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

Drones and delivery trucks could work together, but regulatory hurdles remain

Using drones and trucks for a hybrid delivery system could be the future of last-mile logistics, according to an MIT research paper. 

By Morgan Forde • June 4, 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

Alibaba unveils digital tools for US small businesses

The platform is addressing logistics and in-person merchant-supplier connections, both of which were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 3, 2020

Lowe's launches video tool geared toward professionals

Targeting its pro clientele, the home improvement retailer introduced "Lowe's for Pros JobSIGHT," which allows them to virtually serve their customers.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 2, 2020

Pinterest adds shopping feature to visual search

A new Shop tab in Lens gives mobile marketers a way to showcase items in Product Pins when users are most ready to buy.

By Robert Williams • June 2, 2020

Tractor Supply plans first mobile app

Over 70% of the retailer's online traffic is coming from mobile devices, and the company's tech efforts are aimed at improving that shopping experience.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 1, 2020

CVS Pharmacy tests self-driving vehicle delivery for prescriptions

The company, which partnered with robotics company Nuro, joins other retailers that have recently updated their delivery options. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 1, 2020

Instagram IGTV video ads arrive as part of monetization push for influencers

Several new features come as creators of videos on Instagram Live recently saw a 70% increase in views.

By Robert Williams • June 1, 2020

Standard Cognition acquires Checkout Technologies

The purchase gives the autonomous checkout company another way to position itself against Amazon Go.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 28, 2020

Benefit Cosmetics brings AR try-on to WeChat

Beauty shoppers on mobile can sample eyebrow shapes before booking an appointment at a Benefit BrowBar, where a stylist will help to recreate the look.

By Robert Williams • May 28, 2020

6 strategies for grocers preparing for the new e-commerce future

Experts share insights into how food retailers can retool their online operations in response to the pandemic.

By Sam Silverstein , Jeff Wells • May 28, 2020

Instacart rolls out in-app safety features for workers

The grocery delivery service has faced recent backlash about maintaining safety amid surging demand caused by COVID-19.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 26, 2020

Scandit secures $80M in funding as COVID-19 drives demand for contactless mobile tech

Areas like click and collect are booming, pushing retailers and supply chain companies to invest in tech that can meet demand in a safe manner.

By Peter Adams • May 26, 2020

Anne Klein streams video series on Facebook Live

Livestreaming platforms like Facebook Live, Amazon-owned Twitch and Google's YouTube Live give brands creative control over long-form programming. 

By Robert Williams • May 22, 2020

Target to sell products through Instagram Checkout

The mass merchant is among the latest retailers to venture into social commerce. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 22, 2020

Shopify unveils new pay installment, money management features

The company also launched a local delivery option to help drive business during COVID-19. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 22, 2020

Lime Crime hires Body Shop alum as CEO

Andrea Blieden joins the beauty brand as it focuses on innovation and tech to fuel growth. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 21, 2020

Former Stitch Fix COO launches AI-powered shopping app

The Yes has consumers take a quiz then indicate if they like certain products to curate a personalized feed of styles and brands.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 20, 2020

Facebook debuts Shops e-commerce initiative for small businesses

New digital storefronts for Facebook and Instagram mark a significant bet to capitalize on e-commerce.

By Robert Williams • May 20, 2020

Home Depot, Lowe’s see record-breaking app downloads

While many consumers remain at home, they’re turning their attention to home improvement projects, according to a new report by Apptopia. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 19, 2020

Walmart combines grocery, shopping apps

The big-box retailer is streamlining its digital offerings, which is aided by services like store pick up.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 19, 2020

Lucky Brand deals offbeat challenges with Instagram contest

The denim brand is posting retro-themed playing cards that urge homebound customers to "master blanket fort architecture" and "power squat your pet."

By Robert Williams • May 15, 2020

Nike aims phones at the sky in search for sneaker-shaped AR cloud

Mobile users in Brazil can unlock exclusive content after using their phones to find an augmented reality cloud shaped like an Air Max sneaker.

By Robert Williams • May 15, 2020

Facebook, Instagram add features to help local businesses

The social media giant added a #SupportSmallBusiness hashtag on Facebook and a "Support Small Business" sticker on Instagram.

By Robert Williams • May 13, 2020

Pandemic could lead to higher AR, VR adoption

A Coresight Research report details how the tech could be used for product visualization, virtual try-ons and virtual malls.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 13, 2020