Inside American Eagle’s latest bet on Sydney Sweeney for its summer campaign

Chief Marketing Officer Craig Brommers details the next chapter of a tie-up that proved highly successful — and controversial — for the Gen Z denim retailer.

By Jessica Hammers • April 15, 2026

Are retailers ready for what the weight-loss boom requires?

The era of GLP-1 and similar drugs goes beyond consumers refreshing their closets, and merchants are going to need a new mindset.

By Daphne Howland • April 15, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

How retailers are thinking about in-store experience

Complementary shop-in-shops, age-appropriate experiences and integrated technology are just a few ways retailers are reworking stores to suit shoppers.

By Retail Dive staff

Stanley 1913’s approach to product development through diversity

Executive Graham Nearn spoke to Retail Dive about how Stanley is expanding its offerings as it grows into a global brand.

By Dani James • Updated April 13, 2026

Inflation surges most since 2022 as consumer sentiment hits record low

Concern about inflationary harm from the Iran war flared across all demographic groups — by age, income and political affiliation.

By Jim Tyson • April 13, 2026

Dollar General bets on beauty with savings event

The discount retailer, which recently reported strong Q4 earnings results, is adding to a broader effort to become a beauty destination.

By Dani James • April 10, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Reebok returns to hockey, Nordstrom Local expands

The athletics retailer is reentering the category through a deal with Wholesale Sports. Meanwhile, the department store is growing its footprint in California. 

By Retail Dive Staff • April 10, 2026

US resale market expected to surpass $78B by 2030

The U.S. secondhand market last year grew nearly four times faster than the broader retail clothing market, according to ThredUp’s latest report.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 3, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Converse drags down Nike, Wacoal acquires Glamorise

The sneaker brand’s sales fell more than 30% in the latest quarter, and the deal with Glamorise is aimed at strengthening Wacoal’s U.S. position.

By Retail Dive Staff • April 3, 2026

Consumers want associates to handle follow-up communication

Shoppers want personalized communication, but they want it to come directly from staff, which can in turn drive sales, an Endear study found.

By Bryan Wassel • April 1, 2026

Consumer sentiment falls 6%, hit by declining stocks, higher gas prices

Household expectations for inflation in 12 months rose to 3.8% from 3.4% in February in the biggest one-month gain since April 2025, the University of Michigan found in a survey.

By Jim Tyson • March 30, 2026

Activewear isn’t over. Everything’s just apparel now.

The lines between apparel, activewear and everything in between have only continued to blur. That isn’t a problem, except if the customer says it is.

By Cara Salpini • March 30, 2026

Retail leaders on embracing AI: ‘We have to keep trying things’

The theme of Shoptalk Spring was “Retail in the Age of AI.” Executives had strong opinions on the matter.

By Kaarin Moore , Caroline Jansen • March 30, 2026

In the age of AI, Home Depot’s stores have ‘never been more relevant’

While the retailer has been ramping up its AI-powered offerings, it aims to provide a frictionless experience across a customer’s shopping journey, wherever that may be.

By Caroline Jansen • March 27, 2026

The Backroom: Consumer resilience in trying times

Katie Thomas of the Kearney Consumer Institute talks about nuances in the K-shaped economy that help explain why discretionary retail sales have remained strong despite shoppers’ wariness.

By Retail Dive Staff • March 26, 2026

How Tecovas is leveraging AI to improve the store experience

The boot brand is using the tech to help with inventory replenishment and allocation, and foster better interactions between associates and customers.

By Caroline Jansen • March 26, 2026

How Lowe’s creator network is winning over the next generation of shoppers

The home improvement retailer has partnered with content creators like MrBeast to connect with Gen Alpha long before they purchase their first home.

By Caroline Jansen • March 25, 2026

GLP-1 users are changing apparel trends

Some categories, like intimates, are already seeing shifts as shoppers buy clothes for new body sizes and routines, according to a Circana report.

By Howard Ruben • March 25, 2026

Wealthy consumers are heading to dollar stores

Inflation pushed dollar stores to expand their price points. Higher-income shoppers, pressured by the same headwind, came along for the ride.

By Dani James • March 23, 2026

Destination XL hit by ‘volatility’ of GLP-1 usage

The plus-size apparel retailer reported Q4 total sales decreased 6% and expects the merger with FullBeauty Brands to close in the second quarter. 

By Dani James • March 20, 2026

Lowe’s launches subscription service for in-home maintenance

For $99 annually, HomeCare+ subscribers can have two in-home visits a year, spanning services like electric dryer vent cleaning and electric water heater flush.

By Howard Ruben • March 20, 2026

NRF forecasts 4.4% retail sales growth this year despite rising uncertainty

The group acknowledged a softening labor market, persistent inflation and fallout from geopolitical tensions, but said “underlying fundamentals” and higher tax refunds should boost consumers.

By Daphne Howland • March 19, 2026

Half of consumers prefer brands that don’t use generative AI, Gartner finds

Consumers who are ambivalent or distrust the technology may walk away if they feel forced to use AI, one analyst said.

By Bryan Wassel • March 18, 2026

Bob’s Discount Furniture posts 17% revenue gain in 2025, plots store openings

Fresh off its IPO, the furniture retailer represents a bright spot in an otherwise challenged home sector.

By Caroline Jansen • March 18, 2026

The US consumer is hitting a rough patch

Even before the Iran war’s oil price spikes, people were getting more cautious about spending. That means buying less from retailers.

By Daphne Howland • March 17, 2026

Amazon launches 1-hour, 3-hour delivery options

The offerings, now available in select cities and towns, feature a "supercenter" product assortment as the e-commerce giant battles competitors like Walmart.

By Max Garland • March 17, 2026