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

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

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

5 ways to win with Gen Z shoppers

Causes, convenience and calls to action are helping brands successfully court the youngest demographic, writes Oded Edelman of Signet Jewelers. 

By Oded Edelman • Jan. 9, 2018

6 trends that will define mobile marketing in 2018

The future will come into clearer focus during a year that is likely to see budgets grow, major acquisitions and newer sub-channels reaching critical mass.

By Chantal Tode • Jan. 9, 2018

Retailers prepare for ‘the second coming of QR codes’

The technology is poised to grow, with 1.3 billion mobile QR code coupons redeemed last year and 5.3 billion expected by 2022, according to a new study from Juniper Research.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 9, 2018

Mobile tech in stores could boost sales by nearly 150%

Despite significant obstacles, developing mobile services is one of the best areas of investment for retailers, according to a new study.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 9, 2018

Finish Line seeks an edge in merchandising revamp

Between its own stores and online efforts, Finish Line has been grappling with a complex multi-channel inventory challenge. 

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 8, 2018

Amazon unveils Alexa development kit for mobile accessories

The company's next frontier for Alexa looks to be Bluetooth-connected headphones, smart watches and fitness devices.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 8, 2018

Neutrogena set to debut mobile SkinScanner

The tech innovations keep on coming from the beauty sector, as Neutrogena prepares to unveil a skin-scanning smartphone accessory.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 8, 2018

NRF 2018: Pop-up goes high-tech

As pop-up stores become more prevalent, the ability to provide the kind of technology, connectivity, and digital shopping experience customers experience from online retail is crucial. 

Jan. 6, 2018

Forrester: Mobile will drive 69% of search ad growth by 2022

Google faces more competition from Amazon as smartphone users increasingly look for products directly on the online retailer's app.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 5, 2018

AI startup draws $37M investment

Rubikloud's big funding payday is just another indication of how deeply AI is working its way into retail.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 5, 2018

Amazon cooks up Alexa-enabled microwave plan

Alexa may soon work its way into microwave ovens as Amazon unveils ways for appliance makers to integrate skills that activate cooking functions.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 5, 2018