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

Explore the Trendline➔

What's shaping the e-commerce landscape?

From pivots in digital strategies to challenges retailers must overcome with reverse logistics, here are some of the forces shaping online retail.

By Retail Dive staff

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

Rent the Runway to deploy self-scanning kiosks

The apparel rental company is hoping the technology will improve customer experience and speed up the pick up and drop off process.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 11, 2018

Under Armour debuts connected running shoes

The athletics retailer looks to shake off its 2017 market blues at CES with the release of next-gen connected footwear.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 11, 2018

Will Amazon give beauty a makeover?

Speculation abounds that the e-commerce giant could be brushing up against the beauty sector next. But how much do players like Sephora and Ulta really have to fear?

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 11, 2018

Kate Spade, Fossil tap into smartwatch space

The new line of touchscreen smartwatches lead the charge on similar announcements at the Consumer Electronics Show.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 10, 2018

Home Depot showcases DIY projects in Pinterest pins

The brand's "Built-In Pins" promotion used vertical video and a 360-degree experience to show how a couple transformed four rooms in their house.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 10, 2018

Google lines up an army of assistant-enabled products

The tech company is throwing its virtual assistant into heated competition with Amazon's Alexa, with plans to put Google Assistant into many new products.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 10, 2018

Amazon’s Alexa strategy hinges on everyday items — even toilets

The company is determined to stay ahead of Google Assistant, and it's getting Alexa into as many products as possible in the process.  

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 10, 2018

10 tips for getting the most out of NRF's Big Show

A smartly planned trade show can be the difference between retail transformation and spinning wheels, writes independent consultant Christopher Walton.

By Christopher Walton • Jan. 9, 2018

Walmart expanding ‘Scan & Go’ mobile checkout to 100 more stores this month

The retailer's pilot program is addressing consumer demand for a faster front-end experience while also keeping pace with rivals Amazon and Kroger.

By Pamela DeLoatch • Jan. 9, 2018

Toyota partners with Uber, Amazon, Pizza Hut to roll out 'flexible' vehicles

The alliance of brands unveiled a concept car this week at CES that can quickly switch from delivery truck or mobile store to ride-sharing vehicle.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 9, 2018