Wealthy consumers are heading to dollar stores

Inflation pushed dollar stores to expand their price points. Higher-income shoppers, pressured by the same headwind, came along for the ride.

By Dani James • March 23, 2026

Destination XL hit by ‘volatility’ of GLP-1 usage

The plus-size apparel retailer reported Q4 total sales decreased 6% and expects the merger with FullBeauty Brands to close in the second quarter. 

By Dani James • March 20, 2026

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

Lowe’s launches subscription service for in-home maintenance

For $99 annually, HomeCare+ subscribers can have two in-home visits a year, spanning services like electric dryer vent cleaning and electric water heater flush.

By Howard Ruben • March 20, 2026

NRF forecasts 4.4% retail sales growth this year despite rising uncertainty

The group acknowledged a softening labor market, persistent inflation and fallout from geopolitical tensions, but said “underlying fundamentals” and higher tax refunds should boost consumers.

By Daphne Howland • March 19, 2026

Half of consumers prefer brands that don’t use generative AI, Gartner finds

Consumers who are ambivalent or distrust the technology may walk away if they feel forced to use AI, one analyst said.

By Bryan Wassel • March 18, 2026

Bob’s Discount Furniture posts 17% revenue gain in 2025, plots store openings

Fresh off its IPO, the furniture retailer represents a bright spot in an otherwise challenged home sector.

By Caroline Jansen • March 18, 2026

The US consumer is hitting a rough patch

Even before the Iran war’s oil price spikes, people were getting more cautious about spending. That means buying less from retailers.

By Daphne Howland • March 17, 2026

Amazon launches 1-hour, 3-hour delivery options

The offerings, now available in select cities and towns, feature a "supercenter" product assortment as the e-commerce giant battles competitors like Walmart.

By Max Garland • March 17, 2026

The economy is confusing. Your consumer understanding doesn’t have to be.

Retailers are using daily transaction insights to understand subtle (yet important) nuances of how consumer spending shifts during economic turbulence.

March 16, 2026

In the home sector, ‘the weak will get weaker’ this year

Retailers in the category face a poor housing market, elevated interest rates, low consumer confidence and ever-changing tariff policies.

By Caroline Jansen • March 10, 2026

What last year’s receipts say about the year ahead

Retail wasn’t out of style in 2025, shoppers simply chose more carefully. See the trends that filled bags, emptied shelves, and set the tone for retail’s 2026 runway.

March 9, 2026

Tariff refunds: Court provides first step with liquidation order

The Court of International Trade on Wednesday directed Customs and Border Protection to remove defunct tariffs when finalizing non-liquidated entries.

By Phil Neuffer , Antone Gonsalves • March 5, 2026

‘Target is not an everything store’: CEO

The retailer unveiled its multiyear turnaround plan, which includes an additional $1 billion operational investment and revamps of some private labels.

By Dani James • March 4, 2026

How Brooks Brothers is refreshing the oldest apparel brand in the US

Marisa Thalberg, chief customer and marketing officer at Catalyst Brands, details how the “Make It Yours” campaign transforms the brand’s positioning.

By Chris Kelly • March 4, 2026

[Podcast] Decoded: The New Consumer

This podcast uncovers how AI, influencers, and shifting consumer habits are reshaping the future of retail.

By Retail Dive's studioID • March 4, 2026

Premium toys drive US toy market rebound

Shoppers have turned away from more affordable options in favor of toys at higher price points, according to Circana.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 27, 2026

The Backroom: Walmart and Target are not the same

The team discusses how different the companies are, despite ushering in new executive leadership at the same time.

By Retail Dive Staff • Feb. 26, 2026

Lowe’s cuts jobs, issues cautious guidance amid sector pressures

Despite better-than-expected revenue, CEO Marvin Ellison said “consumers are reluctant to make significant investments in their homes” right now.

By Caroline Jansen • Feb. 25, 2026

US e-commerce sales to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030

Though shoppers are projected to spend more online, over 70% of retail sales will still come from stores, according to a Forrester report. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 24, 2026

The fractured, fragile US consumer

There are various reasons why spending in the U.S. remains strong despite low consumer confidence, and it’s not just about having higher incomes.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 24, 2026

Walmart grocery penetration reaches record-breaking 72%

This significant uptick and the overall momentum of mass retailers and dollar stores are fueled by ongoing financial insecurity among U.S. shoppers, according to a new report. 

By Peyton Bigora • Feb. 23, 2026

Supreme Court invalidates Trump tariffs based on emergency powers

In a 6-3 decision, the court rejected President Trump's claim that a 1977 law gave him the authority to impose broad tariffs globally.

By Antone Gonsalves • Feb. 20, 2026

Walmart furthers gains with higher-income shoppers

The retailer released a conservative outlook as lower-income households remain stretched, with CEO John Furner saying some spend “paycheck to paycheck."

By Dani James • Feb. 19, 2026

Why brands need to optimize their mobile apps and websites for AI

Brands have built their digital experiences on Google’s search algorithm, but that needs to change as consumer behavior evolves, experts say.

By Michael Brady • Feb. 18, 2026

Outcomes are table stakes. How brands deliver them is the advantage.

How performance is expanding beyond transactions in commerce media

By Saket Mehta, CRO at Nift • Feb. 17, 2026