An evolution of influence: Using social commerce to spark consumer confidence

Shopping with others is more informative and more fun, resulting in a better overall experience for shoppers and fewer regrets and returns for retailers.

By Emily Hotz • Dec. 19, 2022

Toy retailers turn to discounts to drive holiday sales, clear inventory

Themed Lego sets and movie-related action figures are selling well, while board games and Nerf products are down, according to Jefferies analysts.

By Nate Delesline III • Dec. 16, 2022

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

FTC hints at updating environmental claim guidelines

The agency acknowledged that consumer interest in more sustainable retail products has risen since it last updated its “Green Guides” in 2012.

By Dani James • Dec. 16, 2022

Consumers rely more on cash and debit cards to pay for holiday purchases: report

More research from Forbes Advisor suggests that shoppers are checking their shopping lists for items or people to omit.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 15, 2022

Package theft surged 47% in November, study says

Consumers reported that delivery times have improved since last year, but theft is on the rise.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 15, 2022

NRF expects nearly 160M holiday shoppers to turn out for Super Saturday

The industry group also said that consumers finished up more than half of their shopping earlier this month, with clothing topping their lists.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 14, 2022

Retail looks beyond its old love — the movies

Toys and feature films go together like butter and popcorn. But with lower ticket sales and fewer blockbusters, “it's not just about movies anymore.”

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 12, 2022

The Weekly Closeout: Toys R Us launches NFTs and David’s Bridal debuts loyalty program for teens

The toy company is releasing 10,000 digital collectibles, featuring its iconic mascot, and the bridal retailer launches a prom loyalty program.

By Retail Dive Staff • Dec. 9, 2022

Walmart, Target most popular for in-store holiday shopping: report

Big-box stores are attracting foot traffic, even as shoppers pull back on how much they are spending during the season. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 8, 2022

Macy’s, Nordstrom see holiday shoppers pulling back

Consumers may be taking their time to buy thanks to this year’s calendar, but there are also signs of stress, executives said at Morgan Stanley's Consumer & Retail Conference.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 8, 2022

Gen Z didn’t kill brand loyalty, but it looks different

The young age group is attracted to self-expression and individuality, but still cares about a purchase decision mainstay: price.

By Dani James • Dec. 7, 2022

Merry and Bright: A look at 2022 holiday merchandising

’Tis the season to evoke cheer while attempting to drive up sales.

By Kaarin Moore • Dec. 5, 2022

Ulta ‘uniquely positioned’ to weather inflation

CEO Dave Kimbell said the retailer has seen no evidence of trading down and is benefiting from its wide array of price points.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 2, 2022

10 of the biggest retail stories in 2022

From potential bankruptcies to off-price retailer turmoil, this year came with macroeconomic pressures for companies across the board.

By Retail Dive Staff • Dec. 2, 2022

NRF: Record 197M consumers shopped from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday

Some consumers started shopping earlier than Thanksgiving weekend as retailers kicked off holiday deals in October, the trade group found.

By Dani James • Nov. 30, 2022

Struggling consumers turned to financing for holiday shopping: report

Buy now, pay later providers saw increased use during Black Friday, but credit and debit were the top payment methods for online orders.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 30, 2022

Nike, Lululemon are early holiday winners: report

Prior to Black Friday, both athletics retailers were seeing double-digit spend growth.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 30, 2022

Live shopping set to shake up ecommerce

Retail has greatly transformed over the last few years, as more commerce moves online and influencers play a growing role in driving product affinity.

Nov. 28, 2022

Winners and losers of Black Friday 2022

With inflation looming, consumers waited until the shopping event to get deals on categories like electronics and sought out financing options such as buy now, pay later.

By Dani James • Nov. 26, 2022

Deloitte: Shoppers to spend an average of $500 during Black Friday week

Families of all income levels are planning to increase their spending during the holiday, as well as their reliance on credit cards.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 21, 2022

The holiday clues in October retail sales

Consumers will be relying on credit cards, their savings and heavy discounts in what is shaping up to be an uncertain season for retailers.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 21, 2022

5 tech revolutions that haven’t happened (at least not yet)

Why isn’t the sky darkened by drones? Why do cash registers still exist? Will robots take all sales floor jobs? We consider the answers to these and more.

By Ben Unglesbee • Nov. 16, 2022

Study: 40% of consumers willing to pay extra for climate-conscious products this holiday

Shoppers are bracing for higher prices this season, but many want to buy from brands with sustainability practices, according to a Shopify report. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 15, 2022

With inflation and recession fears looming over the holidays, are retailers still able to market joy?

Brands need to be strategic with their advertising this season as consumers tighten their wallets and seek out deals.

By Caroline Jansen • Nov. 14, 2022

Discounts at the top of shoppers wish lists this holiday season

Oracle Retail consumer research found that price will be paramount this holiday season as shoppers are increasingly worried about inflated costs and tighter budgets.

By Rose Spicer, Global Senior Director, Oracle Retail • Nov. 14, 2022