Christian bookseller LifeWay shuttering all locations

The organization in January decided to shrink its brick-and-mortar footprint, but more recently chose to eliminate it entirely to focus on digital sales.

By Daphne Howland • April 1, 2019

Bed Bath & Beyond reportedly lays off almost 150

As the home goods retailer this week also sparred with three activist investors, it said that the layoffs reflect a new focus on e-commerce.

By Daphne Howland • March 29, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

What's shaping the e-commerce landscape?

From pivots in digital strategies to challenges retailers must overcome with reverse logistics, here are some of the forces shaping online retail.

By Retail Dive staff

Simon adds e-commerce site to its portfolio

While not even CEO David Simon seems to expect many sales through the mall developer's fifth platform, experts say it's nevertheless an innovative move.

By Daphne Howland • March 27, 2019

Square challenges Shopify with e-commerce tools for small businesses

The point-of-sale platform is putting its Weebly acquisition to use by revamping its Square Online Store and Square for Retail products.

By Daphne Howland • March 26, 2019

Rent the Runway sashays to unicorn status

The startup's latest investment round raised $125 million, pushing the company to a $1 billion valuation. 

By Daphne Howland • March 22, 2019

Grayson launches as DTC and wholesale brand

The women's shirts brand debuted online and in Anthropologie and Nordstrom stores last week.

By Corinne Ruff • March 21, 2019

West Elm emerges as Williams-Sonoma's best growth option

E-commerce is also growing fast, and accounted for over half of the company's total revenues last year.

By Caroline Jansen • March 21, 2019

Amazon launches private label skincare line

With its penchant for developing its own brands, it's no surprise the e-commerce player would get into the heated beauty category.

By Daphne Howland • March 20, 2019

73% of online shoppers click on Amazon product ads while browsing

Nearly 90% of all consumers and 96% of Prime members are more likely to purchase from the e-commerce giant than other sites, according to a new report by Feedvisor. 

By Erica Sweeney • March 20, 2019

Nordstrom's Trunk Club adds Your Picks basics to boxes

The styling service's move follows rival Stitch Fix's similar introduction last year of add-ons like underwear, basics and accessories.

By Daphne Howland • March 20, 2019

With private brands, Amazon plays the long game

Contrary to recent reports, competitors probably shouldn't count on the idea that the e-retailer's private and exclusive labels are struggling.

By Daphne Howland • March 19, 2019

Only 7% of retailers offer a shared cart across channels

Omnichannel is evolving toward real-time shopping experiences, but most retailers are hesitating, according to a study by BRP. 

By Dan O'Shea • March 19, 2019

Bold Metrics debuts Smart Size Chart to reduce online returns

Amid new thinking about sizing practices, the company is using technology to help shoppers find the best fit.

By Dan O'Shea • March 19, 2019

Leverage key events to drive shoppers in-store

Are you leveraging key events to drive your customers in-store? Learn how to win at retail, all year.

March 18, 2019

Amazon study highlights digital divide for rural businesses

A report from the e-commerce giant and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates increased use of digital tools in rural areas could add $140 billion to the U.S. economy by 2021. 

By Dan O'Shea • March 14, 2019

Mastercard to acquire fintech company Ethoca

The move will increase digital security efforts to protect merchants and card users against fraudulent activity.

By Dan O'Shea • March 13, 2019

Amazon caves on seller pricing

The e-commerce giant is feeling the pressure not only from its own sellers and politicians of all stripes, but from shoppers as well.

By Daphne Howland • March 13, 2019

Basic Space looks to leverage the influencer economy

A new online and app marketplace provides a home for celebrities to sell their own pre-owned and exclusive merchandise.

By Dan O'Shea • March 12, 2019

More than 50% of US households will have Amazon Prime in 2019

The e-commerce giant is earning the loyalty of entire households through Prime memberships, according to a new study by eMarketer. 

By Dan O'Shea • March 12, 2019

Rue21 to launch BOPIS in over 700 stores

The retailer's large-scale commitment to click-and-collect comes as more consumers across the sector are engaging with the service.

By Dan O'Shea • March 11, 2019

Website bugs lead to cart abandonment

Shoppers are likely to leave a website if they encounter a bug, but in some cases retailers may not hear about the bad experience, according to a SurveyMonkey study. 

By Dan O'Shea • March 7, 2019

Google dives deeper into visual search with shoppable ads in Images

The search giant's new features make its platform more directly competitive with Pinterest.

By Robert Williams • March 7, 2019

Amazon is the top destination for buying beauty

Beauty shoppers are using the e-commerce giant's mobile app to find and purchase items, according to research by Stella Rising.

By Dan O'Shea • March 6, 2019

Is search about to get too good to be good for retail?

Tech refinements presented at Shoptalk are based on the idea that shoppers know what they want. But discovery is sometimes more productive when it's inefficient.

By Daphne Howland • March 6, 2019

Digitally native brands on the power of brick and mortar

Founders and CEOs at digital-first businesses at Shoptalk predict their business models will need to move beyond early strategies like social media marketing to preserve customer relationships.

By Cara Salpini • March 6, 2019