David’s Bridal to spin off Pearl into stand-alone, publicly traded company

David’s Bridal CEO Kelly Cook is expected to become the chief executive of Pearl, which will own the wedding retailer’s intellectual property and brand. 

By Kaarin Moore • Oct. 22, 2026

Walmart welcomes external AI agents — with some guardrails

The mass retailer is focused on transparency and customer control with a new AI agent profile feature and updated agent terms.

By Dani James • Oct. 22, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

How artificial intelligence is shaping retail

More retailers are leaning on AI as a tool, tapping into the tech to improve customer service and support supply chain functions.

By Retail Dive staff

Tractor Supply taps former Home Depot exec as chief technology, digital officer

Fahim Siddiqui will oversee digital operations and work to bolster long-term growth by improving the retailer’s customer experience.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 22, 2026

Why customers are fed up with AI chatbots

Few things will cause a customer to immediately request — or demand — a live agent like a bot that misunderstands them.

By Matt Vartabedian • Oct. 22, 2026

UPS’ Happy Returns comes to TikTok Shop

Pacsun and Everlane are among the retailers tapping into the new integration ahead of the post-holiday returns rush.

By Max Garland • Oct. 20, 2026

Why retail is positioned to win the flexible credential opportunity

Shoppers juggle debit, credit and BNPL. Here’s why retail is poised to win with one flexible card.

Oct. 19, 2026

Your retail network isn’t ready for AI. Here’s why.

Here's a practical list of network and IT challenges retailers need to overcome to support AI at scale.

Oct. 19, 2026

Bealls to debut mobile app

The app is intended to create a more connected shopping experience across channels, while also supporting the retailer’s strategy around loyalty.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 15, 2026

Target wants more efficient stores. An upgraded employee app could help.

The retailer’s myDay app features a newly customizable home screen functionality and will soon include access to AI-backed insights. 

By Dani James • Oct. 14, 2026

Nordstrom expands FAO Schwarz offerings, debuts new app features for holidays

The department store revamped its Nordy marketing character and is offering same-day beauty deliveries at select locations this season.

By Dani James • Oct. 13, 2026

Gen Z, Gen Alpha and the AI-ificiation of retail this holiday season

AI is “rewiring” the brains of today’s youth, at the same time that they’re craving physical experiences. Can retailers strike the right balance?

By Cara Salpini • Oct. 13, 2026

Tractor Supply opens Idaho distribution center with automation, dedicated AI team

The retailer's site in Nampa will distribute inventory to 123 stores and includes a group that aims to "apply practical artificial intelligence to operational needs."

By Max Garland • Oct. 12, 2026

The next era of retail tech — with AI at the core

Retail is changing fast. Discover how AI and mobility are redefining the store of tomorrow.

By Ian Slack • Oct. 12, 2026

Virtual try on launches on ChatGPT

Users can take or upload a selfie to generate images and see how clothing and accessories look on them prior to purchase. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 9, 2026

AI is ‘reshaping’ Walmart and Sparky is leading the charge

Advancements in AI are helping Walmart save money, which it is, in turn, reinvesting in customer experience improvements, according to U.S. CEO David Guggina.  

By Nicole Silberstein • Oct. 8, 2026

ThredUp CEO on AI costs: ‘I was both surprised and didn’t care’

James Reinhart said nothing should be done to slow employees’ use of AI because the benefits will outweigh those initial costs eventually.

By Dani James • Oct. 8, 2026

TikTok to add AI-powered discovery and one-click checkout

The social media platform is hoping to capitalize on its role as a product discovery engine by adding a conversational AI agent and simpler checkout.

By Bryan Wassel • Oct. 7, 2026

Walmart defends pricing practices, again

The retailer says it won't renew a key patent that could leverage scan-and-go tech to personalize prices. It's one of several that has drawn the attention of activists.

By Dani James • Oct. 6, 2026

Where do associates fit in an AI world?

Customers are arriving at stores more educated than ever, but associates still need to support or build on what those shoppers learned from AI, experts say.

By Bryan Wassel • Oct. 6, 2026

Target’s digital holiday catalog features toys — and a way to incorporate handwritten wish lists

The retailer’s kids catalog is focused on interactive experiences, including demonstrations and video reviews. 

By Kaarin Moore • Oct. 5, 2026

Gap unveils AI-assisted shopping, three decades after its first website

Customers can now get recommendations from the Alta Daily and Daydream platforms. Banana Republic and Old Navy are also launching conversational shopping agents.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 5, 2026

Keeping the lines open: How to power retail’s busiest moments

Consumers are tired of nonstop spam calls, suspicious of unknown numbers and frustrated by poor connections and dropped calls during important service discussions.

Oct. 5, 2026

Meta debuts AI agent for small businesses

After introducing Muse for personal users, the tech giant is offering its AI agent to small businesses seeking help with everyday tasks.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 1, 2026

Consumer AI use a boon for the holidays as AI traffic doubles

Consumers using AI engage with brands’ offers at a higher rate than non-AI traffic and generate more revenue per visit, a survey from Adobe found.

By Matt Vartabedian • Oct. 1, 2026

KnitWell Group names chief digital and customer data officer

Angelica Munson was appointed to the newly created role for the Ann Taylor and Chico’s parent company. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 1, 2026