Pinterest, Michaels partner on trend-inspired DIY kits

The "Make It Kits" are inspired by crafts trending on the social media platform and include all the supplies needed to make the projects.

By Dan O'Shea • April 19, 2017

Facebook tests integration between M virtual assistant, third-party apps

The test enables Messenger users chatting about ordering food to see an interface that allows them to order from Delivery.com.

By Dan O'Shea • April 19, 2017

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

Marketing spend on Google Shopping ads surpasses text ads

Google Shopping ads accounted for 16.1% of e-commerce sales in 2016, up from just 9% in 2015, according to new research from marketing company Sidecar.

By Dan O'Shea • April 19, 2017

Rue21, mode-ai launch virtual stylist with Facebook Messenger group feature

The struggling teen retailer's push for digital engagements comes just days after it announced it will shutter roughly 400 stores.

By Dan O'Shea • April 18, 2017

Report: Cross-channel rises, seasonality fades for apparel retailers

A new report from Criteo outlines market trends forcing retailers to shift their focus away from seasonality and toward omnichannel support to gain customers.

By Dan O'Shea • April 18, 2017

Can Snapchat's geotargeting capabilities match online ads to in-store visits?

The Snap to Store tool, already tested by 7-Eleven and Paramount Pictures, is rolling out for wider use. 

By David Kirkpatrick • April 13, 2017

Google adds ‘Similar Items’ feature to Image Search capabilities

The new feature augments its Image Search capabilities through Android apps and the mobile web to help users find products similar to those they see in searched photos.

By Dan O'Shea • April 11, 2017

Ulta Beauty, Madison Reed team to sell hair color kits, leverage chatbot

"Madi," a color-recognition chatbot created by Madison Reed engineers, gives consultations just as a human colorist would do in a salon.

By Dan O'Shea • April 11, 2017

Jo-Ann Stores acquires Creativebug to boost crafting content game

Creativebug's subscription service allows crafting enthusiasts access to more than 1,000 high-definition video classes where they can learn how to paint, draw, sew, quilt, knit, crochet, throw a DIY party and more.

By Dan O'Shea • April 11, 2017

Do retailers need innovation labs to stay alive?

Nine experts debate whether experimentation with new technologies is crucial to survival in an increasingly challenging retail environment.

By Corinne Ruff • April 11, 2017

How the ‘age of ask’ is transforming mobile commerce

Building voice-based interfaces for Amazon's digital assistant requires a keen understanding of customer needs. 

By Ken Magill • April 11, 2017

Finish Line reboots Winner’s Circle loyalty app

The athletic retailer is retooling its mobile experience to offer amped-up personalization options, in-app purchasing and early access to new product launches.

By Daphne Howland • April 11, 2017

Survey: Cross-channel commerce errors costing retailers millions

Product content network 1WorldSync also found that 51% of merchants can’t support mobile commerce, and 80% don’t integrate product information management across web, mobile apps and physical stores.

By Dan O'Shea • April 10, 2017

Valentino getting omnichannel upgrade through YNAP partnership

Customers will gain access to inventory from Valentino boutiques and logistics centers and YNAP's fulfillment centers, in addition to in-store mobile features.

By Dan O'Shea • April 9, 2017

Adidas leaps beyond 3D printing, unveils Futurecraft 4D shoe

Partner Carbon's Digital Light Synthesis technology leverages digital light projection, oxygen-permeable optics and programmable liquid resins to generate polymeric products.

By Dan O'Shea • April 9, 2017

Reebok planning 'Cotton + Corn' shoe via plant-based products initiative

The effort leverages a petroleum-free, non-toxic bio-based product called Susterra propanediol developed by DuPont Tate & Lyle.

By Dan O'Shea • April 5, 2017

Fanatics buys Majestic months after winning deal to replace it as MLB partner

Fanatics and Under Armour last year teamed up to win a 10-year contract from Major League Baseball to make player uniforms and manufacture and sell licensed fan apparel.

By Dan O'Shea • April 4, 2017

Nike signs Rory McIlroy to 10-year deal as Masters looms

McIlroy, the No. 2-ranked pro golfer in the world, has won 12 tournaments, including two major championships, since first signing with Nike in 2013.

By Dan O'Shea • April 3, 2017

Style guru Jenna Lyons leaving J. Crew

The fashionista put daylight between the brand's classic preppy aesthetic and rivals like Lands’ End and L.L. Bean, but sales have faltered over time.

By Daphne Howland • April 3, 2017

Retailers with pressing questions soon can ask Jicco what to do

The search engine uses crowdsourced data and photos to help retailers obtain real-time answers about store-level promotions, pricing and shopper sentiment.

By Dan O'Shea • April 2, 2017

Sephora opens NYC Beauty TIP Workshop concept stores, debuts Tap and Try

Teach, Inspire, Play locations have digital signage, brighter lighting, a larger cash wrap and additional mobile POS stations, among other features.

By Dan O'Shea • April 2, 2017

Reports: Amazon, Wal-Mart escalate CPG pricing war

Amazon is bringing together major consumer goods companies to brainstorm packaging and supply chain reforms and to convince them to sell directly to consumers via Amazon Marketplace.

By Daphne Howland • March 31, 2017

Study: Only 22% of consumers have engaged with a chatbot

Vibes' 2017 Mobile Consumer Report also found that consumers carefully curate the number of brands that can send them mobile alerts, subscribing to four on average.

By Dan O'Shea • March 30, 2017

Adidas unveils All Day mobile app for fitness and training

The All Day app, which will integrate with the Adidas Chameleon HR fitness tracker, provides a variety of short-term training routines and practices called Discoveries.

By Dan O'Shea • March 30, 2017

Retale guarantees mobile campaigns will boost stores’ foot traffic

The Retale Store Traffic Guarantee promises increased foot traffic to retailers using its platform for localized ad sharing and coupon offers.

By Dan O'Shea • March 29, 2017