Why stores still spark joy around the holidays

Online shopping has surged over the years, but it’s hard to replicate the discovery — and fun — of going to stores.

By Cara Salpini • Nov. 26, 2024

Macy’s chief marketer on why telling a cohesive marketing story is crucial

With its Thanksgiving Day Parade imminent, Sharon Otterman explains how the retailer brought its gift guide to life in its holiday campaign.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 25, 2024

Walmart updates virtual store with seasonal shopping features

Four new holiday environments showcase a selection of gifts curated by content creators and inspired by social media trends.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 25, 2024

Amazon Live to feature Martha Stewart, Jennifer Hudson on Black Friday

The company is partnering with TalkShopLive to showcase Amazon’s Black Friday deals via live shopping shows. 

By Tatiana Walker-Morris • Nov. 22, 2024

Target’s supply chain investments power holiday season ambitions

The retailer expects to quadruple its order processing output and ramp up next-day delivery at its sortation centers.

By Philip Neuffer • Nov. 21, 2024

Nearly 30% of shoppers will purchase beauty as a holiday gift

Headed into the season prestige beauty sales are up, with Gen Alpha contributing to growth in the segment. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 20, 2024

Adam Driver turns 5-star Amazon reviews into theatrical monologues

The Hollywood star amps up the drama of “deeply personal” reviews in time for Black Friday week and Cyber Monday deal events.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 20, 2024

Consumers plan to spend $125B over Thanksgiving weekend

That’s about $5 billion less than shoppers spent during the five-day period in 2023, according to a recent survey from ICSC.

By Howard Ruben • Nov. 20, 2024

It’s a shorter holiday season. Does that matter?

There are five fewer days between Black Friday and Christmas Day compared to 2023. Here’s how retailers — and consumers — are preparing themselves.

By Caroline Jansen • Nov. 19, 2024

Pinterest introduces celebrity gift guides, shoppable wishlists

The social media platform is banking on curated gift lists from the likes of Alicia Keys and Wirecutter to win shoppers this season.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 15, 2024

The Weekly Closeout: Target extends store hours for the holidays, Nuuly launches ‘The Thrift Shop’

The mass merchant will be open from 7 a.m. to midnight from Nov. 30 to Dec. 23, while the subscription company debuted a perk for discounted styles.

By Retail Dive Staff • Nov. 15, 2024

Nordstrom leverages generative AI for holiday app refresh

Among the new app features are trend reports, which blend the expertise of Nordstrom stylists with artificial intelligence to deliver relevant trends. 

By Aaron Baar • Nov. 15, 2024

Target debuts ‘weirdly hot’ Santa for second holiday advertising push

The retailer is running two distinct holiday campaigns for the first time to appeal to consumers who view the season as too transactional.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 15, 2024

US holiday retail sales to reach $1 trillion

About a quarter of those sales will occur online this year, a Forrester report predicts.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 14, 2024

Holiday sales growth expected to stay below 10-year average

Retailers are likely to lean on discounts to drive sales as consumers continue feeling the pressure of inflation, according to an S&P Global Ratings report.

By Nate Delesline III • Nov. 14, 2024

NBA players Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball star in Foot Locker’s holiday campaign

Grammy-nominated artist Coi Leray is also featured in the ads, which will air across paid media, in-store displays, social channels and more.

By Howard Ruben • Nov. 13, 2024

How retailers are making it harder to shop, just in time for the holidays

Thwarting customers, in stores or online, isn’t any way to make a sale.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 12, 2024

Von Maur opens first store in Pennsylvania

The family-owned department store chain plans to open its first store in North Dakota next year and is investing $100 million to renovate its existing stores.

By Nate Delesline III • Nov. 11, 2024

‘Contradictions and mixed signals’ in the economy won’t affect holiday sales growth: NRF

The trade organization is maintaining its holiday forecast for the year, stating that households are in decent financial shape. 

By Nate Delesline III • Nov. 11, 2024

67% of parents will use BNPL to finance the holidays

Parents are using pay later plans to justify large purchases and better manage their finances, according to a new survey. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 8, 2024

Amazon debuts virtual holiday shop

The immersive 3D shopping experience includes music, animations and a guided journey to help with product discovery.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 7, 2024

Benefit Cosmetics launches first virtual 3D shopping experience

The grocery store-inspired digital space, dubbed “The Benemart,” blends gaming and holiday shopping. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 7, 2024

Best Buy pushes tech in holiday ad series

The campaign features the retailer’s new hologram spokesperson, “Gram,” and addresses common problems like finding the perfect gift.

By Nate Delesline III • Nov. 6, 2024

Dick’s recreates iconic holiday film moments with NFL’s Watt brothers

In a new spot, former NFL player J.J. Watt is trapped in a Dick’s store after closing, leading to a series of silly antics.

By Sara Karlovitch • Nov. 6, 2024

Amazon’s holiday campaign spotlights classic song, acts of kindness

“What the World Needs Now Is Love” features heavily in the effort that extends Amazon's focus on music around the holidays.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 5, 2024