5 stories that shaped retail marketing in 2018

Some stories — and trendlines — stuck out more than others, both because of their impact at the time and for what they say about other moves in the space.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 21, 2018

Retail Therapy: 6 trends and travesties that plagued 2018

While the year has brought many unwelcome products, we are thankful for one thing: the $100,000 Louis Vuitton toilet that'll flush them all away.

By Corinne Ruff , Cara Salpini • Dec. 21, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Gen Z and millennials

If there's anything retailers want more than financial stability right now, it's to understand Gen Z. 

By Retail Dive staff

3 trends that pushed beauty retailers to new heights in 2018

As a category, beauty is often highlighted for its fresh retail approach, and this year was a big one for renovations and revamps.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 19, 2018

Will retailers' last-minute shopping plans pay off?

Seasonal shipping and BOPIS promotions may not save Christmas, but they could ease the road for procrastinating shoppers.

By Caroline Jansen • Dec. 19, 2018

12 news stories that shaped retail in 2018

From Sears and Mattress Firm's bankruptcies to Walmart's $16 billion Flipkart buy, here's a look back at the biggest news from the last 12 months.

By Corinne Ruff • Dec. 18, 2018

Nearly 70% of marketers to use Instagram in 2018

Marketers are increasing their use of both Instagram and Snapchat, though the latter falls in much lower, at 28% on the year.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 17, 2018

Retail Therapy: Unwrapping the holiday season's worst moments

From overpriced Christmas catalogs to Barnes & Noble leaving books off its holiday gift guide, there were plenty of bad calls this season.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 14, 2018

Kohl's, Old Navy sprint to win the final lap of the holiday race

Both stores announced bold moves to rein in last-minute shoppers. Whose will cut through all the noise?

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 12, 2018

A look inside Macy's new retail strategy

The Market @ Macy's and b8ta can be found on the main floor of the Herald Square flagship. Here's what they say about the department store's future.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 12, 2018

Unboxing the holiday shipping race

For big brick-and-mortar retailers, shipping discounts are an easier cost to rationalize, but digitally focused companies can have a tougher time matching promotions.

By Caroline Jansen • Dec. 7, 2018

Facebook Live tests video shopping feature for merchants

Merchants can demonstrate and describe products for viewers to buy instantly through the platform.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 7, 2018

Amazon orders generated by ads jumped 54% over Thanksgiving weekend

A Quartile analysis suggests that brands increasingly must "pay to play" to stand out, or risk losing sales to those who do.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 5, 2018

Foot Locker, Nike kick it with hometown rappers, athletes

The "Home & Away" sneaker collection touts Houston, Atlanta and Miami via exclusive digital content on social media.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 5, 2018

Zulily adds mobile twist to 'white elephant' parties

Consumers in several cities can tweet at the e-marketing company for a chance to win a surprise gift.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 5, 2018

Michaels deploys personalized shopping tech

With the addition of Salesforce Marketing Cloud, the arts and crafts retailer again taps its long-time partner, this time for cloud-based marketing help.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 5, 2018

Lane Bryant, Cacique take aim at Victoria's Secret

The inclusive campaign launched just before Victoria's Secret's annual fashion show, which faces renewed backlash following the CMO's offensive comments last month.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 4, 2018

Store Concept of the Year: Nike Live

Centered on the company's mobile app, the Nike Live concept offers tech-heavy convenience features and a level of localization that makes it unique to the city it opens in.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 3, 2018

Young women like Victoria's Secret, but will they buy?

The brand's controversial fashion show gives it a boost in the holiday quarter, but it complicates the retailer's strategy going forward.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 30, 2018

Simon installs 'Launchpad' to showcase new products in malls

The mall owner released a platform with entertainment-based tech experiences and new products.

By Dan O'Shea • Nov. 28, 2018

Lost Toys R Us shoppers are going to American Girl, Kmart

Retail chains have made assertive moves in merchandising and marketing to grab share left by the toy giant's demise.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 27, 2018

10 digitally native brands to watch

Direct-to-consumer businesses like Casper, Away and Glossier are banking on social media connections, nimble supply chains and cheaper prices to disrupt retail — and they're scaling quickly.

By Corinne Ruff • Nov. 27, 2018

Retailers to see 75% increase in social media during the holidays

The last two months of the year represent a huge spike in social media messages for retailers, making the busiest time of the year a little busier.

By Dan O'Shea • Nov. 21, 2018

DSW cashes in on AR 'smile meter' for Black Friday

A full-screen ad asks mobile users to smile at their smartphone camera to measure their happy expressions and earn a discount.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 21, 2018

Retail marketing: The digital transformation

Technology can now help you understand what a customer wants before they know it themselves.

Nov. 21, 2018

3 trends that bring holiday video marketing into focus

Marketers will take several of the biggest video trends to the next level as the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear and digital video consumption continues to grow.

By Dianna Christe • Nov. 20, 2018