Why virtual reality won’t revolutionize retail, but scan-and-go will

From robots to digital pickup towers, technology is deeply intertwined with retail. But which innovations are taking off and which are spewing smoke?

By Cara Salpini • July 3, 2018

Consumers embracing 'digital forward' stores, but beware of glitches

Many shoppers like the idea of in-store tech, but also have experienced problems that hurt their perception of such stores, according to a new survey.

By Dan O'Shea • July 2, 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

Walmart, P&G see their ads pulled under Facebook's new political labeling policy

P&G's ad mentioned LGBTQ pride and its "commitment to inclusion," while Facebook reversed its decision on Walmart's ad for "bringing jobs back" to America.

By Erica Sweeney • July 2, 2018

Payability expands fintech services to more marketplaces

The company is growing with the online marketplace sellers it serves, expanding its finance offerings to Walmart, Newegg and others.

By Dan O'Shea • July 2, 2018

Study: Global chatbot market to grow 24.4% in next 4 years

Still, the lack of awareness and standardization are major impediments to mainstream traction.

By Robert Williams • July 2, 2018

Snapchat expands commerce to influencers, partners with Kylie Jenner

This comes after a tweet from the reality TV star in February caused Snap's stock to drop $1.3 billion.

By Robert Williams • July 2, 2018

Apple reportedly exploring bundle for video, news and music

Multiple subscriptions are the bane of many consumers’ lives, and Apple’s rumored plan to consolidate these may ease that pain and grow revenues.

By Dan Alaimo • June 29, 2018

Walmart adds 3D shopping tool to drive e-commerce

Two new features designed to grow sales in the key home furnishings category are aimed at small space dwellers, just in time for back to college shopping. 

By Dan O'Shea • June 28, 2018

What b8ta has figured out about retail

The startup says it's unearthed a new purpose for brick and mortar. Its Macy's partnership provides a chance to scale but could test the limits of the concept.

By Daphne Howland • June 28, 2018

Driverless grocery store ready to roll out pilot in two markets

Robomart will test six mobile markets in California that shoppers can summon with their phone — and when it arrives, they can pick produce and snacks. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 28, 2018

Retail IT execs struggle to get budget for innovation

Almost 90% of IT decision makers across industries are having trouble getting budget buy-in to pursue innovation goals, according to a new survey.

By Dan O'Shea • June 27, 2018

EMarketer: Mobile makes up 70% of retailers’ digital ad spend

The industry's investment in mobile ads is expected to rise 23.6% this year to $16.33 billion.

By Robert Williams • June 27, 2018

Amazon teams with Amex for small business credit card

This news comes three months after Amazon was reportedly in talks with JPMorgan Chase and other banks about launching a small business credit card.

By Dan O'Shea • June 27, 2018

Staples buys business solutions company HiTouch

Both Staples and rival Office Depot are elevating business services as office supply retail fades.

By Daphne Howland • June 27, 2018

XPO launches AR tool to help retailers increase cost savings

The new tool will preempt returns of goods bought online and help retailers better meet consumer demands.

By Kate Patrick Macri • June 27, 2018

B8ta snags $19M in funding round led by Macy's

The startup’s total funding to date is $39 million and the new infusion will help grow operations, including its new Macy's partnership.

By Daphne Howland • June 27, 2018

Shopping via voice gains momentum

A new report found 26% of smart speaker users have purchased by voice command, and 16% make monthly purchases using the technology.

By Dan Alaimo • June 27, 2018

Liquidation startup B-Stock snags $65M investment

The company has been profitable for a decade as the complicated logistics and a flood of returned merchandise grow along with e-commerce.

By Daphne Howland • June 26, 2018

Venmo rolls out debit card

A year after reports claimed such a move was on the table, the payments service is allowing users to make purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

By Dan O'Shea • June 25, 2018

JD.com rakes in $24B from self-made shopping holiday

The Chinese e-commerce company's festival sales increased by 37% this year, challenging the success of Amazon's Prime Day and Alibaba's Singles Day.

By Dan Alaimo • June 25, 2018

Shopify rolls out messaging app for merchants

Store owners can now interact with customers through social media, their online storefronts, email and more in the same interface.

By Robert Williams • June 25, 2018

PayPal plans to buy fraud fighter Simility

Through its latest startup acquisition, the payment company snagged a machine-learning based anti-fraud platform to help round out its capabilities.

By Dan O'Shea • June 24, 2018

Major funding round underscores growth of aisle-scanning bots

Bossa Nova Robotics raised an additional $29 million, bringing its total to $70 million after Walmart expanded the technology to more stores.

By Alicia Kelso • June 22, 2018

Google Assistant debuts ‘Continued Conversation’ feature

The update allows for more natural conversation with Google's voice assistant — a feature that Amazon has been working on for Alexa as well.

By Dan Alaimo • June 22, 2018

Japan’s Mercari marketplace app poised for US growth

The flea market app has been compared to eBay and Craigslist, and is poised to challenge both as it expands in the U.S. and raises billions through an IPO.

By Dan O'Shea • June 21, 2018