In-store returns offer most economic benefit for retailers

Though methods and costs may vary, most consumers prefer an in-store return option as well, according to a new report.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Jan. 3, 2018

Amazon Prime shipped over 5B items in 2017

The online giant sent out a slew of statistics about its devices, Prime membership and streaming services — but what do they mean?

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 3, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

The state of retail returns

Retailers of all sizes are streamlining operations so customers can have a smooth return experience. 

By Retail Dive staff

Holiday returns to reach 1.4M in one day

UPS expects returns to peak Wednesday, on National Returns Day, and Walmart hopes to ease the process with a new mobile app feature.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 2, 2018

Study: 5B pounds of retail returns end up in landfills

Returns have increased with the growth of e-commerce, and voice-enabled shopping will likely propel only more, according to a study by Optoro.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 27, 2017

Home Depot reportedly mulling acquisition of $9B logistics company

XPO provides several retailers, including Amazon, with delivery services, and the home improvement retailer might be playing defense with the possible acquisition.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 27, 2017

Prime Now chief takes over Amazon food delivery units

Stephenie Landry is the logical choice to lead the company's grocery and restaurant delivery businesses as Amazon prepares for a grocery push in 2018.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 22, 2017

Amazon is scrambling to minimize packaging

The puzzle of e-commerce fulfillment is an important but often glossed over aspect of the changing retail landscape, and the inefficiencies in packaging are a large part of that.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 21, 2017

Santa's migrating his toy workshop to the cloud

At the North Pole, the elves were suffering and couldn't keep up with the high volume of orders. Because Santa failed to check the list twice, elves were fulfilling orders from Christmases long past, leading to inefficiency and wasted work.

By Naomi Eide • Dec. 21, 2017

Will Walmart woo holiday procrastinators with in-store pickup?

While the big-box retailer can't compete with Amazon's last-minute delivery, it does have one major advantage — over 4,750 stores. But is that enough?

By Corinne Ruff • Dec. 20, 2017

Target's $550M purchase of Shipt buys time and talent

With two major acquisitions this year, Target massively expanded its same-day delivery fulfillment capabilities. Is this what finally gives its grocery business a boost?

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 19, 2017

How the GOP tax overhaul could affect retail

Congress is expected to pass tax legislation this week. Here's a cheat sheet for what it means for retailers, grocers and other businesses.

By Corinne Ruff • Dec. 18, 2017

Amazon, Target extend 'free shipping day' as Christmas approaches

Online sales have surged this holiday season and 94% have taken advantage of free-shipping offers. 

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 18, 2017

What nobody wants for Christmas: An Amazon-Walmart price war

The world's biggest retailer is closing the gap with Amazon in online prices and the technologies that control them. Can anyone keep up?

By Ben Unglesbee • Dec. 15, 2017

Amazon expands same-day delivery for holiday procrastinators

The retailer will deliver holiday orders in 8,000 cities as late as 11:59 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and non-Prime customers can opt for a free trial in a bid to grow Prime. 

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 14, 2017

Take that Amazon: Target buys Shipt for $550M

The acquisition comes with a new goal of bringing same-day delivery services to half of Target stores by early next year.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 13, 2017

B8ta launches Handy in-home tech installation

Partnerships between retailers and service providers could help smaller players find opportunities amid Amazon's push into the home services segment.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 13, 2017

Wired: 7 retail tech startups to watch

Stowga, a marketplace for warehouse space, Localisto and MishiPay are among the promising technology companies.

By Dan O'Shea , Cara Salpini • Dec. 7, 2017

In-store experiences lag due to poor IT infrastructure

Only 27% of retail executives are confident their IT can keep up with customer experience improvement plans, according to a new survey.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 4, 2017

War with Amazon sparks change at Walmart, Target

The two big-box retailers have been especially focused on new services and competitive prices as the online giant has crept onto the scene.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 1, 2017

Locus Robotics grabs $25M, signs on DHL

The robotics company raised $25 million in Series B funding, leading retail one stop closer to automated supply chains.

By Dan O'Shea • Nov. 21, 2017

Amazon speeds up warehouse visits with mobile app

The e-commerce giant is forging a direct connection with truckers through an app that will help gain more efficient access to the company's warehouses.

By Dan O'Shea • Nov. 20, 2017

Walmart calls dibs on 15 Tesla trucks

The company that already owns the largest truck fleet in retail is making a big bet on the just-unveiled electric model from Tesla.

By Dan O'Shea • Nov. 19, 2017

Walmart is reportedly raising online prices

Charging more online than off isn’t unheard of, but it’s rare for Walmart, whose pitch to shoppers is "always low prices."

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 13, 2017

Retailers are reducing on-hand inventory for the holidays

Department stores are looking to hold less inventory by improving turn times, mirroring their fast-fashion competitors.

By Edwin Lopez • Nov. 10, 2017

Survey: ‘Tis the season to BOPIS

More shoppers are set to buy online and pick up in-store this holiday season as consumers make use of online tools. 

By Dan O'Shea • Nov. 9, 2017