CEOs know AI is important. But what should they do with it?

Mid-market chief executives are experimenting with the tech, but few are integrating it across their enterprises, a new survey found.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 22, 2026

Amazon targets pop-up retail with upgraded Just Walk Out tech

The latest changes to its RFID-enabled checkout lanes are aimed at making it easier to use in settings like festivals and temporary stores.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 21, 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

Overcoming the barriers to omnichannel by recognising that one size doesn’t fit all

Omnichannel success lies in tailoring strategies to customer needs, not relying on a one-size-fits-all approach

By Andreas Bicking, Global Head of E-commerce and Returns, DHL Supply Chain • Jan. 20, 2026

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

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

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

What 10 retail executives have to say about AI

Executives from Dick’s Sporting Goods to Macy’s offered insights as the industry grapples with integrating the new tech into their operations.

By Dani James , Caroline Jansen • Jan. 15, 2026

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

How Home Depot, Wayfair executives are preparing for an agentic AI future

The technology is redefining how customers interact with brands, but at least some parts of shopping will remain a human experience, executives said Sunday at NRF.

By Bryan Wassel • 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

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

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

Walmart teams up with Google’s Gemini for AI-assisted shopping

Incoming CEO John Furner said the company is rewriting the retail playbook, in part with new agentic AI capabilities.

By Dani James • 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

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

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

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

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

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

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