5 tech trends that transformed retail in 2016

Artificial intelligence and related breakthroughs steered retailers toward more effective customer engagement, while virtual reality and augmented reality redefined how shoppers experience the world.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 15, 2016

Under Armour expands connected footwear lineup

Automatic run tracking technology from the athletic apparel retailer's MapMyRun mobile app and global digital running community provides runners with workout and fatigue data.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 14, 2016

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

Report: Coach inks $10M branding, design deal with pop star Selena Gomez

Former Disney star Gomez is a surprise pick for the new face of Coach considering she previously collaborated with struggling discount chain Kmart.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 14, 2016

Kohl's to stay open 107 hours straight before Christmas

The end of the marathon opening, Super Saturday, falls on both Christmas Eve and the first night of Hannukah, but heavy discounts could hurt margins.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 14, 2016

Adidas makes 3D-printed running shoe available for sale via Confirmed app

The 3D Runner, priced at $333 per pair, includes "an engineered 3D web structure with dense zones in high force areas and less dense zones in the low force areas, allowing for the optimum level of performance."

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 13, 2016

L'Oreal builds out influencer marketing with shoppable video

The beauty brand taps tech firm dubdub for video content that can "generate direct sales."

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 13, 2016

Nielsen, Foursquare connect online ads with physical stores

The partnership is designed to help marketers tie digital campaigns to in-store actions based on Foursquare’s geolocation capabilities.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 12, 2016

How Costco appeals to millennials and Gen Z without specifically targeting them

Execs attribute its appeal among young consumers to a focus on organics and partnerships with coupon websites like LivingSocial.

By Carolyn Heneghan • Dec. 12, 2016

Holiday discounts up 52% over last year, returns surging

Retailers should brace themselves for reduced margins and more returns than last year, according to DynamicAction’s Retail Holiday 2016 Index.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 12, 2016

Sears, Wayfair under fire for merchandise decorated with Hindu imagery

Rajan Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, says the image of Hindu deity Ganesha should be found only in temples or home shrines — not on items where people or dogs would sleep or put their feet.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 12, 2016

Target takes programmatic in-house

The retail giant has taken data management into its own hands with an internal private marketplace.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 9, 2016

Sears, Uber expand Shop Your Way rewards partnership to 23 more markets

Since the program rolled out in New York City and Chicago in late September, more than 10,000 Shop Your Way members have linked their accounts to the Uber app, collectively earning more than $250,000 in points.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 8, 2016

Starbucks embraces conversational commerce, boosts personalization

The forthcoming My Starbucks Barista conversational ordering feature allows customers to place orders via voice command or messaging to improve efficiency and encourage stronger customer loyalty and engagement.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 7, 2016

Khloe Kardashian's Good American denim brand logs $1M in first-day sales

The denim line, available on Good American's website and at Nordstrom, sold out twice since its launch, buoyed by a savvy social media marketing push.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 7, 2016

Oh, Superman: The 10 worst toys of 2016

Slimeballs, elephant pillows and Doomhammers are just a few of the dangers lurking in gift boxes this holiday season.

By Jason Ankeny, Corinne Ruff • Dec. 7, 2016

Wayfair app lets shoppers visualize decor in their own homes

View in Room allows customers to envision furniture and other Wayfair items inside their own living spaces.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 6, 2016

Rent the Runway boosting physical store strategy with new flagship

Like many e-commerce startups, the apparel rental company believes that stores are important to growing sales and connecting with customers.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 6, 2016

Fanatics, Under Armour awarded 10-year MLB licensing deal

While Under Armour gets the on-field glory, Fanatics may be the bigger winner in this deal.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 5, 2016

Shopify acquires mobile app design house Tiny Hearts

The two companies previously worked together to create a pop-up shop called Popify, as well as Shopify apps Frenzy and Skopkey.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 5, 2016

Holiday season starts slow with 9% drop in ad spend

Retailers’ ad budgets are in transition as shopping behaviors change.

By Chantal Tode • Dec. 5, 2016

How luxury brands can revitalize stagnating sales

Experts say upscale brands need to rethink their in-store and digital presence to engage with younger, connected customers looking for a personal lifestyle experience.

By Antonella Ciancio • Dec. 5, 2016

Why retailers are embracing rooftop gardens

Fueled by consumers’ increased interest in local foods, more merchants are bringing growing in-house.

By Keith Loria • Dec. 5, 2016

How apparel brands can defend against Amazon's fashion rise

The e-commerce giant is poised to become the largest U.S. clothing retailer by 2017, but brands are hesitant to sell on the marketplace.

By Jessica Binns • Nov. 30, 2016

Digital's role on Black Friday ramps up across mobile search, prospecting and retargeting

Two sets of data reinforce shopping’s omnichannel evolution. 

By Chantal Tode • Nov. 30, 2016

Gucci passes Burberry on L2 Digital IQ Fashion index

E-commerce and digital marketing are increasingly important to luxury sales growth, and brands are taking things up a notch while avoiding the elephant in the room — Amazon.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 30, 2016