Walmart ties expected tariff refunds to price strategy amid cost pressures

CFO John David Rainey said potential recoveries would be directed toward lowering prices as fuel costs pressure consumers.

By Alexei Alexis • May 26, 2026

What customers consider when using AI to shop

The vast majority of consumers say it’s important to recognize the seller or merchant and check customer reviews before purchasing, a PSE Consulting survey found.

By Kristen Doerer • May 21, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Retail's quest to improve the customer experience

From new store concepts to AI-enabled offerings, retailers are constantly shifting their approach to better cater to shopper needs.

By Retail Dive staff

The Backroom: What’s really happening at Lululemon?

Senior Editor Cara Salpini joins the podcast to discuss the pushback against the incoming CEO, founder Chip Wilson’s battle with the board and more.

By Retail Dive Staff • May 21, 2026

Walmart warns of price increases due to fuel costs

The retailer expects somewhat higher retail price inflation in Q2 if the fuel shocks from the war in Iran persist. However, Walmart maintained its full-year guidance.

By Dani James • May 21, 2026

AI referrals make shoppers more likely to either return — or never come back

Companies need to quickly justify why the AI recommended their brand, Info-Tech Research Group’s Julie Geller said. “If that validation isn’t obvious, confidence drops fast.”

By Bryan Wassel • May 20, 2026

Marketplace growth is outpacing ecommerce. Here’s why payments infrastructure will shape who scales.

For retailers navigating the shift to marketplaces, three areas determine whether a marketplace scales or stalls.

May 18, 2026

Department stores losing market share to resale

Off-price retailers have little to fear from rapidly growing secondhand sales, though, according to research from Bank of America analysts.

By Daphne Howland • May 15, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Another entertainment exec at Gap Inc., and tariff refunds trickle in

The apparel conglomerate beefed up its "fashiontainment" roster, while retailers are getting their money back on import levies canceled by the Supreme Court.

By Retail Dive Staff • May 15, 2026

Inflation hits 3.8%, outpaces wage growth for first time in 3 years

Wary consumers may finally pull back on spending amid broad price hikes. “The squeeze is real,” Navy Federal Credit Union Chief Economist Heather Long said.

By Daphne Howland • May 12, 2026

Consumer spending is healthy, but gas prices remain a risk

Higher-income shoppers have kept retail sales healthy, but the economic impact of the war in Iran presents an unknown, according to industry analysts.

By Dani James • May 11, 2026

Grocery shoppers are trading down to lower-priced retailers, report finds

Rather than just seeking cheaper brands, more shoppers are planning to switch retailers entirely, opting for less expensive stores, Alvarez & Marsal found. 

By Catherine Douglas Moran • May 11, 2026

Your terminal already knows what your best customers want. Are you listening?

Sales data shouldn’t just reflect the past—it should drive smarter decisions for the future.

May 11, 2026

Walmart, Costco poised to win amid unfavorable retail environment

Moody’s is maintaining a negative outlook for the industry in 2026 as high prices and dwindling consumer demand pressure retailers.

By Lara Ewen • May 6, 2026

US agentic commerce revenue forecast to reach $1 trillion by 2030

But even as the technology grows in popularity, the physical shopping experience will remain important, per a new report.

By Howard Ruben • May 5, 2026

Mattel CEO: ‘Consumers are buying toys’

Ynon Kreiz said that the toy industry is healthy and the company is continuing to see demand.

By Kaarin Moore • May 5, 2026

The smarter alternative to discounting: What your customer data can tell you

When shoppers are watching every dollar and you need to maintain sales, slashing prices may not be the safest move.

May 4, 2026

The Backroom: Redefining Pacsun

Brieane Olson talks about her book, “Co-created,” and her work as a merchant and now CEO in redefining the retailer for a new generation.

By Retail Dive Staff • April 30, 2026

Consumer confidence unexpectedly inches up as view of jobs brightens

The improved outlook among consumers toward the labor market bolstered the argument among Federal Reserve officials opposing a cut to the main interest rate.

By Jim Tyson • April 30, 2026

Can Bed Bath & Beyond’s Bilt partnership simplify its experience?

The move could offer the retailer a way to make its complex collection of brands more coherent, but it falls on Bed Bath & Beyond to do the heavy lifting.

By Bryan Wassel • April 29, 2026

Consumers are down, yet retail sales keep going up. How long can this last?

Retailers wrapped up the first quarter with another healthy boost in March. 

By Daphne Howland • April 23, 2026

Why Allbirds is eating crow

The DTC footwear brand may have overestimated its customers’ appreciation for sustainability, and underappreciated their desire for fashion.

By Daphne Howland • April 20, 2026

Millennials, Gen Zers warm up to AI shopping tools

While younger shoppers are open to using the technology, consumers overall are wary of surveillance pricing, per a new report. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 16, 2026

Bath & Body Works pulls back on laundry offering

CEO Daniel Heaf spoke at the Semafor World Economy summit about refocusing on core product categories and improving the online business.

By Dani James • April 16, 2026

For luxury retailers, value is a vibe

Chief executives at Ralph Lauren and Tapestry are utilizing experiences and storytelling to provide value beyond pricing to shoppers.

By Dani James • April 16, 2026

Inside American Eagle’s latest bet on Sydney Sweeney for its summer campaign

Chief Marketing Officer Craig Brommers details the next chapter of a tie-up that proved highly successful — and controversial — for the Gen Z denim retailer.

By Jessica Hammers • April 15, 2026