Smart & Final rolls out tech-enhanced checkout lines

The company will route shoppers into a socially distanced single line, where a digital screen will eventually point them to the appropriate check stand.

By Jessica Dumont • May 12, 2020

Perfect brings AR tools for beauty brands to WeChat

Users can now virtually sample products directly on the popular Chinese messaging app while stores remain closed.

By Robert Williams • May 12, 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

Asos debuts AR tool for online shoppers

The apparel retailer is digitally mapping products onto models to generate images that better showcase size, cut and fit.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 12, 2020

Shipt launches digital coupons

The grocery e-commerce provider will allow customers to redeem coupons from national advertisers when placing online orders for pickup and delivery.

By Sam Silverstein • May 11, 2020

45% of apparel buyers working with suppliers to cut costs: McKinsey

Forty-five percent of respondents expect more than half of their suppliers to be in financial distress within six months, according to the report. 

By Emma Cosgrove • May 11, 2020

Pandemic highlights the limits of store-based online fulfillment, experts say

The surge in online shopping has caused retailers to rethink their selling floors and backrooms, and to evaluate dedicated facilities.

By Sam Silverstein • May 7, 2020

Suitsupply debuts in-store partitions, virtual browsing sessions

Since the retailer relies on high-touch customization and tailoring services, the pandemic has caused it to rethink how in-store shopping is done.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 7, 2020

Jared unveils virtual wedding platform

With the jewelry company's #LoveCantWait campaign, it joins other retailers in debuting digital tools during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 7, 2020

Walgreens launches 'order ahead' service for drive-thru shopping

The digital service was developed and implemented in just a few weeks to give customers another way to practice social distancing. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 7, 2020

Grocers are ramping up mobile checkout platforms

Retailers are encouraging customers to adopt the technology as they promote contact-free shopping during the pandemic.

By Jessica Dumont • May 6, 2020

90% of people buy from brands they follow on social media

Boosting brand awareness is the top priority for social marketers, according to a recent Sprout Social study.

By Robert Williams • May 5, 2020

Jewelry brand Kendra Scott introduces AR try-on tool

The retailer joins other brands that have introduced virtual tech to remotely connect with consumers. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 5, 2020

7-Eleven expands delivery through DoorDash, Postmates

As the pandemic keeps shoppers home, the convenience store chain now offers on-demand ordering from more than 90% of its U.S. locations.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 4, 2020

Amazon tests live video calls to vet third-party sellers

The company launched in-person verifications earlier this year, but pivoted to video conferencing in February due to the pandemic. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 30, 2020

L’Oréal rolls out first beauty AR lenses on Snap’s desktop app

The immersive tech is compatible with video conferencing platforms and features brands such as Garnier, Lancôme and Maybelline.

By Robert Williams • April 30, 2020

UPS partners with CVS on residential drone delivery in Florida

UPS' Flight Forward division will run drones between a CVS location and a central delivery point near a local retirement community.

By Morgan Forde • April 30, 2020

Poshmark introduces shoppable Posh Stories feature

Users can create 15-second videos to show the fit and style of items that are being sold. But the content will disappear after 48 hours. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 29, 2020

Grocers host virtual job fairs

In order to maintain social distancing protocols, companies are turning to tech to find, screen and hire workers. 

By Sam Silverstein • April 29, 2020

David's Bridal unveils virtual stylists, appointments

The features were a response to COVID-19 but will remain in effect when stores reopen, which the retailer expects will happen in June. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 28, 2020

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

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