Top retail trade shows in 2027

These events feature C-suite speakers who will discuss AI-driven solutions, understanding consumer behavior and leveraging technology, among other subjects.

By Retail Dive Staff • Oct. 6, 2026

Walmart defends pricing practices, again

The retailer says it won't renew a key patent that could leverage scan-and-go tech to personalize prices. It's one of several that has drawn the attention of activists.

By Dani James • Oct. 6, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

A look at the 2026 holiday season

From price-conscious shoppers to ever-changing tariffs, retailers have a lot to juggle this holiday season.

By Retail Dive staff

Target reprises another partnership in merchandise overhaul

The retailer is bringing back “Simply Shabby Chic” home goods, a few months after announcing the return of fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 6, 2026

Halloween spending creeps up this year

While budgets for the holiday increase, one in five shoppers plan to use buy now, pay later or other financing services, according to Deloitte.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 5, 2026

Target’s digital holiday catalog features toys — and a way to incorporate handwritten wish lists

The retailer’s kids catalog is focused on interactive experiences, including demonstrations and video reviews. 

By Kaarin Moore • Oct. 5, 2026

Gap unveils AI-assisted shopping, three decades after its first website

Customers can now get recommendations from the Alta Daily and Daydream platforms. Banana Republic and Old Navy are also launching conversational shopping agents.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 5, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Revolve debuts magazine and Cato closes 120 stores

The fashion retailer wants to connect more deeply with shoppers through a print publication. Meanwhile, the specialty apparel brand is accelerating closures.

By Retail Dive Staff • Oct. 2, 2026

KnitWell Group names chief digital and customer data officer

Angelica Munson was appointed to the newly created role for the Ann Taylor and Chico’s parent company. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 1, 2026

In New York, Nordstrom brings gourmet foods to its evolving pop-up space

The Corner Market features a selection of locally and globally sourced comestibles and housewares, with a focus on luxury gifting. 

By Lara Ewen • Oct. 1, 2026

Wayfair ups investment in sports for values-focused brand platform

The retailer is amplifying its latest effort by increasing advertising investment across the networks airing football games to five times its previous spend.

By Jessica Hammers • Sept. 29, 2026

Sephora furthers UK ambitions via M&S shop-in-shops

The tie-up resembles the beauty retailer’s partnership with Kohl’s in the U.S., which was a sales and traffic driver until this year.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 29, 2026

Best Buy to launch on TikTok Shop

Customers will be able to purchase products directly through the social commerce platform, with orders fulfilled by the retailer. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 29, 2026

David’s Bridal wants to make it easy for vendors to engage with couples

The retailer’s AI-powered platform, Pearl Connect, gives vendors leads based on couples who are actively planning their weddings.

By Kaarin Moore • Sept. 28, 2026

Walmart consolidates merchant teams with focus on style

Nearly 20 years after embarking on its ill-fated, fashion-oriented “Project Impact,” the retail giant is merging its fashion, home and beauty businesses.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 28, 2026

Consumers aren’t just buying gifts this holiday season. They’re stocking up on essentials.

Total online spend in the U.S. will top $275 billion, according to Adobe, but many will use seasonal deals to stockpile necessities. 

By Lara Ewen • Sept. 28, 2026

5 store concepts that launched in 2026

From Target’s revamped beauty space to Michaels’ new experiential store format, retailers have been busy this year refreshing their physical footprints.

By Caroline Jansen • Sept. 28, 2026

Target is opening a store in the Hamptons. It’s not red.

The retailer’s signature color is not part of the external facade of the building at its new location in Bridgehampton, New York.

By Kaarin Moore • Sept. 25, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: What will happen to Michael Kors and J. Crew celebrates its Barn Jacket

Also, Sweaty Betty owner Wolverine World Wide eliminated the active group president role last week.

By Retail Dive Staff • Sept. 25, 2026

Tapestry to sell via Google’s Gemini app, AI Mode

Coach and Kate Spade items are now available for purchase in Google’s AI shopping ecosystem. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 24, 2026

The Backroom: A status check on Target’s turnaround

Since naming Michael Fiddelke CEO, the retailer has made headway on its recovery with sales and traffic growth despite the bumps along the way.

By Retail Dive Staff • Sept. 24, 2026

Target’s new campaign puts design legacy at center of marketing

The effort will extend to creator partnerships and experiential activations and arrives as the retailer’s turnaround efforts begin to show results.

By Chris Kelly • Sept. 23, 2026

At Home gives its customers a voice in its loyalty program evolution

The retailer leveraged customer research, focus groups and behavioral testing to create the new program.

By Bryan Wassel • Sept. 23, 2026

Staples’ chief marketer on introducing a hard button amid bigger B2B push

A full-funnel campaign focuses on a dark alter ego for the easy button that leads to workplace conundrums like misprinted store signs.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 23, 2026

Gap rolls out ‘fashiontainment’ strategy with boy band collaboration

A multiyear deal with Just Your Type is positioned as bigger than a one-off campaign, spanning experiences, clothing and a documentary series.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 22, 2026

FAO Schwarz opens Amazon storefront

The toy retailer is expanding its online presence via the e-commerce giant and will feature an Amazon pop-up shop at its flagship store in Rockefeller Center. 

By Lara Ewen • Sept. 22, 2026