Walmart files patents for expanded blockchain use

Two patents published last week would enable Walmart to use blockchain technology for behavior monitoring, in addition to vendor payments and digital shopping.

By Dan Alaimo • April 23, 2018

EMV payments in 2018: The state of the update

Less than three years after the EMV liability switch, and many retailers are still on the sidelines but already looking toward the next stage in the evolution of payments.

By Lara Ewen • April 23, 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

4 ways to use data to personalize the shopping journey

The future of retail is about delivering custom experiences that enable the customer to craft his or her own shopping journey and discover, purchase, and pay for items on his or her own terms.

April 20, 2018

Amazon edging closer to No. 1 in US apparel

Prime members and brands themselves are increasingly turning to Amazon, and away from department stores, in this key category.

By Daphne Howland • April 20, 2018

Silicon Valley jeweler sees big growth from cryptocurrency

Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry now sees 20% of its sales coming from cryptocurrency payment processing, surpassing credit card purchase volume.

By Dan Alaimo • April 20, 2018

What will Prime loyalty look like at Whole Foods?

The grocer is discontinuing its current rewards program on May 2, setting the stage for Amazon's membership platform to take over. 

By Jeff Wells • April 19, 2018

Bezos declares Amazon Prime has 100M members

For years analysts have attempted to pin down the previously unknown global statistic, but now it's official. Estimates have ranged from 50-90 million Prime members in the U.S. alone.

By Daphne Howland • April 19, 2018

Forrester: US e-commerce will top $712B by 2022

This year alone, U.S. online sales will surpass $506 billion, though physical and digital touchpoints are increasingly intertwined.

By Daphne Howland • April 19, 2018

Hudson's Bay replaces marketing chief after just 5 months

Bari Harlam was named chief marketing officer this week, replacing Milton Pappas, who had been appointed to the role in November.

By Daphne Howland • April 19, 2018

Ikea-owned TaskRabbit hit by apparent data breach

TaskRabbit shut down its website and app earlier this week after a "cybersecurity incident" involving the discovery of an unauthorized user on its systems.

By Dan Alaimo • April 19, 2018

And the winner of the latest Amazon-Best Buy deal is...

It's a win-win for both retailers, but Amazon needs this new deal more than Best Buy, analysts say.

By Daphne Howland • April 18, 2018

Amazon's app goes abroad with new international shopping feature

Consumers can browse more than 45 million items in their preferred language and currency and more easily move items through customs.

By Robert Williams • April 18, 2018

Bon-Ton hits the end of the road as judge approves liquidation

A bid by creditors and liquidators to wind down the retailer has a court's OK, setting in motion the end of the retailer's run. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Updated April 19, 2018

Target expands curbside pickup throughout the South

After abandoning the service a few years ago, Target's new in-house version is now expanding rapidly.

By Daphne Howland • April 18, 2018

Meijer expands 'Shop & Scan' mobile checkout app

The grocery chain lets shoppers scan bar codes with a smartphone as they shop to cut down on checkout times.

By Robert Williams • April 17, 2018

Walmart offers a peek into new e-commerce site

Starting in May, customers will see a new vibe online from the half-century old retail giant, complete with revamped product categories. 

By Daphne Howland • April 17, 2018

Gap launches sleepwear subscription BedtimeBox

The box is targeted toward young children, whose growth spurts — along with the constant need to replenish clothes — make apparel subscriptions particularly logical.

By Daphne Howland • April 17, 2018

Brandless plots LA pop-up

The pop-up should allow the e-commerce company to test out products and marketing in a physical location, and CEO Tina Sharkey says the company will be "watching how people react."

By Daphne Howland • April 17, 2018

What's at stake in the e-commerce sales tax debate

A decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair has the potential to overturn a precedent that dictates when e-tailers pay state sales tax.

By Corinne Ruff • April 16, 2018

The RealReal hunts for more funding amid IPO buzz

CEO Julie Wainwright is making the rounds with investors with the goal of collecting another $100 million to add to the $173 million already raised.

By Daphne Howland • April 16, 2018

Macy’s tops rivals as online apparel destination

As a general merchandiser, Amazon continues to gain traffic online.

By Daphne Howland • April 13, 2018

Amazon expands Prime Wardrobe

Invitations to the etailer's try-before-you-buy program appear to be easy to get, but it hasn't officially launched.

By Daphne Howland • April 13, 2018

A trade war could hurt retail, jobs and opportunity

The looming trade war between the U.S. and China would hurt small business, writes Jack Ma, executive chairman of Alibaba. 

By Jack Ma • April 12, 2018

Alibaba, Suning invest in the world's most valuable AI startup

Suning also released a report this week about how it and other Chinese powerhouses are embracing tech-driven transformations to improve the customer experience with 'smart retail.'

By Dan O'Shea • April 11, 2018

Startup subscription service Billie raises $6M

The female-focused competitor to Harry's and Dollar Shave Club held a second funding round to meet growing consumer demand.

By Cara Salpini • April 11, 2018