Shopify unveils consumer shopping app as e-commerce demand increases under coronavirus

Putting a spotlight on local merchants, the Shop app leverages Shop Pay for transactions and Arrive to track online orders. 

By Peter Adams • April 28, 2020

How the COVID-19 pandemic is pushing brands to connect digitally

Retailers are quickly pivoting to emphasize mobile tech and virtual appointments to keep their businesses going.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 28, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

How retailers are deploying in-store technology

Payment systems, self-checkout stations and home visualization tech are just a few of the areas getting attention from retailers as they rethink the store experience.

By Retail Dive staff

Build-A-Bear introduces online activity program

The toy retailer is bringing more of its in-store experience to its website. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 28, 2020

Walmart, Nextdoor partner to facilitate shopping assistance

The retailer's latest effort to provide safe purchase options puts consumers who need help buying essentials in touch with neighbors willing to do it for them.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 24, 2020

App installs surge as lockdowns keep people at home, study says

Business, gaming and food delivery apps showed the strongest growth in Q1 from the year prior. 

By Robert Williams • April 24, 2020

NBCUniversal debuts shoppable e-commerce platform

NBCUniversal Checkout launches as more retailers are shifting their operations online.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 23, 2020

Rite Aid rolls out new website, app

The drugstore retailer recently reported a 28% increase in digital sales and is pushing to further expand its e-commerce operations. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 23, 2020

Google Shopping lets merchants list products for free

The move is part of the search giant's growing bid to compete with Amazon and comes as retailers are relying on e-commerce amid mass store closures.

By Robert Williams • April 23, 2020

Fandango buys streaming video service Vudu from Walmart

The deal complements Peacock, the ad-supported streaming service launched last week by Fandango parent NBCUniversal.

By Robert Williams • April 22, 2020

Grocers add live events, online classes and other virtual content

Retailers are providing shoppers with how-to videos, family activities and more to keep them entertained while stuck at home.

By Jessica Dumont • April 22, 2020

Uber adds more contactless delivery services

The features come as some delivery apps pivot to prioritizing essential goods during the pandemic.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 21, 2020

Costco to offer prescription delivery through Instacart

Shoppers will receive a text message from their Costco pharmacy when their prescription is ready and have the option to add other items to their order. 

By Jessica Dumont • April 21, 2020

Report: Google plans debit card to rival Apple Card

The card would connect with the Google app, letting people see their purchases, check balances or lock their accounts.

By Robert Williams • April 21, 2020

Walmart reserves pickup hour for at-risk shoppers

The retailer is offering an early morning pickup option to assist customers who are more vulnerable to COVID-19. 

By Jessica Dumont • April 17, 2020

Toy Association launches virtual toy fair series

The events leverage tech to connect the toy industry during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 16, 2020

Shoptalk to host virtual events

The company is providing new ways for the retail community to connect through a series of tabletalks, conferences and meetings.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 16, 2020

California approves Nuro's driverless vehicles to begin testing

Cities across the U.S. were seeing an uptick in interest in delivery robots and vehicles even before COVID-19 confined many people to their homes. 

By Chris Teale • Updated Dec. 29, 2020

Grocers are wait-listing shoppers to cope with e-commerce demand

Amazon is putting new online grocery customers in a queue, while companies like ShopRite have installed virtual lines to manage site inflow.

By Jeff Wells • April 14, 2020

Builder.ai launches pre-packaged apps for small businesses

The company is among the latest to release technology aimed at bolstering independent businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 14, 2020

Walmart’s grocery app downloads reach record highs

The retailer saw 460% growth in daily downloads, according to App Annie, while Amazon's growth by comparison was 20%. 

By Jessica Dumont • April 14, 2020

PayPal, Square, Intuit approved to participate in coronavirus relief program

The ability to provide the loans is a major step for fintechs, which have been lobbying Congress for weeks for the opportunity to assist in the program.

By Anna Hrushka • April 14, 2020

Instacart aims to add flexibility, speed up grocery delivery

One new feature lets shoppers opt for the first available delivery time while another lets them place orders up to two weeks ahead. 

By Jessica Dumont • April 13, 2020

Pinterest adds new ‘shop’ tabs and curated style guides

The social platform made several upgrades to encourage shopping through its search function, as well as through user pins and boards.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 9, 2020

Kroger will use checkout technology to limit customer traffic

The grocer will use its QueVision system to monitor store levels and make sure it doesn't exceed 50% capacity.

By Jeff Wells • April 9, 2020

Ingka Group, owner of Ikea, acquires 3D, visual AI tech firm

The company will tap into Geomagical Labs' vision-based technology for Ikea’s website and app. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 8, 2020