Facebook brings bots to Messenger in bid to redefine retail customer service

Chatbots are app-like software designed to automate customer service tasks now offered via phone and e-mail.

By Daphne Howland • April 13, 2016

Target to pilot connected health sections in 550 stores

The program is part of Target's broader push into personal wellness. 

By Jason Ankeny • April 12, 2016

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

Ikea tests virtual reality with new 'kitchen experience' app

Through the app, consumers can explore life-size kitchen settings, change cabinet and drawer colors, and stretch or shrink themselves.

By Jason Ankeny • April 7, 2016

Report: Amazon acquires AI photo tech startup Orbeus

Amazon’s Web Services cloud-computing unit is widely seen as supporting its retail profits, which have lagged behind costs.

By Daphne Howland • April 7, 2016

Kik launches chatbot shop for brands to connect with consumers

The popular messaging app will enable brands like Sephora and H&M to provide styling and product advice to customers, as well as the ability to purchase directly from within the app.

By Kelsey Lindsey • April 6, 2016

Burberry runs first luxury Snapchat Discover campaign

The campaign promotes the launch of the Mr. Burberry men’s fragrance and grooming product line. 

By Jason Ankeny • April 5, 2016

MasterCard: 67% of branded credit cards now feature EMV chips

About 1.2 million merchant locations nationwide now accept EMV-enabled payments, a 121% increase since October. 

By Jason Ankeny • April 1, 2016

Amazon triples Dash Button brand lineup, orders surge 75% in Q1

New Dash offerings include Doritos, Red Bull and Trojan condoms.

By Daphne Howland • March 31, 2016

Square's new tools bring payments to all retail sites

Build with Square allows developers to add Square's payment capabilities to their custom apps and websites. 

By Ian P. Murphy • March 31, 2016

TreasureHunt malware strain stealing swipe payment data

Cybersecurity experts said the malware intercepts consumer credit card information from POS systems.

By Ian P. Murphy • March 29, 2016

Report: Facebook Messenger set to support in-store payments

The popular chat app would process payments for items to be picked up in stores. 

By Ian P. Murphy • March 29, 2016

Survey: 42% of retailers haven't converted to EMV

 A majority of U.S. consumers remain willing to shop at retailers that continue to permit swipe payments.

By Ian P. Murphy • March 29, 2016

Reveal Mobile, Unacast partner to connect beacons and advertising

The deal promises to help merchants more effectively capitalize on data collected from beacons.

By Ian P. Murphy • March 27, 2016

How apps are transforming the mobile web experience

Having a functioning mobile site isn't enough anymore. Now, many customers are looking for the same user experience they receive in apps. 

By Ian P. Murphy • March 24, 2016

Target tech incubator flooded with hundreds of applicants

Only 10 companies will be chosen to participate in the 13-week program, which offers space at Target’s headquarters, mentoring, and a $20,000 capital infusion.

By Ian P. Murphy • March 24, 2016

Adobe opens tech-centric 'Store of the Future'

The prototype store features beacons, RFID chips, and an IoT-enabled shopping bag. 

By Ian P. Murphy • March 23, 2016

Lowe's, Microsoft team up on virtual home renovation tool

Microsoft HoloLens VR technology is used to display renovation options. 

By Ian P. Murphy • March 21, 2016

Luxury marketers bullish on Instagram, wary of Snapchat

Marketers told South by Southwest Interactive attendees they're also excited by the promise of virtual reality.

By Ian P. Murphy • March 15, 2016

Square acquires team from software startup Framed

The team will build algorithms that will help distribute Square Capital's cash advances.

By Ian P. Murphy • March 15, 2016

Amazon files patent for payment-by-selfie tech

Fingerprint and facial-recognition promise to be more effective than PINs and passwords, but privacy advocates don’t like the idea of using faces to pay.

By Daphne Howland • March 15, 2016

Shopgate expands retail platform to Apple TV

The mobile commerce startup's new Apple TV apps offer product pages that sync across channels. 

By Ian P. Murphy • March 14, 2016

Nordstrom to trim 120 tech jobs as part of restructuring

Nordstrom continues to refine its e-commerce operations after disappointing earnings.

By Daphne Howland • March 14, 2016

Target seeks tech talent for mysterious startup Goldfish

The secret project looks to disrupt shopping from Target's Silicon Valley offices.  

By Ian P. Murphy • March 10, 2016

Pinterest expands self-service advertising options

The new features include additional targeting terms open to SMBs. 

By Ian P. Murphy • March 9, 2016

Lightspeed takes on Shopify with new e-commerce platform

The new online retail management platform targets small and medium sized businesses.

By Jason Ankeny • March 9, 2016