Jo-Ann rebrands as it integrates new tech features

The fabric and craft retailer is focusing on the makers who buy its products as it integrates mobile, analytics and video content. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 16, 2017

Amazon launches Instant Pickup service near college campuses

In a challenge to local retailers, the e-commerce giant is promising order availability within two minutes.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 16, 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

Will Amazon's new return policy help or hurt Marketplace sellers?

Amazon is implementing a new return policy for its Marketplace sellers, but there's plenty of debate over whether it will provide a better shopping experience — especially for the sellers.

By Laura Heller • Aug. 15, 2017

From store to door: the power of location analytics

A spatial understanding of supply and demand affords retailers a unique view into the actual costs of providing delivery services on a customer-by-customer basis.

By Gary Sankary • Aug. 15, 2017

Vitamin Shoppe rolls out subscription services

"Spark Auto Delivery" — a challenge to Amazon Elements — includes free shipping, samples and returns, as well as consultations with certified nutritionists.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 15, 2017

Amazon ranks first for back-to-school shoppers

Brand Keys' survey of households with school-age children ranked Amazon first for both early and late back-to-school shopping.

By Cara Salpini • Aug. 14, 2017

Aldi to offer online shopping in three US cities

The discount retailer has partnered with Instacart for this pilot, which will roll out in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Dallas later this month.

By Jeff Wells • Aug. 14, 2017

Target to acquire same-day delivery company Grand Junction

The San Francisco-based company could help Target compete by connecting inventory to established local and regional delivery operations.  

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 14, 2017

Amazon said to be prepping challenge to Ticketmaster

Amazon already sells event tickets in Britain, where the market is more fractured, according to a Reuters report.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 14, 2017

Study: Amazon tops in consumer trust and 'joy'

Thanks to its consistently high customer service, reliability, wide assortment and speedy delivery, Amazon earned the highest score on the Values Institute's 2017 most trusted brands survey.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 14, 2017

Mobile’s ‘next billion’ users to ditch text for voice and video

Chatting via e-mail and text may be on the way out, the Wall Street Journal reports.

By Dan O'Shea • Aug. 12, 2017

Modiface unveils virtual skin consultations

The company behind many recent augmented reality features has unveiled a virtual skin consultation capability for skin care brands.

By Dan O'Shea • Aug. 12, 2017

Unata expands e-commerce grocery platform

With more grocery sales headed online, regional grocers are looking to elevate their online shopping experience to meet the challenge.

By Dan O'Shea • Aug. 12, 2017

8 retailers to watch during back-to-school

If the end of the retail shakeout is in sight, we might see the first signs during back-to-school. But the season is also a time to watch retailers try new things, test new strategies and make themselves into students of a chaotic marketplace. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 11, 2017

Pinterest helps brands engage shoppers

Pinners who engaged with an advertiser's content on the social network had a 40% larger shopping cart at checkout, according to a new study. 

By Robert Williams • Aug. 11, 2017

'Rage Grades' aim to keep rage clicks in check

Rage clicking is a common user reaction to site performance problems and retail website operators are getting tools to understand it better.

By Dan O'Shea • Aug. 10, 2017

Walmart reportedly in talks to buy Birchbox

An acquisition of the subscription beauty company would be the latest in a string of e-commerce buys by the brick-and-mortar retail giant.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 10, 2017

New UPS tool eases returns process for customers, merchants

Many shoppers consider a merchant's return policy before making a purchase and easing this process is in a seller's best interest.

By Dan O'Shea • Aug. 9, 2017

Study: 86% of CMOs plan to invest in AI, machine learning

Almost half will spend $50 million on the tech and 25% will shell out over $100 million, but marketers still struggle with the best ways to use AI.

By Cara Salpini • Aug. 9, 2017

Report: Retail's problems aren't all Amazon's fault

The Great Recession and changes in consumer behavior have also contributed to the challenging retail environment. But it's not an apocalypse, and it's not too late to address the issues.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 9, 2017

Prime Day adds to Amazon's torrid back-to-school growth

Supplies and apparel sales for the season jumped 35% in just the first two weeks, suggesting the e-commerce giant is on its way to 80% growth for the year, according to e-commerce research firm One Click Retail.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 9, 2017

Study: 20% of marketing e-mails don’t reach the inbox

Only 80% of commercial e-mails reach their intended targets, raising concerns for marketers who might be landing theirs in the spam folder.

By Dan O'Shea • Aug. 8, 2017

Fillr, targeting autofill issues, cart abandonment, hits 100 million users

Fillr shed a light of how inaccurate browser-based autofill technology can be, and then did something about it.

By Dan O'Shea • Aug. 8, 2017

Report: Amazon grows activewear sales amid athleisure boom

Lower-priced items and basics dominate Amazon's best sellers in the category and could spell trouble for other brands.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 8, 2017

Mall operator gives online retailers a spot with 'In Real Life' shop

"IRL," part of GGP's efforts to evolve its retail portfolio, will allow e-commerce brands to get in-store mall traffic with physical storefronts.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 8, 2017