The Weekly Closeout: Valentine’s Day spending to top $29B, Merit to raise prices

Consumers are budgeting roughly $200 on gifts for the holiday, per NRF, while the beauty brand is increasing prices on select products.

By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 30, 2026

Crocs puts self-expression over algorithmic sameness with new platform

Ads show mannequins dancing to life and growing more human as the footwear marketer encourages real-world experiences over digital drudgery. 

By Peter Adams • Jan. 29, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Digital innovation and technology trends in retail

Generative AI and TikTok Shop have replaced the metaverse and NFTs as the hot topics of the day — here’s a look at how brands are using them.

By Retail Dive staff

Target expands beauty assortment, adds 60 new brands

The mass retailer is refreshing its beauty space in stores and hosting in-person events as it winds down its partnership with Ulta. 

By Dani James • Jan. 28, 2026

Home Depot’s key to great AI experiences? Ensure it remains an authority

The retailer started early and will continue to evolve its AI efforts “so that the brand voice shows up the way we want it to,” CIO Angie Brown said.

By Bryan Wassel • Jan. 28, 2026

How Macy’s is flexing its Style Crew affiliate program beyond social media

The department store recently experimented with its Style Crew of over 600 influencers by integrating them into in-person events and direct mailers.

By Jessica Hammers • Jan. 28, 2026

Moleskine opens first neighborhood concept store in US

The Upper East Side location in New York City represents a strategic shift in the company’s retail approach in America. 

By Howard Ruben • Jan. 27, 2026

Lululemon puts Get Low leggings back online — with caveats

Pulled after complaints that the leggings were see-through, the product page now advises shoppers to size up and wear skin-tone underwear.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 23, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Reebok teams with Karol G and will January storms ice out retail sales?

The activewear brand signed a multiyear deal with the Colombian artist, while analysts speculate upcoming weather could slow spending.

By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 23, 2026

How Macy’s Media Network navigates complex ‘coopetition’ with Amazon

Since signing on for a pilot with Amazon’s Retail Ad Service, the platform has drawn 175 new brands to its sponsored product offerings.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 21, 2026

Cautious consumers shunned big-ticket items last year

Higher tax refunds could lift discretionary spending in 2026, but the labor market is the biggest factor, according to Bank of America Institute research.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 21, 2026

At Michaels, taking Party City and Joann’s market share was priority No. 1

CEO David Boone, who joined the craft retailer about a year ago, said the company’s efforts in fabric and party supplies have “powered the business.”

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 21, 2026

Quince collaborates with A$AP Rocky on exclusive products for ‘Don’t be Dumb’ album release

The online retailer launched a limited-edition vinyl and T-shirt ahead of the artist’s first studio album release in over seven years.

By Howard Ruben • Jan. 20, 2026

Levi’s wants to teach young consumers how to repair their clothes

The Wear Longer Project aims to connect high school students with the tools and knowledge on how to repair and refresh the clothing they already own.

By Howard Ruben • Jan. 20, 2026

For retail brands, TikTok Shop’s rise brings viral success — and disruption

At NRF, executives described major sales wins while acknowledging the social commerce feature is shaking up several retail fundamentals.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 16, 2026

Under Armour elevates Americas president to chief merchant

Kara Trent will take on the position next month, as Chief Product Officer Yassine Saidi transitions to a senior adviser role.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 16, 2026

Gap Inc. hires Paramount exec for ‘fashiontainment’ role in quest to boost relevance and revenue

Pam Kaufman takes the newly created job in early February, reporting to CEO Richard Dickson.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 16, 2026

Coach expands gaming footprint with The Sims virtual fashions

Wearable items with 65 print and color variations are available for free to players, allowing for the creation of hundreds of different looks.

By Sara Karlovitch • Jan. 16, 2026

Target, Jeremiah Brent team on bedding collection

The “Queer Eye” star’s line aims to provide affordable, stylish bedding options to suit the retailer’s budget-conscious customers.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 15, 2026

J.C. Penney expands 2 home collections

A kitchen line with chef Jenny Martinez is moving into other home goods, while a Laura Ashley partnership is entering stores for the first time.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 15, 2026

Walmart: This year, AI tinkering ‘becomes transformation’

A year from now, customers will look back and realize just how much has changed about the shopping experience, Walmart’s Daniel Danker predicts.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 15, 2026

3 DTC brands on why good old-fashioned retail still works

Executives from Beyond Yoga, Mejuri and Coterie discussed the undeniable value of brick and mortar in an increasingly digital world.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 15, 2026

‘You have to be willing to challenge everything’: VF Corp leaders discuss turnaround progress

Executives from Vans, The North Face and Timberland laid out their plans for evolution while maintaining each brand’s heritage.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 14, 2026

Returns season is here. What are the best practices for a good experience?

A focus on transparency and automation, with live support for stressful situations, can help craft a great returns experience, experts say.

By Bryan Wassel • Jan. 14, 2026

Puma names new senior global brand marketer following reorganization

The appointment of Nadia Kokni follows the struggling sportswear icon uniting several key marketing and product functions under a chief brand officer.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 14, 2026

Amazon takes on Walmart with new store concept

The approximately 225,000-square-foot store the retailer is planning near Chicago will sell groceries alongside general merchandise.

By Catherine Douglas Moran , Dani James • Jan. 14, 2026