Amazon brings Alexa to hotels

The company is making a long-anticipated foray into the hospitality market, with Alexa moving into the vast network of Marriott hotels.

By Dan O'Shea • June 20, 2018

E-commerce optimization in the modern retail era

While consumers still want quality products—they also want to dictate their own shopping journey, including how they choose to interact with retailers and complete purchases.

June 20, 2018

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

Etsy dominates craft marketplaces

With 10 times more traffic than its nearest rival, Etsy is solidifying its niche, according to research from SimilarWeb.

By Daphne Howland • June 20, 2018

Ann Taylor, Loft outlets expand online

Ascena is giving its premium segment the discount treatment, in the hopes of attracting new customers to the brands.

By Daphne Howland • June 19, 2018

Google to invest $550M in JD.com in blow to Amazon, Alibaba

The tech giant follows in the footsteps of Walmart and China's Tencent, becoming the latest player to invest in juggernaut JD.com.

By Dan O'Shea • June 19, 2018

Too many ads, clunky websites turning off digital shoppers

Mobile, desktop and in-store customers agree that the biggest "retail nightmares" involve intrusive retail tactics and difficult processes, according to a new study. 

By Dan Alaimo • June 19, 2018

Brandless expands beauty assortment

The $3-a-piece consumer products e-retailer introduced beauty and grooming tools, growing its overall product line less than a year after launching. 

By Daphne Howland • June 18, 2018

Amazon private labels target wide range of shoppers

The e-tailer sells some apparel and home goods through its budget Basics and Essentials lines, reserving higher price points for customers of its flagship private labels, according to Coresight Research.

By Daphne Howland • June 18, 2018

Zara betting on AI, big data to outflank competitors

The push to incorporate technology is working: Last week, the fashion retailer's parent company, Inditex, posted record Q1 sales. 

By Alex Hickey • June 18, 2018

Lululemon notches 38% email open rate by tailoring to mobile

Focusing on short, snappy subject lines and eye-catching imagery above the fold proved to be a winning strategy for the activewear brand.

By Chris Kelly • June 18, 2018

Canada Goose expands in North America

The upscale outdoor retailer is installing cold rooms in New Jersey and Montreal so that customers can better test out parkas.

By Daphne Howland • June 18, 2018

A'gaci readies to exit bankruptcy in coming weeks

The women's apparel retailer is set to leave Chapter 11 with 20 fewer stores as it looks to boost its e-commerce game.

By Ben Unglesbee • June 15, 2018

Boxed speeds up automated fulfillment

The autonomously guided vehicle system was developed in-house and named for CEO Chieh Huang's favorite band — The Wu-Tang Clan.

By Daphne Howland • June 15, 2018

Rue21 looks to analytics, IT to boost sales

Following Chapter 11, rue21 is looking to technology to help adapt its assortment and supply chain quickly to consumer tastes and habits.

By Dan Alaimo • June 15, 2018

Report: Microsoft creating cashierless tech to battle Amazon Go

The tech giant could be emerging as a new 800-pound gorilla in the cashierless checkout technology market, according to Reuters.

By Dan O'Shea • June 14, 2018

Walmart's ModCloth celebrates individuality with its largest digital campaign

Part of the apparel brand's revamp, the campaign will include video, a magalog, social storytelling, in-store activations and digital media.

By Erica Sweeney • June 13, 2018

Urban Outfitters delivers on sales and Wall Street applauds

The apparel retailer is building on a strong first quarter as store sales at its brands increase and digital sales explode.

By Daphne Howland • June 13, 2018

Whole Foods is 'accelerating' its Prime savings rollout

The grocer added the membership discounts to stores in 10 states this week, and says it's getting strong customer feedback.

By Alicia Kelso • June 13, 2018

Sears expands tire collaboration with Amazon

The department store retailer has now made its tire installation partnership with Amazon available nationwide.

By Daphne Howland , Ben Unglesbee • Updated Aug. 28, 2018

Rent-A-Center rejects possible sale, then gets another offer

The rent-to-own retailer is committed to going forward alone with its turnaround plan, at least until the next "credible offer" rolls in. 

By Ben Unglesbee • June 12, 2018

Rakuten acquires mobile pickup platform Curbside

The deal comes at a time when mobile ordering and pickup are becoming more popular, making the space competitive.

By Robert Williams • June 12, 2018

Apparel shoppers really want to try before they buy

Such programs give consumers a set amount of time to evaluate goods before being billed and are the preferred payment options for U.S. consumers, according to a new study.

By Daphne Howland • June 12, 2018

The good, the bad and the ugly from IRCE 2018

From classroom style lessons to the looming marketplace dominance, IRCE provided some valuable information, writes Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga.

By Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga • June 11, 2018

Amazon reportedly picks 2 Chicago sites for Go stores

The e-commerce giant has chosen two sites known for high foot traffic volumes as locations for its first two cashierless convenience stores in the city. 

By Dan O'Shea • June 11, 2018

Is e-commerce killing the merchant buyer?

Not likely, thanks in part to technology that is empowering talented retail merchants and creating opportunities for brands.

By Daphne Howland • June 11, 2018