3 retail tech startups to watch

Innovations involving messaging, augmented reality and AI took center stage at RILA's Retail CEO Forum this week, earning three young companies awards.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 24, 2018

Yeti, SMCP launch new digital experiences

Brands are upping their direct to consumer e-commerce programs with new personalized features.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 24, 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

Target CEO named chairman of RILA

In his new role, Brian Cornell said he will focus on boosting diversity and innovation in the industry.

By Daphne Howland , Corinne Ruff • Jan. 24, 2018

Brooks steps into custom-fit shoe market

The retailer is targeting June for special order availability of its first custom-fit shoes, produced with help from HP and Superfeet.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 23, 2018

Alibaba, Microsoft score a 'B' in AI

Both tech companies said their AI systems managed to score over 82% in a Stanford reading and comprehension test, deemed a "human score."

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 22, 2018

Amazon’s Alexa mobile app finally finds its voice

The e-commerce retailer has added voice control to the Alexa mobile app, a sign that the virtual assistant may be ready to step up its smartphone presence.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 22, 2018

Shoppers shifting from apps, websites to voice assistants

Within three years, 40% of consumers will use a voice assistant as an alternative to a mobile app or website, according to a survey from Capgemini.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 22, 2018

Amazon Go opens to the public

The company has smoothed out glitches in the cashierless store as one of the most anticipated retail concepts in years finally goes live. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 22, 2018

Coty brings beauty to Echo Show

The beauty brand released a skill for Amazon's Echo Show, which helps customers get gussied up for special occasions.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 19, 2018

Survey: Online shoppers love deals, free shipping

Recent findings from both Radial and the National Retail Federation show consumers have made low prices and free shipping table stakes for online retailers.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 18, 2018

App spending doubled in 2 years

Time spent in apps is also up 30% and the average mobile user spends about 43 total days per year in them, according to research from App Annie.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 18, 2018

Google will rank faster mobile pages higher

The company's "Speed Update" will take effect in July, making mobile download speeds a ranking factor in search results for the first time.  

By Robert Williams • Jan. 18, 2018

IBM aims to solve global shipping inefficiencies with blockchain

Blockchain continues to edge its way into retail-related applications, as IBM and Maersk look to use it to improve international supply chain processes.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 18, 2018

12 retail execs share their goals for 2018

There are takeaways and tips aplenty from NRF's Big Show this week. Here, retail leaders share their thoughts and priorities for the year to come.

By Corinne Ruff , Laura Heller , Cara Salpini • Jan. 18, 2018

Amazon could be bringing Alexa to healthcare next

A job opening at Amazon may offer hints of a major healthcare initiative involving Alexa, GeekWire reports.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 18, 2018

The good, the bad and the ugly of NRF's Big Show 2018

While the conference showcased plenty of "cool tech," the show overall "felt stuck in a time warp" and needs to innovate faster, writes Christopher Walton.  

By Christopher Walton • Jan. 18, 2018

5 big takeaways from CES

Retailers played a big role at the Consumer Electronics Show with the first High-Tech Retailing Summit, and Amazon's Alexa absolutely everywhere.

By Laura Heller • Jan. 17, 2018

Walmart 3-D image patent lets shoppers pick their produce

The technology could remove one of the biggest obstacles to buying fresh food online.

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 17, 2018

Online mall rings up cryptocurrencies

The Singapore-based MegaX is aiming to capture the hearts and wallets of millennial shoppers by allowing them to pay with Bitcoin and MGX.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 16, 2018

Retailers boost tech spending 3% as markets, operations grow

North American and global retail markets are expanding by trillions of dollars, and tech investment is rising with the growth.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 16, 2018

Retailers embracing in-store mobile, but still lack support

Store employees are increasingly being given mobile devices for in-store use, but they may not have all the apps and support needed to be successful, according to a new study. 

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 15, 2018

Amazon’s Alexa could start giving out opinions

The virtual assistant may eventually respond to recommendation-based questions with more thoughtful answers, not just the facts.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 15, 2018

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon: 'You can't slow down change'

The quest for technology hasn't changed Walmart's core values or mission — it's just made things move faster, McMillon told attendees at the NRF's Big Show. 

By Laura Heller • Jan. 15, 2018

App Annie: Shopping app use jumped 54% in 2017

App categories like shopping and media are growing rapidly as smartphones evolve to offer bigger, more vivid screens and frictionless mobile pay options.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 12, 2018

Facebook promises more community, fewer brand posts in significant shift

For marketers, the news means a reduction in reach on the social media network but could lead to higher-quality engagements. 

By Chantal Tode • Jan. 12, 2018