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

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

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

Consumers spent $72B online in October: Adobe

Shoppers sought deals on electronics, toys and other items ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 11, 2022

Only 20% of consumers plan to shop on Black Friday: report

Shoppers are spending the same or more than last year, but they’re also on the hunt for discounts, PwC’s new survey found.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 10, 2022

Lululemon didn’t change activewear, it changed apparel

The Canadian brand introduced retail to athleisure. Now Brooks Brothers sells stretch dress shirts and Levi’s owns a yoga business.

By Cara Salpini • Nov. 9, 2022

Can resale save brick-and-mortar retail?

The enthusiasm for used goods across categories remains a largely untapped opportunity for stores and even malls, according to WD Partners.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 8, 2022

No, Black Friday isn’t here quite yet

A few retailers held splashy sales early in October. But so far discounting is down from last year despite reports of high inventories and wary consumers.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 7, 2022

NRF forecasts ‘healthy’ holiday sales in the face of economic challenges

The trade group predicts year-over-year growth of 6% to 8% and said consumers “remain resilient” even while facing inflation. 

By Dani James • Nov. 4, 2022

Shoppers want to buy apparel, smartphones this holiday: NPD

Clothing is one of the top items consumers plan to give as gifts, but may be susceptible to an increase in promotions. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 3, 2022

Retailers are wading deeper into customer data. States are raising the alarm.

Brands from Walmart to Peloton are now able to access more personal customer data, including biometric identifiers, as they expand their digital capabilities. Where does that leave them legally?

By Dani James • Nov. 2, 2022

Victoria’s Secret will acquire DTC lingerie company Adore Me for $400M

The direct-to-consumer brand is one of many in the space that have challenged the intimates giant thanks to its inclusive sizing and fit technology.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 1, 2022

Nearly half of retailers are converting cash registers to self-checkouts: report

Retailers are investing more in technology as consumers seek faster checkout options, a Zebra Technologies report found.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 28, 2022

Mattel girds itself for bumpy end to the year

The toy maker trimmed its guidance on profitability this year, though it has benefited from price increases and cost cuts. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 27, 2022

The Backroom: Retail bankruptcies are poised for a comeback

What can we learn about the industry as a whole by looking at its weakest players?

By Retail Dive Staff • Oct. 27, 2022

Department store foot traffic is down, but recovering: report

Mid-tier department stores have seen a greater drop in visits than their luxury counterparts, according to Placer.ai analysis. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 26, 2022