Back-to-school spending may be healthy this year, but not as healthy as last: reports

E-commerce is the major force keeping retailers on their toes these days, but back-to-school shopping by and large remains a brick-and-mortar activity.

By Daphne Howland • July 16, 2015

La-Z-Boy: We're more than your grandfather's recliner

The furniture retailer is aiming to broaden its appeal to younger consumers with a new line and smaller urban stores. 

By Daphne Howland • July 16, 2015

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

Blurred lines: The potential of transgender marketing

Consumers seem to be at the edge of a fundamental shift in attitude when it comes to gender and style, which opens up opportunities for merchandising and marketing.

By Daphne Howland • July 15, 2015

As adults, millennials continue to confound marketers

Entering their peak buying years, the generation looks for value in content. 

By Ian P. Murphy • July 15, 2015

Weak June retail sales show consumer caution, shifting priorities

Sales may bounce back once wage increases take hold, but the unexpected fall could mean a fundamental consumer shift away from spending on apparel to electronics.

By Daphne Howland • July 15, 2015

Facebook testing Messenger shopping assistant

“Moneypenny” — unlike Google Now or Siri — uses real people to advise users when buying products.

By Daphne Howland • July 15, 2015

Sears taps new exec to help it become 'member-focused' retailer

Gymboree COO Joelle Maher is both young and experienced, and could help the once-iconic retailer finally emerge from its rut.

By Daphne Howland • July 15, 2015

Beyond the Rack expanding outside of its website

The flash-sale site looks to Amazon and eBay for new revenues. 

By Ian P. Murphy • July 14, 2015

Google, Kohl's ads top Ace Metrix effectiveness list

The category leaders offered direct pitches for new products and services in the second quarter, the firm says. 

By Ian P. Murphy • July 10, 2015

Retail Therapy: Doll salons and another Urban Outfitters 'whoops'

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

By Kelsey Lindsey • July 10, 2015

Millennials look to native apps for shopping ease: survey

Multibrand retailers Amazon, Etsy, and Wanelo are among the top app downloads. 

By Ian P. Murphy • July 10, 2015

Target's new 'Open House' displays all things IoT

The "house" is meant to be a showcase, but it’s also a store — everything there is for sale, including things you’d expect and some things you might not.

By Daphne Howland • July 10, 2015

Kate Hudson's Fabletics yet another e-retailer heading to brick-and-mortar

The athleisure retailer, which also just launched a men’s line, is opening six stores across the country this fall.

By Daphne Howland • July 10, 2015

Alicia Keys helps Levi's launch new collection

The new marketing campaign is the largest Levi’s has ever produced to target women.

By Ian P. Murphy • July 9, 2015

Yes, men do like to shop for clothes — on the web

Style-conscious male consumers are skipping the mall and turning to web-only retailers for apparel. 

By Ian P. Murphy • July 9, 2015

From the red carpet to retail: A look at the new celebrity lifestyle brand

Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon, and Ellen DeGeneres are diving into retail, and they have a thing or two to teach even the doyenne of the space, Martha Stewart.

By Daphne Howland • July 8, 2015

'Fair Trade' fashion labeling on the rise

The non-profit that certifies “fair trade” goods in the U.S. says requests to certify fashion items have been growing since the Rana Plaza collapse.

By Daphne Howland • July 7, 2015

QVC to leverage consumer data with new analytics unit

The shopping channel has tapped retail veteran Sanjay Singh to lead a new group that will mine data to nurture growth.

By Daphne Howland • July 6, 2015

Mobile screens are kids' first choice, survey says

Television is no longer the preferred viewing option for children 2-11. 

By Ian P. Murphy • July 6, 2015

Best Buy adds store-within-a-store for Samsung home appliances

The electronics retailer and the South Korean device and appliance maker seem to be reaching a certain level of synergy.

By Daphne Howland • July 2, 2015

Sears opens connected-home showcase in Silicon Valley

Shipments of connected-home devices are expected to grow at an annual rate of 67% in the next five years.

By Daphne Howland • July 1, 2015

Retail Therapy: Etsy's got 99 problems and a witch is one

And an argument for Abercrombie & Fitch to bring back its "pipe-fitted mosquito net." 

By Kelsey Lindsey • June 26, 2015

Delivering convenience: The keys to buy online, pickup in store

Retailers still face a slew of hurdles, from inventory management to consumers' ballooning expectations. 

By Ian P. Murphy • June 25, 2015

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