Consumer spending up this back-to-school season: NRF

But the thing about “back-to-school” spending is there's no deadline for purchase. And consumers are happy to wait around for deals.

By Daphne Howland • June 25, 2015

Amazon's voice assistant Echo speaker now widely available

The device lets users order on Amazon with voice-activated commands, and has wowed many tech writers with its sleek design and overall performance.

By Daphne Howland • June 24, 2015

Explore the Trendline➔

Gen Z and the next-generation consumer

If there's anything retailers want more than financial stability right now, it's to understand Gen Z. 

By Retail Dive staff

CVS to double digital team with new innovation lab

The Boston unit will function like a startup to enhance online and mobile initiatives for the retailer. 

By Ian P. Murphy • June 23, 2015

The state of the American department store

Department stores were once magnificent fixtures of downtown America, then strong anchor tenants of malls. What are they now, and what’s next?

By Daphne Howland • June 22, 2015

Retail Therapy: An in-store shower and cool boy Bonobos

Every week, we gather up some of the most interesting retail reads around the web. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • June 19, 2015

What the California Uber ruling means for same-day delivery

The California Labor Commission recently ruled that an Uber driver must be reimbursed more than $4K because she's an employee, not an independent contractor. Here's how that could affect retailers. 

By Daphne Howland • June 18, 2015

'Made in the USA' sells again

These days marketers are pitching "buying American" as not only patriotic, but sustainable, too.  

By Ian P. Murphy • June 17, 2015

Are physical stores the innovation labs of the future?

How do retailers figure out what the customer wants? These days it takes technology and a certain mindset when looking at physical stores.

By Daphne Howland • June 15, 2015

West Elm, Etsy join White House 'maker' events

This high-profile support could help propel the maker movement further, especially with the tech and entrepreneurial focus of the events.

By Daphne Howland • June 15, 2015

Retail Therapy: New Balance moves to the cool kids table

And David's Bridal's CEO is done with being "the Wal-Mart of bridal." 

By Kelsey Lindsey • June 12, 2015

Smartphones' share of e-commerce orders grows

But personal computers still lead conversion worldwide, Demandware says. 

By Ian P. Murphy • June 12, 2015

Discount-mania: Are the days of charging full price over?

Retailers are having so many sales, temporary markdowns, and coupons that “limited time only” has little meaning anymore.

By Daphne Howland • June 11, 2015

How retailers are shaking up healthcare delivery in a post-ACA world

There’s more disruption than meets the eye as drugstores and other retailers begin to provide healthcare services in addition to traditional health and beauty products.

By Daphne Howland • June 8, 2015

Are your best customers cheating on you?

Customers are mysterious, fickle, and always right. But with the right data, you can predict and change their behavior until it’s “right” for you too.

June 8, 2015

IRCE 2015 Roundup: Channeling change to stay relevant in retail

Conference speakers emphasized the digital revolution's accelerating rate of progress. 

By Ian P. Murphy • June 5, 2015

UPS' 4th annual 'Pulse' survey reveals advantage of multichannel approach

Mobile is driving changes in buyer behavior online and offline, the study released during IRCE found.

By Ian P. Murphy • June 4, 2015

Apple Watch is company's biggest launch to date

The retail giant is expected to ship five million products in the first three months of its release. 

By Ian P. Murphy • June 2, 2015

Will class-action suit against J.C. Penney force retailers to pull up 'price anchor'?

The result of the retailer's case could reverberate though the industry and hinder widespread use of the practice of layering discounts on made-up prices.

By Daphne Howland • June 1, 2015

Will the sharing economy shake up retail?

'NOwners' cite sustainability in buying or renting used goods. 

By Ian P. Murphy • May 29, 2015

Alibaba is the most valuable retail brand in the world: report

Chinese e-commerce giant passes Amazon, Wal-Mart in rankings. 

By Ian P. Murphy • May 28, 2015

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

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