70% of consumers unwilling to use Amazon Key

A vast majority of consumers distrust the in-home delivery service recently launched by the e-tailer, according to a new study by InsuranceQuotes.

By Dan Alaimo • March 16, 2018

How Toys R Us' bankruptcy hopes came crashing down

The toy seller entered Chapter 11 with the goal of a leaner, better business. Instead, a terrible holiday season sent it in a different direction. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 15, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

How the purpose of stores is evolving

Stores have always evolved in order to compete as times, technology and tastes change. And, most of all, to please customers.

By Retail Dive staff

Toys R Us to liquidate US business

Unable to meet the terms of a bankruptcy loan, the toy retailer is forced to liquidate domestic operations, though it might be able to salvage 200 stores.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 15, 2018

IBM helps retailers fight back with Watson Commerce

Retailers understand getting the customer experience right from their first order is critical to converting more sales and keeping customers coming back to their sites.

March 15, 2018

Walmart ramps up grocery delivery to head off Amazon

The retailer will offer same-day service from 100 markets — reaching more than 40% of U.S. households — by the end of the year.

By Jeff Wells • March 14, 2018

The state of sports retail: How athleisure keeps changing the game

Nike, Under Armour and Lululemon are canaries in the the coal mine as brands are buffeted by changing consumer tastes.

By Cara Salpini • March 14, 2018

Retail defaults to peak in March, Moody's says

Analysts predict six more retail and apparel companies could default over the next year, likely sooner rather than later. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 14, 2018

Outdoor Voices snags $34M in funding

The Lululemon challenger will use the cash to "build shops and host events in new cities across the country," according to CEO and founder Tyler Haney.

By Daphne Howland • March 14, 2018

Meet Bread: Helping retailers reduce friction with POS financing

Despite the fast-paced growth in online retail sales, checkout conversions and cart abandonment are still huge problems for many retailers.

March 14, 2018

Amazon reportedly mulling small business credit card

Another report surfaces about Amazon's growing interest in financial offerings, this time about a potential store credit card for small businesses.

By Dan O'Shea • March 13, 2018

Guitar Center downgraded again on new refinancing plan

The musical instrument retailer has announced a plan that would buy it more time to pay down its debt. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 13, 2018

4 key takeaways from eTail West

It's all about leadership, culture and embracing innovation as retail enters a highly inventive and experimental phase in the quest to differentiate. 

By Laura Heller • March 13, 2018

For L’Oreal and Home Depot, AI quickly becomes table stakes

Speaking at SXSW, the two brands detailed how, in just a few years' time, the technology has changed everything from creative strategies to organizational structures, with no signs of slowing down.

By Peter Adams • March 12, 2018

Could Amazon shake up online travel next?

Not long ago digital players upset the old travel agent model, but now Morgan Stanley is prodding the e-commerce giant to disrupt the online travel sector. 

By Daphne Howland • March 12, 2018

Jack Ma fund invests $20M in Rent the Runway

The clothing renter is looking to expand into Asia, which fits nicely with Alibaba's efforts to add more fashion offerings. 

By Daphne Howland • March 12, 2018

Amazon moves Prime Pantry to subscription model

Prime members opting for the program will begin paying $4.99/month in addition to their $99 annual fee.

By Daphne Howland • March 12, 2018

Specialty retailers are upping their omnichannel game

A report from L2 found a 75% increase among specialty brands in adoption of features like in-store inventory on product pages and geolocation within store locators. 

By Dan Alaimo • March 12, 2018

Betabrand uses 3D tech to take designs to fruition in 5 days

The company claims it can now turn crowdsourced ideas into ready-for-sale products in five days or less — something that usually takes 18 months.

By Dan O'Shea • March 8, 2018

Amazon extends discounted Prime to Medicaid recipients

The move zeroes in on Walmart's customer base, which is typically older and less wealthy than Amazon’s.  

By Daphne Howland • March 8, 2018

21% of US shoppers are using voice or chatbots for commerce

A recent study from Mastercard and Mercator shows a 60% acceptance of voice assistants and text-based chatbots for basic informational tasks.

By Dan Alaimo • March 8, 2018

Dollar Tree's 13% sales growth not enough for Wall Street

The deep discounter increased earnings, same-store sales and its top line — to the tune of $6.36 billion — but fell short of analyst hopes on all counts.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 7, 2018

Zara aims to automate pickup with in-store robots

Enabling customers to pick up online orders in stores was a start. Now, retailers need to make sure the process remains an efficient one.

By Dan O'Shea • March 7, 2018

Walmart's A-list Oscar night was all about 'The Box'

For its second year of short films during the Academy Awards, "The Box" became a star, and a true symbol of its war with Amazon.

By Daphne Howland • March 6, 2018

Amazon Prime chief leaves to lead Airbnb Homes

Greg Greeley, who helped forge Amazon's formidable Prime loyalty juggernaut from the very beginning, spent 18 years with the company.

By Daphne Howland • March 6, 2018

Amazon ad growth could form 'triopoly' with Facebook, Google

The e-tailer is growing its share of ad spend as more marketers gravitate to the platform. 

By Cara Salpini • March 6, 2018