Behind Target's Cyber Monday troubles—and how retailers can avoid them

The retailer was likely hampered by legacy systems and shoppers made impatient by their phones. But its metering solution was not half bad, tech experts say.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 6, 2015

Zara to deck out some fitting rooms with iPads

The fast-fashion chain is testing high-tech convenience at physical locations in Spain. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 2, 2015

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

Amazon teases 'Prime Air' drone delivery fleet in video

The retailer plans to take to the skies worldwide with 30-minute deliveries. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 1, 2015

Kohl's sweepstakes dominates Twitter chatter over Black Friday weekend

The social promotion helped the retailer bring customers from their mobile phones to Kohl's stores. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 1, 2015

Massive hack of toy retailer VTech exposes children's data

The news could chill sales just when tech-based toys were poised to boost holiday toy sales.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 1, 2015

Despite risks, brands try out Periscope to reach millennials

Some brands are testing live streams despite the presence of hecklers.

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 30, 2015

Wal-Mart 'spending billions' on e-commerce overhaul

The retailer is building out its own technology and systems, but to what end?

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 30, 2015

The 'good' problem no one wants: How to avoid website crashes this holiday season

There are a few things that retailers can do to ensure that their sites have the capacities they need this season. 

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 25, 2015

Visa will power payments on a Swatch smartwatch

The company debuted a product earlier this month in China with another payments partner. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 25, 2015

Beacons not a factor on Black Friday—or any day so far

The real-time marketing technology hasn’t really panned out for retailers and won’t play much of a role in stores this holiday season.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 25, 2015

Tap-to-pay driving mobile wallet usage

Making payments and receiving money have decreased in usage.  

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 23, 2015

Lightspeed POS buys Dutch e-commerce startup

SEOShop a leading European producer of online storefronts. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 20, 2015

Square shares climb 45% after public offering

The company had muted its debut expectations, discounting its initial offer to less than 60% of its last valuation.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 20, 2015

Google targets mobile-first shoppers with Shopping redesign

Product searches now deliver multiple results and inventory information. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 20, 2015

Users say sponsored social media posts highly effective

Paid social media messaging beats everything but TV in a new survey. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 19, 2015

Survey: Retailers fail to respond to 83% of social media messages

Sprout Social's latest index finds customer engagement is lacking and misplaced. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 19, 2015

Creating wish lists is now a leisure-time activity

Retailers are responding with apps that help shoppers detail their holiday wants. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 16, 2015

A year after Apple Pay, where do mobile payments stand?

While Apple Pay has sparked a movement towards mobile payments, slow EMV conversion is holding widespread adoption back.

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 12, 2015

Is 'shop and scan' the way of the future? 6 retail experts weigh in

To eliminate one of the biggest inconveniences of physical stores, retailers are giving shoppers the power to be their own cashiers. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • Nov. 12, 2015

New 'Tally' robot designed to rapidly take stock of store shelves

Using high-res images, units can perform stock functions 25 times faster than humans. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 12, 2015

Instagram to amp up ads with 41 tech partners

The platform will help marketers manage campaigns and build engagement. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 11, 2015

Mobile tech still a challenge for many retailers

Rapid change stymies stores looking to create a seamless customer experience between channels. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 10, 2015

How Elle is using beacons to drive retail store visits

Elle prompted 500,000 in-store visits in five weeks with its new program.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 10, 2015

Retailers' use of facial recognition tech igniting privacy debates

Wal-Mart, which is among the few retailers willing to admit it’s testing the technology, says it doesn’t have an ROI.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 10, 2015

Facebook's new tool helps retailers measure foot traffic and trends

The move reflects the social network's 360-degree push into retail commerce. 

By Barbara Thau • Nov. 6, 2015