Walmart: This year, AI tinkering ‘becomes transformation’

A year from now, customers will look back and realize just how much has changed about the shopping experience, Walmart’s Daniel Danker predicts.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 15, 2026

3 DTC brands on why good old-fashioned retail still works

Executives from Beyond Yoga, Mejuri and Coterie discussed the undeniable value of brick and mortar in an increasingly digital world.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 15, 2026

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

‘You have to be willing to challenge everything’: VF Corp leaders discuss turnaround progress

Executives from Vans, The North Face and Timberland laid out their plans for evolution while maintaining each brand’s heritage.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 14, 2026

Returns season is here. What are the best practices for a good experience?

A focus on transparency and automation, with live support for stressful situations, can help craft a great returns experience, experts say.

By Bryan Wassel • Jan. 14, 2026

Puma names new senior global brand marketer following reorganization

The appointment of Nadia Kokni follows the struggling sportswear icon uniting several key marketing and product functions under a chief brand officer.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 14, 2026

Amazon takes on Walmart with new store concept

The approximately 225,000-square-foot store the retailer is planning near Chicago will sell groceries alongside general merchandise.

By Catherine Douglas Moran , Dani James • Jan. 14, 2026

Ulta teases future AI use cases

Executives from the beauty retailer hinted at building agents and utilizing AI to improve personalization for loyalty members.

By Dani James • Jan. 13, 2026

Five Below CEO Winnie Park reflects on one year at the helm

The Forever 21 veteran redefined the retailer’s target customer, simplified its pricing structure and is eyeing more changes to product assortment.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 13, 2026

How rising retail brands use influencers to combat digital overload

At NRF’s Big Show, execs from Mejuri, Coterie and Beyond Yoga emphasized the power of community in amplifying brand messages and viral moments.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 13, 2026

David’s Bridal’s ambassador program invites fans, store associates to its style squad

Members will use their social media networks to generate authentic content in exchange for up to 20% commission. 

By Kaarin Moore • Jan. 12, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Nike sells Rtfkt, Hanky Panky gets acquired

The athletics giant shut down the virtual sneaker company about a year ago, while the intimate apparel brand found a new home. 

By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 9, 2026

Hanna Andersson names Toys R Us vet chief digital officer

Kacey Sharrett, who was most recently the head of DTC at GoPro, will oversee the children’s apparel brand’s digital ecosystem and customer experience. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 8, 2026

6 retail trends to watch in 2026

From pricing dynamics to the shifting state of malls, here are the trends we’ve got our eye on in 2026.

By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 8, 2026

E.l.f. Beauty launches virtual makeup experience on Roblox

The cosmetics company seeks to attract Gen Alpha and Gen Z shoppers in the gaming universe with avatars that reflect their aesthetic. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 7, 2026

Target grows wellness assortment, again

Following a similar play last year, the mass retailer is expanding the product category by 30% with a focus on offering "thousands" of items for under $10.

By Dani James • Jan. 7, 2026

US e-commerce spend reached nearly $258B over the holidays

Adobe Analytics data found consumer spending grew 6.8% compared to 2024, with buy now, pay later usage reaching a new high.

By Dani James • Jan. 7, 2026

Claire’s plans tech upgrades despite financial setbacks

The retailer will take steps to elevate customer in-store experiences by improving its technology foundation. 

By Makenzie Holland • Jan. 7, 2026

Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty to launch at Ulta

The beauty brand will be available online and at the retailer's stores starting in February, with exclusive offerings and a donation campaign.

By Dani James • Jan. 6, 2026

Amazon rolls out dedicated website that brings Alexa+ online

The site can help customers research topics, take action on their behalf, and continue conversations with an Alexa device from where they left off.

By Bryan Wassel • Jan. 6, 2026

What shaped retail’s holiday season in 2025

It was a year of AI-generated gift recommendations, tariff upheaval and increased financial stress on shoppers.

By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 6, 2026

Most consumers interacted with AI customer service during holiday shopping

Consumers’ response to AI and automation is largely positive, but a majority still say humans provide better support, a Liveops survey found.

By Bryan Wassel • Jan. 5, 2026

Returns expected to spike in the new year

Compared to earlier in the holiday season, returns will rise by up to 15% in the first two weeks of this month, according to Adobe Analytics.

By Howard Ruben • Jan. 5, 2026

Retail’s data moment: Why trusted customer data is the new competitive edge

Shopper expectations are rising, channels are multiplying and AI is redefining how, where and why people buy.

By Arnjah Dillard, Stibo Systems • Jan. 5, 2026

Zales debuts next-gen retail concept, The Edit

The locations feature customization areas, consultations and a digital companion tool that connects customers to the jewelry brand’s full in-store assortment.

By Howard Ruben • Dec. 23, 2025

Mattel brings on vet from Netflix, Disney

Natalia Premovic was named chief consumer products and experiences officer as the toy company draws on its IP for new projects.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 23, 2025