Staples introduces same-day delivery via Instacart

The office retailer joins other companies in offering a delivery option for customers still looking to socially distance.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 15, 2020

Klarna debuts ‘Vibe’ no-fee loyalty program

Members will earn points wherever they make purchases through the company's app, or at physical stores where they use Klarna.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 12, 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

Flipkart unveils voice assistant shopping feature

The Walmart-owned company addressed a critical barrier to voice shopping: language. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 11, 2020

Voice assistants deepen ties with brands, study says

In using voice apps, 95% of U.K. families said it's important that the app be from a brand they know.

By Robert Williams • June 11, 2020

1-800-Flowers unveils AR experience for Jason Wu bouquets

The arrangements feature a QR code-enabled tag that unlocks content about the fashion designer's collaboration with the flower retailer.

By Robert Williams • June 10, 2020

Klarna reaches 7.85M US customers, 4.4M app downloads

Customers have turned to the platform for payment flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 9, 2020

Big Lots adds delivery service from Instacart

The deal expands Big Lots' customer base to those who prefer the convenience of delivery or aren't comfortable visiting stores during the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • June 9, 2020

Will COVID-19 push contactless payments into the mainstream?

Multiple barriers have curtailed retailers' contactless payment integration. But a pandemic may be the catalyst to widespread adoption. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 9, 2020

Instacart partnership boosts e-commerce for independent grocers

A deal with C&S Wholesale Grocers will offer services, including same-day delivery, to more than 3,000 local grocers supplied by the wholesaler.

By Jeff Wells • June 8, 2020

American Eagle claims nearly 2B impressions on TikTok campaign for Aerie

A newcomer to the platform, Aerie worked with top influencers like Charli D'Amelio, supporting a boost to its parent company's digital sales.  

By Robert Williams • June 8, 2020

Facebook researchers detail progress in contextual chatbots for shopping

Exploring conversational shopping suggests the company still sees potential for the tech to support commerce, a key focus area as it looks to diversify revenue.

By Robert Williams • June 8, 2020

Drones and delivery trucks could work together, but regulatory hurdles remain

Using drones and trucks for a hybrid delivery system could be the future of last-mile logistics, according to an MIT research paper. 

By Morgan Forde • June 4, 2020

Alibaba unveils digital tools for US small businesses

The platform is addressing logistics and in-person merchant-supplier connections, both of which were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 3, 2020

Lowe's launches video tool geared toward professionals

Targeting its pro clientele, the home improvement retailer introduced "Lowe's for Pros JobSIGHT," which allows them to virtually serve their customers.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 2, 2020

Pinterest adds shopping feature to visual search

A new Shop tab in Lens gives mobile marketers a way to showcase items in Product Pins when users are most ready to buy.

By Robert Williams • June 2, 2020

Tractor Supply plans first mobile app

Over 70% of the retailer's online traffic is coming from mobile devices, and the company's tech efforts are aimed at improving that shopping experience.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 1, 2020

CVS Pharmacy tests self-driving vehicle delivery for prescriptions

The company, which partnered with robotics company Nuro, joins other retailers that have recently updated their delivery options. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 1, 2020

Instagram IGTV video ads arrive as part of monetization push for influencers

Several new features come as creators of videos on Instagram Live recently saw a 70% increase in views.

By Robert Williams • June 1, 2020

Standard Cognition acquires Checkout Technologies

The purchase gives the autonomous checkout company another way to position itself against Amazon Go.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 28, 2020

Benefit Cosmetics brings AR try-on to WeChat

Beauty shoppers on mobile can sample eyebrow shapes before booking an appointment at a Benefit BrowBar, where a stylist will help to recreate the look.

By Robert Williams • May 28, 2020

6 strategies for grocers preparing for the new e-commerce future

Experts share insights into how food retailers can retool their online operations in response to the pandemic.

By Sam Silverstein , Jeff Wells • May 28, 2020

Instacart rolls out in-app safety features for workers

The grocery delivery service has faced recent backlash about maintaining safety amid surging demand caused by COVID-19.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 26, 2020

Scandit secures $80M in funding as COVID-19 drives demand for contactless mobile tech

Areas like click and collect are booming, pushing retailers and supply chain companies to invest in tech that can meet demand in a safe manner.

By Peter Adams • May 26, 2020

Anne Klein streams video series on Facebook Live

Livestreaming platforms like Facebook Live, Amazon-owned Twitch and Google's YouTube Live give brands creative control over long-form programming. 

By Robert Williams • May 22, 2020

Target to sell products through Instagram Checkout

The mass merchant is among the latest retailers to venture into social commerce. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 22, 2020