More US consumers ditching cash for cards, mobile

Paper currency could be on its way out in the U.S., but a cashless society is not yet in sight.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 18, 2018

12 news stories that shaped retail in 2018

From Sears and Mattress Firm's bankruptcies to Walmart's $16 billion Flipkart buy, here's a look back at the biggest news from the last 12 months.

By Corinne Ruff • Dec. 18, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

How retailers are deploying in-store technology

Payment systems, self-checkout stations and home visualization tech are just a few of the areas getting attention from retailers as they rethink the store experience.

By Retail Dive staff

Google sets up shop in India

The tech company rolls into the burgeoning India e-commerce scene with a new shopping home page and search tools.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 18, 2018

Kroger's driverless delivery pilot enters next phase

The retailer and its technology partner, Nuro, will put unmanned vehicles on the road for the first time as part of a test in Scottsdale, Arizona.

By Jeff Wells • Dec. 18, 2018

'Tis the season for increased cyber attacks

A report by Infoblox reveals that retailers experience an increase in online theft and fraudulent behavior during the holidays.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 17, 2018

Nearly 70% of marketers to use Instagram in 2018

Marketers are increasing their use of both Instagram and Snapchat, though the latter falls in much lower, at 28% on the year.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 17, 2018

AI could deliver $300B in benefits for retailers, study says

Artificial intelligence can improve operational logistics and customer-facing services. 

By Gary Wollenhaupt • Dec. 17, 2018

H&M Home unwraps voice-powered gift guide for Google Assistant

The voice application also offers payment through voice command and Google Pay, letting users purchase merchandise without leaving the app.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 17, 2018

45% of online shoppers complete purchases via mobile

When it comes to buying online, more consumers pay using mobile smartphones than those who use computers, according to a PYMNTS.com study.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 14, 2018

Walgreens to sell overstock, returns via B2B marketplace

The retailer will partner with liquidation platform B-Stock to rid itself of excess inventory.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 14, 2018

Joann uses textile tech to further customization capabilities

The retailer launched fabric design options to give shoppers a more creative experience. 

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 13, 2018

Office Depot to sell and install Google smart home devices

The office supplies retailer continues to expand its services, especially to small- and medium-sized businesses.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 13, 2018

Adidas pairs with Snapchat for AR sneaker try-on

The shoemaker's latest collaboration with the messaging platform removes friction in the shopping process before the shoes' Dec. 15 release.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 13, 2018

Can data insights cure retail's holiday returns headache?

U.S. retailers grapple with merchandise returns all year, but it gets dramatically worse during the holidays, especially online, writes Signal's Jason Ankeny.

By Jason Ankeny • Dec. 13, 2018

Amazon opens first small-format Go store

The e-commerce giant has evolved its Go model to include compact stores for office buildings and hospitals.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 13, 2018

Retail associates believe tablets can be a game-changer

Employees believe that tablets and mobile tech can help them better serve shoppers, according to a Zebra Technologies study. 

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 12, 2018

Chico’s taps Salesfloor for store associate apps

The retailer is putting digital apps in the hands of store associates to help them better serve customers during and after store visits.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 12, 2018

A look inside Macy's new retail strategy

The Market @ Macy's and b8ta can be found on the main floor of the Herald Square flagship. Here's what they say about the department store's future.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 12, 2018

Farfetch taps Syte for visual search feature

The online retailer brings visual search to its luxury brand marketplace as the technology moves into the fashion sector.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 11, 2018

Petco to offer BOPIS services

The pet retailer is the latest company to launch the benefit to customers. 

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 11, 2018

Target taps AR to sell more Christmas trees

"Hundreds of thousands" of shoppers are already using the feature to try out a tree before they buy one, and the retailer says it's boosting sales.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 10, 2018

Reuters: Amazon exploring potential airport locations for Go stores

The e-commerce giant has reportedly been in contact with airports, with the cashierless store concept among conversation topics.

By Dan O'Shea • Dec. 10, 2018

How ‘brick-and-mobile’ is transforming in-store shopping

As retailers explore adding life to their brands through mobile experiences, will stores become overly tech-ridden and lose their human touch?

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Dec. 10, 2018

Online holiday spending so far tops $80B

Mobile and click-and-collect are helping American e-commerce smash records this year, according to Adobe's latest holiday shopping update. 

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 10, 2018

Facebook Live tests video shopping feature for merchants

Merchants can demonstrate and describe products for viewers to buy instantly through the platform.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 7, 2018