One year later: How COVID-19 upended retail and what it means for 2021

Temporary store closings in March were the kickoff to a brutal year, but businesses learned a few things about what it takes to stay afloat.

By Cara Salpini • Feb. 16, 2021

Which consumers will lead the retail recovery?

When it comes to restoring customer traffic, the task for marketing will be to connect with the first wave of consumers venturing out.

Feb. 15, 2021

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

Walmart+ gains traction 5 months after launch

Less than a year after its release, the subscription service has attracted up to 8.2 million members, a CIRP study found.

By Maria Monteros • Feb. 12, 2021

L.L. Bean unveils athleisure collection

The launch comes "at a time that feels especially relevant" from a retailer that has sold outdoor and comfortable apparel for more than a century.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 12, 2021

Retail Therapy: A chimp sanctuary will help heal the brokenhearted

Get a piñata with your ex's name on it from Save the Chimps, and a chimpanzee will break it — for a cause, of course.

By Maria Monteros • Feb. 12, 2021

Pre-pandemic profitability could be 5 years out

Radical strategies are needed around consumer engagement to get back to pre-pandemic profitability, write Kearney's Michael Brown, Suketu Gandhi, Cara Cole and Natalie Shield.

By Michael Brown, Suketu Gandhi, Cara Cole and Natalie Shield • Feb. 12, 2021

Forrester: Few brands can anticipate and act on consumer needs

Gathering customer data can bolster a quick response, but many companies still rely on manual collection and few firms automatically update existing data. 

By Maria Monteros • Feb. 10, 2021

What awaits retail on the other side of the pandemic

Everyone wants to get back to normal. Except maybe retailers.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 8, 2021

Retail Therapy: Lowe's wants couples to celebrate Valentine's Day in its stores

The home improvement retailer is hosting a "Night of Lowemance" where 50 couples will be invited to an in-store splash painting date night.

By Caroline Jansen • Feb. 5, 2021

8 DTC trends to watch in 2021

While the broader industry outlook remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Digitally native brands will continue to adapt and evolve in the year ahead.

By Caroline Jansen , Cara Salpini , Maria Monteros • Feb. 3, 2021

GameStop's stock exploded, but traffic to its stores is still down

Over 2020, visits to the retailer were down more than 27% at the gaming retailer, according to Placer.ai. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 2, 2021

Stores are open, but the pandemic keeps shoppers away

Despite effective vaccines and more government relief, consumers are playing it safe as COVID-19 cases continue to rise and variants emerge.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 29, 2021

Retail Therapy: Martha Stewart releases CBD line for dogs

The lifestyle guru partnered with Canopy Growth to produce cannabidiol products for pups. Because they get stressed too.

By Maria Monteros • Jan. 29, 2021

How DTC brands will approach physical retail in 2021

As cities empty and landlords look to ink deals, digitally native brands might have a chance to accelerate their brick-and-mortar strategies.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 26, 2021

Cole Haan walks back IPO plans

The footwear brand faces an uncertain future as consumers shun traditional work and formal styles in favor of casual fashion.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 25, 2021

3 ways to help win and keep Gen Z and millennial loyalty

Retailers are expanding their playbook around shopper acquisition and loyalty. Here are three tactics that will help strengthen your relationship with these high-value customers.

Jan. 25, 2021

Athleta extends sizing across its collection

Gap Inc. is leaning on its activewear brand and its discount Old Navy banner for growth as its namesake continues to falter. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 22, 2021

Retail Therapy: American Airlines launches wine club

The company announced this week it will offer consumers the opportunity to enjoy its selection of onboard wines from the comfort of their homes.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 22, 2021

The evolution of the shopping mall: What consumers want

E-commerce sales growth and in-store traffic declines are creating challenges for traditional malls, write Cushman & Wakefield's Barrie Scardina and WD Partners' Lee Peterson. 

By Barrie Scardina and Lee Peterson • Jan. 21, 2021

Fashion apparel makes a comeback, focus on digital deepens, and other 2021 predictions

The pandemic, and recovery from it, will likely define the year as consumers look to refresh their wardrobes and retailers hold on to new practices that worked, analysts say.

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 20, 2021

What the holidays mean for retail in 2021

The pandemic altered the season in various ways, with consequences for this year and beyond.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 20, 2021

The middle class is stressed and the pandemic isn't helping

Consumer spending is inhibited by not only a stubborn wealth gap, but also the precarious finances of those who are doing okay.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 20, 2021

Poshmark IPO illustrates ‘super-charged’ secondhand market

The secondhand digital marketplace saw shares more than double in its public debut. 

By Kaarin Moore • Jan. 19, 2021

Birkenstock reportedly in talks to sell to private equity

The nearly 250-year-old company is in advanced discussions to be acquired for about $5 billion, according to Bloomberg.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 19, 2021

3 I's that could reframe the future of retail

Move beyond the traditional definitions of customer centricity and work to become truly integrated into the life of the customer.

Jan. 18, 2021