Forever 21's metaverse venture lets Roblox users customize virtual fashion stores

Players and fashion influencers can design, own and manage stores as they try to become the "top shop."

By Nina Lentini • Dec. 21, 2021

J.C. Penney taps DoorDash for same-day delivery just ahead of holidays

The department store retailer is building out its omnichannel capabilities as it tries to secure a lasting turnaround after last year's bankruptcy. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Dec. 20, 2021

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

The next step in FedEx's automation journey: Handling the largest and smallest packages

Executive Ted Dengel details how the company tackles the two ends of the "package bell curve" to keep up with the surge in volume.

By Max Garland • Dec. 20, 2021

Feds increase scrutiny of buy now, pay later

Concerned over consumer debt, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is demanding information from five of the biggest players in the BNPL space.

By Lynne Marek , Jonathan Berr , Caitlin Mullen • Dec. 17, 2021

Chico's to offer same-day delivery through Walmart GoLocal

As GoLocal's first fashion client, speedy delivery for its namesake brand, White House Black Market and Soma, is now available in select markets.

By Maria Monteros • Dec. 17, 2021

Rebag raises $33M, plans more stores for 2022

The company will use the funding to grow its physical footprint and improve its technology.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 16, 2021

Nike, Etsy’s mobile apps were ‘climbers’ this holiday season: report

More than half of mobile shoppers downloaded at least one new shopping app ahead of the holiday season, according to Digital Turbine.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 16, 2021

E.l.f. goes long form for meme-heavy holiday 'movie' native to TikTok

Breaking with the app's snackable focus, "Big Mood, Big e.l.f.ing City" nods to 2021 trends like the Couch Guy and a viral salmon bowl recipe.

By Peter Adams • Dec. 16, 2021

Alibaba launches grant program for US entrepreneurs

The e-commerce giant announced its first group of 50 recipients, who will receive $10,000 each. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 15, 2021

True Religion touts 'record' Cyber Week sales

The company is leaning into a DTC transformation after filing for bankruptcy in 2020.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 15, 2021

Klarna debuts browser extension to enable installment payments for all online retailers

The tool also lets customers use coupons and cashback rewards, save products, receive price drop notifications and create one-time use Visa cards.   

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 15, 2021

Nike acquires virtual sneaker company Rtfkt

The purchase comes on top of several others Nike has made to improve its digital capabilities, including data integration platform Datalogue.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 14, 2021

Walmart teams with TalkShopLive as social commerce ramp up continues

Following efforts on Twitter and TikTok, the partnership is the retailer's latest move to bridge content with commerce.

By Chris Kelly • Dec. 14, 2021

Microsoft shoppers get another buy now, pay later option

The tech giant tapped Citizens Bank to offer consumers more choices for spreading out their purchases.

By Caitlin Mullen • Dec. 14, 2021

Gen Zers relied on buy now, pay later during the holidays. It's time to pay up.

What may be a beneficial feature to retailers poses risks to young consumers who've increasingly flocked to installment services.

By Maria Monteros • Dec. 13, 2021

Know thy customer: 3 actionable customer insights retailers can get from a lease-to-own partner

Data retailers can use lease-to-own data to attract and connect with a whole new customer base.

Dec. 13, 2021

GameStop adds inventory, execs, tech offices and millions in losses

The company has opened offices in Seattle and Boston and made more than 200 senior hires as it pursues a vaguely outlined transformation.

By Ben Unglesbee • Dec. 9, 2021

Belk, Afterpay partner on buy now, pay later service

The announcement comes amid a holiday season that is seeing a dramatic increase in BNPL spending. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 9, 2021

Walmart to build a high-tech fulfillment center in Tennessee

The facility will use AI software and robots to support associates in shipping goods to consumers quickly.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 9, 2021

Zippin brings checkout-free tech to JFK airport store

The tech startup has plans to bring its cashierless technology to nearly 100 stores in train stations and airports by the end of 2022. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 9, 2021

'Consumers crave experiences': How AR has evolved beyond mere try-ons

Dynamic activations are increasingly vital during the pandemic as people connect with brands on mobile — and they're likely key to future metaverse environments.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 8, 2021

Amazon's holiday window showcases Alexa-enabled experiences

The century-old tradition of holiday window displays gets an update via smart technology as shoppers return to stores. 

By Nina Lentini • Dec. 7, 2021

Facebook Messenger tests a split payments feature in the US

Peer-to-peer payment adoption has recently accelerated, with volume expected to reach nearly $539 billion by the end of 2022. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 7, 2021

Walmart and Yahoo tailor holiday content for social, AR shopping

After last year's collaboration spurred a 239% lift in gross merchandise value, the duo adds a tweet countdown and TikTok series to a wide-ranging effort.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Dec. 6, 2021

Don’t get comfortable — what to look out for in the next era of retail

From personalization to beacon technology to curbside pickup 2.1, the next era of retail is here.

By Andrew Schmidt • Dec. 6, 2021