Apple ties education push to its community-focused retail revamp

The technology company followed up the product launch with an in-store event to highlight its ongoing transformation from retail space to community gathering place. 

By Dan O'Shea • March 28, 2018

Barnes & Noble debuts book discovery social network and app

Brad Meltzer is the first to be featured in the app's "asked by an author" section, where readers can chat with writers and ask questions.

By Robert Williams • March 28, 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

Office Depot shelves went without Sharpies after vendor spat

Newell Brands stopped shipments to the retailer over a dispute in how its products were marketed, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. 

By Daphne Howland • March 28, 2018

What's driving retail's sneaker obsession?

The rising tide of consumer interest pushed sneakers to the top of the hot product list, and limited edition collections have kept demand high as brands jockey for position.

By Cara Salpini • March 28, 2018

Most retailers are on social media, but they're missing out

Retailers might have shopping buttons on social media accounts, but they need to talk more about what consumers want, according to Astound Commerce Insights.

By Daphne Howland • March 27, 2018

Asos is showing how clothes look on different body types

The move takes body positivity to a new level and could boost orders to the e-tailer by helping shoppers see what clothes might look like on them. 

By Daphne Howland • March 27, 2018

Most Amazon shoppers don't notice ads

The company's marketing strength will continue to grow and evolve thanks to its Alexa voice assistant, according to research from CPC Strategy.  

By Daphne Howland • March 26, 2018

Whole Foods lays off marketing staff as Amazon centralizes ops

The elimination of store-level graphic designers and certain regional employees follows the departure of more than a dozen executives due to cultural differences.

By Jeff Wells • March 26, 2018

7 takeaways from Shoptalk 2018

From speeding up the supply chain to adding personalization and making shopping more convenient — technology is fundamentally transforming the business. Here's what you need to know.

By Corinne Ruff , Laura Heller • March 23, 2018

6 ways brands and retailers are using stores to boost business

Stores aren't going away, but they are going on a diet. Here are the most innovative concepts showcased at Shoptalk.

By Corinne Ruff • March 23, 2018

Retailers are being flooded by a 'returns tsunami'

Try-before-you-buy purchasing is great for consumers, but it's becoming a major headache for online retailers, according to a new report.

By Dan Alaimo • March 23, 2018

Toy maker working on bid for Toys R Us

As the ailing toy seller winds down U.S. operations, it's putting $2 billion in discounted toys on the market. In a "sad synchronicity" in timing, the chain's founder has also died.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 23, 2018

Retail Therapy: Old Navy spaces out on gender equality

In a move that says "we didn’t think this through," the brand stocked NASA T-shirts only targeted toward half of the population … we give you one guess.

By Cara Salpini • March 23, 2018

More marketing, IT dollars pouring into mobile

Retail marketers will increase their mobile budget by an average of 25%, pointing to the continued importance of the platform for shoppers.

By Dan O'Shea • March 22, 2018

Sephora launches 30-day exclusives to drive traffic

The new products, part of the "First at Sephora" program, will bypass even the brand's own sites and stores, selling exclusively at Sephora for 30 days after each debut.

By Daphne Howland • March 22, 2018

Instagram expands shoppable posts in 8 countries

Brands in the U.K., France, Italy, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Canada and Spain can now add e-commerce links within their Instagram posts.

By Robert Williams • March 21, 2018

Amazon, AARP reportedly working on tech for seniors

The two companies have been in talks about how to improve technology for older Americans since 2015, according to CNBC.

By Daphne Howland • March 21, 2018

KB Toys plots a comeback as Toys R Us collapses

As the toy retailer winds down operations, a business that revives old brands is trying to bring back defunct KB Toys — with Toys R Us employees.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 21, 2018

Former Gilt Groupe execs launch plus-size brand

CoEdition aims to fill a gap by curating fashion items from well known designers in sizes 10 to 26.

By Daphne Howland • March 21, 2018

Glossier's customer obsession is about stirring up conversation

During a keynote at Shoptalk, CEO Emily Weiss highlighted social sharing as one of the company's biggest drivers of growth. 

By Corinne Ruff • March 21, 2018

Ulta’s Mary Dillon on riding the wave of beauty’s success

The retailer is positioned in a retail sweet spot, and its CEO has every intention of growing the best of its business. 

By Laura Heller • March 20, 2018

Target testing alternative loyalty program

The retailer, which shares a core customer base with Amazon's formidable Prime program, is hoping the new tier could be a ramp to its full Redcard membership.

By Daphne Howland • March 20, 2018

Google to prioritize retailer search results — for a fee

The new program, Shopping Actions, will steer customers that start their product search on Google toward certain non-Amazon retailers.

By Dan O'Shea • March 20, 2018

EMarketer: Facebook, Google duopoly under pressure as ad sales jump for Amazon, Snapchat

The current leaders' share of new digital ad revenue is declining and forecast to hit 48% this year, down from 73% in 2016. 

By Erica Sweeney • March 20, 2018

87% of loyalty members open to being ‘watched, monitored and tracked’

According to a new study by Bond Brand Loyalty, customers will part with personal data if it means receiving personalized rewards, including perks like free Wi-Fi or faster checkout lines.

By Cara Salpini • March 20, 2018