WhatsApp opens in-app shopping, joining Facebook’s e-commerce push for small businesses

As part of an update that also expands its cloud service offerings, the messaging app will let shoppers buy items directly from a business chat.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 26, 2020

Can retailers reinvent holiday cheer in a pandemic?

Mall Santas, tree lighting, Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade — retailers have to rethink every cornerstone of the holiday season, without losing the joy.

By Cara Salpini • Oct. 26, 2020

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

5 ways sophisticated bots could turn your Black Friday campaigns into a #BotFriday disaster

The world's largest retailers lose millions of dollars to sophisticated bots each year. Do you know how these bots work and how to respond?

By Bethann Noble, Head of Product Marketing, White Ops • Oct. 26, 2020

With plans for 350 store closures, Gap flees the mall

The apparel conglomerate focused on operational improvements at its annual meeting, and made clear its dependence on Old Navy.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 23, 2020

Boost in e-commerce may lead to more counterfeits: study

With more consumers shopping online this year, the threat of online counterfeits looms, according to Red Points. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 22, 2020

Amazon solicits customer receipts in data collection program

With the Amazon Shopper Panel, the company wants to know more about how consumers spend their money outside its ecosystem. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris and Cara Salpini • Oct. 22, 2020

David's Bridal acquires wedding site

The retailer's investment in Rustic Wedding Chic allows the brand to captivate brides early in the wedding planning process. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 22, 2020

ThredUp confidentially files to go public

The resale apparel market has remained strong during the pandemic and could be key for the sector after it finally wanes.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 22, 2020

Alibaba adds pre-sales events ahead of Global Shopping Festival

With more sales days, the platform will highlight small businesses in addition to major brands.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 21, 2020

Deloitte finds US consumers anxious about their finances, health ahead of the holidays

While many shoppers will spend money saved because they couldn't travel this year, they'll avoid stores and spend 7% less than last year.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 20, 2020

With fresh capital in hand, Allbirds moves into apparel

After raising $100 million in September, the DTC brand debuted a four-piece apparel collection at a time when many are fighting to survive in the space.

By Cara Salpini • Oct. 20, 2020

Amazon brings Black Friday deals early with Holiday Dash event

The initiative aims to attract bargain-seeking customers and spread those deals out over a longer period of time. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 20, 2020

Study: Over one-third of shoppers experience 'substantial' shipping delays

Making the delivery and returns process more convenient could help retailers win customer loyalty, according to a report from Narvar.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 19, 2020

Life after liquidation: Why some brands thrive after closing shop and others don't

The market keeps growing for retail IP even after physical stores close. But does every dead retail brand need saving?

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 19, 2020

On Prime Day, Amazon keeps the focus on its marketplace

But the e-commerce giant, more than either its third-party sellers or its rivals, probably got the most out of what may be the kickoff of the holiday season.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 16, 2020

Amazon returns to 'debt-fueled growth' amid online boom

The e-commerce giant has been frantically building capacity and could spend $20 billion on shipping in Q4 as sales surge, according to Moody's.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 15, 2020

EBay to verify sneakers sold for more than $100

The retailer has introduced other authentication initiatives to build trust with online shoppers.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 15, 2020

Walmart spreads Black Friday deals throughout November

The retail giant plans three separate events that begin online and end in stores and will offer curbside pickup for sales event purchases.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 14, 2020

ICSC sees 1.9% rise in holiday sales

The trade group forecasts $862 billion in sales for the 2020 holiday season. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 14, 2020

Study: 62% of shoppers that struggle to complete purchases abandon their carts

Gen Z has the highest percentage of consumers who have had difficulty completing online transactions, a goMoxie survey found.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 13, 2020

J.C. Penney, Kohl's latest to leverage Prime Day for holiday promotions

Amazon's red-letter event always attracts rivals, but in a year when retailers need to get going on the season, it's getting extra attention.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 12, 2020

Holiday sales growth won't reach 2% this year, CBRE says

E-commerce could surge more than 40%, however, eclipsing last season's record 14% year-over-year rise, according to a report from the real estate firm.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 12, 2020

Bras and BB cream: Why aren't brands for women run by them?

In lingerie and beauty, a large part of the diversity battle is being fought on the highest ground: the C-suite.

By Cara Salpini • Oct. 12, 2020

Sam's Club adds 2K permanent supply chain workers, launches ship-from-store for peak

The company expects approximately one-fifth of online orders to ship from Sam's Club locations.

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 9, 2020

Instagram brings shopping to Reels, IGTV as commerce commands social spotlight

Tests will hit Reels later this year, which may help Facebook to capitalize on a virtual-skewing holiday season while gaining an edge on TikTok.

By Peter Adams • Oct. 5, 2020