Consumers unexpectedly send April retail sales down

Core retail declined 0.2% for the month, but, year over year bounced 2.8% as e-commerce rose 9%, according to the U.S. government.

By Daphne Howland • May 16, 2019

Study: Wearables market to grow 15% a year until 2023

Demand for wearable electronics will grow as the devices integrate advanced technologies like AI, VR and contactless payments.

By Robert Williams • May 16, 2019

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

S&P: 17% of retailers are distressed

Retail leads all industries in its share of financially vulnerable companies, as heavy debt loads and competition create outsized risks.

By Ben Unglesbee • May 15, 2019

Why retailers are flooding the Sunshine State

Rapid population growth in Florida, particularly among millennials, is escalating a battle royale among specialty players, discounters and conventional chains.

By Krishna Thakker • May 15, 2019

The shopper value equation: how understanding it unlocks retail growth

Today’s shopper has many choices. From the physical shops around the corner to 24/7 shopping in their pockets, capturing and retaining their attention is a challenge for any retailer.

May 13, 2019

Retail Therapy: #Class runs through this company's veins

Bask, a New York-based brand, unveiled a beach towel and blazer hybrid that makes looking pretentious this summer easier. 

By Caroline Jansen • May 10, 2019

Study: Chatbots to drive $112B in retail sales by 2023

Retailers that don't adapt will face strong challenges from more technologically adept disruptors, Juniper Research warns.

By Robert Williams • May 9, 2019

5 small business trends

Independent retailers are going through an accelerated change, with increased payment options, a public that wants to shop local and attention from Amazon.

By Kaarin Moore • May 6, 2019

Retail Therapy: Steve Madden's sky high plan to keep the '90s alive

In a totally unsolicited move, the brand is releasing an exclusive collection of the iconic "Slinky" platform sandals at Urban Outfitters.

By Caroline Jansen • April 26, 2019

RTW Retailwinds joins online lingerie war

The former New York & Company has tapped a Victoria's Secret executive for its new lingerie brand, the second digital pure play in its portfolio.

By Daphne Howland • April 25, 2019

H&M expands product transparency for online apparel

Several sustainability and ethics watchers give the fast-fashion retailer props for its efforts, but also say it should go further.

By Daphne Howland • April 24, 2019

Private labels outpacing national brands

Store brands are grabbing market share from established players, but some categories are easier to conquer than others.

By Daphne Howland • April 23, 2019

Target unveils green, affordable household product brand

"Everspring" takes a note from startup Brandless for affordable goods, and furthers the retailer's private label efforts.

By Daphne Howland • April 22, 2019

For the birds: This DTC brand is flying high on sustainable wings

Allbirds co-founder Tim Brown runs a business built on environmentally friendly materials, but he says it's really all about great shoes.

By Cara Salpini • April 22, 2019

Temporary living: The rise of furniture rental

Consumers are less concerned about putting down roots. Is rented furniture the solution?

By Caroline Jansen • April 22, 2019

Uncontained: The complex link between retail and packaging

Retailers are aware that the environmental impact of packaging is weighing on consumers' minds. But, it's not just about getting rid of plastic.

By Kaarin Moore • April 22, 2019

Conversational Commerce: How one digitally native brand baked sustainability into its DNA

An environmental focus doesn't have to come at the cost of profitability, says Grove Collaborative CEO Stu Landesberg.

By Corinne Ruff • April 22, 2019

Does Ikea's 1st urban location take a page from the DTC playbook?

The retailer this week unveiled a small-format store, which provides design consultations to Manhattan's urbanites.

By Caroline Jansen • April 18, 2019

Consumer confidence may be hitting a peak

Americans remain among the most confident consumers in the world, but there are some signs of softening here, too.

By Daphne Howland • April 18, 2019

Can chatbots charm consumers?

Years after the technology looked like the next big thing in customer engagement, retailers and brands still need to be careful how it is employed.

By Dan O'Shea • April 17, 2019

H&M is ready for Gen Z

The fast-fashion retailer’s latest moves seem tailor-made for a cohort that wants companies to align with its values. 

By Daphne Howland • April 16, 2019

Fernish steps into brick and mortar

The direct-to-consumer furniture subscription service has teamed up with Alliance Residential to create showrooms.

By Caroline Jansen • April 16, 2019

'Big and tall' could be bigger — and better

When it comes to advancements in apparel sizing, women have paved the way. Men's brands seem destined to follow suit, but retailers have a lot to learn.

By Daphne Howland • April 15, 2019

Chico's to launch online lingerie brand targeting millennials

TellTale is a smart play for younger customers in a market where leader Victoria's Secret is ceding share, analysts say.

By Daphne Howland • April 12, 2019

Anchors away: Why grocers are heading to the mall

With vacancy rates high and department stores, including Sears and J.C. Penney, vacating anchor locations, food retailers are moving in. 

By Krishna Thakker • April 11, 2019