AI implementation in retail and ecommerce has reached an inflection point where individual experimentation must give way to organizational strategy, but the path from proof-of-concept to production remains fraught with challenges around data security, cost justification, and realistic expectations about automation.
Commerce media is pushing brands to break down internal silos and rethink how they organize teams, allocate budgets, and measure success across an increasingly fragmented ecosystem.
85% of US adults trust their bank as an information source vs. just 62% who trust AI, putting financial institutions 23 points ahead of artificial intelligence, according to a February survey from TD Bank.
Consumers want smarter digital health tools: This will push providers, insurers, and tech players to align with consumer demand for greater personalization, intuitiveness, and accurate health insights.
Netflix bets on daily live podcasts: Popular iHeartMedia podcast “The Breakfast Club” will go live daily on Netflix as it swings at YouTube’s lead.
On today’s podcast episode, we explore the “Clarkonomics” phenomenon by examining basketball superstar Caitlin Clark’s massive economic impact, discuss which women’s sport and athlete could be next to break out, and look at how marketers can capitalize on the growing popularity of women’s sports without getting left behind. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, along with Principal Forecasting Writer Ethan Cramer-Flood and Analyst Paola Flores-Marquez. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube and Spotify.
41% of US adults skip retail mobile apps because they prefer shopping in-store to see products in person, the top reason cited above payment privacy (33%) and phone storage (33%), according to a March 2026 survey from Ipsos.
Walmart’s ad engine revs higher: Revenues jump 37% as digital, in-store, and CTV knit commerce and media into one buy.
Teens lead in TikTok usage, per our estimates, but a new gov't advisory broadens scrutiny beyond social media, increasing pressure on tech safeguards and pediatric care.
TikTok Shop turns small brands into commerce contenders: 72% of discovered brands are SMBs, reflecting TikTok’s discovery-to-checkout pipeline.
Amex can deepen rewards for its sports-hungry membership.
Cheap fuel, faster delivery, and cleaner labels deepen ties with squeezed shoppers.
The retailer is relying on its fast-growing ecommerce business to offset rising costs and maintain its value edge.
CEO Greg Foran moves to blunt Walmart, Amazon, and Aldi in a value war.
All three are adding travel integrations to their platforms to become a one-stop shop for consumers.
Performance marketing is buzzier than ever: Google’s latest attribution partnership is a reflection of a tightening economy for consumers and brands.
Brand safety gets costlier in EU: Scam ads near legit buys risk reputational damage—and CMOs may demand tougher controls.
Branches drive account openings, prompting banks to retain and build their footprint.