Williams-Sonoma to test ads in ChatGPT

The home retailer is partnering with OpenAI to reach customers at decision-making moments and enhance product discovery.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 18, 2026

Why brands need to optimize their mobile apps and websites for AI

Brands have built their digital experiences on Google’s search algorithm, but that needs to change as consumer behavior evolves, experts say.

By Michael Brady • Feb. 18, 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

Spanx relaunches swimwear

The brand, which first entered the category in 2018, is offering three different compression levels in its latest swimwear collection.

By Howard Ruben • Feb. 18, 2026

Pinterest ‘not satisfied’ with Q4 revenue, points to tariffs

The company said large retailers have been disproportionately impacted by tariffs and thus have been pulling back on ad spend in order to protect margins.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 18, 2026

DTC rug brand Ernesta opens Dallas showroom

The 1,256-square-foot space, which features an area for one-on-one consultations, marks the brand’s sixth store.

By Howard Ruben • Feb. 17, 2026

Chubbies launches women’s swimwear brand

The stand-alone brand, dubbed Cheekies, launches with bikinis, one-piece suits and cover ups priced between $45 and $110.

By Howard Ruben • Feb. 17, 2026

[Podcast] Decoded: The New Consumer

This podcast uncovers how AI, influencers, and shifting consumer habits are reshaping the future of retail.

By Retail Dive's studioID • Feb. 17, 2026

TikTok Shop spurs Crocs, Heydude DTC sales

Overall, Crocs finished 2025 with a Q4 that beat expectations, and executives even expect struggling Heydude to return to growth later this year.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 13, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Tree Hut’s Gen Alpha brand — and will Lululemon’s new training line hit?

The body care company is launching “Splash” to appeal to a younger audience, while the activewear brand is pushing past its latest leggings snafu to debut a new fabric.

By Retail Dive Staff • Feb. 13, 2026

Estée Lauder sues Walmart over alleged counterfeits

The cosmetics giant says the big-box retailer is permitting the sale of fakes on its marketplace that target brands including La Mer and Tom Ford.

By Dani James • Feb. 12, 2026

A look inside Skims’ first Chicago flagship

The brand is expanding its brick-and-mortar presence after landing a $225 million funding round at the end of last year. 

By Kaarin Moore • Feb. 12, 2026

Target to test contextual ads in ChatGPT, including through Roundel

Bringing Roundel brands to ChatGPT suggests retail media networks could be a bridge for larger AI chatbot advertising adoption. 

By Peter Adams • Feb. 12, 2026

Nordstrom enlists luxury brands for 125th anniversary celebration

The department store is celebrating the whole year, with activations from the likes of Chanel and Christian Louboutin, limited-edition products and an even bigger Anniversary Sale. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 11, 2026

American Eagle offers creators rewards to keep content flowing

The AE Creator Community is anchored on a rewards system that incentivizes creators to participate in regular challenges around content sharing. 

By Peter Adams • Feb. 11, 2026

The latest evolution at Victoria’s Secret is an expanded T-shirt bra line

According to Victoria’s Secret Brand President Anne Stephenson, the retailer has updated craftsmanship and is leaning into products that are both comfortable and sexy.

By Dani James • Feb. 11, 2026

Target names COO, chief merchant

CEO Michael Fiddelke announced his successor to lead operations and is transitioning the retailer to a single chief merchandising officer structure.

By Dani James • Feb. 10, 2026

Anta plots first US flagship

Located in California’s Beverly Hills, the store will serve as Anta’s “brand hub” and comes just days after its parent company bought a stake in Puma.

By Cara Salpini • Feb. 9, 2026

Lulus expands to all Nordstrom stores

The move comes after the fashion brand extended its wholesale presence in Urban Outfitters and Dillard’s.

By Howard Ruben • Feb. 9, 2026

Ulta Beauty taps women athletes for marketing push

The retailer teamed up with six athletes for its Ulta Beauty Roster as a way to show the “transformative power of both sport and beauty.” 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 9, 2026

Lowe’s adds kids workshops to its loyalty program

The home improvement retailer is building out its MyLowe’s Rewards program with “great member-only moments,” Senior Vice President of Digital Commerce Joe Cano said.

By Bryan Wassel • Feb. 9, 2026

The Home Depot debuts Material List Builder AI

The technology helps its Pro customers quickly generate project material lists from voice prompts, emails, texts or existing documents. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 6, 2026

Saks Global brings back Neiman Marcus exec to oversee marketing, e-commerce

Cheryl Han, who joined Saks Global’s leadership early last year but left months later, has taken the dual role of chief marketing and digital officer.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 6, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Layoffs jump in January and Walmart hits $1 trillion market cap

Last month was the biggest dip in hiring since the Great Recession. Meanwhile, the big-box retailer reached a milestone. 

By Retail Dive Staff • Feb. 6, 2026

Coty partners with OpenAI

The company is weaving AI throughout its business as the technology serves as “an efficiency enhancer” for creativity and strategic thinking.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 5, 2026

Supergoop taps Peloton vet as chief marketing officer

The appointment of Lauren Weinberg to the top marketing post comes on the heels of Melis del Rey becoming CEO at the end of 2025.

By Howard Ruben • Feb. 4, 2026