David's Bridal introduces virtual appointments via Zoom

The bridal retailer released the latest in a series of technological services it's leveraging to connect with consumers. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 25, 2020

Giant Food adds electric vehicle charging stations

The chain will allow customers at select stores to charge plug-in vehicles for free while they shop.

By Sam Silverstein • June 24, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

What's shaping the e-commerce landscape?

From pivots in digital strategies to challenges retailers must overcome with reverse logistics, here are some of the forces shaping online retail.

By Retail Dive staff

Sephora launches on Instagram checkout with over 80 brands

The partnership demonstrates the growing importance of social commerce, especially as companies attempt to reach young consumers.

By Cara Salpini • June 24, 2020

How to prep reverse logistics for an upcoming 'flood of returns'

Technology and warehouse worker safety are critical as state reopenings could prompt an uptick in retail returns.

By Jen A. Miller • June 24, 2020

Mastercard partners with installment payment company Splitit

The move will propel the platform across Mastercard's global merchant and customer base.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 23, 2020

Study: Shopping apps boost engagement during pandemic

The cost to acquire a shopper who completed a first purchase plunged by more than half from last year to $19.47.

By Robert Williams • June 23, 2020

North Face, Patagonia, REI boycott Facebook after calls from civil rights groups

Others have since joined the #StopHateforProfit campaign, which seeks to pressure the social network to be more aggressive in removing hate speech.

By Robert Williams • Updated June 24, 2020

Google unveils shoppable video ads for YouTube

In tests, Aerie generated sales conversions that were nine times better than its traditional media mix and saw return on ad spend 25% higher than a year prior.

By Robert Williams • June 23, 2020

David’s Bridal, Popwallet partner for marketing via mobile wallets

The effort will allow customers to obtain offers and deals directly on their smartphones.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 22, 2020

Etsy unveils AR shopping tool for wall art

The features are particularly useful while the pandemic keeps customers inside, and consumer attention remains focused on the home.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 18, 2020

Walmart buys medication management tech from startup CareZone

With the purchase of CareZone's technology, patents and intellectual property, the retailer is building up its digital health capabilities.

By Rebecca Pifer • June 16, 2020

WhatsApp adds mobile payments in Brazil

Shoppers in the country can now use the Facebook-owned app to browse merchants' product catalogs and make direct payments.

By Robert Williams • June 16, 2020

Variety: Walmart partners with HGTV series

Home goods from the big-box retailer are key to "Design At Your Door," and shoppable articles featuring the products will appear on HGTV.com.

By Peter Adams • June 16, 2020

Snapchat debuts AI-powered lenses, mini apps, real-time features

Nike and Mattel are among the brands using the company's platforms for a broad range of new services.

By Robert Williams • June 15, 2020

Staples introduces same-day delivery via Instacart

The office retailer joins other companies in offering a delivery option for customers still looking to socially distance.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 15, 2020

Klarna debuts ‘Vibe’ no-fee loyalty program

Members will earn points wherever they make purchases through the company's app, or at physical stores where they use Klarna.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 12, 2020

Flipkart unveils voice assistant shopping feature

The Walmart-owned company addressed a critical barrier to voice shopping: language. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 11, 2020

Voice assistants deepen ties with brands, study says

In using voice apps, 95% of U.K. families said it's important that the app be from a brand they know.

By Robert Williams • June 11, 2020

1-800-Flowers unveils AR experience for Jason Wu bouquets

The arrangements feature a QR code-enabled tag that unlocks content about the fashion designer's collaboration with the flower retailer.

By Robert Williams • June 10, 2020

Klarna reaches 7.85M US customers, 4.4M app downloads

Customers have turned to the platform for payment flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 9, 2020

Big Lots adds delivery service from Instacart

The deal expands Big Lots' customer base to those who prefer the convenience of delivery or aren't comfortable visiting stores during the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • June 9, 2020

Will COVID-19 push contactless payments into the mainstream?

Multiple barriers have curtailed retailers' contactless payment integration. But a pandemic may be the catalyst to widespread adoption. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 9, 2020

Instacart partnership boosts e-commerce for independent grocers

A deal with C&S Wholesale Grocers will offer services, including same-day delivery, to more than 3,000 local grocers supplied by the wholesaler.

By Jeff Wells • June 8, 2020

American Eagle claims nearly 2B impressions on TikTok campaign for Aerie

A newcomer to the platform, Aerie worked with top influencers like Charli D'Amelio, supporting a boost to its parent company's digital sales.  

By Robert Williams • June 8, 2020

Facebook researchers detail progress in contextual chatbots for shopping

Exploring conversational shopping suggests the company still sees potential for the tech to support commerce, a key focus area as it looks to diversify revenue.

By Robert Williams • June 8, 2020