Verishop launches group video shopping feature

The new offering can host up to five people and allows friends to browse products together.

By Maria Monteros • Dec. 22, 2020

Google launches AR beauty try-on tools in app

The tech giant teamed up with ModiFace and Perfect Corp. to allow consumers to virtually test cosmetics.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 21, 2020

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

Walmart enlists top TikTok creators for first-of-its-kind shoppable livestream

A one-hour variety program showcasing Walmart's holiday offerings illustrates why the retailer is interested in acquiring a stake in the app.

By Peter Adams • Dec. 18, 2020

Sam's Club equips its fulfillment operations with robotic pickers

The retailer has adopted the use of autonomous mobile robots in its new Southern California fulfillment center for e-commerce orders.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • Dec. 17, 2020

Walmart to take middle-mile trucks driverless in Arkansas

Since the retailer began its self-driving pilot with Gatik last year, the trucks have traveled more than 70,000 operational miles in autonomous mode.

By Rosie Bradbury • Dec. 17, 2020

Foot Locker hires new CIO to oversee digital operations

Himanshu Parikh will lead the company's tech strategy and infrastructure, and comes with 25 years of experience at retailers like Michaels and Ross.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 16, 2020

Few consumers are happy with their online shopping experience: report

As more consumers turn to e-commerce, frustration with retailers' websites and apps could create headaches.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 15, 2020

Amazon Fashion launches custom T-shirt sales

Available in the U.S., the app-based tech helps customers determine their ideal size, fit, color and style, and could reduce returns and waste.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 15, 2020

Contactless offerings surge, but may be ‘duct-tape solutions’ for now: report

Touch-free payment and pickup options are gaining in popularity, but retailers haven't fully figured them out yet, according to NewStore.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 15, 2020

Instagram debuts Shopping in Reels

Brands and creators can tag products in the videos they post, which users are able to view or purchase from directly.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 15, 2020

WhatsApp introduces carts feature to simplify in-app purchases

The platform has rolled out e-commerce features in recent years to help sellers connect with customers.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 15, 2020

Snapchat adds Perfect Corp.’s AR beauty testing

Beauty brands will be able to add virtual storefronts to the social platform and transform AR experiences into shoppable lenses.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 14, 2020

Tastemade feasts on shoppable video as mobile viewership grows

Collaborations with Amazon and Walmart foretell the future of mobile video, the digital media company says.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 11, 2020

Bridal retailer Avery Austin debuts e-commerce, try-at-home model

Wedding retailers have unveiled digital tools throughout the year as COVID-19 keeps customers from shopping in-store.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 11, 2020

Vendor ransomware attack disrupts DSW's inventory management

The impact of cyberattacks on retailers and their vendors is even greater during this digital-first period brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 10, 2020

The startup that's automating supplier negotiations for Walmart

Martin Rand, CEO of Pactum, talks about how the AI-based platform is helping the retailer and other large companies revisit the many small-scale contracts that can go untended for years. 

By Jeff Wells • Dec. 10, 2020

Ikea halts production of catalog after 70 years

The move is part of an ongoing effort from the Swedish furniture retailer to focus on its digital channels.

By Caroline Jansen • Dec. 8, 2020

7-Eleven unveils mobile wallet to enable contactless payments

The retailer aims to bring cash users into the digital wallet space and make its rewards program more accessible.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 8, 2020

Levi’s unveils clothes for Snapchat Bitmoji and their real-life counterparts

The Levi's x Bitmoji collection includes 12 curated looks and a link to the brand's website so users can dress like their avatars.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 7, 2020

Walgreens debuts retail media network, with revamped loyalty program front and center

The pharmacy chain follows chief rival CVS in pushing an ad engine that looks to seize on growing marketer demand for first-party data to support digital ads.

By Peter Adams • Dec. 7, 2020

Gucci perfume opens Snapchat portal to virtual ‘garden of dreams’

After exploring the augmented reality garden, users are steered toward the luxury brand's website to purchase Bloom fragrances directly.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 4, 2020

Belk offers virtual festivities for the holidays

Activities include phone calls from Santa, a social media decorating contest and surprise gift cards tied to its in-store and curbside pickup services. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 4, 2020

Is cashierless tech ready for prime time?

The pandemic has juiced demand for automated checkout systems, but the technology still has to prove itself over the long term.

By Sam Silverstein • Dec. 3, 2020

LVMH's chief digital officer leaves for cryptocurrency startup

The move comes as other brands and retailers retool their executive hires for the digital era.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 2, 2020

Smartphone shopping surged 25% to $3.6B on Black Friday, study finds

Mobile made up 40% of the day's overall online spending, while in-store and curbside pickup increased as consumers avoided in-store shopping.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 1, 2020