Joann fills CIO role ahead of in-store technology push

Varadheesh​ Chennakrishnan joins the craft retailer from Ulta Beauty, where he most recently served as SVP of applications and enterprise architecture. 

By Samantha Schwartz • March 21, 2019

Instagram launches in-app checkout with 20 major brands

Adidas, Nike, H&M and Kylie Cosmetics are among the names leveraging the feature as the platform continues to elevate its commerce ambitions. 

By Peter Adams • March 19, 2019

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

Only 7% of retailers offer a shared cart across channels

Omnichannel is evolving toward real-time shopping experiences, but most retailers are hesitating, according to a study by BRP. 

By Dan O'Shea • March 19, 2019

Walmart sparks social media upset after cutting price-matching

The chain's app-based Savings Catcher program will end on May 14, with the company stating that it already offers the lowest price on most items.

By Robert Williams • March 19, 2019

Bold Metrics debuts Smart Size Chart to reduce online returns

Amid new thinking about sizing practices, the company is using technology to help shoppers find the best fit.

By Dan O'Shea • March 19, 2019

Study: 93% of companies with a personalization strategy boost revenue

A brand's willingness to invest in personalization impacted its financial success in 2018, according to new research.

By Dan O'Shea • March 18, 2019

CTO adds 'controls and support' as Stitch Fix grows into a mature, public company

Cathy Polinsky's first step was doubling the size of her team so it could support, rather than constrain, the burgeoning business.

By Mitch Betts • March 18, 2019

WSJ: Amazon tests private label pop-ups on product pages

The short-lived mobile experiment required shoppers to dismiss a window showing a cheaper alternative to a sponsored listing.

By Daphne Howland • March 18, 2019

Macy's to outsource IT unit

After shuttering 100 stores nationwide, the department store is now on the hunt for other ways to save money in its operations.

By Daphne Howland • March 18, 2019

Walmart plans to sell a private-label tablet

The retailer is launching new tech that could help it compete against Amazon and Apple, although tablet sales are declining. 

By Dan O'Shea • March 15, 2019

Charting a course to omnichannel fulfillment

To meet the demands of shoppers who expect to be able to buy in the channel of their choice and receive the merchandise wherever they prefer, retailers are heading toward omnichannel fulfillment. 

March 14, 2019

Lamps Plus taps SMS texting for customer service

Without having to download a separate app, users can reserve items, ask about store inventory or get personalized design tips.

By Robert Williams • March 14, 2019

Amazon study highlights digital divide for rural businesses

A report from the e-commerce giant and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates increased use of digital tools in rural areas could add $140 billion to the U.S. economy by 2021. 

By Dan O'Shea • March 14, 2019

PayPal enables Instant Transfer to banks for faster cash access

Consumers — and soon businesses — can get money to bank accounts or debit cards in minutes through the new service.

By Dan O'Shea • March 14, 2019

Lush demos visual search app and fresh ‘digital packaging’ at SXSW

A mobile-packed activation let guests scan bath products for details like ingredients and price, while highlighting the brand's broader tech focus.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • March 14, 2019

Meijer adds Shop & Scan service to 23 locations

Mobile shopping checkout will be available at stores in Chicago and Northwest Indiana as the retailer tries to keep pace with competitors.

By Lauren Manning • March 13, 2019

Retail to lead global AI spending in 2019 as market reaches $35.8B

Automated customer service agents, shopping advisers and product recommendation solutions are driving investments from the retail category, according to the IDC.

By Erica Sweeney • March 13, 2019

L’Oréal deepens personalized skincare focus with uBiome partnership

New test kits revealed at SXSW enable consumers to submit cheek-swab samples to determine their skin health and receive product recommendations.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • March 13, 2019

Basic Space looks to leverage the influencer economy

A new online and app marketplace provides a home for celebrities to sell their own pre-owned and exclusive merchandise.

By Dan O'Shea • March 12, 2019

More than 50% of US households will have Amazon Prime in 2019

The e-commerce giant is earning the loyalty of entire households through Prime memberships, according to a new study by eMarketer. 

By Dan O'Shea • March 12, 2019

Report: Apple may debut iPhone-powered AR headset this year

The first generation of glasses will rely on a nearby iPhone for processing power, an internet connection and location services.

By Robert Williams • March 11, 2019

Dior designs AR filter for Instagram during Paris Fashion Week

The filter generated more than 2.6 million impressions for the European luxury fashion brand.

By Robert Williams • March 11, 2019

Smart speaker ownership jumped to 40% in 2018

More than 66 million consumers now own smart speakers, with Amazon leading the industry, according to a new study.

By Dan O'Shea • March 11, 2019

Is home goods the next retail sector ripe for disruption?

As retailers push for new technology adoption, supply chain optimization and a digital focus, the space is being redefined and rearranged.

By Caroline Jansen • March 11, 2019

Rue21 to launch BOPIS in over 700 stores

The retailer's large-scale commitment to click-and-collect comes as more consumers across the sector are engaging with the service.

By Dan O'Shea • March 11, 2019