Fanatics revamps outfit curation tool with OpenAI

A new version of the retailer’s Shop the Look tool generated 10% higher engagement in a pilot.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 29, 2026

Most consumers aren’t using AI for product discovery, yet

Retailers should consider the quality of their metadata to prepare for a predicted upswing in AI usage, new research finds.

By Nicole Silberstein • Oct. 29, 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

DoorDash to buy Instacart for $17B

The deal marks the consolidation of two major players in the retail delivery industry.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Oct. 29, 2026

The Backroom: Dynamic pricing and the anxious consumer

With the holidays approaching, consumers are zeroed in on price now more than ever — and Walmart is taking the heat.

By Retail Dive Staff • Oct. 29, 2026

Gap Inc. launches AI hiring tool in time for the holidays

The retailer expects around 200,000 seasonal employment applications. Its new AI platform aims to reduce the administrative tasks associated with hiring. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 29, 2026

Etsy CEO addresses friction of AI vs. human creativity

The e-commerce marketplace saw active buyers in Q3 grow for the first time in two years and is utilizing AI to improve product recommendations.

By Dani James • Oct. 28, 2026

Banana Republic debuts TikTok content series in bid for younger shoppers

The effort spotlights various styles and arrives as parent Gap Inc. continues to emphasize entertainment marketing.

By Jessica Hammers • Oct. 26, 2026

The most expensive problems are the ones you’ve learned to live with

Some of retail’s biggest opportunities may be hiding inside familiar operational constraints.

Oct. 26, 2026

Agentic commerce: The infrastructure is ready for AI agents. Is your store?

With the holidays approaching, check these signals to assess your AI readiness (and check it twice).

Oct. 26, 2026

Etsy updates AI use policies to emphasize craftsmanship

While it’s implementing more AI, the online marketplace now requires at least one authentic, non-AI generated image in most seller listings.

By Dani James • Oct. 23, 2026

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

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