Retailers face an uphill battle when it comes to loyalty and enticing repeat customers in 2026. Customers challenged by high prices are searching for the best deals wherever they can find them. And compared with practical considerations like convenience and customer satisfaction, brand love isn’t as effective in influencing customers as some marketers think.
The world's top companies rely on EMARKETER for today's industry news and data validation to make big picture strategy decisions.
Become a ClientThis FAQ discusses how the holiday marketing season is evolving into a longer, leaner, and more competitive period, driven by economic headwinds, earlier shopping behavior, and the growing importance of retail media. It outlines why marketers must plan earlier, prioritize measurable and omnichannel strategies, and avoid overconcentrating spend around the Cyber Five to capture demand across an extended season.
Cardholder metrics improve as the issuer takes on Apple’s outsize subprime borrowers.
New protocols aim to secure their role as default rails for bot-led shopping.
Issuers warn of legal fights, tighter credit, and shrinking perks for premium users.
A 0.7% MoM spike in December is testing consumers' wallets and retailers' pricing strategies.
Most Member’s Mark foods now meet “Made Without” standards banning 40+ ingredients.
As funding concentrates among fewer companies, smaller players may need to sharpen differentiation.
Nurses top Gallup’s poll, but trust in clinicians strains under broader healthcare discontent.