MikMak ‘minimercials’ aim to turn retailers’ social media stories into sales

The startup creates infomercials that serve as transitions between when users click on retailers' Instagram and Snapchat posts and arrive at product pages.

By Dan O'Shea • April 25, 2017

Tulip Retail launches employee management platform, mobile app enhancements

The new features aim to help store managers increase productivity, create a stronger employee community and operate more efficient stores.

By Dan O'Shea • April 25, 2017

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

J.C. Penney to add and expand Sephora shops in stores

The over 10-year-old concession retailing partnership represents one of the best moves the department store has made in recent years to boost traffic.

By Daphne Howland • April 25, 2017

Dynamic Yield personalization engine aims to help retailers conquer mobile commerce

Mobile accounts for 60% of online traffic, but contributes to only 16% of purchases due to consumers being turned off by lackluster mobile shopping experiences, the company's research found.

By Dan O'Shea • April 24, 2017

Report: Apparel maker G-III quietly swaps out Ivanka Trump labels for Stein Mart

The manufacturer has re-labeled apparel for sale at the discount retailer — apparently, unbeknownst to the Ivanka Trump brand.

By Daphne Howland • April 24, 2017

Shopify launches B2B channel support, automated flash sales management

The new capabilities include support for a wholesale storefront and a platform to help merchants manage digital flash sale and event-oriented marketing campaigns.

By Dan O'Shea • April 23, 2017

Adidas rolls out more shoes made from recycled ocean plastics

The athletic apparel and footwear company unveiled new editions of UltraBOOST, UltraBOOST X and UltraBOOST Uncaged through its Parley for the Oceans partnership.

By Dan O'Shea • April 23, 2017

DSW taps former Miss USA as first style ambassador

Olivia Culpo, who has more than 1.7 million Instagram followers, will curate shoe selections each month for the footwear retailer.

By Daphne Howland • April 21, 2017

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

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