Retailers struggle with new consumer emphasis on experiences, not stuff

Happiness gurus and psychology researchers are touting experiences as rewarding ways to spend time and money—and consumers are apparently taking that to heart.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 11, 2016

Holiday sales picture is one of winners and losers

Retail sales grew 3.3% in the quarter ending Jan. 4, although consumers were more likely to spend on experiences rather than products. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 8, 2016

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

Report: Teen retailers use Instagram more than Facebook

Increased post frequency did not have a negative impact on engagement for brands targeting Gen Z, according to a report. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 7, 2016

Report says few retailers are seeing the benefits of low gas prices

Savings from lower fuel prices seem to finally be spurring Americans to spend — on junk food and cigarettes.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 7, 2016

5 key trends for retailers to watch in 2016

This year will see a mobile-driven transformation for retailers, who will be keen to reach customers in store and online in whole new ways.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 5, 2016

After viral success, Wal-Mart launches new baked goods with Patti LaBelle

The retail giant is looking to boost its food offerings, which make up 56% of its U.S. store sales.

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 5, 2016

Executives expect mobile to keep growing

Mobile's share of business will grow over the next two years, marketers say. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 4, 2016

Could 'Three Kings Day' become a retail holiday in the US?

Although Hispanics in the U.S. have emerged as one of the most important consumer blocs, “Three Kings Day,” celebrated on Jan. 6, hasn’t yet emerged as a major force in retail. But it could.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 4, 2016

Target to focus on opening small, urban stores in 2016

Last year, the company did away with specialized names “CityTarget” and “TargetExpress,” rebranding every store to just “Target” regardless of size or location.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 4, 2016

E-commerce saves the holiday season for retailers

It looks like retailers were able to pull off a fairly healthy season this year, according to the MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 29, 2015

Why 2015 was the year for m-commerce

Smartphones, tablets, and apps had a 'profound influence' on consumer behavior this year.

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 23, 2015

How marketers are tapping into the 'emotional pull' of the holiday season

As retailers vie for consumers’ attention during the busy holiday shopping season, their advertisements need to be creative and emotional.

By Melissa Anders • Dec. 23, 2015

Promotional e-mail opens jump in Q3

Retailers are expanding e-mail promotions with better targeting. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 23, 2015

Primark builds buzz, traffic with social strategy

The Irish fast-fashion chain outsources photos to in-store shoppers. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 23, 2015

One of this year's hottest gifts has nothing to do with Star Wars

Sometimes retail innovation is all about perfecting a product as mundane as a travel mug.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 22, 2015

Is late December the new Black Friday?

Black Friday was once a make-or-break day for retailers. But these days more shoppers take their sweet time shopping for the holidays.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 21, 2015

Wal-Mart's holiday ad campaign wins in video views

A list of top holiday video views includes three campaigns from the big-box retailer. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 21, 2015

Mobile traffic surges on Super Saturday

E-commerce and mobile traffic has been increasing this holiday season. 

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 21, 2015

Retail Therapy: The curious popularity of unboxing videos and the 'Pie Face' game

Every week, we bring you the most interesting retail reads from around the Web. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • Dec. 18, 2015

Retail ads, both controversial and not, pull in engagement this season

Bloomingdale's and Endeka ads lead in creating social media conversations so far this year. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 14, 2015

Men turn to online channels for holiday shopping

One in three plan to do all or most of their seasonal shopping online. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 11, 2015

Overstock ends sales of hoverboards citing fire hazard concerns

The popular holiday items are exploding—and not in a good way, prompting investigations and warnings from government officials.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 11, 2015

Retail Therapy: The most fashionable Santa in the world and a very odd Wal-Mart fraud

Every week, we bring you the most interesting retail reads from around the Web. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • Dec. 11, 2015

How two retailers are wooing smartphone-loving shoppers

Executives from Staples and Ebates share their mobile strategies as the channel continues to grow. 

By Melissa Anders • Dec. 10, 2015

What does the 2015 holiday season mean for e-commerce?

After a strong Black Friday and Cyber Monday for e-commerce, 6 experts offer their perspectives on the future of retail. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • Dec. 9, 2015