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

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

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

Is Blue Apron's partnership with Costco on the rocks?

Sales of the company's meal kits are on pause at the wholesale giant during the holidays, but CEO Brad Dickerson says it is aiming to return in 2019.

By Christopher Doering • Nov. 27, 2018

Online fraud accelerates into holiday shopping season

One year after a record number of fraudulent account takeovers, security company 4iQ is warning e-commerce companies of more threats to come.

By Dan O'Shea • Nov. 26, 2018

7-Eleven cashes in on Alipay, WeChat Pay at Canadian stores

The Chinese payment services are now available at 35 locations in Vancouver and Toronto before a planned expansion.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 26, 2018

Adore Me opens 1st store outside of New York

The e-commerce player has big plans for brick and mortar as the brand and its rivals work to take advantage of Victoria's Secret's troubles.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 26, 2018

Payless debuts holiday pop-up stores

The shoe retailer is working with a much smaller brick-and-mortar footprint after its bankruptcy last year.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 26, 2018

Reporter's Notebook: A shopper's take on Black Friday

Going out on Black Friday isn't just a great way to get Christmas presents — it's also a great way to see where retailers hit or missed on the biggest shopping day of the year.

By Cara Salpini • Nov. 26, 2018

The winners and losers of Black Friday 2018

Some retailers delighted customers with promotions and free shipping while others crashed and burned. 

By Kaarin Moore • Nov. 25, 2018

Brooklinen launches first pop-up in NYC

The luxury linen retailer is the latest direct-to-consumer brand to expand its physical presence.

By Caroline Jansen • Nov. 20, 2018

Victoria's Secret's broken angel wings

The third quarter brings the latest sign of trouble for L Brands' dimming star. Can new lingerie chief John Mehas bring the light?

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 20, 2018

76% of Prime members prefer local merchants for holiday purchases

The e-commerce giant's best customers favor shopping at small businesses over Amazon's website for their gift shopping, according to a new study from Funding Circle.

By Dan Alaimo • Nov. 16, 2018

Retail Therapy: Neiman Marcus harvests Thanksgiving shoppers for cash

If impressing guests with food that says both "delicious" and "expensive" is something you crave this Thanksgiving, Neiman Marcus has you covered.

By Cara Salpini , Caroline Jansen • Nov. 16, 2018