Activating the long tail: How retailers are using digital tools to turn SMBs into scalable growth

How retailers can tap digital tools to turn small businesses into big revenue.

By Kunal Shah, Kajal Narasimha and Mrugesh Agarwala • Jan. 1, 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

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

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

A look at retail’s year of AI news

Retail may be lagging behind other industries in the adoption of artificial intelligence, but 2025 was still transformative. Here’s a recap of retail’s biggest AI-related news this year.

By Dani James • Dec. 23, 2025

The Backroom: Contemplating retail in 2026 with Doug Stephens

The retail strategy adviser talks about trust in the age of emerging AI and the industry’s potential to shape our society.

By Retail Dive Staff • Dec. 22, 2025

The Honest Company to halt DTC sales, shutter mobile app

The change is part of the company’s turnaround plan, which also includes exiting apparel and closing brick-and-mortar and online stores in Canada.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • 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

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

Scan-and-go, extended hours help Costco enhance its store experience

The company is working to strengthen its fundamentals with its membership card scanners, CEO Ron Vachris said. “This isn’t about technology for technology’s sake.”

By Bryan Wassel • Dec. 17, 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

The hidden power of payments: How retailers can unlock AI’s true potential

Retailers are investing heavily in AI capabilities, yet many overlook a critical part of what can make or break these initiatives: Payments.

Dec. 15, 2025

The retail visibility gap – and how verified spend closes it

Your shoppers move fast. Lucky for you, so does Facteus data. See how real-world transaction data transforms strategic decision-making.

By Andrew Donsbach • Dec. 15, 2025

Walmart launches drone delivery in metro Atlanta

Products eligible for the delivery method include grocery items, household goods and over-the-counter medicine. 

By Kelly Stroh • Dec. 12, 2025

Retailers band together to maintain customer relationships as third-party AI grows

As more consumers turn to third-party AI tools in their shopping journeys, who owns that experience?

By Kristen Doerer • Dec. 12, 2025

Pet Supplies Plus releases first mobile app

The app offers rewards access, push notifications and biometric login capabilities, as the retailer tries to create a more intuitive shopping experience.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 11, 2025

Gap’s supply chain productivity gains fuel holiday confidence

Technology upgrades in fulfillment centers and more rigorous inventory management have the company feeling strong amid the year-end retail rush.

By Philip Neuffer • Dec. 10, 2025

Stitch Fix begins to stem active client losses as attention turns to personalization

Recent launches like Stitch Fix Vision and AI Style Assistant are attracting shoppers who stay with the company longer and spend more, execs say.

By Bryan Wassel • Dec. 10, 2025

Walmart debuts on Nasdaq

The stock market transfer “signals a strategic alignment with the tech-heavy exchange,” according to analysts. 

By Kaarin Moore • Dec. 9, 2025

Skims ventures into live entertainment with shoppable TikTok livestream

The apparel brand co-founded by Kim Kardashian sought to draw inspiration from classic holiday variety shows for a 45-minute shopping experience.

By Aaron Baar • Dec. 9, 2025

Mango taps AI for sourcing quality, compliance

Using Inspectorio’s software, the retailer can digitize and standardize lab-testing analytics to drive supply chain improvements.

By Kelly Stroh • Dec. 9, 2025

Digital wallet use outpaces regulators

Consumers are increasingly turning to these mobile tools for convenience and new features, and regulators are trying to catch up.

By Justin Bachman , Shaun Lucas , Julia Himmel • Dec. 8, 2025

How hybrid infrastructure keeps retail running without disruptions

Hybrid infrastructure helps retailers prevent outages and power seamless shopping experiences.

Dec. 8, 2025

Ashley offers AI-powered shopping experience

The partnership with Perplexity and PayPal allows customers to ask for product recommendations, add items to cart and complete payment in a single step.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 4, 2025

Nike cuts CTO, chief commercial roles in leadership overhaul

As part of the changes, Chief Supply Chain Officer Venky Alagirisamy will become chief operating officer, and Nike’s four regional heads will join the leadership team.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 3, 2025

Amazon, Visa team on agentic tools

The e-commerce giant is locking arms with the largest U.S. card network to provide software developers with tools and contacts for creating agentic commerce experiences.

By Lynne Marek • Dec. 3, 2025