Amazon's Alexa Accelerator reveals new class of startups

The second voice tech accelerator drew participants from around the world who develop smart home, science, gaming and enterprise applications, among others.

By Dan Alaimo • July 24, 2018

Sprout Social forges deeper integration with Pinterest

The analytics provider's partnership is aimed at helping its brand customers market more efficiently and effectively through the social network.

By Dan O'Shea • July 23, 2018

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

Amazon plans fulfillment center for Spokane, Washington

The 600,000-square-foot facility will have four floors and make heavy use of robotics.

By Dan Alaimo • July 23, 2018

Walmart laying off 260 at optical plants

Two years ago nearly 100 workers were laid off at its Dallas optical lab after the installation of automated equipment.

By Daphne Howland • July 23, 2018

Amazon's latest patent dreams up product-chucking robots

The e-tailer continues to pile up technology patents, with its latest two covering robotic concepts for fulfillment centers.

By Dan O'Shea • July 20, 2018

Study: Voice investment plans don't align with preparedness

Many consider voice customer service tools like chatbots a quick way to boost image and profits, but a new Globant report urges preparation and caution.

By Dan Alaimo • July 20, 2018

Study: Shoppers prefer Apple Pay but spend more with Walmart Pay

Merchants can gain a competitive edge over Apple Pay by highlighting discount- and shopping-focused app features.

By Robert Williams • July 19, 2018

Amazon sold over 1M smart home devices on Prime Day

The retailer once again used Prime Day as an opportunity to lure more customers into its Alexa-enabled device ecosystem.

By Dan O'Shea • July 19, 2018

10 startups kick off Target + Techstars accelerator

Now in its third year, the retail accelerator has proven it can spur the growth of small companies while helping Target compete with the latest technology.

By Dan Alaimo • July 19, 2018

Amazon Go competitor raises $5.5M

Standard Cognition, a prominent player in the rising cashierless technology sector, has now raised $11.2 million to date.

By Dan O'Shea • July 18, 2018

Walmart mulls video streaming, The Information reports

The service would compete directly with Amazon Prime Video and Netflix at lower prices, and maybe for free, sources told the publication.

By Dan Alaimo • July 18, 2018

Kroger’s in-store app aims to simplify healthy food shopping

OptUP lets customers score their groceries based on healthiness, scan and search for product alternatives and connect to digital carts for curbside pickup or delivery.

By Robert Williams • July 17, 2018

48% of consumers say hurdles deter loyalty program sign-up

Retailers are continuing to refine their loyalty and rewards programs, but a new survey suggests they may still be making it too hard for customers to join and enjoy the benefits.

By Dan O'Shea • July 17, 2018

Microsoft and Walmart sign 5-year, full-suite cloud deal

Walmart will migrate hundreds of applications, including the Walmart and Sam's Club websites, to cloud native architectures on Azure and roll out Microsoft 365 to employees in phases.

By Alex Hickey • July 17, 2018

Gymboree tries for reboot as back-to-school season starts

This time last year found the children's retailer in Chapter 11, driven there by an unsustainable debt load and falling sales.

By Ben Unglesbee • July 16, 2018

Walmart wins patent for in-store audio monitoring

The company intends to use the technology to monitor employee performance, but the sensor system — which would analyze conversations between customers and employees — could raise privacy concerns.

By Dan O'Shea • July 16, 2018

Gymboree refreshes brand with AR-powered mobile app

The children's clothing retailer's "Made You Smile" app unlocks augmented reality animations that bring Gymboree graphic tees to life.

By Robert Williams • July 16, 2018

Study: Beauty shoppers spend 80% of purchase journey in pre-search phase

The Condé Nast-Tapestry study highlights the role that influence plays in purchasing decisions

By Erica Sweeney • July 16, 2018

Facebook payments patent reveals e-commerce ambitions

In a recent patent filing, the social media network described a plan to streamline AI-driven payments through Messenger.

By Dan Alaimo • July 13, 2018

New Nike concept store goes Live in LA

Experiential doesn't mean the same for every brand, concept or customer. That's a lesson the retailer is taking to heart as it iterates on the future of direct-to-consumer stores.

By Corinne Ruff • July 12, 2018

CommerceHub taps former J.C. Penney exec as COO

The supply chain network is looking to expand its relationships with retailers and add new products and capabilities. 

By Ben Unglesbee • July 12, 2018

Target’s Instagram-like app links designers with customers

The mass merchant is using a by-invitation-only app, Studio Connect, to gain shopper feedback during various points of product development.

By Dan Alaimo • July 12, 2018

Bulletin's software paves way for small online brands

Apparel startup Bulletin is now using technology for its small-brand clients to manage inventory in brick-and-mortar stores, joining the growing "retail as a service" trend. 

By Dan Alaimo • July 11, 2018

Visa innovation center showcases contactless payment

Banks aren't ready and retailers are wary, but the technology is on display in a futuristic pop-up experience in Washington.

By Nicole Ault • July 11, 2018

Snapchat reportedly developing feature to direct users to Amazon

The revelation of "camera search" code is the latest sign of the company's intention to develop more shopping-friendly features.

By Dan O'Shea • July 10, 2018