How DTC brands see the purpose of stores

For three digitally native brands, brick-and-mortar locations are for consumer education — and more.

By Corinne Ruff • Feb. 6, 2019

Ikea to test furniture leasing option in 30 markets

Testing has begun in Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden and Poland, and the company hopes to cut down on furniture waste through the service.

By Caroline Jansen • Updated April 4, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Digital innovation and technology trends in retail

Generative AI and TikTok Shop have replaced the metaverse and NFTs as the hot topics of the day — here’s a look at how brands are using them.

By Retail Dive staff

Draper James expands sizing

Reese Witherspoon's Southern-styled apparel brand is the latest to bring inclusivity to reach more women.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 4, 2019

A third of millennials joined a boycott last year

Men and parents of young kids are most likely to shun a brand or retailer, according to CompareCards.com.

By Corinne Ruff • Feb. 1, 2019

Print book sales up 1.3% in 2018

Political titles, particularly ones focusing on the Trump administration, were among the most popular last year, according to an NPD report.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 31, 2019

Apple expands free 'Today at Apple' sessions

The tech company's new classes are part of its effort to remake stores into gathering and enrichment centers. 

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 29, 2019

Toy sales fell 2% in 2018

In the wake of Toys R Us' liquidation, sales in the category declined, failing to hit $22 billion.

By Corinne Ruff • Jan. 28, 2019

Foursquare report: Discount retailers earn high loyalty rankings

A study by the mobile app company suggests that, above all, low prices and sales may keep customers coming back to stores.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 23, 2019

Nectar teams up with Mattress Warehouse

The move points to a larger trend of direct-to-consumer companies in the space partnering with legacy retailers with a brick-and-mortar presence.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 23, 2019

Only 14% of consumers influenced by in-store VR/AI tech

A study by Oracle NetSuite found that there is a disconnect between retail technology and consumer needs. 

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 16, 2019

Walmart and VC firms see two paths for DTC brands

Brands either need to be a consumer phenomenon like Warby Parker, or they need to fit into a larger portfolio, like the one that Walmart is building.

By Corinne Ruff • Jan. 16, 2019

Study: 73% of consumers want self-service technology

A SOTI survey finds that as new tech sweeps through stores it's changing customer attitudes about engaging with staff.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 15, 2019

Holiday shoppers spent twice as much in physical stores than at Amazon

Consumers like being able to see what they're buying, and BOPIS shoppers bought extra, according to International Council of Shopping Centers research.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 14, 2019

Diversity and inclusion take center stage

Executives from Ikea, P&G, Bonobos, Rebecca Minkoff and other brands share their thoughts on what needs to be done to reach equality in the workplace.

By Corinne Ruff • Jan. 14, 2019

'The right decisions are never tough decisions:' Retail execs on taking a stand

Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods and Levi Strauss provided examples at NRF 2019 of how to lead with conscience. 

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 14, 2019

Retail Therapy: The Court rules in favor of this fashion statement

Thanks to Banana Republic, we can all feel a bit more "notorious."

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 11, 2019

5 trends that will define retail marketing in 2019

From loyalty programs to bolder ad campaigns, here's what's in store for the coming year and what it means for retailers.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 9, 2019

How AI is assisting the comeback of brick & mortar retail

Brick-and-mortar stores aren’t going away completely. Technology is allowing online retailers to invest in physical shops.

By Ryan Lester, Director of Customer Engagement Technologies, LogMeIn • Jan. 9, 2019

Study: 57% of shoppers use retailer mobile apps in-store

Mobile is being used in-store, but could it be used for more?

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 8, 2019

10 retail trends to watch in 2019

From store concept advancements to an e-commerce reckoning, the Retail Dive team takes on predictions for the year ahead. 

By Daphne Howland , Corinne Ruff , Cara Salpini , Kaarin Moore , Caroline Jansen • Jan. 7, 2019

Holiday spending sleighs

Consumer confidence and prepared retailers made the perfect partnership for a strong retail season.

By Kaarin Moore • Jan. 4, 2019

Retail Therapy: Louis Vuitton wants toy maker to cut the crap

While it may seem painfully obvious that the slime-filled, poop-shaped toy purse isn't designer, the luxury brand filed a complaint for good measure.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 4, 2019

RBC: About 41% of Americans now own smart speakers

2018 was a big year for smart speaker adoption by consumers, but that doesn't mean voice commerce is exploding yet.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 3, 2019

Gift cards' true value: A post peak season inventory rush

Gift card sales are growing and can be a goldmine if pricing and inventory are on point.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Jan. 2, 2019

58% of retail sales will be influenced by digital by 2023

A new Forrester report finds an increasing number of all purchases are influenced by digital capabilities like mobile search and online marketplaces.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 2, 2019