Instagram expands Shop tab ads globally, further building out e-commerce potential

Following a test earlier in August, the app is embracing ads that appear as tiles in its shopping hub. 

By Asa Hiken • Updated Aug. 25, 2021

Sephora goes virtual with annual 'Sephoria' event

The event allows consumers to explore a virtual house of experiences, including pre-recorded and live events with over 30 beauty brands.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Aug. 12, 2021

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

Foxtrot launches nationwide shipping service as it prepares for growth

The upscale convenience store chain's Foxtrot Anywhere service offers a range of popular items from the retailer's stores as well as gift boxes.

By Sam Silverstein • Aug. 12, 2021

Amazon strikes back at Visa fees with surcharge

The e-commerce giant is taking on Visa by imposing a surcharge in one part of the world and leaving open the possibility of extending it elsewhere.

By Lynne Marek • Aug. 11, 2021

Nike doubles down on localization with Nike Rise concept

First tested in Guangzhou, China, the "pinnacle expression" of the format is opening Thursday in Seoul, South Korea.

By Cara Salpini • Aug. 11, 2021

Fanatics reaches $18B valuation with plans to launch gaming, sports betting

The company's latest investors include Jay-Z, Roc Nation and SoftBank as it aims to expand beyond sports merchandise.  

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Aug. 11, 2021

Shipt looks to expand customer base with new partnerships

The e-commerce provider's tie-ups with Rite Aid and CaringBridge, an online service for caregivers and people with health issues, continue its efforts to stand out against delivery rivals.

By Sam Silverstein • Aug. 10, 2021

Square's Afterpay acquisition highlights buy now, pay later craze

The companies aim to knit together Square's small and medium-sized merchant clients with Afterpay's larger retailer customers, like Target and Sephora. 

By Lynne Marek • Aug. 9, 2021

Advanced analytics drive supply chain efficiencies

Leading retailers are now focusing on aligning their supply chain with their omnichannel customer aspirations.

Aug. 9, 2021

Instacart hires Facebook exec as new president

Carolyn Everson is joining the e-commerce provider following the recent appointment of CEO Fidji Simo, a fellow alum of the social media platform.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Aug. 5, 2021

CB Insights: Retail tech funding surpasses $31B in Q2

As retailers lean into technology to solve immediate and long-term issues, investments in the space have tripled from last year, the firm found.

By Maria Monteros • Aug. 4, 2021

Inside Alibaba’s digital-first club store

Store X is the online retailer's answer to Costco in a format that has caught fire in China as incomes rise and consumers look for new shopping experiences.

By Jeff Wells • Aug. 4, 2021

The convenience of buy now, pay later creates risks: Fitch

Fast underwriting, low credit barriers and lack of reporting are hallmarks of a fast-growing market for the credit services.

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 3, 2021

Reebok's new AR tool helps basketball players set up their own courts

An effort aimed at empowering city youth includes a short film and playable basketball art installations in markets like New York. 

By Peter Adams • Aug. 3, 2021

Gopuff raises another $1B to fuel rapid growth

The delivery company, which is now valued at $15 billion, will use the funding to expand to new locations, hire talent and build out its technology.

By Jeff Wells • Aug. 2, 2021

Square to acquire buy now, pay later player Afterpay for $29B

The acquisition underscores Square CEO Jack Dorsey's ambitious plans to build a merchant and banking empire in new directions globally.

By Lynne Marek • Aug. 2, 2021

PayPal builds services as eBay breaks away

The digital payments company's second quarter net income slumped as it took a bigger blow than expected from "ripping off the eBay band aid."

By Lynne Marek • Aug. 2, 2021

Everyday e-commerce: How new ways of paying accelerated new ways of buying

Whether it's the purchases themselves or the payment methods, digital platforms are now an integral part of the retail experience.

By Claire Gates, CCO PPRO • Aug. 2, 2021

Klarna acquires platform that connects content creators, retailers

Apprl allows companies to create social shopping content and track campaign results as the payments company increases its marketing services.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 30, 2021

Shopify keeps up blazing growth with revenue up 57%

The e-commerce services provider also announced what it said was its largest investment ever in its online store platform. 

By Ben Unglesbee • July 29, 2021

Twitter debuts tool that lets users shop on brand profiles

The Shop Module feature, which allows businesses to display products on their profiles, will initially be available to a few U.S. companies.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 29, 2021

E-commerce skyrocketed during the pandemic. Now Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat want in.

New in-app shopping features have enticed consumers to shop as they scroll.

By Maria Monteros • July 29, 2021

Athleta launches digital wellness platform 'AthletaWell'

Gap Inc.'s activewear retailer partnered with at-home workout company Obé Fitness as part of its transformation into a lifestyle brand.

By Daphne Howland • July 28, 2021

Walmart to sell its omnichannel capabilities to other businesses

The retailer has partnered with Adobe to give small and mid-sized retailers access to its pickup and delivery technology.

By Maria Monteros • July 28, 2021

Pinterest rolls out new monetization features for creators

Users can make commissions through affiliate links, partner with brands and make content shoppable as the platform deepens its relationship with creators.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 28, 2021