The real reason Amazon is phasing out MSRPs

The e-commerce goliath is taking steps to stop listing manufacturers' suggested retail prices. Some speculate it's paving the way to raise its prices, but that's not the Amazon that experts know.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 1, 2016

Amazon launches Chinese-language site for Japanese market

China-based e-commerce growth in Japan is projected to nearly triple to 2.34 trillion yen ($22.5 billion USD) in 2019.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 1, 2016

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

UPS rides e-commerce rocket to higher profit, revenue

The shipper's Q2 revenue climbed 3.8%, reaching $14.63 billion. Profit rose 3.2% to $1.27 billion.

By Dan O'Shea • July 31, 2016

Target CIO grows IT staff, tightens budget, hones tech focus

Mike McNamara has hired more than 700 new engineers while refocusing on a streamlined list of high-priority IT projects.

By Dan O'Shea • July 31, 2016

Sam's Club overhauls membership processes with Salesforce cloud

The wholesale chain is migrating from manual, paper-based processes to a more flexible, automated digital model.

By Dan O'Shea • July 28, 2016

Q&A: Why retailers should keep an eye on Amazon and the growing B2B market

"The unavoidable fact is that Amazon has so many eyeballs on it, that you can't afford not to partner with Amazon." 

By Dan O'Shea • July 28, 2016

On-demand grocery delivery startup Shipt raises $20m

The Instacart rival received Series A funding from Greycroft Partners, e.ventures and seed investor Harbert Growth Partners.

By Corinne Ruff • July 28, 2016

Amazon Launchpad debuts Kickstarter collection

The startup-focused online marketplace will showcase more than 300 crowdfunded inventions.

By Daphne Howland • July 28, 2016

DHL earmarks $137m to expand e-commerce logistics footprint in US

The German shipping firm will build eight new distribution centers in the U.S. to accommodate cross-border e-commerce demands.

By Dan O'Shea • July 27, 2016

Survey: Shoppers want omnichannel, but unwilling to share personal data

A majority of U.S. and U.K. shoppers say they don’t want to divulge data essential to optimizing omnichannel experiences.

By Dan O'Shea • July 27, 2016

New kid on the block: Rockets of Awesome launches subscription service for kids

The company is based on the notion that busy parents need help dressing their young kids, who grow out of their duds every few months.

By Daphne Howland • July 27, 2016

Study: Mobile dominates retail-related online searches

More than half of retail-related online searches are done via smartphones and tablets.

By Dan O'Shea • July 26, 2016

Nordstrom makes social media push to promote anniversary sale

The retailer is posting Instagram photos of apparel combinations with the hashtag #OOTD (Outfit of the Day) and engaging with customers on Snapchat.

By Dan O'Shea • July 26, 2016

Amazon launches Prime in India

Prime will help bolster Amazon's standing in the fast-growing and competitive Indian e-commerce market. 

By Corinne Ruff • July 26, 2016

Survey: Mobile beats desktop as top e-commerce channel

Nearly half of web-based shoppers are on smartphones, and the trend is expected to reach 60% by the end of the year, according to a new Demandware study.

By Daphne Howland • July 26, 2016

Staples testing Easy Button with ordering, customer service capabilities

The office supplies retailer also is testing chatbots in its mobile applications to manage customer interactions.

By Dan O'Shea • July 25, 2016

Why retailers still struggle with omnichannel—and how they can conquer the challenge

Retailers are scrambling to keep up with customers’ omnichannel expectations and demands, blaming both the quality and quantity of the shopper data at their fingertips. It’s time for a new approach. 

By Jason Ankeny • July 25, 2016

Jet CEO: Sales have tripled over past 6 months

Founder and CEO Marc Lore said Jet does not aim to topple Amazon, but to follow in its footsteps.

By Daphne Howland • July 25, 2016

7-Eleven beats Amazon to first FAA-approved drone delivery

The convenience retailer teamed with drone operator Flirtey to bring Slurpees, donuts, coffee and a chicken sandwich to a family in Nevada.

By Dan O'Shea • July 24, 2016

India clears way for first Apple store after delays

An exemption on local-sourcing requirements will enable foreign single-brand retail companies with “cutting-edge technology" to open Indian storefronts.

By Corinne Ruff • July 21, 2016

Birkenstock pulls products from Amazon over counterfeiting concerns

Birkenstock USA CEO David Kahan says the brand is leaving due to "unacceptable business practices."

By Daphne Howland • July 21, 2016

Report: Amazon app usage spiked 35% on Prime Day

One out of every 10 Americans uses the Amazon mobile app each month, according to research from SurveyMonkey Intelligence.

By Daphne Howland • July 19, 2016

Google slammed with new EU antitrust charges over shopping search

The charges are the third set from European antitrust regulators. 

By Daphne Howland • July 15, 2016

Prime Day 2016: The 5 most important lessons from Amazon's 'biggest day ever'

Amazon’s second Prime Day sales event is now history, but its impact will reverberate across the retail landscape for some time to come. Here’s what it all means.  

By Jason Ankeny • July 13, 2016

Amazon calls Prime Day 'biggest day ever,' orders up 60% worldwide

Retail advisory firm FBIC forecasts that Prime Day 2016 could generate $525 million in total sales, up 26% from estimates of $415 million last year.

By Jason Ankeny • July 13, 2016