The Backroom: How long can the consumer hang on?

Discretionary retail sales have been surprisingly strong so far this year. The team discusses the reasons why and what that might mean for the rest of 2026.

By Retail Dive Staff • July 30, 2026

Why Nike is trying to reignite its sportswear business with a hoodie

Studio Fleece, the retailer’s latest line, aims to recreate a series of wardrobe staples for women, Nike’s Jill Gonzalez told Retail Dive.

By Cara Salpini • July 30, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

How artificial intelligence is shaping retail

More retailers are leaning on AI as a tool, tapping into the tech to improve customer service and support supply chain functions.

By Retail Dive staff

Back-to-school shoppers will prioritize essentials over apparel

Clothing buys will be spread out over the school year, while sporting goods are increasingly considered essential, according to two reports.

By Lara Ewen • July 29, 2026

Stressed parents turn to BNPL for back-to-school shopping

Nearly half of consumers expect to use buy now, pay later this year, an Omnisend survey found.

By Dani James • July 27, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Digital Brands Group enacts reverse stock split, gas prices up again

The company will implement a 1-for-40 split to comply with Nasdaq rules, and this week's $100-per-barrel price on oil poses a risk to household budgets.

By Retail Dive Staff • July 24, 2026

From Yamal to the mall: How American Eagle is going back to school

Chief Marketing Officer Craig Brommers details the retailer’s extensive marketing for the crucial season, which kicks off days after global ambassador Lamine Yamal and his team won World Cup gold.

By Chris Kelly • July 22, 2026

Gap makes a fine mesh out of its ‘Happy Stripe’ remake

A polyester take on a vintage sweater design got plenty of backlash on social media, but the stumble won’t likely stall the brand’s comeback.

By Daphne Howland • July 20, 2026

AI is creating e-commerce’s next optimization challenge: The intent gap

AI is changing how shoppers arrive. Is your checkout keeping up?

July 20, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: RadioShack eyes a comeback, Wayfair and QVC kick off the holidays

The electronics company hired a managing director for RadioShack USA, while the online retailers roll out July holiday-themed sales events.

By Retail Dive Staff • July 17, 2026

Back-to-school spending forecast to reach record highs

Nearly two-thirds of consumers have already started shopping for the season, but affordability is a major concern, according to a new report. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 17, 2026

Walmart touts some of its lowest back-to-school pricing since 2019

The retailer’s value focus is similar to past years, with another food kit of $2 lunches and deals on the 14 most popular school supplies.

By Dani James • July 16, 2026

Hasbro debuts Play-Doh for adults

The toy company is entering adult crafting and home decor with the launch of Blooms by Play-Doh.

By Kaarin Moore • July 9, 2026

Back-to-school shoppers head to mass merchants, department stores

Consumers are worried about their personal finances and plan to shop accordingly as value and affordability steer the market, according to Deloitte.

By Lara Ewen • July 9, 2026

Thrifting, consumer habits may help shift textile recycling challenges

A resurgence of secondhand shopping, new sorting methods and policy initiatives are all poised to help shift the needle on textile waste, speakers at a NERC webinar said.

By Megan Quinn • July 9, 2026

Kohl’s prices thousands of back-to-school items under $25 as consumers look for deals

The season could be a critical test for the struggling department store, whose years-long turnaround has failed to gain much traction.

By Daphne Howland • July 8, 2026

Staples, Dollar General tout 2025 pricing for back-to-school sales

Both retailers highlighted dozens of products priced at $1 and under, with teachers getting extra discounts.

By Dani James • July 7, 2026

For luxury, the in-store experience still reigns

Aspirational clients ultimately want human interactions and unique experiences from luxury brands.

By Kristen Doerer • July 7, 2026

Amazon, J.C. Penney dangle gas-related deals ahead of July 4

At the e-commerce giant, the savings are only for Prime members, while at the department store customers can trade a gas receipt for $10 off.

By Daphne Howland • June 30, 2026

Adult women are driving toy industry growth

Meanwhile, social media is influencing the segment, fueled by ASMR content and unboxing videos. 

By Kaarin Moore • June 30, 2026

Consumer sentiment rises from record low on prospect of lower inflation

“Inflation likely peaked in May as the worst of the war in Iran energy shock hit consumers,” Navy Federal Credit Union Chief Economist Heather Long said.

By Jim Tyson • June 30, 2026

Amazon’s Prime Day drives online sales in the US up 9.3%

E-commerce spend during this year’s earlier June dates reached $26.4 billion, according to Adobe data.

By Dani James • June 29, 2026

Consumer spending rises as inflation speeds up to three-year high

Traders in interest rate futures see 80% odds that the Federal Reserve will raise the federal funds rate by at least a quarter percentage point by the end of this year.

By Jim Tyson • June 29, 2026

Sephora introduces store quiet hours

The beauty retailer will lower music and screen displays during specific hours following a successful store pilot across eight markets.

By Dani James • June 25, 2026

The Backroom: The weight-loss era is not just about selling clothes

Liza Amlani, principal at Retail Strategy Group, joins us to discuss how retailers and brands can successfully grapple with what she calls “fit volatility.”

By Retail Dive Staff • June 25, 2026

Target launches back-to-school season — and the first test of its turnaround

The retailer is debuting limited-edition collabs, savings on its loyalty program and a refreshed assortment as it competes with Amazon's Prime Day on summertime deals.

By Daphne Howland • June 24, 2026