Smartphones are most popular devices for online shopping, survey says

Less than a third of shoppers plan to use a desktop or laptop for purchasing, while just 16% will browse on a tablet.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 21, 2019

Beauty search engine Mira launches with backing from Unilever Ventures

Aimed at connecting shoppers to the right products for their needs, the platform also serves as an online community for beauty users to seek advice.

By Cara Salpini • Oct. 17, 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

Walmart relaunches online toy ‘lab’

The retail giant is once again deepening its push into the category ahead of the holiday season, as the race to fill the Toys R Us void goes into its second year. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 16, 2019

Sole survivors: 5 national chains that outlasted their peers

Being the last retailer in a category might sound like an enviable spot, but it's almost never a "safe harbor," as retail's ghosts could tell you.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 16, 2019

6 ways retailers can win the holidays

It's a high stakes year, as retailers have closed nearly 7,300 stores thus far and 28 retailers are facing bankruptcy in the next 12 months.

By Kaarin Moore • Oct. 14, 2019

Walmart's topsy-turvy week ends with the exit of US chief

The leader of the retailer's domestic turnaround is handing his role to the Sam's Club chief while Walmart's digital business goes through a sharp pivot.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 11, 2019

REI expands online selection with dropshipping

Danner, ECCO and Salomon are among the first brands to participate by shipping orders directly to customers.

By Lisa Rowan • Oct. 11, 2019

Consumer incentives insights: Learning from customer experiences

What makes a good consumer incentives program? Understanding the balance between user irritations and user benefits gives insight into the future of CI.

Oct. 11, 2019

Why subscription boxes aren't just e-commerce as usual

Inventory management and fulfillment strategies differ from e-commerce, and personalization at scale adds new complexity to the model.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Oct. 10, 2019

The 5 biggest DTC trends of 2019

The shift to direct to consumer isn't expected to slow anytime soon, writes Innovation Department founder Alex Song.

By Alex Song • Oct. 10, 2019

New Toys R Us turns to Target to support online sales

The resurrected toy retailer relaunched its website and packed it full of advice and tips for shoppers, but is leaving actual sales to the retail giant.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 8, 2019

Bonobos lays off staff amid Walmart's e-commerce reset

News of the layoffs comes on the heels of ModCloth's sale, a possible sign of a strategy shift in the retail giant's digital arm.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 8, 2019

Burberry, The RealReal pilot resale partnership

As part of the collaboration, customers who consign the designer's pieces will gain access to an in-store shopping experience with the luxury retailer. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 8, 2019

Costco expected to 'remain a share gainer' as sales jump 8%

The consistently strong retailer has found ways to boost online sales without sacrificing profit or identity. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 7, 2019

Over half of shoppers use subscription box services

Dollar Shave Club leads the pack as more retailers and brands introduce subscription services.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 4, 2019

Google intros price-tracking, enhanced visual search in latest e-commerce bid

Two updates show the search giant ramping up an e-commerce battle with Amazon and Pinterest during the holiday shopping season.

By Peter Adams • Oct. 4, 2019

Amazon fights back against AAFA's 'notorious market' claims

In a letter to a U.S. Trade Representative, the e-commerce giant said it goes "well beyond" its legal obligations in fighting counterfeits.

By Ben Unglesbee , Daphne Howland • Updated Oct. 16, 2019

Kardashian-Jenner family launches apparel resale business

The new venture taps into a lucrative apparel trend that is growing as shoppers both look for deals and support sustainability efforts. 

By Kaarin Moore • Oct. 3, 2019

Simon deepens digital dive through co-venture with Rue La La owner

The partnership combines the online platforms of the two companies and is expected to quickly top $1 billion in sales.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 2, 2019

As Instacart gains ground, tech players organize to take back the last mile

Growing demand for grocery e-commerce has brought software players together to offer end-to-end services in a clear challenge to the market leader. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 2, 2019

Neiman Marcus introduces 'Clean Beauty' online shop

The move follows a trend of retailers highlighting products that have safe or environmentally friendly ingredients.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 2, 2019

Banana Republic, Athleta launch BOPIS services

During a pilot program, Gap Inc. reported the brands received add-on sales when customers picked up orders in store.

By Kaarin Moore • Oct. 1, 2019

CCIM Institute: The state of retailing in 2025

Expect more partnerships with hotels, pressure on supply chains and multiuse redevelopments to retail spaces, according to Chief Economist K.C. Conway.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 1, 2019

Rent the Runway 'back to business as usual' following supply chain meltdown

The rental service experienced shipment delays following a fulfillment software upgrade, causing the company to temporarily pause operations.

By Morgan Forde , Kaarin Moore • Updated Oct. 9, 2019

Net-A-Porter debuts flagship store in Tmall Luxury Pavilion

The e-commerce platform is among the latest to tap Alibaba to access Asian shoppers and expand into new markets.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 1, 2019