Marketing

  • Closeup of a department store entrance.
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    Daphne Howland/Retail Dive
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    How Macy’s Media Network navigates complex ‘coopetition’ with Amazon

    Since signing on for a pilot with Amazon’s Retail Ad Service, the platform has drawn 175 new brands to its sponsored product offerings.

    By Peter Adams • Jan. 21, 2026
  • A person takes a photo of an item of clothing.
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    Courtesy of Depop
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    Cautious consumers shunned big-ticket items last year

    Higher tax refunds could lift discretionary spending in 2026, but the labor market is the biggest factor, according to Bank of America Institute research.

    By • Jan. 21, 2026
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    Shutterstock.com

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    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
  • An in-store display of "The Party Shop" inside Michaels
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    Courtesy of Michaels
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    At Michaels, taking Party City and Joann’s market share was priority No. 1

    CEO David Boone, who joined the craft retailer about a year ago, said the company’s efforts in fabric and party supplies have “powered the business.”

    By • Jan. 21, 2026
  • Exclusive vinyl from Quince's collaboration with A$AP Rocky
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    Courtesy of Quince
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    Quince collaborates with A$AP Rocky on exclusive products for ‘Don’t be Dumb’ album release

    The online retailer launched a limited-edition vinyl and T-shirt ahead of the artist’s first studio album release in over seven years.

    By Howard Ruben • Jan. 20, 2026
  • Two people participating in Levi's Wear Longer Project, which teaches students how to repair clothing items.
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    Courtesy of Levi's
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    Levi’s wants to teach young consumers how to repair their clothes

    The Wear Longer Project aims to connect high school students with the tools and knowledge on how to repair and refresh the clothing they already own.

    By Howard Ruben • Jan. 20, 2026
  • TikTok app on an Apple iPhone on Aug 7., 2020 in Washington, DC
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    Drew Angerer via Getty Images
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    For retail brands, TikTok Shop’s rise brings viral success — and disruption

    At NRF, executives described major sales wins while acknowledging the social commerce feature is shaking up several retail fundamentals.

    By Peter Adams • Jan. 16, 2026
  • A red sign with a white logo and the words "under armour" in white capital letters hangs from an iron post.
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    Daphne Howland/Retail Dive
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    Under Armour elevates Americas president to chief merchant

    Kara Trent will take on the position next month, as Chief Product Officer Yassine Saidi transitions to a senior adviser role.

    By • Jan. 16, 2026
  • A smiling person with long waving blond hair wears a white T-shirt and black leather jacket.
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    Courtesy of Gap Inc.
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    Gap Inc. hires Paramount exec for ‘fashiontainment’ role in quest to boost relevance and revenue

    Pam Kaufman takes the newly created job in early February, reporting to CEO Richard Dickson.

    By • Jan. 16, 2026
  • Five Sims wear Coach-inspired virtual clothing.
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    Courtesy of Coach
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    Coach expands gaming footprint with The Sims virtual fashions

    Wearable items with 65 print and color variations are available for free to players, allowing for the creation of hundreds of different looks.

    By Sara Karlovitch • Jan. 16, 2026
  • Jeremiah Brent at Target
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    Courtesy of Target
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    Target, Jeremiah Brent team on bedding collection

    The “Queer Eye” star’s line aims to provide affordable, stylish bedding options to suit the retailer’s budget-conscious customers.

    By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 15, 2026
  • J.C. Penney's home collection by Jenny Martinez
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    Courtesy of J.C. Penney
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    J.C. Penney expands 2 home collections

    A kitchen line with chef Jenny Martinez is moving into other home goods, while a Laura Ashley partnership is entering stores for the first time.

    By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 15, 2026
  • Image of a screen featuring Walmart's Sparky.
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    Courtesy of Walmart
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    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 • Jan. 15, 2026
  • A row of storefronts on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in California.
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    Cara Salpini/Retail Dive
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    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 • Jan. 15, 2026
  • A person wearing sweats and a baseball cap walks down the street.
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    Daphne Howland/Retail Dive
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    ‘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 • Jan. 14, 2026
  • A customer prepares a box for a return
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    Getty Images
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    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
  • An athletic store on a New York City corner.
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    Daphne Howland/Retail Dive
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    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
  • Rendering of a store.
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    Retrieved from Orland Park Plan Commission on January 12, 2026
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    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 , • Jan. 14, 2026
  • Ulta storefront
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    Daphne Howland/Retail Dive
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    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 • Jan. 13, 2026
  • A person walks toward a store entrance.
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    Daphne Howland/Retail Dive
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    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 • Jan. 13, 2026
  • Issa Rae wearing Beyond Yoga garments in maroon
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    Courtesy of Beyond Yoga
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    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 debuts new Diamonds & Pearls concept
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    Courtesy of David's Bridal
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    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 • Jan. 12, 2026
  • The Nike "swoosh" on the side of a building, with another building seen behind it.
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    Daphne Howland/Retail Dive
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    Column

    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
  • Children playing and jumping wearing bright colored clothing
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    Permission granted by Hanna Andersson
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    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
  • A shopper browses an aisle of snacks with the sign "maxx every dollar" behind her.
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    Scott Olson via Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    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 game on Roblox
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    Courtesy of E.l.f. Beauty
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    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