Online sales boom through Christmas Day

Promotions well before Black Friday and streamlined fulfillment helped take web commerce to new heights this season -- and ensured more deliveries made it on time.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 28, 2014

Last-minute holiday shopping could be a bonanza

According to the NRF, almost 25% of holiday customers waited until this weekend to finish up shopping. 

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 22, 2014

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

Survey: 45% of customers find cross-device inconsistencies

Shoppers are ready to shop on mobile, but retailers by and large aren't able to deliver.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 22, 2014

8 trends retailers can't ignore in 2015

From mobile payments to pop-up shops, retailers should keep an eye on these emerging retail trends next year.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 16, 2014

Lululemon expanding children's brand

The retailer’s Ivivva Athletica brand will open 20 new stores this month.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 16, 2014

Survey: 65% of young women will shop in-store this holiday season

Even as e-commerce surges, millennial-and-younger female consumers gravitate to malls for social reasons.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 15, 2014

November retail sales jump

The unexpected increase is the strongest retail sales showing in eight months, according to the Commerce Department.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 12, 2014

Millennials most likely to spend more this holiday season

The steep fall in gas prices is not yet translating to higher spending by older age groups, according to a study released Thursday by Bankrate.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 12, 2014

November retail foot traffic fell 20%

The surge in online sales could mean less foot traffic around Black Friday. But could cybersecurity fears be contributing?

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 9, 2014

Pop-ups expected to bring in $2B this holiday season

New research finds that pop-ups are attracting consumers who want seasonal, unique, and local products.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 8, 2014

'Tis the season for m-commerce

Whether it be by tablet or smart phone, people are taking a mobile approach to Christmas.

By Karen Talley • Dec. 5, 2014

L.L. Bean swamped by orders for signature boot

The company failed to anticipate demand of its signature product, and said some customers won't receive their boots until well after the holidays.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 5, 2014

Soon, retail holiday specials may not be so special

Shipping deals and price pressures can easily shape consumer expectations beyond the holidays.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 4, 2014

Brick-and-mortar among Cyber Monday winners

The record-smashing sales of Cyber Monday favored retailers providing omnichannel services, including in-store pickup.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 4, 2014

The New Black Friday: What the early numbers say about retail's big weekend

From sales to online traffic, retail observers can learn a lot from recent numbers behind this year's Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • Dec. 3, 2014

Wal-Mart says cyber shopping soars over the weekend

The retailer saw record numbers of online traffic and sales in the five days following the Thanksgiving holiday. 

By Karen Talley • Dec. 2, 2014

The 9 biggest hits and misses of Cyber Monday and Black Friday

Retailers were on edge with reports that Black Friday sales fell precipitously. But, thanks in part to mobile, things may not be what they seem.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 2, 2014

Cyber Monday sales up 8.1%: IBM

Mobile traffic and sales were up significantly, as they were throughout the Thanksgiving Day weekend.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 2, 2014

Mobile helps boost Black Friday web sales

It's clear that mobile is big this year, with mobile sales outpacing Thanksgiving Day computer web sales for the first time ever.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 1, 2014

Thanksgiving weekend sales fall 11%: NRF

Consumers started shopping earlier this holiday season, and may be holding out for even better deals than the weekend had to offer.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 1, 2014

Consumer confidence drops, GDP up

The mixed reports are still a reflection of a steady economy, observers say.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 26, 2014

'Frozen' beats out Barbie for top holiday toy spot

Barbie is having trouble competing with Disney’s movie sensation as sales of the iconic doll continue to fall.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 25, 2014

Retailers giving back this holiday season

For many retailers, it’s not just about racking up sales during this do-or-die time of year.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 24, 2014

Report: Cyber Monday drives shoppers to stores

More than a third of shoppers will go to a physical store in search of Cyber Monday deals, according to a report by the International Council of Shopping Centers.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 24, 2014

Old Navy gives a little in battle over plus-size apparel

The Gap Inc. brand has been criticized for charging women more than men for plus-sized jeans.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 24, 2014