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

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

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

Bed Bath & Beyond operating chief out as Marcus Lemonis takes on CEO role

Lemonis outlined a plan that moves the company beyond retail and into insurance, financial tools and “mortgage related solutions.”

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 5, 2026

Most consumers interacted with AI customer service during holiday shopping

Consumers’ response to AI and automation is largely positive, but a majority still say humans provide better support, a Liveops survey found.

By Bryan Wassel • Jan. 5, 2026

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. 5, 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

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