AI referrals make shoppers more likely to either return — or never come back

Companies need to quickly justify why the AI recommended their brand, Info-Tech Research Group’s Julie Geller said. “If that validation isn’t obvious, confidence drops fast.”

By Bryan Wassel • May 20, 2026

Tapestry patents AI data analytics tech

The Coach owner said it is trimming the time it takes to analyze data through its newly patented AI technology.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 19, 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

1 in 5 shoppers left their wallet at home today. Is your store ready for them?

Retailers that don’t support digital wallets risk losing ready-to-buy customers at checkout.

May 18, 2026

The associate gap: Why your AI investment depends on the people running your stores

In the quest for stronger customer experiences, store associates are the critical variable.

May 18, 2026

Etsy debuts app in ChatGPT

The company is also beta-testing a conversational search experience on its own site that is designed to help shoppers find a gift.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 14, 2026

Rufus who? Alexa for Shopping brings AI to Amazon’s search bar

More than 300 million customers used Rufus in 2025, according to Amazon. Experts believe Alexa for Shopping’s reach could be even greater.

By Bryan Wassel • May 14, 2026

Stripe, Google partner on agentic commerce

With a Google partnership, the payments processor is bringing agentic checkout to four of the largest AI platforms.

By Justin Bachman • May 13, 2026

Walmart to lay off or relocate 1,000 tech, product workers

The retailer's latest restructure is part of a broader globalization effort, according to an internal memo Tuesday.

By Dani James • May 13, 2026

Ulta Beauty to offer products via Uber Eats

The beauty retailer has also partnered with Instacart and DoorDash as the fast delivery market grows.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 12, 2026

Ace Hardware releases AI assistant for store staff

Hey ARMA gives associates access to product knowledge, project advice and recommendations. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 7, 2026

Amazon’s latest AI feature allows shoppers to interact with product summaries

“Join the chat” enables real-time questions and answers while listening to AI-generated product summaries. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 7, 2026

Target’s digital chief breaks down the retailer’s creator overhaul

Sarah Travis details two new offerings designed for the social commerce boom and addresses frustration with the winddown of a prior affiliate program. 

By Peter Adams • May 6, 2026

US agentic commerce revenue forecast to reach $1 trillion by 2030

But even as the technology grows in popularity, the physical shopping experience will remain important, per a new report.

By Howard Ruben • May 5, 2026

Gap targets improved traceability operations, data collection

The retailer aims to enhance coordination with suppliers using an AI layer from supply chain software company Inspectorio.

By Kelly Stroh • May 4, 2026

The AI gap in retail operations is real. Here’s how to start closing it.

The race to AI-driven operations in retail is on.

May 4, 2026

Kohl’s delves into AI for gift finding, aiding associates

The retailer launched a conversational AI agent to help shoppers find gifts, and is evolving how associates engage with data using the technology.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 30, 2026

Home Depot helps advertisers reach DIY audiences on Reddit and Pinterest

Advertisers will be able to launch Reddit campaigns directly through Orange Apron Media’s self-service portal as part of an industry-first integration.  

By Peter Adams • April 29, 2026

Bed Bath & Beyond CEO: AI will lead to ‘significant reduction in headcount’

Areas impacted at the retailer could include supply chain, IT, accounting, marketing and merchandising, Marcus Lemonis told analysts Monday.

By Caroline Jansen • April 28, 2026

EBay scrambles to fix outages

The e-commerce giant has been experiencing technical difficulties since Sunday, with its marketplace site down entirely at some points.

By Daphne Howland • April 27, 2026

Lowe’s to open 5 new stores this year

The first location is set to open this June in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and includes in-store features like enhanced digital signage and QR codes.

By Howard Ruben • April 27, 2026

H&M Group names chief information officer

The retailer's new C-suite hire, Diego Teijeiro Ruiz, brings almost two decades of experience from Inditex.

By Dani James • April 27, 2026

Hasbro expects March cyberattack to impact second-quarter revenue

The toy maker is reviewing files and working to fully bring certain systems back online. The company will incur some costs related to the investigation.

By David Jones • April 27, 2026

Aerie ups commitment to authenticity with enhanced creator program

The Realmakers Community program offers creators commissions and a chance to be featured across Aerie social channels and platforms.

By Jessica Hammers • April 24, 2026

Nike cuts 1,400 jobs across tech, operations

The majority of the layoffs are in the activewear giant’s tech department as it consolidates its footprint and leans into automation.

By Cara Salpini • April 24, 2026

Ulta Beauty, Google partner on AI-powered shopping experiences

The beauty retailer has launched Ulta AI, a shopping assistant available on its website that soon will roll out to its app. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 23, 2026