Report: Amazon leapfrogs rivals in mobile commerce

Amazon has tripled its number of U.S. unique mobile visitors in two years, according to a note from investment firm Oppenheimer.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 19, 2017

Amazon reportedly in search of creative chief for VR commerce plans

The chief will "envision the future of Amazon’s VR solutions and guide our creative and technical teams to produce compelling, world-class experiences," the ad reads.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 19, 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

Report: Shoppers expect more from mobile in store

Enthusiasm for online shopping is waning, and store satisfaction is on the rise, but consumers want to use their phones to guide in-store shopping, a survey found.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 18, 2017

Alibaba launches Big Data Anti-Counterfeiting Alliance

The announcement comes just weeks after Alibaba's Taobao marketplace landed back on the United States Trade Representative’s Notorious Markets blacklist.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 18, 2017

Adobe debuts new omnichannel capabilities for retailers

The new Fluid Experiences for Retail capability allows retailers to develop and manage omnichannel experiences across touchpoints such as in-store associate apps, social channels and smart screens. 

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 17, 2017

EBay launching authentication service to fight fakes

Inspectors will scrutinize goods for sellers who pay for the service and for buyers purchasing non-authenticated goods, but the program is limited to certain types of merchandise.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 13, 2017

Amazon Canada to change pricing practices, pay $1.1M fine

The Canadian Competition Bureau (a body analogous to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission) claims Amazon created the impression that its prices were lower than prevailing market prices.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 12, 2017

Walgreens adding FedEx dropoff, pickup locations nationwide

FedEx customers will be able to drop off pre-packaged and pre-labeled shipments and pick up packages at their neighborhood Walgreens store.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 12, 2017

NRF: Retail's Big Show

iQmetrix is powering a significant shift in retail – one that’s helping retailers redefine the in-store experience.

Jan. 11, 2017

Report: Wal-Mart poised to eliminate 1K corporate jobs

The retail giant’s investments in stores and its ongoing e-commerce push are driving efforts to seek out efficiencies.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 11, 2017

7 trends that will disrupt and define retail in 2017

As the dust settles from a record-shattering holiday shopping season, the retail industry turns its focus to a new year — along with new opportunities and challenges. Here’s what you can expect.

By Jason Ankeny • Jan. 10, 2017

Trunk Club founder Spaly leaves Nordstrom weeks after $197M write-down

Terry Boyle, president of NordstromRack.com/HauteLook, will also take on leadership of the online stylist unit.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 9, 2017

How Amazon Go will transform the grocery experience

The online behemoth's register-free store disrupts the landscape, but does more convenience take away from what food shopping has always been?

By Keith Loria • Jan. 9, 2017

Amazon, grocery chains to pilot online food stamp sales

The two-year pilot slated to begin this summer is designed to test online SNAP purchasing in a variety of retail types, in both urban and rural areas, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 9, 2017

In challenge to Amazon's Zappos, Wal-Mart's Jet tries on Shoebuy

The acquisition is the speediest way to expand Jet’s reach and further Wal-Mart’s goals of increasing and diversifying its online customer base.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 6, 2017

Ford adding Amazon Alexa capabilities to some of its cars

Ford’s self-described “Alexa on the go” capabilities will include voice-driven orders of Amazon products, the ability to listen to audiobooks, get directions and more.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 5, 2017

Food for thought: 7 trends set to define grocery retail in 2017

Online grocery, last-mile shipping, social media marketing, product transparency and differentiated shopping experiences will highlight the year ahead.

By Sandy Skrovan • Jan. 5, 2017

Gap testing virtual dressing room app for Google Tango smartphones

The DressingRoom app allows shoppers to overlay different clothes and outfits to see how they look from a variety of angles before making a buying decision.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 4, 2017

LG introduces smart refrigerator with Amazon Alexa-enabled grocery ordering

The Smart InstaView refrigerator, powered by LG’s own webOS software platform and equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, also can use the Alexa voice assistant technology to search recipes, play music and add items to a shopping list.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 4, 2017

Amazon Marketplace shipments eclipse record 2B in 2016

The e-commerce giant’s fulfillment and advertising programs are boosting independent merchants and brands, who have more and more ways to reach its sticky, high-spending Prime members.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 4, 2017

For first time, Alibaba sues Taobao merchants over fakes

The Chinese e-commerce giant has filed suit against two sellers, alleging sales of counterfeit Swarovski watches.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 4, 2017

The 7 trends that will shape apparel retail in 2017

Technology, integration, innovation and personalization will be all the rage in fashion retail during the year ahead.  

By Lara Ewen • Jan. 4, 2017

Amazon's one-click patent nearing expiration date

So-called “utility” patents expire 20 years after the patent filing date — in this case, Sept. 12, 1997 — meaning that other retailers will soon be able to use the one-click function without having to license it from Amazon.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 3, 2017

Run-DMC suing retailers over trademark infringement

The iconic hip-hop group is seeking a minimum $50 million in damages over alleged sales of counterfeit merchandise.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 3, 2017

How tech drove retailer turnaround efforts in 2016

Staples, Sears and J.C. Penney were among the big sector names leaning on tech innovation to help steer their comeback narratives and position themselves for growth in 2017.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 3, 2017