Digital Innovation

The U.S. economy is on the brink of a recession. Despite a strong labor market, negative GDP growth rates have led some to predict a 96 percent likelihood of a recession within the next year. Regardless of this outlook, Americans are still willing to shop — spending 17 percent more last Black Friday weekend than in 2021.…

We’ve all found ourselves wandering through stores, browsing the shelves, picking up items to check them out and deciding which to buy — and which to put back. Digital shelves work the same way but in the virtual world. Shoppers rely on this collection of digital touchpoints to engage with brands and seek, research and purchase…

Wayfair is prioritizing innovation across its organization, supported by technology providers like Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions. While at the National Retail Federation Big Show in New York City last week, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan spoke with Kevin O’Riordan, head of physical retail and supply chain engineering at Wayfair, and Fredrik Carlegren, vice president of marketing and communications at Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions. In…

Significant transformations are taking place within the fuel and convenience retail industry, resulting in convenience stores rethinking how to handle operations during this period of transformation. Consumer needs and expectations look different than they did even just a few years ago — with an increased focus on convenience, speed and value. As a result, retailers…

The proliferation of online shopping channels has given consumers more options for when, where and how they shop. These options have plugged consumers into a perpetual state of shopping where time or location doesn't limit them. While this has allowed consumers more control over their shopping experience, it's also put more pressure on brands and…

The events of the last few years — Brexit, the pandemic, The Great Resignation, a cost-of-living crisis — have caused evolving challenges that continue to ripple through the retail industry. One of the biggest causes for concern for businesses today is a mass shortage of workers as people switch to remote or at-home working, decide…

In a tumultuous year for the economy, retailers are rightly concerned that inflation and rising interest rates might hurt holiday spending. But for savvy industry watchers, how much consumers will spend may not be as intriguing as how they’ll spend it. That’s because long-simmering trends in e-commerce and consumer behaviors are colliding with new expectations…

While the metaverse may not be widespread in retail just yet, there’s clear excitement among industry marketers about the new business opportunities it presents. This sentiment was made clear during a panel discussion that took place at this year's Total Retail Tech event.

On Monday, Nike launched .SWOOSH, its new digital community and experience, the brand announced. The platform is a home for Nike virtual creations and uses blockchain-powered technology — or what many call “Web3” — to offer an inclusive, equitable place for athletes, creators, collectors and consumers to design and own the future of sport. Currently…

There’s no way around it: The pandemic has permanently altered consumers’ shopping habits. Led by millennials, customers are leveraging more and more of their spending power online — especially for groceries and household goods. Live shopping and loyalty programs play a crucial role in unifying an increasingly fractured purchase journey. No matter where customers are…