What it takes to achieve 'product nirvana'

These three companies are leveraging the strengths of a startup — speed to market and data-driven insights — in product development as retailers seek out differentiated goods.  

By Corinne Ruff • Jan. 16, 2018

App Annie: Shopping app use jumped 54% in 2017

App categories like shopping and media are growing rapidly as smartphones evolve to offer bigger, more vivid screens and frictionless mobile pay options.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 12, 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: Ikea goes gaga for expecting mothers

In an attempt to target the "new parents" demographic, the Swedish retailer released an ad that gives soon-to-be-mothers a discount … but only if they pee on it.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 12, 2018

Rent the Runway to deploy self-scanning kiosks

The apparel rental company is hoping the technology will improve customer experience and speed up the pick up and drop off process.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 11, 2018

Kate Spade, Fossil tap into smartwatch space

The new line of touchscreen smartwatches lead the charge on similar announcements at the Consumer Electronics Show.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 10, 2018

Google lines up an army of assistant-enabled products

The tech company is throwing its virtual assistant into heated competition with Amazon's Alexa, with plans to put Google Assistant into many new products.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 10, 2018

Amazon’s Alexa strategy hinges on everyday items — even toilets

The company is determined to stay ahead of Google Assistant, and it's getting Alexa into as many products as possible in the process.  

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 10, 2018

5 ways to win with Gen Z shoppers

Causes, convenience and calls to action are helping brands successfully court the youngest demographic, writes Oded Edelman of Signet Jewelers. 

By Oded Edelman • Jan. 9, 2018

Most consumers want retail and politics to mix

The benefits could be high for those that do take a stance on important issues, according to a new study.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 9, 2018

Target adds 'Universal Thread' to private label stable

Target's latest denim brand is part of the retailer's differentiation strategy and is based on consumer feedback and features inclusive sizing. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 9, 2018

H&M readies millennial-focused 'Nyden' brand

The effort comes shortly after the fast-fashion company, amid rising inventories and falling sales, announced it's picking up the pace on a transformation plan.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 8, 2018

Neutrogena set to debut mobile SkinScanner

The tech innovations keep on coming from the beauty sector, as Neutrogena prepares to unveil a skin-scanning smartphone accessory.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 8, 2018

NRF 2018: Pop-up goes high-tech

As pop-up stores become more prevalent, the ability to provide the kind of technology, connectivity, and digital shopping experience customers experience from online retail is crucial. 

Jan. 6, 2018

Retail Therapy: In 2018, hit the gym with 'Eau De Blood, Sweat & Tears'

Equinox is hoping an odd campaign will help customers #committosomething — preferably a luxury gym membership.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 5, 2018

7 trends that will disrupt and define retail in 2018

From renewed investment in brick and mortar to a growing appetite for acquisitions, here's what to expect in the year ahead. 

By Corinne Ruff , Ben Unglesbee , Laura Heller , Cara Salpini • Jan. 4, 2018

Can Google Home take on Amazon’s Echo in 2018?

Venture capital firm Loup Ventures foresees a year of growth for Google's smart speaker despite Amazon’s early domination of that sector.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 3, 2018

Dyson opens NYC store on Fifth Avenue

The new space from the upscale appliance maker joins a host of brands opening stand-alone brick-and-mortar shops to spur engagement. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 3, 2018

Why beauty will continue to rule retail in 2018

From leaders Sephora and Ulta to relative newcomers Glossier and Birchbox, beauty is killing other sectors. Here's how.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 2, 2018

Holiday returns to reach 1.4M in one day

UPS expects returns to peak Wednesday, on National Returns Day, and Walmart hopes to ease the process with a new mobile app feature.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 2, 2018

The internet influences nearly half of Gen Z purchases

The generation has some estimated $44 billion in spending power just from their weekly allowance — a number that should grow as the generation enters the workforce.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 2, 2018

Holiday sales surge 4.9%

The bountiful holiday season is thanks to high consumer confidence, according to the latest Mastercard SpendingPulse report, but there are clouds on the horizon.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 26, 2017

Retail Therapy: The 6 most memorable trends and travesties of 2017

Looking back on the year, it's hard to choose between the bad and the worse, but overpriced objects and denim debauchery top our list easily.  

By Corinne Ruff , Cara Salpini • Dec. 22, 2017

Retail Therapy: The 8 funniest holiday retail moments of 2017

Whether retailers totally missed the mark or made a hilariously on-brand marketing move, here are our favorite happenings from the holiday season.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 22, 2017

Over 75% of customers want to shop through their TV

"T-commerce" could be on the rise, as customers express interest in buying items from both TV ads and shows.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 22, 2017

ProFlowers enters chatbot frenzy with one-click buy button

​Most chatbots have suffered to deliver conversions, but one-click buying could be the answer to reducing friction and closing sales on Messenger.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 21, 2017