BNPL bolsters holiday budgets

Younger shoppers favor buy now, pay later more than older generations, but BNPL companies draw consumers across income brackets, a survey finds.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 12, 2026

Michaels encourages a screen-free holiday season

The retailer is promoting hands-on creativity with its “Countdown to Craftsmas” Advent calendar, alongside early Black Friday deals. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 12, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

The state of holiday shopping and the consumer

Consumers are signaling they want value when it comes to quality, convenience and experiences. 

By Retail Dive staff

Amazon’s Black Friday, Cyber Monday deals boast record exclusives

The company is also encouraging consumers to personalize their shopping journeys via artificial intelligence.

By Lara Ewen • Nov. 11, 2026

Target vs. Walmart: Holiday marketing’s stakes feel higher this year

Walmart’s brand platform focused on reappraisal and Target’s turnaround strategy are in the spotlight during a make-or-break moment for retail. 

By Peter Adams • Nov. 10, 2026

Holiday hiring looks different this year. Here’s why.

From retailers pulling back on large hiring announcements to the creation of more part-time roles, here’s why 2026 might be a tipping point for seasonal staffing.

By Kaarin Moore • Nov. 10, 2026

ThredUp revenue growth slows despite record number of buyers

The fashion resale platform is approaching the holiday season with lowered expectations amid stiff competition in an increasingly crowded sector.

By Lara Ewen • Nov. 9, 2026

Levi’s claymation holiday campaign celebrates handmade craft amid AI bloat

The nostalgic effort follows a back-to-school campaign that CEO Michelle Gass said failed to generate the expected demand and traffic.

By Sara Karlovitch • Nov. 9, 2026

How enterprise brands are retooling commerce platforms to capture AI shoppers

Whether your brand surfaces in agentic commerce hinges on the systems behind your storefront.

By Andrea Emerson • Nov. 9, 2026

Walmart ramps up Sparky features in time for the holidays

New visual recognition and cart generation capabilities for the AI assistant aim to ease the pain of holiday shopping, both online and in stores.

By Nicole Silberstein • Nov. 5, 2026

Ikea leans into events for the holidays

Two locations will feature outdoor markets, while all stores will host holiday events this month. The furniture retailer also expanded its assortment.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 5, 2026

Why J.C. Penney is taking on deal fatigue for its holiday campaign

Marisa Thalberg, chief customer and marketing officer at parent Catalyst Brands, explains the retailer’s latest push with agency Mischief. 

By Jessica Hammers • Nov. 3, 2026

Holiday shoppers only want a dash of AI for the gift hunt

Price comparisons and narrowing down gift ideas are some of the ways consumers are using AI this season. But maintaining autonomy in the buying process remains important to shoppers.

By Dani James • Updated Nov. 5, 2026

Consumers want to feel the holiday spirit. A good store experience can help.

Minimizing fuss, helping customers keep their holiday traditions alive and righting any problems that come up will be key goals this year.

By Bryan Wassel • Nov. 2, 2026

Walmart dishes up holiday meal deal

The retailer's offering for 2026 can feed 10 people for $35 and includes 18% more items than its bundle last year.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Nov. 2, 2026

The Backroom: Dynamic pricing and the anxious consumer

With the holidays approaching, consumers are zeroed in on price now more than ever — and Walmart is taking the heat.

By Retail Dive Staff • Oct. 29, 2026

Gap Inc. launches AI hiring tool in time for the holidays

The retailer expects around 200,000 seasonal employment applications. Its new AI platform aims to reduce the administrative tasks associated with hiring. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 29, 2026

Sephora casts Seth Rogen for holiday ads targeted at gift-givers

“The Studio” star plays a clueless shopper in a campaign aimed at consumers who aren’t in-the-know about beauty but are seeking thoughtful presents.

By Peter Adams • Oct. 28, 2026

These 3 department stores need a good holiday

Kohl’s, J.C. Penney and — once again— Saks Fifth Avenue have a lot riding on this year’s shopping season.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 27, 2026

Walmart’s chief marketer breaks down retailer’s Muppet-fueled holiday campaign

For a unified push during the holidays, the retailer is recreating the world of “The Muppet Christmas Carol” and extending its “Who Knew?” brand platform.

By Peter Adams • Oct. 27, 2026

5 of the biggest retail horror stories of 2026

From Nike’s turnaround setbacks to Chip Wilson’s battle with Lululemon, the spookiest sights weren’t found on retailers’ shelves this year.

By Caroline Jansen • Oct. 27, 2026

CVS wants to sell more Pokémon, collectibles

The pharmacy retailer is expanding its assortment of toys and collectibles as adults fuel growth in those segments. 

By Kaarin Moore • Oct. 26, 2026

Walmart debuts longer Black Friday, Cyber Monday sales events

The mass retailer's deal events will total 14 days this season, compared to 10 in 2025.

By Dani James • Oct. 26, 2026

Macy’s revamps Santaland, brings back Holiday Square

The department store is leaning into the festive season at its Herald Square flagship in New York with a variety of activations.

By Lara Ewen • Oct. 23, 2026

Amazon eyes 300K holiday hires

The e-commerce giant is increasing U.S. holiday staffing by 20% compared to the past three seasons.

By Kaarin Moore • Oct. 21, 2026

Target unwraps high-concept holiday ads focused on gift-giving academy

Actor D’Arcy Carden serves as Chief Giftologist in a new campaign that will be supported by a bigger creator push around YouTube and TikTok.

By Peter Adams • Oct. 21, 2026