Hollister enters shaky back-to-school period with campaign led by top TikTok talent

An effort featuring the D'Amelio sisters, Noah Pugliano and Bill Nye arrives amid uncertainty for both school reopenings and TikTok's future in the U.S.

By Peter Adams • July 21, 2020

Google introduces video shopping platform Shoploop

The technology is designed to demonstrate products to users in 90 seconds or less as companies push further into shoppable content. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 21, 2020

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

Shopify adds virtual shopping feature with Hero

The technology helps merchants connect store employees with their most loyal customers through video chats and text messaging.

By Robert Williams • July 20, 2020

Target, L’Oréal, Ralph Lauren test Snapchat’s new brand profile pages

The new feature gives marketers a permanent home to build a following and directly engage with app users.

By Robert Williams • July 20, 2020

Instagram Shop launches with Facebook Pay at checkout

A centralized e-commerce hub will offer personalized recommendations, exclusive items and collections of products from brands and creators.

By Robert Williams • July 20, 2020

FedEx installs robotic arms for automated parcel sorting to handle rising e-commerce volume

The carrier is partnering with Yaskawa America and Plus One Robotics, starting with four robotic arms sorting small parcels in its Memphis hub. 

By Morgan Forde • July 17, 2020

CVS launches spoken prescription tech for app users

Retail's drugstore segment continues to invest in technology as it pushes further into healthcare.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 16, 2020

Amazon’s Dash Cart offers another version of checkout-free technology

The company's smart grocery cart, which automatically scans products and processes payment, will roll out at its Woodland Hills, California, grocery store.

By Jeff Wells • July 15, 2020

Paper Source introduces subscription box, virtual craft classes

The retailer aims to offer customers a way to keep kids and adults engaged and creative while sheltering in place.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 14, 2020

Office Depot parent names former Amazon exec CTO

Terry Leeper, who also held executive positions at Microsoft, will set the company's technical vision for the future. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 14, 2020

WhatsApp introduces QR codes for small businesses

The Facebook-owned platform also added catalog sharing to aid merchants as they reopen and expand online. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 14, 2020

Rouses Market will pilot drone delivery this fall

Drones have yet to take off in the grocery industry but, much like autonomous vehicles, they promise to save retailers on costs associated with delivery. 

By Krishna Thakker • July 10, 2020

Nike opens latest store concept: Nike Rise

The first of its kind opened in Guangzhou, China, on Thursday, and the retailer plans to expand it in 2021.

By Cara Salpini • July 10, 2020

Verishop adds shoppable content to its app

The strategy has become more popular as retailers like Target and Sephora turn to Instagram Checkout and other social platforms for similar features.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 10, 2020

Apparel rental company Armoire debuts digital dressing room

"Looks" is designed to digitally recreate the in-store shopping experience of trying on new clothes. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 9, 2020

MySize, Sweet Fit debut virtual fitting mirror with size recommendation tech

The tech providers aim to minimize returns headaches as retailers look for additional contactless solutions to assuage wary customers.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 9, 2020

How COVID-19 boosted QVC, HSN and livestreaming

As the veteran telecommerce networks adapt to the challenges of the pandemic, other brands are catching up to the future of livestreaming.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 9, 2020

Uber will launch US grocery delivery this month

The service, which will be available through its main app and Uber Eats, will roll out in Miami and Dallas.  

By Jeff Wells • July 8, 2020

CVS offers gifts to shoppers who link mobile app to loyalty rewards

The retailer is one of several companies that are encouraging shoppers to use their smartphones for loyalty programs that drive repeat business. 

By Robert Williams • July 7, 2020

Venmo pilots Business Profile feature to showcase small businesses

The service aims to support independent sellers and sole proprietors by keeping personal and business transactions separate. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 7, 2020

Walmart hosts virtual summer camp, drive-in movies to keep families entertained

Through experiences powered by its mobile app, the retailer aims to connect with parents trying to keep their kids engaged this summer.

By Dianna Christie • July 7, 2020

Amazon plans more Go Grocery stores

The retailer will open cashierless stores in the Seattle area and Washington, D.C., and plans to open supermarkets in California and the Chicago area.

By Jeff Wells • July 7, 2020

Walmart's front-end experiment adds service to self-checkout

The retailer is testing customer-operated checkout stations, with cashiers serving as "hosts" to assist shoppers at a Fayetteville, Arkansas, store. 

By Sam Silverstein • July 7, 2020

Francesca’s plans first mobile app

The retailer is creating its debut application for iOS and Android amid financial woes that have been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 6, 2020

Amazon Pay launches ‘Smart Stores’ in India

The technology allows local shops to establish digital storefronts and provides contactless payment options. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 2, 2020