PayPal reportedly considering bitcoin

But critics say PayPal is itself a viable payment alternative, offering more stability than bitcoin can.

By Daphne Howland • June 5, 2014

Apple's iOS8 expands fingerprint access to more apps

The technology could eventually have implications for secure mobile payments.

By Daphne Howland • June 4, 2014

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

Uh-oh: 'Omnichannel' may not be enough

Consumer expectations dictate that retailers must find the sweet spot between highly personalized interactions and increased security.

By Daphne Howland • June 4, 2014

In a shift, Apple to allow bitcoin-using apps

The tech giant has changed its developer terms to allow “approved virtual currencies.”

By Daphne Howland • June 3, 2014

Several retailers keep e-commerce tech in-house

The approach allows for tighter control of customer relationship management, the companies say.

By Daphne Howland • June 3, 2014

Many mobile alerts found to be useless to consumers

Studies show that many retailers may be missing the mark when it comes to mobile or email messaging.

By Daphne Howland • June 3, 2014

Google unveils new tool to track consumer behavior

Enhanced Ecommerce is a data analytics tool designed for e-retailers.

By Daphne Howland • June 2, 2014

Costco not so hot on home delivery

The warehouse retailer wants consumers to keep shopping in its stores, frequently.

By Daphne Howland • May 30, 2014

Old-fashioned catalogs work in new-fashioned ways

Even e-commerce retailers are sending more print catalogs to customers’ mailboxes.

By Daphne Howland • May 30, 2014

Report: Webrooming now beats showrooming

A great majority of consumers are now looking into products online before they go to a store.

By Daphne Howland • May 30, 2014

Facebook changes the marketing game

A whirlwind of changes at Facebook leave some marketers to wonder what they're still doing there.

By Daphne Howland • May 29, 2014

Study finds larger sales when consumers don't mix goods online

Shoppers on the web spend three times more on durable goods when shopping for them exclusively. 

By Daphne Howland • May 29, 2014

Loyal customers stand by Sears

The floundering retailer is finding success with its Shop Your Way loyalty program.

By Daphne Howland • May 28, 2014

Report shows 66% of emails opened on mobile

The study from Movable Ink also reported that smartphones are used most in the morning, and tablets in the evening.

By Daphne Howland • May 27, 2014

Amazon employs more robots to speed up fulfillment

As part of its fulfillment expansion, the e-commerce giant is taking advantage of its robotics company purchase.

By Daphne Howland • May 27, 2014

Zappos shifts to social media recruitment

The Amazon-owned e-retailer has created Zappos Insiders to fill jobs.

By Daphne Howland • May 27, 2014

Report: E-commerce set to soar

Online sales will increase 57% by 2018, with mobile commerce affecting physical retail as well.

By Daphne Howland • May 27, 2014

Sealing the deal: Six digital tools targeting impulse shoppers

These developments make the impulse buy even more impulsive.  

By Kelsey Lindsey • May 27, 2014

Is the flash-sales model fading?

Price pressures at retailers and the purchasing power of off-price chains leave flash sale sites little room to operate.

By Daphne Howland • May 23, 2014

'Patent troll' bill falters in Senate committee

Concerns about the proposed law’s effect on legitimate patents helped squash the legislation for this year.

By Daphne Howland • May 23, 2014

Low prices and activewear boost Gap Inc. sales

Although the retailer beat Q1 estimates, net income dropped 22%.

By Daphne Howland • May 23, 2014

Sears to close more stores, may spin off auto center

The retail giant is focusing more on improving its Shop Your Way program than on its physical stores.

By Daphne Howland • May 22, 2014

Marketers have weak faith in Facebook: report

Despite its apparent ineffectiveness, marketers continue to use the social network in an effort to connect with customers.

By Daphne Howland • May 22, 2014

eBay hacked, user information stolen

The online retailer is urging users to change their passwords following a database attack. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • May 21, 2014

Report finds tiered loyalty programs confusing to consumers

While shoppers like the programs and believe retailers should reward their best customers, tiered programs may be untenable these days.

By Daphne Howland • May 21, 2014