Target innovation chief to depart amid strategy pivot

Casey Carl is stepping down as the big-box retailer aims for innovations that can have a near-term impact on its business. 

By Dan O'Shea, Daphne Howland • April 20, 2017

Google Home’s voice recognition gets an edge over Alexa

Google Home's Assistant can now support up to six users and distinguish between their voices, a capability that Amazon's Alexa has yet to pick up.

By Dan O'Shea • April 20, 2017

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

Report: Macy's RFID effort boosts sales, fulfillment

The store's effort to tag all items by the end of 2017 is already paying off through lesser inventory variance, fewer markdowns and greater display compliance.

By Jennifer McKevitt • April 20, 2017

Pinterest, Michaels partner on trend-inspired DIY kits

The "Make It Kits" are inspired by crafts trending on the social media platform and include all the supplies needed to make the projects.

By Dan O'Shea • April 19, 2017

Facebook tests integration between M virtual assistant, third-party apps

The test enables Messenger users chatting about ordering food to see an interface that allows them to order from Delivery.com.

By Dan O'Shea • April 19, 2017

Marketing spend on Google Shopping ads surpasses text ads

Google Shopping ads accounted for 16.1% of e-commerce sales in 2016, up from just 9% in 2015, according to new research from marketing company Sidecar.

By Dan O'Shea • April 19, 2017

Etsy open-sources its sustainability software to developers

The code powering Etsy's waste management program could help fuel other businesses' sustainability programs.

By Dan O'Shea • April 18, 2017

Fashwire raises funding for app enabling consumer reviews of new fashion designs

The startup raised $725,000 in seed funding and is looking for more in a Series A round as it nears the launch of an app that will allow users to review new fashion designs posted by independent designers.

By Dan O'Shea • April 18, 2017

Rue21, mode-ai launch virtual stylist with Facebook Messenger group feature

The struggling teen retailer's push for digital engagements comes just days after it announced it will shutter roughly 400 stores.

By Dan O'Shea • April 18, 2017

Report: Cross-channel rises, seasonality fades for apparel retailers

A new report from Criteo outlines market trends forcing retailers to shift their focus away from seasonality and toward omnichannel support to gain customers.

By Dan O'Shea • April 18, 2017

PayPal doubles down on Google partnership with Android Pay

U.S. consumers will soon be able to use PayPal in Android Pay at retail stores, in-app and online at places like Walgreens, Dunkin' Donuts and others.

By Dan O'Shea • April 18, 2017

Amazon invites device makers to use Alexa microphone and voice processing technology

In a bid to help develop new devices, outside hardware manufacturers will have access to Amazon's Alexa microphone and voice processing technology.

By Dan O'Shea • April 18, 2017

Survey: Mobile payments top retailers’ tech priority lists

About 65% of 300 retail IT managers and C-level professionals in the U.S. and U.K. said mobile payments are the most in-demand technology, according to research from Zynstra.

By Dan O'Shea • April 17, 2017

UPS taps beacon technology to curb misloaded packages

UPS is rolling out a system of scanners connected to beacons that alert delivery truck loaders when a package has been placed on the wrong truck.

By Dan O'Shea • April 17, 2017

Amazon gains on Flipkart in India’s mobile commerce market

Amazon accounted for 30.3% of the country’s mobile commerce users as of last month, compared to 30.7% for market leader Flipkart, according to 7Park Data.

By Dan O'Shea • April 17, 2017

Why drone delivery still has a long way to go before it takes off

High-profile drone delivery demonstrations continue, but frequent market use is years away, and hurdles must be overcome.

By Dan O'Shea • April 13, 2017

Wal-Mart taps AMS to install 40 MWh of energy storage at California stores

Advanced Microgrid Solutions will put batteries at 27 of the retail giant's locations, helping reduce peak demand and providing grid services to Southern California Edison. 

By Peter Maloney • April 13, 2017

Google moves Shopping List to Google Express, Home apps

The move comes a couple of months after the company enabled consumers to start using voice capabilities through Google Home's digital assistant to shop more than 50 Google Express retail partners.

By Dan O'Shea • April 12, 2017

Gucci, Farfetch partner for on-demand delivery of luxury goods

Orders can be placed through the Farfetch website and app for fulfillment from Gucci stores in 10 cities and Farfetch couriers pick up and deliver the orders. 

By Dan O'Shea • April 12, 2017

Target taps Workday cloud system to streamline operational processes

The retailer is taking steps to free up time for team members to focus on key guest initiatives, as well as gain insights for quicker, data-driven decision making to support growth and hiring efforts. 

By Dan O'Shea • April 12, 2017

Google adds ‘Similar Items’ feature to Image Search capabilities

The new feature augments its Image Search capabilities through Android apps and the mobile web to help users find products similar to those they see in searched photos.

By Dan O'Shea • April 11, 2017

Ulta Beauty, Madison Reed team to sell hair color kits, leverage chatbot

"Madi," a color-recognition chatbot created by Madison Reed engineers, gives consultations just as a human colorist would do in a salon.

By Dan O'Shea • April 11, 2017

Do retailers need innovation labs to stay alive?

Nine experts debate whether experimentation with new technologies is crucial to survival in an increasingly challenging retail environment.

By Corinne Ruff • April 11, 2017

How the ‘age of ask’ is transforming mobile commerce

Building voice-based interfaces for Amazon's digital assistant requires a keen understanding of customer needs. 

By Ken Magill • April 11, 2017

Finish Line reboots Winner’s Circle loyalty app

The athletic retailer is retooling its mobile experience to offer amped-up personalization options, in-app purchasing and early access to new product launches.

By Daphne Howland • April 11, 2017