Retail sales rise 5.4% in July as consumers throw caution to the wind

Inflation fueled much of the rise, but volume growth was also more robust than last year.

By Retail Dive Staff • Updated Aug. 14, 2026

Retailers implore consumers to avoid panic buying as shelves swiftly empty

The National Retail Federation and Retail Industry Leaders Association said supply chains are strong, and cautioned against closing stores.

By Daphne Howland • March 16, 2020

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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

Retail Therapy: Ikea creates larger-than-life pizza fixture

In a collaboration with Pizza Hut Hong Kong, the Swedish furniture retailer flatpacked a lifesize version of the tiny tables found inside pizza boxes.

By Caroline Jansen • March 13, 2020

Can retailers win consumers with voice technology?

To harness the potential of voice tech, companies need to improve user experience and be transparent around data collection. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • March 12, 2020

Coronavirus is hurting store traffic and e-commerce won't help much, analysts say

The spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. is keeping consumers from spending, though a recession isn't yet likely, according to reports Wednesday.

By Daphne Howland • March 11, 2020

Retail Therapy: Crocs hops into Easter

The shoe brand teamed up with Peeps, the maker of marshmallow bunnies and chicks, to create a one-of-a-kind take on the classic clog.

By Caroline Jansen • March 6, 2020

Gen Z relies on influencers for purchase decisions, Kantar says

Seventy percent of the demographic follow at least one influencer on platforms like Instagram or YouTube, according to a recent Kantar study.

By Robert Williams • March 2, 2020

Coronavirus is already impacting malls

The spread of COVID-19 began changing U.S. consumer habits at the end of February, and physical retailers are taking the brunt of that.

By Daphne Howland • March 2, 2020

NRF says retail sales this year could top $3.9T despite coronavirus woes

The organization calculates growth of 3.5% to 4.1%, but some analysts warn that uncertainty around the growing pandemic could hit hard.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 28, 2020

Forever 21's new owners face a slowdown in fast fashion

The retailer, with rivals Zara and H&M, revolutionized apparel sales. Now they must change. 

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 25, 2020

Retail Therapy: Oreos get Supreme-ly stuffed

The fashion label teamed up with the popular snack brand to sell yet another absurdly overpriced item people likely already own.

By Caroline Jansen • Feb. 21, 2020

Gap latest retailer to partner with ThredUp

The struggling retailer will give customers credit for used clothing it collects at select stores, at a time when its brands could use more foot traffic. 

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 21, 2020

Eloquii, Ella & Oak collaborate on bridal pop-in tour

The partnership comes as other retailers struggle to serve plus-size shoppers. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 21, 2020

Consumers demand action on climate change — and it's time for retailers to listen

The retail industry is at a critical moment in the fight against climate change. What is your business doing about it?

Feb. 21, 2020

Retail sales growth 'modest' in January as consumers stayed strong

Latest figures from the Commerce Department show pockets of strength, while department stores were down from the previous year.

By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 14, 2020

Retail Therapy: Crocs, KFC make their fashion debut

The two brands teamed up for a footwear collaboration, which appeared at New York Fashion Week with artist Me Love Me a Lot earlier this week.

By Caroline Jansen • Feb. 14, 2020

How chain stores are rightsizing New York City retail

Is the decline of national brands in NYC a regional problem or endemic of a larger retail shift?

By Lara Ewen • Feb. 10, 2020

Retail Therapy: The season of love and shameless consumerism

A fake Amazon Dating site offers up hot singles, with descriptions like "leaves a voicemail every time" and "will watch the sunset with you."

By Caroline Jansen • Feb. 7, 2020

Over-delivering delivery

As retailers work to better communicate and connect with customers, Shipt is preparing to support them in this new age of retail.

By Harley Butler • Feb. 7, 2020

Macy's revamps private label to reach millennials

The department store is pinning an apparel comeback on hopes its own brands deliver a quarter of its sales — including four at $1 billion apiece.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 6, 2020

Smart speaker shopping falls short of projections

Privacy and payment security concerns could be why the technology hasn't gained users' trust, according to a report by eMarketer.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 5, 2020

Prestige beauty sales flat in 2019 amid makeup declines

Total sales for the year hit $18.8 billion, according to the NPD Group, as makeup fell 7% and skin care grew 5%.

By Cara Salpini • Feb. 5, 2020

Yes, shoppers are using search in your store. Here's how to help.

The four things to consider to help customers find information while exploring your store.

By Kiran Mani • Jan. 31, 2020

Nordstrom launches resale shop 'See You Tomorrow'

The department store joins a growing list of retailers that see promise in offering customers increasingly popular resale and rental options.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 30, 2020

SKU'd: Secondhand beauty isn't the grossest part of the industry​

Because let's be real — does anyone really know what's in their makeup anyway?

By Kaarin Moore • Jan. 30, 2020