In reversal, Ikea embraces furniture 'hacks,' plans its own kit

In a remarkable about-face, the furniture retailer has gone from cracking down on Ikea “hackers” to considering the sale of “hack kits.”

By Daphne Howland • May 27, 2015

'Brand Mavens' key to retailers' long-term success: report

Survey identifies a new segment of loyal, influential consumers. 

By Ian P. Murphy • May 27, 2015

Explore the Trendline➔

How retailers are thinking about in-store experience

Complementary shop-in-shops, age-appropriate experiences and integrated technology are just a few ways retailers are reworking stores to suit shoppers.

By Retail Dive staff

Studies find outlets disappoint in quality, price

Prices at retailers' regular stores are often lower than prices at their outlets, according to a study from Haynes and Company.

By Daphne Howland • May 21, 2015

Simon Property sprucing up several malls with $1B investment

There are plenty of malls in the U.S. that have seen drastic decreases in traffic and severe neglect, but others continue to thrive. 

By Daphne Howland • May 19, 2015

Costco launches gamified referral campaign

The program rewards current members with Procter & Gamble goods.

By Ian P. Murphy • May 19, 2015

Retail Therapy: Ikea wants to serve you breakfast in bed

And Whole Foods is looking to attract all the hip cool kids.

By Kelsey Lindsey • May 15, 2015

Study finds digital's influence on retail growing at a 'rapid pace'

This could have dire consequences for retailers as they shape their sales and growth strategies, according to Deloitte Digital.

By Daphne Howland • May 14, 2015

Messaging apps lead mobile usage in most key markets: study

While the rest of the world favors mobile messaging apps, the U.S. depends on social media with Facebook and Instagram leading. 

By Ian P. Murphy • May 14, 2015

The good and bad of couture collaborations

Stores seeking a cheap-and-chic image with limited-edition collections need to know both the benefits and challenges of these collaborations. 

By Ian P. Murphy • May 13, 2015

Wage increases bring retailers positive PR—sometimes

While the majority of Americans support an increase to the minimum wage, businesses' opposition to workers' demands isn't quickly forgotten.  

By Ian P. Murphy • May 13, 2015

Retail Therapy: Scandalous gowns, high tech heels, and communist e-commerce

North Korea launches its first e-commerce operation while James Franco pens an ode to McDonald's. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • May 8, 2015

Wage gains miss expectations, fuel cuts fail to boost spending: reports

The results come as retailers wait for the improving economy to steady their fortunes.

By Daphne Howland • May 8, 2015

Cautious spending continued in April: report

Euclid Analytics says that an improvement in traffic was thanks largely to Easter and promotional activity—something retailers may not want to hear.

By Daphne Howland • May 8, 2015

Mother's Day could see a record-setting $21.2B in sales this year: NRF

Spending will rise this year, but flowers and restaurants will benefit the most, according to the National Retail Federation.

By Daphne Howland • May 4, 2015

Retail Therapy: Jeff Bezos' questionably-shaped rocket takes off!

And some tattoo troubles with Apple Watch. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • May 1, 2015

Women's sportswear: Once last, now gaining fast

Sports apparel is no longer just about performance, but also technology and fashion. And in all categories, women are driving the market in a major way.

By Daphne Howland • April 29, 2015

What's hot this season? Ask Google

Google unveiled its first fashion trends report Monday that offers a cohesive view on fashion trends that could be useful to retailers.

By Daphne Howland • April 28, 2015

11 perspectives on the future of brick-and-mortar retail stores

From a new take on in-store tech to the rising role of 3D printers, few see brick-and-mortar stores disappearing anytime soon.

By Kelsey Lindsey • April 27, 2015

Wal-Mart and Texas face off over state liquor laws

The retailer is suing the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, claiming the legal limits on hard liquor sales are unconstitutional.

By Carolyn Heneghan • April 27, 2015

Consumers' spending habits shifting away from retail: report

Retailers should take a good look at these insights from MasterCard that indicate a significant shift in consumer attitudes toward spending.

By Daphne Howland • April 27, 2015

Clothing retailers and designers starting to blur gender lines

The moves are not so much a repeat of previously popular androgynous styles but more of a crossover that don't fit into “mens” and “women’s” categories.

By Daphne Howland • April 27, 2015

Retail Therapy: Are Wal-Mart stores really just 'human processing' facilities?

And can your relationship survive a trip to Ikea?

By Kelsey Lindsey • April 24, 2015

E-commerce disruption heating up in health and beauty segment: report

The category hasn’t seen much pressure from e-commerce — until now.

By Daphne Howland • April 24, 2015

Smaller markets trump shopping meccas in apparel sales growth: report

And while e-commerce apparel sales are flourishing, in-store sales continue to see growth thanks to impulse purchases, according to the NPD Group.

By Daphne Howland • April 22, 2015

Banning 'sameness': How retailers can work with cities' chain-store restrictions

As many downtown cities enjoy renewed prosperity, they've made moves that planners see as preserving smaller home-grown businesses.

By Daphne Howland • April 21, 2015