Whole Foods is a 'pricing lab' for Amazon

The greatest value of Amazon's deal may not be the chance for grocery dominance, but the data the e-commerce giant will be able to leverage across its retail empire, according to consultant Hermann Simon.  

By Jeff Wells • Sept. 13, 2017

Amazon, eBay, Google lead surge in AI patents

Artificial intelligence-related patent filings have surged in recent years as the technology's retail uses have come to light.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 13, 2017

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

Apple expands on retail revamp, reveals iPhone X with Face ID

The technology company plans to unveil a store in Chicago that will reflect the new "town square" model, designed to create a more community-oriented retail experience. 

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 12, 2017

Out of Milk debuts Google Assistant-powered shopping list

As the skill becomes available on Amazon's Alexa and Google Home, retailers need to rethink how they make it onto consumers' shopping lists. 

By Cara Salpini • Sept. 12, 2017

Postmates cuts delivery fees pre-holiday season

The delivery provider is edging up its challenge to Amazon Prime with new upgrades, as it tries to lure in more Unlimited subscribers.

By Cara Salpini • Sept. 12, 2017

Apple set to unveil Face ID and augmented reality features

The technology company's latest announcement should have more in store for retailers than just a new iPhone, including upgrades to payment authentication.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 12, 2017

Simon installs ‘concierge’ chatbots in 208 malls

The chatbot evolution has been on the move for quite some time — and now the technology has made it into shopping malls.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 12, 2017

Fraud attempts spiked after Equifax data breach

The data breach could have a ripple effect throughout the retail industry if consumers lose faith in handing over their personal data.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 11, 2017

Pitney Bowes boosts delivery offerings with Newgistics acquisition

After at least three logistics-related acquisitions in as many years, the technology company's shipping sector ambitions have become increasingly clear.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 11, 2017

Store openings drive a 52% jump in web traffic

Within six weeks of opening a brick-and-mortar location, online retailers experience significant traffic increases from the surrounding postal area, according to new research. 

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 10, 2017

Lowe’s crams DIY microvideos into Instagram Stories

The move underscores the potential of mobile video marketing, especially as more brands begin to take advantage of smartphones' full-screen vertical format.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 8, 2017

Bloomingdale’s, Cotton Inc. roll out 1-minute shoppable fashion show

The interactive video targets "Generation App" — millennials and Gen Z — by merging a unique digital experience with e-commerce.

By David Kirkpatrick • Sept. 8, 2017

CVS brings vending machines to 25 non-store locations

The machines will dispense more than 70 CVS-brand products, from bandaids to batteries.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 8, 2017

Billabong migrates to the cloud for omnichannel support

Another struggling retailer looks to a new platform to better connect the physical and digital.  

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 7, 2017

The Home Depot picks Google for voice shopping

The home improvement chain joins the voice-assistant fray this fall through a partnership with Google Express.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 7, 2017

Walmart and Affirm: A match Amazon will find hard to beat

The importance of the partnership’s new financing options shouldn’t be underestimated, writes Christopher Walton, former VP, Target Store of the Future.  

By Christopher Walton • Sept. 7, 2017

Starbucks taps former Sam’s Club chief as COO

Brewer, formerly of Sam’s Club, has over 30 years of experience, including the top-notch omnichannel chops that Starbucks really needs right now.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 7, 2017

DemandJump debuts cloud-based web traffic tracker

The tool allows retailers to see the path of an average website visitor, which could help retailers develop more appropriate marketing efforts.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 6, 2017

Office Depot brings supply chain management to the cloud

Still recovering from its failed merger with Staples, the retailer is partnering with Elementum to smooth out its supply chain.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 6, 2017

Walmart’s Hayneedle debuts app with visual search

The home furnishings and decor retailer's app is armed with visual search capabilities, which could become a must-have for merchants.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 6, 2017

Study: 57% of Google search traffic is mobile

Google's move to make its search results more mobile-friendly seems to be resonating as mobile search traffic outpaces traditional desktop traffic.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 5, 2017

Report: Amazon beefs up Alexa efforts as competition grows

The company has hired more engineers to work on Alexa-related projects and has appointed a new executive to head the efforts.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 5, 2017

Target chief risk and compliance officer to depart

Jackie Rice, who was hired about a year after the retailer’s debilitating data breach, won't be replaced.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 5, 2017

Cashless self-checkout takes center store in NY grocery

As interest in self-checkout continues to climb, one grocer in New York placed new cashless units in the middle of the store, where they now handle 20% of store traffic.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 1, 2017

Levi Strauss’ chatbot helps jeans buyers find the right fit

Chatbots are becoming more common, but the new Virtual Stylist could be the next generation of the technology.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 1, 2017