Walmart unveils new 'Mobile Express' returns

In some cases, customers don't even have to return an item to get a refund, the retail giant said on Monday.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 9, 2017

1-800-Flowers calls on Google for voice ordering

Following big partnerships with Walmart and Home Depot, the tech company shows no signs of slowing down.

By Dan O'Shea • Oct. 9, 2017

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

E-commerce competition spurs 44% of legacy retailers to slash prices

Traditional retailers taking steps to battle pure-play online rivals must be careful about hurting their bottom lines, according to a new report.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 9, 2017

Report: Amazon near a decision about pharmacy sales

As the e-commerce giant weighs whether to jump into the volatile space, shares of drug store retailers Walgreens, CVS Health and Rite Aid all fell around 5% on Friday.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 9, 2017

Wikibuy adds AR to comparison shopping app

The shopping service is going beyond mere price comparisons by allowing customers to see how an item looks in their living space.

By Dan O'Shea • Oct. 8, 2017

Why paper catalogs still matter

The paper catalog was the internet before the internet. While the sheer volume of mailers has declined over the past 10 years, savvy retailers are still using catalogs to push their brands — and make sales.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 6, 2017

Costco launches grocery delivery service

The initiative is a defensive move for the warehouse club store, which has built its business model around the in-store experience.

By Jeff Wells • Oct. 6, 2017

Walmart bets on grocery pickup to edge out Amazon

The retailer is leveraging its physical assets, trialing automated pickup kiosks and partnering with Google to build a compelling click-and-collect model hard for even Amazon to replicate.

By Sandy Skrovan • Oct. 6, 2017

7 ways to get ready for Singles Day and the Chinese marketplace

The shopping holiday presents large opportunities, but China comes with unique challenges. Lindsey Grossman of Stripe breaks down how to get started.

By Lindsey Grossman • Oct. 6, 2017

Amazon to open pop-up bar in Tokyo

The bar, available for only nine days later this month, won't have a menu, but servers will provide recommendations.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 6, 2017

Amazon buys Body Labs to leverage 3D scanning technology

Body scanning could fuel apparel sales at Amazon as retailers scramble to adopt more accurate fit technology. 

By Dan O'Shea • Oct. 5, 2017

Amazon reportedly piloting long-anticipated delivery service

Warehouse space and delivery costs have vexed the e-commerce giant, but a delivery service could, like its cloud business, eventually compete with FedEx, UPS, DHL and the Postal Service, some analysts believe.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 5, 2017

Walmart goes live with Google voice ordering

The alliance is issuing its first real challenge to Amazon as it launches voice shopping of two million Walmart products via Google Home devices.

By Dan O'Shea • Oct. 5, 2017

Amazon failed to pay almost $300M in EU taxes

The bill is going to tax haven Luxembourg, whose 2003 ruling allowed Amazon to escape taxes on 75% of its profits from sales, the European Commission said.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 5, 2017

Loop Commerce lands e-gifting patent

The system, currently used by Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, could help retailers reduce the likelihood of gifts being returned.

By Dan O'Shea • Oct. 4, 2017

Anthropologie brings furniture customization to AR

The apparel and home goods retailer aims to please custom furniture shoppers with a new 3-D image library and an augmented reality feature.

By Dan O'Shea • Oct. 4, 2017

Supreme Court petitioned to tackle online sales tax

The court will likely revisit a precedent set in 1992, which only required retailers with a physical presence in a state to collect sales tax. 

By Corinne Ruff • Oct. 4, 2017

Ace Hardware buys majority stake in online startup

The Grommet’s customers visit Ace over 50% more often than — and spend 2.8 times as much as — the average Ace Rewards customer.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 4, 2017

Nordstrom debuts 'Local' and a new LA flagship

The retailer opened a new flagship that includes its latest fashion shops and customer services in addition to the highly-anticipated merchandise-free boutique Nordstrom Local in West Hollywood.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 4, 2017

Starbucks shutters online store to focus on brick and mortar

The coffee chain is betting on a future in which its mobile app drives consumers to experiences in local stores.

By Dan O'Shea • Oct. 3, 2017

Walmart buys same-day delivery company Parcel

The acquisition will add new delivery capabilities to Walmart's e-commerce operations in New York, where the retail giant sees the potential for sales growth. 

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 3, 2017

Amazon private brands grew 90% over last year

The e-commerce giant's private label sales are being driven by apparel, baby care and vitamins and offer lessons to sellers, according to a new report. 

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 3, 2017

Target expands new ‘Drive Up’ pickup program

The pilot is the retailer's second attempt at curbside pickup and is now available to shoppers at Twin Cities locations Target's Minneapolis headquarters.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 3, 2017

Nearly 70% of shoppers aware of BOPIS, mobile payments

When it comes to in-store technologies, these capabilities have the broadest awareness among shoppers, according to research from the NRF.

By Dan O'Shea • Oct. 2, 2017

Toys R Us bankruptcy to boost Amazon toy sales

Judging from the online giant's massive toy sales last year, the retailer is poised to benefit from Toys R Us' problems, according to a new report from Jeffries.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 2, 2017