Facebook promises more community, fewer brand posts in significant shift

For marketers, the news means a reduction in reach on the social media network but could lead to higher-quality engagements. 

By Chantal Tode • Jan. 12, 2018

Retail Therapy: Ikea goes gaga for expecting mothers

In an attempt to target the "new parents" demographic, the Swedish retailer released an ad that gives soon-to-be-mothers a discount … but only if they pee on it.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 12, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Gen Z and the next-generation consumer

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

By Retail Dive staff

Sports retailers should court women and streetwear in 2018

Some changes will cost retailers sales in the short term, according to NPD Group VP Matt Powell, and the state of the sector will get worse before it gets better.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 11, 2018

5 ways to win with Gen Z shoppers

Causes, convenience and calls to action are helping brands successfully court the youngest demographic, writes Oded Edelman of Signet Jewelers. 

By Oded Edelman • Jan. 9, 2018

Retailers prepare for ‘the second coming of QR codes’

The technology is poised to grow, with 1.3 billion mobile QR code coupons redeemed last year and 5.3 billion expected by 2022, according to a new study from Juniper Research.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 9, 2018

Walmart could scoop up one of these 11 startups

There's plenty of speculation as to Amazon's next acquisition, but Walmart has needs too, and has shown a willingness to spend. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 9, 2018

Most consumers want retail and politics to mix

The benefits could be high for those that do take a stance on important issues, according to a new study.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 9, 2018

Forrester: Mobile will drive 69% of search ad growth by 2022

Google faces more competition from Amazon as smartphone users increasingly look for products directly on the online retailer's app.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 5, 2018

Retail Therapy: In 2018, hit the gym with 'Eau De Blood, Sweat & Tears'

Equinox is hoping an odd campaign will help customers #committosomething — preferably a luxury gym membership.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 5, 2018

Study: Amazon Echo owners are big spenders

Customers who use the smart speaker spend 66% more than average.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 4, 2018

7 trends that will disrupt and define retail in 2018

From renewed investment in brick and mortar to a growing appetite for acquisitions, here's what to expect in the year ahead. 

By Corinne Ruff , Ben Unglesbee , Laura Heller , Cara Salpini • Jan. 4, 2018

NYC is marketers’ playground as out-of-home experiences swing high

From a sparkling water event that stoked the senses to a pop-up forest in Times Square, brands cavorted around the Big Apple throughout 2017. 

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Jan. 4, 2018

Amazon reportedly mulling CPG ads for Alexa

The company has been discussing the possibility with Proctor & Gamble and Clorox, and the move would be a big change for Alexa users.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 3, 2018

Dyson opens NYC store on Fifth Avenue

The new space from the upscale appliance maker joins a host of brands opening stand-alone brick-and-mortar shops to spur engagement. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 3, 2018

Why beauty will continue to rule retail in 2018

From leaders Sephora and Ulta to relative newcomers Glossier and Birchbox, beauty is killing other sectors. Here's how.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 2, 2018

Sears skipped TV ads to focus on digital in December

This marked a major change from the $8.4 million the retailer spent on TV spots in December 2016 — a peak time for holiday marketing.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 2, 2018

American Apparel reimagines marketing

Executives are working to thread one of the most difficult needles in marketing — renouncing the brand’s controversial image without losing its still-popular allure. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 2, 2018

The internet influences nearly half of Gen Z purchases

The generation has some estimated $44 billion in spending power just from their weekly allowance — a number that should grow as the generation enters the workforce.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 2, 2018

9 trends that will define marketing in 2018

2017 was the year the industry got its much-needed wake-up call. The question now isn't whether marketers can fix a broken system, but how they'll make it better. 

By Peter Adams • Jan. 2, 2018

Retail Therapy: The 6 most memorable trends and travesties of 2017

Looking back on the year, it's hard to choose between the bad and the worse, but overpriced objects and denim debauchery top our list easily.  

By Corinne Ruff , Cara Salpini • Dec. 22, 2017

Retail Therapy: The 8 funniest holiday retail moments of 2017

Whether retailers totally missed the mark or made a hilariously on-brand marketing move, here are our favorite happenings from the holiday season.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 22, 2017

ProFlowers enters chatbot frenzy with one-click buy button

​Most chatbots have suffered to deliver conversions, but one-click buying could be the answer to reducing friction and closing sales on Messenger.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 21, 2017

How Toys R Us is letting Target and Amazon steal Christmas

The bankrupt toy seller is losing the pricing game and reportedly readying another round of store closures. Toys R Us is facing its biggest challenge yet.

By Ben Unglesbee • Dec. 21, 2017

12 news stories that shaped retail in 2017

From The Limited's bankruptcy to Terry Lundgren's Macy's retirement announcement, here's a look back at the biggest news events from the last 12 months.

By Corinne Ruff • Dec. 20, 2017

Levi’s debuts shoppable video for holiday gift inspiration

The brand merges an interactive digital experience with e-commerce to appeal to millennial and Gen Z consumers.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 20, 2017