Chipotle prepares for a busy burrito season: The fast-casual chain plans to hire 20,000 workers—with the help of AI—in anticipation of strong demand this spring.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss the elements of the Lego flywheel, how its remained relevant across demographics, and what other brands and retailers can learn from its success. Listen to the conversation with our Senior Analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts Principal Analyst Sky Canaves and Senior Analyst Zak Stambor.
Social commerce has the potential to go mainstream for luxury. More than 40% of respondents overall said they had used or were interested in using social media channels to buy luxury products.
Retailers redefine themselves through M&A: Capri, Tapestry streamline their portfolios, while Wrangler owner Kontoor Brands adds Helly Hanson to strengthen outdoor and workwear segments.
Consumers will pay for accurate AI responses, pressuring companies to provide better answers while navigating an uncertain legal landscape.
As marketers integrate generative AI (genAI) into their creative workflows, they must ensure the technology enhances, rather than replaces, creativity. Creatives must be active in AI policy development, maintain transparency of AI use, and be thoughtful about the way they use genAI. Brands that balance AI efficiency with human insight will stand out.
Forty-nine percent of Americans feel stereotyped by identity-based ad targeting: Overuse of these ads can fracture consumer trust. It might be time for brands to reconsider how they connect with consumers. Read online
2025 will be the year of “true co-branded storytelling” for retail media creative formats, according to Brian Monahan, global client president, head of retail media solutions at Dentsu.
The bank will start blocking more transactions that originate from social media
Many large banks are watering down or removing online references to DEI in a polarized environment.
TikTok Shop’s sales soared 153% in January: The video app’s social commerce arm is eating into Shein’s market share, adding to the hurdles facing the fast fashion company.
The credit card recovery is progressing—if more slowly than anticipated
India is a region to watch for marketers in 2025: Growing internet penetration is set to make the country one of the fastest-growing ad markets.
About one-third of US small businesses charge customers to accept card payments. Bigger retailers doing the same could hurt issuers
News and magazine apps have the highest engagement score in North America, with 29% of monthly active users coming back daily, according to a September 2024 Airship survey.
Walmart and Kroger would be hit hard by SNAP benefit cuts: Democratic lawmakers warn Republicans could make steep cuts to food assistance, producing significant challenges for grocers.
Coca-Cola takes on Olipop, Poppi: The company is getting in on the “better for you” trend with Simply Pop, a high-fiber, low-sugar prebiotic soda.
Docs are using AI more, and are more excited about its potential: But physicians want more regulatory oversight before they completely trust the tech. Recent workforce cuts at the FDA could make this difficult to achieve.