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

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

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

Consumers aren’t adopting mobile wallets, even during the pandemic

A PYMNTS.com study conducted in March found that mobile wallets accounted for a small portion of eligible transactions, despite the coronavirus outbreak.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 7, 2020

Consumers spent more than $23.4B via app stores in early 2020

As consumers stay inside to curtail the spread of COVID-19 they’re spending more time on their smartphones, according to a new report.   

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 7, 2020

Indyme unveils social distancing device as coronavirus changes in-store experience

The company released a camera-like tool that uses audio cues to remind shoppers to keep six feet apart.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 2, 2020

Walmart expands contactless options for in-store shopping, pickup, delivery

Streamlining in-store checkout technology is one way the retailer is responding to consumer concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 2, 2020

Startup Fast raises $20M to streamline e-commerce checkout

The Series A funding round was led by Stripe with the aim to accelerate the rollout of its Fast Checkout technology. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 2, 2020

YouCam Makeup gives beauty brands free AR sampling tech

Beauty brands can list up to 100 products in the augmented reality app through July 31 as part of the complimentary program.

By Robert Williams • March 31, 2020