Study: 89% of retailers will arm associates with mobile tech in next 3 years

About 84% of retailers will also use mobile point-of-sale systems in stores by 2020, according to new research from Boston Retail Partners.

By Dan O'Shea • April 27, 2017

Wal-Mart lowers money transfer fees, unveils mobile services

Starting next month, customers can access the mobile Bluebird2Walmart Money Transfer Service to send money for cash pick-up at Wal-mart store locations.

By Dan O'Shea • April 26, 2017

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

Amazon's Echo Look transforms Alexa into a personal stylist

The camera-equipped device allows users to track their outfit history and ask Alexa to assess their fashion choices.

By Dan O'Shea • April 26, 2017

MikMak ‘minimercials’ aim to turn retailers’ social media stories into sales

The startup creates infomercials that serve as transitions between when users click on retailers' Instagram and Snapchat posts and arrive at product pages.

By Dan O'Shea • April 25, 2017

Survey: Just 29% of retail employees can identify data security best practices

Retail employees scored poorly in many key risk areas, including identifying phishing attempts, safe social media use and incident reporting, according to a report from MediaPro.

By Dan O'Shea • April 25, 2017

Tulip Retail launches employee management platform, mobile app enhancements

The new features aim to help store managers increase productivity, create a stronger employee community and operate more efficient stores.

By Dan O'Shea • April 25, 2017

Dynamic Yield personalization engine aims to help retailers conquer mobile commerce

Mobile accounts for 60% of online traffic, but contributes to only 16% of purchases due to consumers being turned off by lackluster mobile shopping experiences, the company's research found.

By Dan O'Shea • April 24, 2017

Amazon rolls out third-party subscription marketplace

The e-commerce giant is courting sellers of subscription services to use its "Subscribe with Amazon" marketplace to leverage Amazon product search, recommendations and other tools.

By Dan O'Shea • April 24, 2017

Report: Amazon at work on secret driverless vehicle project

The e-commerce giant is reportedly exploring how it can leverage driverless vehicle technology, which could have significant ramifications for logistics and fulfillment. 

By Dan O'Shea • April 24, 2017

Shopify launches B2B channel support, automated flash sales management

The new capabilities include support for a wholesale storefront and a platform to help merchants manage digital flash sale and event-oriented marketing campaigns.

By Dan O'Shea • April 23, 2017

Mastercard tests biometric, EMV payment authentication

The company said it has conducted multiple tests in South Africa of a payment card equipped with biometric security as an extra layer of consumer protection.

By Dan O'Shea • April 23, 2017

Adidas rolls out more shoes made from recycled ocean plastics

The athletic apparel and footwear company unveiled new editions of UltraBOOST, UltraBOOST X and UltraBOOST Uncaged through its Parley for the Oceans partnership.

By Dan O'Shea • April 23, 2017

Invertex rakes in $2M in seed funding to grow footwear technology

The fashion technology startup uses 3D digitization and other technologies to allow brands to produce and sell measure-to-fit footwear.

By Dan O'Shea • April 20, 2017

Target innovation chief to depart amid strategy pivot

Casey Carl is stepping down as the big-box retailer aims for innovations that can have a near-term impact on its business. 

By Dan O'Shea, Daphne Howland • April 20, 2017

Google Home’s voice recognition gets an edge over Alexa

Google Home's Assistant can now support up to six users and distinguish between their voices, a capability that Amazon's Alexa has yet to pick up.

By Dan O'Shea • April 20, 2017

Report: Macy's RFID effort boosts sales, fulfillment

The store's effort to tag all items by the end of 2017 is already paying off through lesser inventory variance, fewer markdowns and greater display compliance.

By Jennifer McKevitt • April 20, 2017

Pinterest, Michaels partner on trend-inspired DIY kits

The "Make It Kits" are inspired by crafts trending on the social media platform and include all the supplies needed to make the projects.

By Dan O'Shea • April 19, 2017

Facebook tests integration between M virtual assistant, third-party apps

The test enables Messenger users chatting about ordering food to see an interface that allows them to order from Delivery.com.

By Dan O'Shea • April 19, 2017

Marketing spend on Google Shopping ads surpasses text ads

Google Shopping ads accounted for 16.1% of e-commerce sales in 2016, up from just 9% in 2015, according to new research from marketing company Sidecar.

By Dan O'Shea • April 19, 2017

Etsy open-sources its sustainability software to developers

The code powering Etsy's waste management program could help fuel other businesses' sustainability programs.

By Dan O'Shea • April 18, 2017

Fashwire raises funding for app enabling consumer reviews of new fashion designs

The startup raised $725,000 in seed funding and is looking for more in a Series A round as it nears the launch of an app that will allow users to review new fashion designs posted by independent designers.

By Dan O'Shea • April 18, 2017

Rue21, mode-ai launch virtual stylist with Facebook Messenger group feature

The struggling teen retailer's push for digital engagements comes just days after it announced it will shutter roughly 400 stores.

By Dan O'Shea • April 18, 2017

Report: Cross-channel rises, seasonality fades for apparel retailers

A new report from Criteo outlines market trends forcing retailers to shift their focus away from seasonality and toward omnichannel support to gain customers.

By Dan O'Shea • April 18, 2017

PayPal doubles down on Google partnership with Android Pay

U.S. consumers will soon be able to use PayPal in Android Pay at retail stores, in-app and online at places like Walgreens, Dunkin' Donuts and others.

By Dan O'Shea • April 18, 2017

Amazon invites device makers to use Alexa microphone and voice processing technology

In a bid to help develop new devices, outside hardware manufacturers will have access to Amazon's Alexa microphone and voice processing technology.

By Dan O'Shea • April 18, 2017