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

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

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

Black Friday: A quick-and-dirty guide for retailers

From its unusual origins to key statistics, here's everything you need to know about retail's big day. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • Nov. 21, 2014

Gap Inc. to replace brand chiefs as revenue and sales fall

San Francisco-based Gap Inc. will be replacing executives who head up its Gap and Banana Republic brands.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 21, 2014

Business owner pressures mall to change Thanksgiving policy

The CEO of a small chain of independent stores was facing undisclosed fines for plans to stay closed on the holiday.  

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 21, 2014

Are retailers ruining Thanksgiving?

There are two kinds of retailers this year: Those making a point of being open on Thanksgiving and those making a point of being closed. But what is the better strategy?

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 19, 2014

Holiday online sales could jump 16%: report

ComScore is optimistic about holiday retail sales, saying its research finds “American consumers ready to open their wallets.”

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 18, 2014

Before Amazon, there was Sears

Sears and Roebuck changed the way America shopped. Now it looks like it could all be over.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 18, 2014

49% of Hispanic shoppers saving holiday shopping for Black Friday

To capture the dollars of this powerful consumer group, retailers should employ some culturally relevant customer experiences.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 18, 2014

Are flash sales just a flash in the pan?

The flash sales model appealed to plenty of people for a while. But these days most of them seem to be investors, not consumers.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 17, 2014

Report: Amazon, Wal-Mart raised prices for Cyber Monday, Black Friday

Amazon and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. are just two retailers with higher average prices for some items on Cyber Monday.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 17, 2014

Cold weather could heat up retail sales

Retailers are pinning hopes on the icier weather to spur sales of seasonal items.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 17, 2014

Nordstrom discontinues semi-annual sales

The department store retailer says it is revamping its timing to better line up with consumer expectations. 

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 17, 2014