Holiday spending sleighs

Consumer confidence and prepared retailers made the perfect partnership for a strong retail season.

By Kaarin Moore • Jan. 4, 2019

Retail Therapy: Louis Vuitton wants toy maker to cut the crap

While it may seem painfully obvious that the slime-filled, poop-shaped toy purse isn't designer, the luxury brand filed a complaint for good measure.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 4, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

How retailers are deploying in-store technology

Payment systems, self-checkout stations and home visualization tech are just a few of the areas getting attention from retailers as they rethink the store experience.

By Retail Dive staff

RBC: About 41% of Americans now own smart speakers

2018 was a big year for smart speaker adoption by consumers, but that doesn't mean voice commerce is exploding yet.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 3, 2019

Gift cards' true value: A post peak season inventory rush

Gift card sales are growing and can be a goldmine if pricing and inventory are on point.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Jan. 2, 2019

58% of retail sales will be influenced by digital by 2023

A new Forrester report finds an increasing number of all purchases are influenced by digital capabilities like mobile search and online marketplaces.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 2, 2019

5 stories that shaped retail tech in 2018

While there have been several technological advancements this year, a select few stood out as game changers in the category.

By Caroline Jansen • Dec. 21, 2018

5 stories that shaped retail marketing in 2018

Some stories — and trendlines — stuck out more than others, both because of their impact at the time and for what they say about other moves in the space.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 21, 2018

Retail Therapy: 6 trends and travesties that plagued 2018

While the year has brought many unwelcome products, we are thankful for one thing: the $100,000 Louis Vuitton toilet that'll flush them all away.

By Corinne Ruff , Cara Salpini • Dec. 21, 2018

How Bonobos is growing up under Walmart's wing

Since CEO Micky Onvural took over in September, she says "Nothing has changed, but everything has changed."

By Corinne Ruff • Dec. 20, 2018

3 trends that pushed beauty retailers to new heights in 2018

As a category, beauty is often highlighted for its fresh retail approach, and this year was a big one for renovations and revamps.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 19, 2018

More US consumers ditching cash for cards, mobile

Paper currency could be on its way out in the U.S., but a cashless society is not yet in sight.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 18, 2018

12 news stories that shaped retail in 2018

From Sears and Mattress Firm's bankruptcies to Walmart's $16 billion Flipkart buy, here's a look back at the biggest news from the last 12 months.

By Corinne Ruff • Dec. 18, 2018

Nearly 70% of marketers to use Instagram in 2018

Marketers are increasing their use of both Instagram and Snapchat, though the latter falls in much lower, at 28% on the year.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 17, 2018

Retail Therapy: Unwrapping the holiday season's worst moments

From overpriced Christmas catalogs to Barnes & Noble leaving books off its holiday gift guide, there were plenty of bad calls this season.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 14, 2018

Amy Schumer debuts inclusive-size collection at Saks Off 5th

The off-price retailer is just the latest to develop apparel that more women can shop for, putting pressure on plus-size specialists.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 14, 2018

A look inside Macy's new retail strategy

The Market @ Macy's and b8ta can be found on the main floor of the Herald Square flagship. Here's what they say about the department store's future.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 12, 2018

Do Shinola hotels have room to grow?

The watch brand enters the hospitality space with a new Detroit hotel opening in 2019.

By Lara Ewen • Dec. 10, 2018

Retail Therapy: The denim nightmare we wish was put to bed

If you've been hoarding bootcut jeans and jelly shoes in your closet for years, it may be time to break them out once again.

By Caroline Jansen • Dec. 7, 2018

Facebook pushes feature for sharing holiday gift wish lists

The social network is expanding on the collections feature it began rolling out more than a year ago to enable users to save, organize and find content.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 6, 2018

70% of consumers still want human interaction versus bots

While chatbots may be more cost effective for a company, a report by Sitel Group reveals the majority of consumers prefer speaking to a human.

By Dan O'Shea • Nov. 30, 2018

Young women like Victoria's Secret, but will they buy?

The brand's controversial fashion show gives it a boost in the holiday quarter, but it complicates the retailer's strategy going forward.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 30, 2018

Coming to a city near you: Ikea, new and (maybe) improved

The furniture retailer is opening 30 small-store concepts in urban areas and refocusing e-commerce and delivery efforts. Will that lure millennials?

By Caroline Jansen • Nov. 28, 2018

Lost Toys R Us shoppers are going to American Girl, Kmart

Retail chains have made assertive moves in merchandising and marketing to grab share left by the toy giant's demise.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 27, 2018

Cyber Monday spending hits record $7.9B

Retailers are finally seeing meaningful numbers from mobile, and are reaping the benefits of click-and-collect services, according to Adobe Analytics.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 27, 2018

10 digitally native brands to watch

Direct-to-consumer businesses like Casper, Away and Glossier are banking on social media connections, nimble supply chains and cheaper prices to disrupt retail — and they're scaling quickly.

By Corinne Ruff • Nov. 27, 2018