Inflation hits 3.8%, outpaces wage growth for first time in 3 years

Wary consumers may finally pull back on spending amid broad price hikes. “The squeeze is real,” Navy Federal Credit Union Chief Economist Heather Long said.

By Daphne Howland • May 12, 2026

Consumer spending is healthy, but gas prices remain a risk

Higher-income shoppers have kept retail sales healthy, but the economic impact of the war in Iran presents an unknown, according to industry analysts.

By Dani James • May 11, 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

Grocery shoppers are trading down to lower-priced retailers, report finds

Rather than just seeking cheaper brands, more shoppers are planning to switch retailers entirely, opting for less expensive stores, Alvarez & Marsal found. 

By Catherine Douglas Moran • May 11, 2026

Your terminal already knows what your best customers want. Are you listening?

Sales data shouldn’t just reflect the past—it should drive smarter decisions for the future.

May 11, 2026

Walmart, Costco poised to win amid unfavorable retail environment

Moody’s is maintaining a negative outlook for the industry in 2026 as high prices and dwindling consumer demand pressure retailers.

By Lara Ewen • May 6, 2026

US agentic commerce revenue forecast to reach $1 trillion by 2030

But even as the technology grows in popularity, the physical shopping experience will remain important, per a new report.

By Howard Ruben • May 5, 2026

Mattel CEO: ‘Consumers are buying toys’

Ynon Kreiz said that the toy industry is healthy and the company is continuing to see demand.

By Kaarin Moore • May 5, 2026

The smarter alternative to discounting: What your customer data can tell you

When shoppers are watching every dollar and you need to maintain sales, slashing prices may not be the safest move.

May 4, 2026

The Backroom: Redefining Pacsun

Brieane Olson talks about her book, “Co-created,” and her work as a merchant and now CEO in redefining the retailer for a new generation.

By Retail Dive Staff • April 30, 2026

Consumer confidence unexpectedly inches up as view of jobs brightens

The improved outlook among consumers toward the labor market bolstered the argument among Federal Reserve officials opposing a cut to the main interest rate.

By Jim Tyson • April 30, 2026

Can Bed Bath & Beyond’s Bilt partnership simplify its experience?

The move could offer the retailer a way to make its complex collection of brands more coherent, but it falls on Bed Bath & Beyond to do the heavy lifting.

By Bryan Wassel • April 29, 2026

Consumers are down, yet retail sales keep going up. How long can this last?

Retailers wrapped up the first quarter with another healthy boost in March. 

By Daphne Howland • April 23, 2026

Why Allbirds is eating crow

The DTC footwear brand may have overestimated its customers’ appreciation for sustainability, and underappreciated their desire for fashion.

By Daphne Howland • April 20, 2026

Millennials, Gen Zers warm up to AI shopping tools

While younger shoppers are open to using the technology, consumers overall are wary of surveillance pricing, per a new report. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 16, 2026

Bath & Body Works pulls back on laundry offering

CEO Daniel Heaf spoke at the Semafor World Economy summit about refocusing on core product categories and improving the online business.

By Dani James • April 16, 2026

For luxury retailers, value is a vibe

Chief executives at Ralph Lauren and Tapestry are utilizing experiences and storytelling to provide value beyond pricing to shoppers.

By Dani James • April 16, 2026

Inside American Eagle’s latest bet on Sydney Sweeney for its summer campaign

Chief Marketing Officer Craig Brommers details the next chapter of a tie-up that proved highly successful — and controversial — for the Gen Z denim retailer.

By Jessica Hammers • April 15, 2026

Are retailers ready for what the weight-loss boom requires?

The era of GLP-1 and similar drugs goes beyond consumers refreshing their closets, and merchants are going to need a new mindset.

By Daphne Howland • April 15, 2026

Stanley 1913’s approach to product development through diversity

Executive Graham Nearn spoke to Retail Dive about how Stanley is expanding its offerings as it grows into a global brand.

By Dani James • Updated April 13, 2026

Inflation surges most since 2022 as consumer sentiment hits record low

Concern about inflationary harm from the Iran war flared across all demographic groups — by age, income and political affiliation.

By Jim Tyson • April 13, 2026

Dollar General bets on beauty with savings event

The discount retailer, which recently reported strong Q4 earnings results, is adding to a broader effort to become a beauty destination.

By Dani James • April 10, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Reebok returns to hockey, Nordstrom Local expands

The athletics retailer is reentering the category through a deal with Wholesale Sports. Meanwhile, the department store is growing its footprint in California. 

By Retail Dive Staff • April 10, 2026

US resale market expected to surpass $78B by 2030

The U.S. secondhand market last year grew nearly four times faster than the broader retail clothing market, according to ThredUp’s latest report.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 3, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Converse drags down Nike, Wacoal acquires Glamorise

The sneaker brand’s sales fell more than 30% in the latest quarter, and the deal with Glamorise is aimed at strengthening Wacoal’s U.S. position.

By Retail Dive Staff • April 3, 2026

Consumers want associates to handle follow-up communication

Shoppers want personalized communication, but they want it to come directly from staff, which can in turn drive sales, an Endear study found.

By Bryan Wassel • April 1, 2026