What to watch in retail in 2026

From the trajectory of the department store segment to the rise of generative AI, here’s what Retail Dive is keeping an eye on this year.

By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 30, 2026

Amazon to halt palm payments

The company said all Amazon One palm readers will be removed from physical stores by June 3.

By Patrick Cooley • Jan. 30, 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

Pinterest to lay off 15% amid AI investment

As the social media giant integrates AI further into its platform, the company is trimming its staff and office footprint.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 29, 2026

Crocs puts self-expression over algorithmic sameness with new platform

Ads show mannequins dancing to life and growing more human as the footwear marketer encourages real-world experiences over digital drudgery. 

By Peter Adams • Jan. 29, 2026

Home Depot cuts 800 jobs

The roles within its Atlanta store support center are primarily concentrated in its tech organization and come as the retailer mandates a full-time return to office.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 28, 2026

Home Depot’s key to great AI experiences? Ensure it remains an authority

The retailer started early and will continue to evolve its AI efforts “so that the brand voice shows up the way we want it to,” CIO Angie Brown said.

By Bryan Wassel • Jan. 28, 2026

How Macy’s is flexing its Style Crew affiliate program beyond social media

The department store recently experimented with its Style Crew of over 600 influencers by integrating them into in-person events and direct mailers.

By Jessica Hammers • Jan. 28, 2026

Nike to lay off 775 as it consolidates US distribution centers

The activewear retailer is accelerating technology and automation use in the hopes of improving efficiency across its supply chain.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 27, 2026

Dollar General expands reach of rural same-day delivery service

The discount retailer is the latest company extending its delivery offerings to focus on underserved communities.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 27, 2026

Saks Off 5th online is liquidating 5 years after split from brick and mortar

In 2021 private equity investors poured $200 million into a spin-off of the off-pricer’s digital operations, but the anticipated return never materialized.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 26, 2026

Retail’s risky AI commerce bet

As retailers race to meet consumers on external AI platforms, they risk losing data and direct interaction with shoppers. Experts say disruption has only just begun.

By Dani James • Jan. 26, 2026

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

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