Retailers boost tech spending 3% as markets, operations grow

North American and global retail markets are expanding by trillions of dollars, and tech investment is rising with the growth.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 16, 2018

Amazon’s Alexa could start giving out opinions

The virtual assistant may eventually respond to recommendation-based questions with more thoughtful answers, not just the facts.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 15, 2018

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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

Boxed CEO: brick and mortar is 'absolutely' in its future

Chieh Huang did not confirm or deny rumors at the NRF's Big Show that the e-commerce company would be acquired by Kroger, but still hopes to "push the button on the New York Stock Exchange."

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 15, 2018

Supreme Court to rule whether e-retailers pay state sales tax

Brick-and-mortar retailers have long argued that a precedent gives online players an unfair advantage.

By Corinne Ruff • Jan. 15, 2018

Lacoste's US stores accept Alipay to target Chinese tourists

The sportswear brand is adding the popular payments platform to select stores.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 12, 2018

Jeff Bezos is the world's richest person

The Amazon founder and CEO surpassed Microsoft founder Bill Gates with a net worth of $106 billion, according to Bloomberg.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 11, 2018

Will Amazon give beauty a makeover?

Speculation abounds that the e-commerce giant could be brushing up against the beauty sector next. But how much do players like Sephora and Ulta really have to fear?

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 11, 2018

NRF 2018: The Case for Modern Workplace Learning in Retail

By looking toward a more modern learning and development paradigm, retailers can help employees stay engaged by helping them develop the skills needed for a rapidly changing retail environment. 

Jan. 11, 2018

Home Depot showcases DIY projects in Pinterest pins

The brand's "Built-In Pins" promotion used vertical video and a 360-degree experience to show how a couple transformed four rooms in their house.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 10, 2018

Retail exodus from malls could be understated

There are still plenty of healthy in-line tenants, but many are more selective about where they open, according to new research from Green Street.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 10, 2018

Google lines up an army of assistant-enabled products

The tech company is throwing its virtual assistant into heated competition with Amazon's Alexa, with plans to put Google Assistant into many new products.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 10, 2018

Amazon’s Alexa strategy hinges on everyday items — even toilets

The company is determined to stay ahead of Google Assistant, and it's getting Alexa into as many products as possible in the process.  

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 10, 2018

Deliv, August Home partner on in-home delivery

The companies already work with Walmart on a pilot to deliver perishables into refrigerators when nobody is home.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 10, 2018

Circuit City to relaunch Feb. 15

The company also announced plans for physical store concepts that will resemble an Apple-Best Buy hybrid.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 10, 2018

5 ways to win with Gen Z shoppers

Causes, convenience and calls to action are helping brands successfully court the youngest demographic, writes Oded Edelman of Signet Jewelers. 

By Oded Edelman • Jan. 9, 2018

Walmart could scoop up one of these 11 startups

There's plenty of speculation as to Amazon's next acquisition, but Walmart has needs too, and has shown a willingness to spend. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 9, 2018

American Eagle beats estimates with strong holiday season

The company, helped by overall strength in apparel sales and by the Aerie lingerie brand, reiterated its guidance for the fourth quarter.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 9, 2018

Finish Line seeks an edge in merchandising revamp

Between its own stores and online efforts, Finish Line has been grappling with a complex multi-channel inventory challenge. 

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 8, 2018

Kohl's posts banner holiday period, sales up 7%

The discount department store chain raised its profit outlook for 2017 and could see its position strengthen even more as peers close stores. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 8, 2018

JD, Alibaba expand grocery offerings

JD announced a new tech-enabled grocery chain, dubbed 7Fresh, the same day rival Alibaba said it's expanding Hema stores.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 8, 2018

Amazon cooks up Alexa-enabled microwave plan

Alexa may soon work its way into microwave ovens as Amazon unveils ways for appliance makers to integrate skills that activate cooking functions.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 5, 2018

Costco sales soar 14.3% in December

The membership retailer appears to be jacking up digital sales, too, without much effort.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 5, 2018

Amazon patent brings ‘blended reality’ mirror into view

A new patent hints at how the online retailer could move beyond the virtual try-on applications of its Echo Look.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 4, 2018

7 trends that will disrupt and define retail in 2018

From renewed investment in brick and mortar to a growing appetite for acquisitions, here's what to expect in the year ahead. 

By Corinne Ruff , Ben Unglesbee , Laura Heller , Cara Salpini • Jan. 4, 2018

Amazon captured 44% of US online sales last year

The e-commerce giant also managed to grab 4% of all U.S. retail sales in 2017.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 4, 2018