Retailers carefully balance human intelligence with AI adoption

Executives at NRF’s Big Show were quick to say AI can collaborate with — not replace — humans, though it is changing the types of work companies need from employees. 

By Dani James • 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

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

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

Ernesta expands brick-and-mortar footprint

The DTC custom rug brand recently opened a showroom in Michigan and plans to add stores in Texas and New York over the next several months.

By Howard Ruben • Jan. 13, 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

Macy’s to close Oklahoma fulfillment center

The Tulsa facility is slated to shutter this spring, according to a company spokesperson.

By Kelly Stroh • Jan. 13, 2026

Canada Goose shakes up leadership team

The luxury company’s moves include bringing on a Burberry vet and naming a new president of Asia Pacific. 

By Howard Ruben • Jan. 13, 2026

Walmart, Wing to scale drone delivery operations to 270 stores

The two companies aim to provide service to customers near 150 locations in the next year before growing further.

By Max Garland • Jan. 12, 2026

UPS’ Happy Returns pilots AI tool to halt decoy returns fraud

The company's Return Vision software compares returned products with images from the retailer, a capability being used by Everlane and others.

By Max Garland • Jan. 12, 2026

Value City, American Signature Furniture to shutter remaining stores

The retailer, which is closing its last 89 locations, filed for bankruptcy in November as sales plummeted and losses widened amid a soft housing sector.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 12, 2026

In the age of AI, REI is turning to its human employees to win

The retailer’s “green vest” associates serve as a key differentiator — both in stores and online — in an increasingly AI-driven world, according to CEO Mary Beth Laughton.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 12, 2026

Vince monitoring Saks Global ‘on a minute-by-minute basis’

CEO Brendan Hoffman said the luxury department store conglomerate accounts for about 7% of its business.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 12, 2026

A look back at Bed Bath & Beyond’s pivotal year

As the retailer’s deal to acquire the former Kirkland’s nears closing, here’s a review of the events that brought us to this point.

By Caroline Jansen , Dani James • Jan. 12, 2026

L.L. Bean names company veteran next CEO

Greg Elder has been with the outdoor retailer for almost 20 years, most recently as chief retail officer overseeing stores, wholesale and other operations.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 9, 2026

Macy’s targets another 14 stores for closure

The department store’s downsizing plan is key to its turnaround and will ultimately entail shuttering about 150 locations.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 9, 2026

Kendra Scott taps Athleta vet as CEO

Chris Blakeslee, who previously served as chief executive at the Gap-owned activewear brand, also held positions at Alo Yoga and Bella+Canvas.

By Howard Ruben • Jan. 9, 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

Amazon to roll out updated Dash Carts to more Whole Foods stores

The latest version of the smart carts, which includes a real-time savings tracker, will expand to more than 25 of the specialty grocer’s locations this year.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • 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

Walmart adds tech veteran to board as it preps for AI era

Shishir Mehrotra, who co-founded an AI platform and also has experience at YouTube, joins the board ahead of John Furner’s move to CEO.

By Dani James • Updated Jan. 8, 2026

S&P Global Ratings downgrades Saks Global on missed interest payment

The luxury giant is unlikely to make good within the grace period or achieve promised savings from last year’s $2.7 billion merger, the analysts said.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 8, 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

GameStop floats CEO pay entirely tied to performance

Ryan Cohen would have to reach sky-high goals to receive the lucrative compensation, a setup resembling Elon Musk’s at Tesla.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 7, 2026

Amazon expands rural delivery with Oklahoma last-mile station

The 30,000-square-foot facility in Weatherford is slated to break ground early this year, and the city said it will improve delivery speeds in the area.

By Kelly Stroh • Jan. 7, 2026