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

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

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

Dollar Shave Club’s first AI-generated ad makes tech the punchline

The brand and partner Too Short for Modeling leveraged AI to animate complex visuals while keeping to a development timeline of just a few weeks.

By Peter Adams • Dec. 23, 2025

The Weekly Closeout: Levi’s adds Target vet to board, plus more Black Friday ‘standouts’

Jeffrey Jones, a former chief marketer at Target, will join the apparel maker in January. Meanwhile, analysts called out On and Hoka as big winners from the sale season.

By Retail Dive Staff • Dec. 19, 2025

TikTok Shop is driving social commerce growth

The platform’s sales are forecast to surpass $20 billion next year, and reach over $30 billion in 2028, according to Emarketer.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 18, 2025

Pandora’s next CEO to take the reins early

Chief Marketing Officer Berta de Pablos-Barbier, who was originally set to start the chief executive position in March, will now take on the role Jan. 1.

By Howard Ruben • Dec. 18, 2025

Run retail run

Over 54,000 runners recently participated in the Chicago Marathon, with some 1.7 million spectators lining the streets. They came to race — and to shop.

By Kaarin Moore • Dec. 18, 2025

NRF expects ‘record’ number of Super Saturday shoppers

Of those who plan to shop, nearly half will do so both online and in stores, with department stores and discount retailers among the top destinations.

By Dani James • Dec. 17, 2025

Is surveillance pricing ripping off loyal customers?

If customers thought “that loyalty data were being consumed for that purpose, they would opt out of loyalty,” said Brierley loyalty consultant Don Smith.

By S.L. Fuller • Dec. 17, 2025

Clarks unveils first Cloudsteppers store in US

Cloudsteppers, known for its flip-flops for women, is expanding to become lifestyle-focused with more store openings on the way.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 16, 2025

Could digital product passports transform customer experience?

Customer and product experiences are often separated, but digital product passports force “those two worlds to merge,” said Renascence Consulting CEO Aslan Patov.

By Michael Brady • Dec. 16, 2025

Combating the consumer ‘joy deficit’ this season

Prices are high, shoppers are stressed out and anxiety-inducing marketing doesn’t help. Here’s what retailers can do instead.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 16, 2025

T.J. Maxx goes on holiday tour in a double-decker bus

The decked-out “Maxxinista Express” stops in multiple cities and takes superfans along for a full day of shopping. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 15, 2025