Amazon breaks Prime Day records despite site crashes

The e-commerce giant's major summer sale, aside from being a lucrative sales day for the company, gives it a chance to wrestle with system weaknesses ahead of the big dance: the holidays.

By Daphne Howland • July 17, 2018

Carter's expands sizes up to tweens

The brand's fans will likely be pleased to know they can stick with Carter's as their children grow, but the children's retailer faces competition on all sides in the older segment.

By Daphne Howland • July 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

Most parents and teens dread back-to-school shopping

Parents' concerns about budget constraints set them at odds with teenagers, who want brand name products, according to research from rewards program Ebates.

By Daphne Howland • July 17, 2018

48% of consumers say hurdles deter loyalty program sign-up

Retailers are continuing to refine their loyalty and rewards programs, but a new survey suggests they may still be making it too hard for customers to join and enjoy the benefits.

By Dan O'Shea • July 17, 2018

Gymboree tries for reboot as back-to-school season starts

This time last year found the children's retailer in Chapter 11, driven there by an unsustainable debt load and falling sales.

By Ben Unglesbee • July 16, 2018

Amazon poised to grab half of online sales in the US

As its more lucrative marketplace continues to dominate, Amazon also faces a backlash as some sellers fail to live up to customer service standards.

By Daphne Howland • July 16, 2018

Retail Therapy: The great Build-A-Bear blunder of 2018

Thousands of shoppers around the U.S., Canada and the U.K. swarmed the chain's stores for a deal too good to be true.

By Corinne Ruff • July 13, 2018

Victoria's Secret extends summer sale — but still gets no lift

The lingerie brand is "broken," according to Jeffries analyst Randal Konik, and that spells serious trouble for owner L Brands.

By Daphne Howland • July 13, 2018

Back-to-school shoppers are waiting for deals

Shopping patterns are mirroring Black Friday, with parents holding out for the best prices before opening their wallets. 

By Daphne Howland • July 13, 2018

CommerceHub taps former J.C. Penney exec as COO

The supply chain network is looking to expand its relationships with retailers and add new products and capabilities. 

By Ben Unglesbee • July 12, 2018

Visa innovation center showcases contactless payment

Banks aren't ready and retailers are wary, but the technology is on display in a futuristic pop-up experience in Washington.

By Nicole Ault • July 11, 2018

Travel boosts some outdoor segments amid overall decline

As consumers devote more of their budgets to travel, they're buying outerwear and other outdoor equipment, according to a report from The NPD Group.

By Daphne Howland • July 11, 2018

J. Crew unveils inclusive summer and fall collection

The partnership with Universal Standard represents the most inclusive sizing yet from a brand known for its attention to smaller customers.

By Daphne Howland • July 11, 2018

9 things to watch for on Prime Day 2018

The day has rocketed to the top shopping day of the third quarter, according to some data — and it's not just for Amazon customers anymore. 

By Ben Unglesbee • July 9, 2018

Retail Therapy: Toys R Us evicts Geoffrey the Giraffe

The giraffe was last spotted by a depressing line of empty shelves, waving goodbye before the toy store closed its doors for good.

By Cara Salpini • July 6, 2018

Study: 79% of consumers want human-driven customer service

Even with chatbots and other digital tools for customer support, many customers still want the option to speak to human representatives.

By Dan O'Shea • July 5, 2018

Colgate reportedly to invest in subscription startup Hubble

The delivery startup would help develop subscriptions for Colgate's oral care and other products, The Wall Street Journal reports.

By Daphne Howland • July 3, 2018

Consumers embracing 'digital forward' stores, but beware of glitches

Many shoppers like the idea of in-store tech, but also have experienced problems that hurt their perception of such stores, according to a new survey.

By Dan O'Shea • July 2, 2018

Nordstrom downgraded on margin, Rack pressures

The note from Cowen analysts Monday, noting short-term concerns about investments and slow sales, is a perfect example of why the Nordstrom family wanted to take the retailer private.

By Daphne Howland • July 2, 2018

Amazon, Alibaba drive retail's brand growth

A sprawling study by BrandZ found that retail brands globally rose 35% in brand value, with e-commerce giants posting huge gains.

By Daphne Howland • June 29, 2018

Retail Therapy: Nordstrom's baking ambitions come to light

With baguettes and croissants that glow like an oven light, it seems the department store took French inspiration for its latest lamp line.

By Cara Salpini • June 29, 2018

'Today' will be key word for deliveries this holiday season

Retailers are gearing up for a holiday season when same-day delivery of gifts will be expected, especially by last-minute shoppers, according to a survey by Dropoff.

By Dan Alaimo • June 28, 2018

Party City plans 'Toy City' pop-ups for a post-Toys R Us world

The seller of party goods plans to test 50 locations as the last national toy store chain liquidates, creating opportunities in the marketplace.

By Ben Unglesbee • June 27, 2018

Reporter's Notebook: A quest for experiential retail

Retail Dive's Cara Salpini spent three days wandering the streets of Manhattan, exploring some of the freshest store concepts in the city — and what makes them tick.

By Cara Salpini • June 27, 2018

Shopping via voice gains momentum

A new report found 26% of smart speaker users have purchased by voice command, and 16% make monthly purchases using the technology.

By Dan Alaimo • June 27, 2018