Report: Amazon acquires GameSparks for $10M

The deal to snap up the provider of cloud-based gaming developing tools is only the e-commerce giant's latest acquisition in recent months.

By Dan O'Shea • July 30, 2017

Amazon is rolling out secure delivery hubs for multi-dwelling buildings

Looking to lock up ownership of the last few inches of delivery's last mile, Amazon is offering to install secure, coded delivery lockers in apartment and condo buildings.

By Dan O'Shea • July 30, 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

Rent the Runway plans same-day delivery

The move would increase convenience for customers of the apparel rental company who place their orders before noon.

By Daphne Howland • July 28, 2017

Walmart's ASDA launches gift card marketplace

ASDA opens a new avenue to B2B dollars by creating an e-commerce site that sells gift cards in bulk.

By Dan O'Shea • July 27, 2017

Despite earnings miss, Amazon is on 'firm course to win'

Analysts remain confident in the company's potential and while Amazon might not be invincible, not even Walmart is considered a threat. 

By Daphne Howland • July 27, 2017

Study: Shopping apps ride Amazon Prime Day’s wave

The e-commerce giant's day-long sale had a positive effect on retail apps the entire week — except on Prime Day itself.

By Robert Williams • July 27, 2017

Amazon unveils private label footwear and handbags

"The Fix" collection is open only to the e-commerce giant's Prime members and continues Amazon's expansion into apparel.

By Daphne Howland • July 27, 2017

Home Depot launches interior design service

The home improvement retailer is partnering with interior design firm Laurel & Wolf to provide customers advice on projects both online and in-store.

By Daphne Howland • July 27, 2017

Is Sears' Kenmore deal with Amazon a game changer, or a drop in the bucket?

A partnership to sell Kenmore appliances on Amazon could add new sales for Sears and expand Amazon's appliance ambitions. But will Amazon shoppers flock to a brand some say is dying?

By Ben Unglesbee • July 27, 2017

Study: 87% of retailers plan to use AI to drive customer engagement

Artificial intelligence is becoming a ubiquitous force in the industry, with many retailers using the tech to route customer service requests and develop product suggestions.

By Dan O'Shea • July 26, 2017

EBay rolls out image-driven shopping search tools

The e-commerce company is just the latest to join in on the push for image search tools. 

By Dan O'Shea • July 26, 2017

Shoppers have the answers, but brands need to ask the questions

Retailers no longer dictate trends, says Hannah Hale of Lucky Brand. It's time to shift from a "push" to a "pull" model by asking shoppers what they want.

By Hannah Hale • July 26, 2017

Study: 68% of shoppers leave retail sites due to these basic problems

Poorly designed menus, too-basic search capabilities and products buried too deeply behind branding are forcing customers to abandon purchases. 

By Cara Salpini • July 26, 2017

Moody's: Smaller retailers vulnerable as competition intensifies

Amazon is casting a long shadow, and smaller retailers are vulnerable as competitors seek to grab their market share. And grocers are next.

By Daphne Howland • July 26, 2017

Stitch Fix COO reportedly departs amid rumored IPO prep

The subscription service startup's number two executive is said to be angling for a chief executive role elsewhere.

By Daphne Howland • July 26, 2017

Walmart, JD announce shopping holiday to rival Singles Day

The companies have joined forces in China on order fulfillment and distribution and are planning an answer to Alibaba's blockbuster Singles Day.

By Daphne Howland • July 26, 2017

All signs point to the end for video retailer Joyus

Founded on the premise that streaming video would be the next big thing in retail marketing and shopping, the company never quite gained traction.

By Daphne Howland • July 26, 2017

BJ’s Wholesale Club launches new mobile website

The company's new chief digital officer is making his mark with improvements aimed at making it easier for club members to manage memberships and save on purchases. 

By Dan O'Shea • July 25, 2017

Walmart unveils 'Easy Reorder' of frequent purchases

In a challenge to Amazon’s Dash buttons and Target’s Restock pilot, the retail giant is attempting to make shopping ultra convenient — online and off.

By Daphne Howland • July 25, 2017

Samsung’s plans for Amazon Echo competitor clouded in doubt

As the smart speaker market heats up, recent reports suggest the company is no longer pursuing a smart speaker of its own to house virtual assistant Bixby.

By Dan O'Shea • July 24, 2017

Modiface eye-tracking tech increases Smashbox conversions by 27%

The company behind several brands' virtual try-on makeup apps is now using eye-tracking technology to provide retailers with customer experience insights.

By Dan O'Shea • July 24, 2017

Amazon rolling 'Treasure Trucks' to more cities

The pop-up truck has seen great success, prompting its expansion to more customers who want to physically shop Amazon's assortment.

By Daphne Howland • July 24, 2017

Arcadia Group reportedly enabling in-store mobile ordering

More than 1,400 stores across the company's seven brands, including Topshop and Dorthy Perkins, have been outfitted with iPads enabled with mobile ordering capabilities.  

By Dan O'Shea • July 24, 2017

Study: High expectations for Amazon-Whole Foods merger

As the companies proceed with their deal, shoppers expect Amazon to bring better prices and convenience to the upscale grocer, but they hope it won't change too much, according to new research.

By Daphne Howland • July 24, 2017

Amazon reportedly cuts fees to maximize assortment

In an uncharacteristic move, the company has offered to pay sellers full price for their products, for a limited time, in hopes of building up its catalog.

By Daphne Howland • July 24, 2017