitancy around digital services. 

By Kaarin Vembar • July 29, 2020

Sponsored by FedEx Office

The future of shopping safely

Whether you are reopening stores or rethinking your protocols, the right messaging is key.

Deep Dive

Back-to-school marketing takes on a somber tone under COVID-19, but carries key silver linings

Ads addressing activism, mental health and remote learning arrive in place of typically sunny seasonal fare, but they might resonate more with grounded Gen Z teens. 

By Peter Adams • July 28, 2020

Column

Retail Therapy: Starburst goes all-in on self-care

Leaning into the pink Starburst meme, the Mars Wrigley brand released a kit to help consumers feel like their best selves.

By Caroline Jansen • July 24, 2020

Walmart to expand health centers to Florida next year

The retail giant has expanded its healthcare presence during the pandemic and plans to open additional clinics in Georgia this year and possibly Chicago.

By Rebecca Pifer • July 24, 2020

How Ascena went bankrupt

The retailer went big in the new millennium, even as clothing sales growth shrank. Its Chapter 11 filing Thursday isn't just about the pandemic.

By Daphne Howland • July 23, 2020

Are subscription services viable across retail broadly?

With the possibility of new lockdown orders as COVID-19 cases surge, the model could boost sales online. But it may not be good for every sector.

By Caroline Jansen • July 21, 2020

Sponsored by AfterPay

Millennials and Gen Zers look to retailers for a more community-minded commerce experience

Brands need to continually demonstrate that they understand these young consumers’ life values and priorities if they want to win their trust and loyalty.

Column

Retail Therapy: Target, Zappos launch new collections with inclusivity in mind

The mass merchant brought back its adaptive Halloween costumes, while the shoe retailer is selling single shoes or shoes in differing sizes.

By Caroline Jansen • July 17, 2020

Why used clothing can survive the global health crisis

While 2020 hasn't seen the same volume of partnerships among resale platforms and retailers, analysts expect the market to continue to rise.

By Caroline Jansen • July 16, 2020

Is Walmart getting the customer it always wanted?

Stellar results during the COVID-19 pandemic and a new loyalty membership suggest it may be. But that could hamper its "everyday low prices" promise.

By Daphne Howland • July 15, 2020

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