9 retail trends to watch in 2023

With the threat of a recession looming, the new year brings about a slew of challenges for retailers — but not all is gloomy.

By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 9, 2023

5 trends that shaped the holidays in 2022

From deep discounts to metaverse activations, here are some of the biggest influences on the season.

By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 9, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Digital innovation and technology trends in retail

Generative AI and TikTok Shop have replaced the metaverse and NFTs as the hot topics of the day — here’s a look at how brands are using them.

By Retail Dive staff

7 steps to turn shopper insight into action

Learn how retailers that leverage the power of a retail platform will stay on top.

By Rose Spicer • Jan. 9, 2023

US shoppers took on over $1,500 in holiday debt: report

Consumers relied on buy now, pay later, credit cards and store cards to finance their 2022 holiday spending, according to LendingTree.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 6, 2023

Shoppers spent record-breaking $211.7B online during 2022 holiday season: report

Discounts also hit record highs, which were “strong enough to sustain discretionary spending through the entire season,” according to Adobe. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 6, 2023

Total holiday spend grew nearly 7% in 2022: report

Though retailers saw an uptick in sales online and in stores this year, inflation has undercut growth, according to GlobalData. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 4, 2023

The Backroom: Ushering in the new year with Doug Stephens

What retailers should know about the realities of the metaverse and more futuristic observations from the retail prophet.

By Retail Dive Staff • Dec. 29, 2022

Survey: Inflation is slowing consumer spending on footwear

Consumers choose online shopping for more product options and will switch brands or retailers to save money.

By Nate Delesline III • Dec. 21, 2022

Consumers are hitting the brakes on apparel purchases: UBS

Department stores and other retailers dependent on clothing sales face a gloomy 2023 and may shutter more locations, according to the analysts.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 21, 2022

Nearly 80% of US adults have never participated in a live shopping event: report

The live commerce industry has blossomed in China, but it has a long way to go in terms of U.S. adoption, according to Morning Consult data.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 20, 2022

Fragrance sales spike for the holidays: NPD

The category outperformed overall discretionary general merchandise spending during key weeks, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 19, 2022

How small businesses are navigating the holiday season

With the impact of the pandemic ongoing and inflation adding pressure, neighborhood stores are facing similar challenges as their big-box counterparts.

By Kaarin Moore • Dec. 19, 2022

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

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