CES 2018 in review: The biggest takeaways for marketers

Missed the annual gadget fest? No problem. We've got the lowdown on what happened in Vegas.

By Shane Schick • Jan. 17, 2018

Just 4% of brands are marketing 'geniuses'

But even some of the brands with good scores — like Macy's and Nordstrom — are facing strong headwinds in other areas.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 17, 2018

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

How retailers are rethinking the consumer-brand relationship

Retailers ranging from Outdoor Voices to The Home Depot are making a deeper connection with their customers — and they're using social media and social good to do it.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 16, 2018

Study: Instagram influencer marketing jumped 198% in 2017

Coach, Nordstrom, Forever 21 and Lulus were some of the most active brands in the fashion and accessories category, which was the most popular industry group by posts with an #ad tag.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 16, 2018

CVS bans photo altering for in-store beauty brands

The drug store chain is also calling on brands such as Revlon, L'Oréal and Johnson & Johnson to follow the new standards. 

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 16, 2018

Retailers embracing in-store mobile, but still lack support

Store employees are increasingly being given mobile devices for in-store use, but they may not have all the apps and support needed to be successful, according to a new study. 

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 15, 2018

Lacoste's US stores accept Alipay to target Chinese tourists

The sportswear brand is adding the popular payments platform to select stores.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 12, 2018

T-Mobile opens 5th 'signature store'

Tech demos and customer perks are a start, but more retailers need to start selling their brand's experience, according to Retail Prophet Doug Stephens.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 12, 2018

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

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