Google to invest $550M in JD.com in blow to Amazon, Alibaba

The tech giant follows in the footsteps of Walmart and China's Tencent, becoming the latest player to invest in juggernaut JD.com.

By Dan O'Shea • June 19, 2018

Too many ads, clunky websites turning off digital shoppers

Mobile, desktop and in-store customers agree that the biggest "retail nightmares" involve intrusive retail tactics and difficult processes, according to a new study. 

By Dan Alaimo • June 19, 2018

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

Zara betting on AI, big data to outflank competitors

The push to incorporate technology is working: Last week, the fashion retailer's parent company, Inditex, posted record Q1 sales. 

By Alex Hickey • June 18, 2018

Asics plans to cut 55% of its supply chain carbon emissions

The company is committed to a "circular economic model" and is pursuing sourcing, logistics and operations initiatives.

By Nicole Ault • June 18, 2018

Walmart to debut high-tech Sam’s Club format

The membership club's latest store includes a Scan & Go self-checkout and other tech capabilities, showing Walmart's willingness to innovate everywhere.

By Dan O'Shea • June 17, 2018

Survey: Fewer online merchants accept payments from Apple, Google

Retailers ramped up support for PayPal and Amex Express Checkout as ease of use and fraud detection were top challenges.

By Robert Williams • June 15, 2018

Macy's grabs Home Depot's tech chief

This move comes just days after the department store retailer announced it would be partnering with retail experience startup b8ta. 

By Daphne Howland • June 15, 2018

Boxed speeds up automated fulfillment

The autonomously guided vehicle system was developed in-house and named for CEO Chieh Huang's favorite band — The Wu-Tang Clan.

By Daphne Howland • June 15, 2018

Rue21 looks to analytics, IT to boost sales

Following Chapter 11, rue21 is looking to technology to help adapt its assortment and supply chain quickly to consumer tastes and habits.

By Dan Alaimo • June 15, 2018

Survey finds many retailers have paid off ransomware hackers

Retailers admit to paying ransoms to hackers, but a newly formed group within the industry designed to promote payment security could help stop the practice. 

By Dan O'Shea • June 14, 2018

Report: Microsoft creating cashierless tech to battle Amazon Go

The tech giant could be emerging as a new 800-pound gorilla in the cashierless checkout technology market, according to Reuters.

By Dan O'Shea • June 14, 2018

What's going on underneath your AI?

From hiring to customer service, artificial intelligence rules many domains that once required the delicate human touch. 

By Alex Hickey • June 14, 2018

75% of smart home device purchasers value interoperability

Consumers say seamless integration of smart home devices is more important to them than brand loyalty, according to a new study.

By Dan Alaimo • June 14, 2018

Home Depot's solar deal with Tesla flames out

Home Depot’s partnership for solar products is a casualty of job cuts at Tesla, and its drive to reach profitability this year.

By Dan Alaimo • June 14, 2018

Zara fights off currency blows with record Q1 sales

Spanish fast-fashion company Inditex Group is making good on its new online-offline integration strategy.

By Daphne Howland • June 14, 2018

Amazon dominates Father’s Day digital advertising with 6B impressions, analysis finds

Desktop display ads were the most popular format, used by 73% of brands included in the analysis while mobile display ads  accounted for just 24%.

By Erica Sweeney • June 13, 2018

Alibaba, JD.com race toward faster delivery

The two Chinese e-commerce giants are moving forward with smart logistics projects that could shake up delivery in China and beyond.

By Dan O'Shea • June 13, 2018

Retail IoT could be $94 billion market by 2025

Yet another bit of research reaches the conclusion that the Internet of Things technology is becoming increasingly valuable to retailers.

By Dan O'Shea • June 13, 2018

Instagram, Snapchat extend shopping actions to stories

Adidas and others are helping Instagram launch the product, while Snapchat is working with SeatGeek on a similar initiative.

By Erica Sweeney • June 13, 2018

Las Vegas mall gets a sassy AI chatbot

Jules, a chatty chatbot on Facebook Messenger, hopes to connect with younger shoppers at the Miracle Mile Shops on the Las Vegas Strip.

By Dan Alaimo • June 13, 2018

Rakuten acquires mobile pickup platform Curbside

The deal comes at a time when mobile ordering and pickup are becoming more popular, making the space competitive.

By Robert Williams • June 12, 2018

At Houzz, mobile augmented reality is fueling sales

More than 2 million shoppers have used the site's "View in My Room" app feature since the capability launched, co-founder and president Alon Cohen told IRCE attendees. 

By Dan O'Shea • June 12, 2018

Starship Technologies taps Airbnb exec as CEO

The startup behind wheeled delivery robots designed for sidewalk travel has also raised $25 million more in funding.  

By Dan O'Shea • June 11, 2018

Amazon reportedly picks 2 Chicago sites for Go stores

The e-commerce giant has chosen two sites known for high foot traffic volumes as locations for its first two cashierless convenience stores in the city. 

By Dan O'Shea • June 11, 2018

Is e-commerce killing the merchant buyer?

Not likely, thanks in part to technology that is empowering talented retail merchants and creating opportunities for brands.

By Daphne Howland • June 11, 2018