Forrester: Few brands can anticipate and act on consumer needs

Gathering customer data can bolster a quick response, but many companies still rely on manual collection and few firms automatically update existing data. 

By Maria Monteros • Feb. 10, 2021

Retail tech startup Tulip launches fulfillment tool

As retailers look for more convenient services to offer, the company wants to help retailers manage, track and deliver online orders directly from stores.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 9, 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

Tractor Supply offers on-demand vet advice via app

The service, which can also be accessed via chat or email, is part of the retailer's push to be a "more complete resource for pet parents." 

By Maria Monteros • Feb. 9, 2021

Pinterest’s ascent continues as holidays spur explosive adoption of shopping ads

The platform plans to scale its sales team "significantly" to court advertisers, while investing more in commerce, Story Pins and automation.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 9, 2021

Home Depot opens automated Dallas fulfillment center with hydrogen-powered forklifts

The facility is part of the retailer's $1.2 billion supply chain investment and includes six miles of mechanized lines. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Feb. 8, 2021

Family Dollar teams up with Instacart for same-day deliveries

The partnership is an expansion of a 275-store pilot that began in late 2020. The delivery platform will now be available at more than 6,000 stores.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 5, 2021

Rebag launches image recognition tech for luxury bag pricing

The new artificial intelligence tool allows users to scan and assess the resale value of a handbag instantly. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 4, 2021

Nike releases hands-free Go FlyEase sneaker

The athletics retailer wants to serve "the broadest range of active lifestyles possible." 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 4, 2021

Walmart acquires Thunder ad tech as it preps self-serve display portal

The platform could make advertising on Walmart properties more accessible to small brands, an important step in the retailer's race to catch up with Amazon.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 4, 2021

What does a government reckoning with Google and Facebook mean for retail?

For many, the tech giants are key to customer acquisition online, and they dominate the market for digital advertising, making them all but unavoidable for retailers. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 4, 2021

Google introduces Black-owned business distinction in its Shopping tab

Searches for Black-owned business have increased 600% year over year based on Google Trends data, according to the company. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 2, 2021

Luxury accessories club Vivrelle launches mobile app

The startup is introducing its app at a time when rental and resale platforms are performing well.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Feb. 1, 2021

QVC launches livestream shopping channel on YouTube TV

The shopping network is now available on streaming services with a total of 8 million subscribers, including through Hulu + Live TV and AT&T TV.

By Maria Monteros • Feb. 1, 2021

How Pit Viper got Instagram famous and then sales tax compliant

Fast eCommerce growth means more sales tax responsibilities, so finding the right sales tax compliance partner and solution is essential.

Feb. 1, 2021

LVMH, L’Oréal invest in social selling platform Replika Software

The startup, which is currently focused on the fashion and beauty industries, hopes to expand into other areas like healthcare and travel. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 29, 2021

Nike store plots virtual outdoor adventure with mobile tech

QR codes, AR and geofencing are used in an in-store experience that is designed to keep COVID-19 precautions in mind.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 29, 2021

BuyBuy Baby debuts 3D nursery design tool

The feature joins a host of other digital-first shopping tools aimed at millennial and Gen Z parents. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 28, 2021

Walmart will add automated micro-fulfillment to dozens of stores

The retailer is also adding automated drive-thru pickup points at select stores that allow shoppers to drive up, scan a code and collect their order.

By Jeff Wells • Jan. 28, 2021

Amazon to grow its Boston tech hub, add 3K jobs

The e-commerce giant is expanding its presence in the city, building on plans for growth at several other of its tech hubs as well.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 27, 2021

Pick speed improves when AR replaces paper: study

The research suggests that some of the main benefits of the technology could be in training new workers and getting them up to speed more quickly.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 27, 2021

Court OKs Christopher & Banks' Ch. 11 sale of e-commerce unit

The bankrupt apparel seller is unloading its online business to an affiliate of Hilco after moving to close its stores.

By Ben Unglesbee • Updated March 1, 2021

Gibson releases app with shopping, experiential features

As consumers stay home, the guitar brand is hoping to reach them with an app that offers musical education, purchasing and maintenance services.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 26, 2021

ThirdLove unveils 3D online fit quiz

"The Fitting Room" is a new version of its Fit Finder quiz, and uses data from that earlier version to inform fit and style recommendations.

By Maria Monteros • Jan. 26, 2021

Pinterest expands AR try-on experience to eyeshadow

Sephora, Estée Lauder and Neutrogena were among the first brands to participate in the platform's AR shoppable try-on feature for lipstick last year.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 25, 2021

Nike pushes small-format expansion with new Nike Live store in Oregon

A location in the athletics retailer's birthplace comes after executives detailed plans over the summer for up to 200 small-format stores.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 22, 2021