Retail Therapy: 5 Halloween costumes so bad they're spooky

From sexy Sherlock Holmes to an athleisure-clad "influencer," here are some of the worst ones we've come across leading up to the big night.

By Cara Salpini • Oct. 12, 2018

Target to launch startup incubator aimed at Gen Z

The mass merchant's latest accelerator program aims to foster progressively-minded business concepts from members of the young demographic.

By Dan O'Shea • Oct. 11, 2018

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

Is it time for retailers to get political?

Turbulent political times might seem like a good reason for retailers to avoid controversial issues, but only certain ones, according to an OnBuy study.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 9, 2018

Target stokes price war with new Smartly private label

Beginning mid-month the mass merchant will roll out a home essentials and personal care brand with most items priced under $2.

By Corinne Ruff • Oct. 8, 2018

Cartier, Saks trade high-stakes lawsuits over NYC renovation

The upscale retailer is attempting to reset the essence of what a department store is, but the luxury jeweler is resisting the changes that entails.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 8, 2018

Retail Therapy: Top Ramen steams up new clothing line

The market for brand love these days is so high that everything from noodles to Miracle Whip has its own merchandise line. And the products sell out.

By Cara Salpini • Oct. 5, 2018

NRF expects holiday sales spike of up to 4.8%

The trade association credits a strong economy and the healthy state of retail for the positive forecast.  

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 4, 2018

16% of consumers to use smartphones for holiday shopping

A new PwC study shows how a shift in buying habits will particularly benefit Instagram, Pinterest and Snapchat, who have boosted their mobile commerce tools in the past year.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 3, 2018

Millennials set to spend the most at the holidays

The demographic is choosing retailers that demonstrate awareness of social and political issues important to them, according to an Accenture study.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 2, 2018

More than 60 major retailers to close on Thanksgiving

Many retailers are content to take in sales online and avoid the bad publicity of being open on the holiday, but others can't afford to cede the day to Amazon.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 2, 2018

Gucci, Louis Vuitton rated 'genius' digital luxury brands

While the category lags when it comes to omnichannel functionalities, its adoption of social commerce on Instagram is exploding. 

By Erica Sweeney • Oct. 2, 2018

A new and powerful marketing combination: Virtual testing using emotion

Understanding the emotional triggers of purchase intent improves direct mail response.

Oct. 1, 2018

Amazon, Twitch add shopping, enhanced features to 'Thursday Night Football'

Viewers of the live-streamed games on Twitch can chat and buy NFL merchandise. 

By Robert Williams • Sept. 28, 2018

More holiday shoppers heading to stores, and earlier

People of all ages head to stores for fun at the holidays, according to research from cloud-based retail and workforce platform Natural Insights.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 28, 2018

Retail Therapy: Babies R Us isn't dead, it's just a Halloween store

The retailer's bankruptcy was unexpected in many ways — and nothing prepared shoppers for the sight of Babies R Us banners beside that decorative grave they'd been eyeing.

By Cara Salpini • Sept. 28, 2018

Kohl's lays out women's private label plus brand

The move is part of a renewed size-inclusive effort, which also includes revamped plus areas in stores by fall 2019.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 26, 2018

AT&T set to open retail store, cafe hybrid

The Lounge will feature AT&T products, as well as coffee, and comes just a few days after the company announced plans to open 1,000 new retail stores.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 25, 2018

Can beauty department makeovers keep traditional retailers relevant?

Retailers like Macy's and CVS have made significant strides to update their beauty offerings this year, but it's unclear how effective they'll be against Sephora and Ulta.

By Cara Salpini • Sept. 25, 2018

FabFitFun debuts Facebook video programming

The launch coincides with the subscription box service's new fall box, and future content will be pegged to seasonal sales.

By Dan Alaimo • Sept. 25, 2018

Are subscription services viable for independent retailers?

Small, local retailers are vying for a piece of the market and find a focused approach builds customer loyalty.

By Kaarin Moore • Sept. 24, 2018

Connekt joins with Sony for TV-enabled commerce

The reality of shopping directly on TVs is hastened by a deal between Connekt and Sony.

By Dan Alaimo • Sept. 21, 2018

Gap Inc. to debut men's athleisure brand

The launch of Hill City is yet another challenge to Lululemon, likely building on the success of the company's Athleta brand.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 21, 2018

Halloween spending to hit $9B

The strong economy will help keep spending high, though it won't quite reach last year's record, according to the National Retail Federation's annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 21, 2018

Retail Therapy: Balenciaga thinks your child would be cuter in a $500 tracksuit

The fashion house is also selling a glittery triangle purse and a leather tote with a photo of a puppy and a kitten cuddling. Yes, they are both over $1,000.

By Cara Salpini • Sept. 21, 2018

Amazon unveils new Echo devices, Alexa features

The company rolled out 15 new Alexa-enabled products Thursday, including microwaves, clocks, amplifiers and car gadgets, among other devices.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 20, 2018