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

Retail Therapy: Brands reimagine Halloween festivities

Reese's and Kool-Aid created safer alternatives to trick-or-treating, while Reebok unveiled Ghostbusters-inspired shoes to get consumers in the spirit.

By Caroline Jansen • Oct. 23, 2020

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

Macy's introduces virtual, in-person stylist appointments for the holidays

Gifting experts will be available to help shoppers in a year where many events have gone virtual, including the department store's iconic parade.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • 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

Target adds more safety features ahead of the holidays

The retailer is ramping up contactless checkout options and letting customers digitally reserve a place in store lines. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 22, 2020

The naked truth about apparel's future

The segment was in free fall even before the pandemic. But a bleak 2020 could give way to new opportunities.

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

Banana Republic ends 15-year TV hiatus with new holiday spot

Given the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on consumer habits, the brand is focusing on comfortable clothing and charitable giving this season.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 21, 2020

Consumers projected to spend more on comfortable clothing: NPD

Though apparel retailers have struggled during COVID-19, consumers expect to shop more online.

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

Target gives frontline workers $70M in bonuses ahead of holidays

The retailer is paying $200 to employees as they face an unprecedented and likely stressful shopping season haunted by the coronavirus pandemic.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 20, 2020

Gap wraps up 2020 with hopeful holiday campaign

The seasonal effort debuts earlier than ever and delivers an upbeat tone as a gift for consumers during a difficult year, chief marketer Mary Alderete said. 

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Oct. 20, 2020

Nordstrom out early with pandemic-ready holiday guide

The retailer found ways to offer services virtually and has expanded its Trunk Club styling box to include kids, beauty and home.

By Daphne Howland • 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

Fisher-Price opens virtual toy museum on Instagram to seize consumer nostalgia trend

Timed around the holidays, the activation celebrates the brand's nine decades in operation and features an e-gift shop selling goods from parent Mattel.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 19, 2020

What September's retail sales rebound means for the holidays

As the U.S. faces another apparent pandemic surge, a wobbly economy and a national election, uncertainty rules.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 19, 2020

Nordstrom expands online order pickup to Rack stores

The retailer will offer fulfillment services at its off-price stores and hire 22,000 holiday staffers ahead of a season expected to be more online than ever.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 19, 2020

5 retail holiday predictions for 2020

In an unpredictable year it's hard to see what's on the immediate horizon — particularly when it comes to consumer spending habits. 

By Kaarin Moore • Oct. 19, 2020

Nordstrom, Balsam Hill partner for in-store Christmas tree lots

The department store joins other retailers in announcing holiday themed events to try and entice socially distanced shoppers to visit.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 16, 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

US consumers reportedly seek bargains as employment picture darkens

The Labor Department reported a spike in new jobless claims, as GlobalData analysts warn that pay cuts and job losses are affecting behavior.

By Daphne Howland • 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

Amazon brings delivery boxes to life with AR Halloween activities

First appearing around Prime Day, scannable packages may compel shoppers to engage with festive experiences beyond purchasing products.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 13, 2020

Walmart turns again to parking lots for family-friendly experiences

This summer the retail giant offered virtual camps and drive-in movies, and is now hosting Halloween and college football events.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 13, 2020