US retail sales fell in December

Advance estimates from the Commerce Department show that total sales for 2014 were up 4%, the smallest annual increase since 2009. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • Jan. 14, 2015

Customers' expectations for omnichannel rising: IBM

Shoppers are starting to expect certain things from retailers when it comes to communication, inventory, and fulfillment.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 14, 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

Big opportunity for retailers: Solving shopping cart abandonment

It's maddening that so many shoppers leave their online carts without buying. But the problem is fairly well understood, so there are things a marketer can do.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 12, 2015

Holiday sales growth was best in 9 years: ShopperTrak

Turns out that starting promotions early and keeping them going through Christmas kept shoppers shopping this holiday season.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 11, 2015

Tiffany & Co. features first same-sex couple in engagement ad

With its iconic Tiffany setting, the retailer helped define engagement rings; now it's showing the world how modern couples look.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 11, 2015

December shoppers showed up with 'purpose to buy': Euclid

December brought improvements to retailers in several measures.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 9, 2015

Shopping apps led mobile app usage growth in 2014: report

Overall mobile app usage grew 76% in 2014 year-over-year, with shopping apps leading the pack. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 7, 2015

Wet Seal faces online outrage

As the retailer appears to wind down its business, employees took to social media to complain about unpaid time, short notice, and other ways they say the retailer left them in the cold.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 6, 2015

Lessons learned: 3 takeaways from the holiday season

Holiday sales pretty much lined up with expectations in 2014. But what lessons did retailers learn to help them succeed in 2015?

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 5, 2015

Legal weed retailers struggling

Medical marijuana and the old-fashioned black market remain fierce competitors for legal weed retailers in Colorado and Washington facing higher costs.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 5, 2015

The 10 most read features in 2014

These are the stories that got the most clicks in 2014. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • Dec. 30, 2014

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

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