Marketers have long associated connected TV (CTV) with big-budget national campaigns, but that’s rapidly changing. As CTV technology becomes more sophisticated and accessible, local businesses are entering a new era of precise, data-driven advertising that blends digital accountability with TV’s scale.
Michael Kors owner Capri credited a sequential improvement in demand for its better-than-expected quarter and upgraded FY forecast. In an otherwise difficult quarter for luxury, Capri’s bullishness stands out. But it has a lot of work to do to revive its brands—particularly Michael Kors, which, following the sale of Versace, now accounts for nearly 70% of revenues.
The news: We’ve seen TD Bank lean into comedy before to appeal to younger consumers and launch new products. It’s using a similar strategy to educate current and prospective customers about fractional investing services. Can it work? It’s a clever concept that has prompted consumers, who generally like the ad, to question the legality of using snippets of widely recognized logos, per Creative Bloq. The ad’s core strength is how it takes a complex financial concept—fractional investing—and makes it instantly understandable through a simple visual pun. This approach is highly effective in grabbing attention, especially from younger, digitally savvy audiences, who might find traditional financial ads unappealing.
The news: Huntington Bank refreshed its brand with new logos, an ad campaign, and a suite of products to meet the evolving needs of its target customers, per a press release. The details: The brand refresh is changing not only the look and feel of marketing materials but thoughtfully addressing the needs of its target audience. Will it work?: The success of the rebranding will depend on preparation as well as buy-in from employees and customers. But what stands out as incredibly strategic are its products that thoughtfully address its target customers’ life-stage-related needs.
The news: After facing early-career challenges from the Great Recession and then the pandemic, many millennials are now wealthier than previous generations were at the same age. But a significant number remain anxious about their financial future and worry that their wealth could disappear, per The Wall Street Journal. Why this matters for banks: Just as Gen Zers feel they need to earn a whopping $587,800 per year to achieve financial success, millennials may need a reality check from their banking providers so they can productively work toward their financial goals.
The news: US-based rewards app Fetch opened the waitlist for the Fetch American Express Card. Our take: Fetch is positioned to take off for consumers who want rewards that help ease cost concerns when buying everyday essentials.
The news: Serious delinquency rates held steady YoY, while credit card volume growth continued to slow, per a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Our take: As middle-class educated professionals are slapped with resumed student loan payments, many will falter in the face of reaccelerating inflation and a weakening job market—especially if faced with possible wage garnishment.
The news: President Trump said to CNBC on Tuesday that forthcoming tariffs on pharma products imported to the US could reach 250%. It’s the highest rate on pharma tariffs that Trump has mentioned to date. Our take: 250% is an enormous number, but it’s more of a threat than an end result that will impair the sector. Such a high levy rate will likely spur further manufacturing commitments, which is something Big Pharma is prepared for—especially if they’re given 18 months to move more production to the US.
The news: A California court ruled Meta’s collection of menstrual health data violated state privacy laws, per TechCrunch. The takeaway: The Meta case puts tech companies that use health data for ad targeting and marketing on notice. Explicit consent and absolute transparency is not only legally critical around healthcare data, but also key to building trust with consumers.
Over half of Gen Z, millennial, and Gen X consumers open to pause ads say the ability to save offers/reminders would make the ads better, according to April 2025 data from MAGNA Media Trials and DIRECTV Advertising. Nearly as many (46%) baby boomers say the same.
Kroger has consolidated its retail media, consumer insights, and loyalty marketing capabilities under the Kroger Precision Marketing (KPM) brand.
The news: According to a recent survey by money management and safety app Greenlight, financial literacy is a top concern among US families. While this type of education is in high demand, 47% of financial institutions (FIs) don’t offer it at all, per the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Our take: Offering solutions that help young families can help build stronger relationships with parents and their kids (who are likely to bank where their parents do). While it’s difficult to quantify the ROI of offering these solutions, the benefits of improved customer loyalty and young customer acquisition can help set up an FI for long-term success.
Ulta Beauty is tapping into trends like Korean beauty and wellness to stay relevant with younger consumers while Pop Mart has created viral excitement around its collectibles through smart digital marketing and gamification. In addition, Urban Outfitters has launched a back-to-school dorm makeover contest and Away Luggage is enhancing the travel experience with a giveaway. Here are the eight most interesting retailers and brands from last month, as ranked on our “Behind the Numbers” podcast.
9 in 10 Americans (93%) plan to cook at home as much or more in the next 12 months compared with the previous year, according to HelloFresh’s State of Home Cooking report. That shift is as much due to financial considerations as it is to a general desire among consumers to eat healthier. The shift to eating at home creates a prime opportunity for meal kit providers like Hello Fresh, provided they can make the case to consumers that their menus offer value for money—while also satisfying their seemingly-unquenchable desire for protein.To that end, these companies could highlight their budget-friendly options, as well as put the nutritional value of their meals front-and-center, while emphasizing the convenience that such kits provide.
Starbucks will rely on kiosks to shorten wait times at high-traffic locations like airports and hospitals, per a Bloomberg report. For all Starbucks’ talk about building the community coffeehouse, it recognizes that service, speed, and reliability are integral to keeping customers engaged with the brand. While there are other pillars the company needs to execute to complete its turnaround, being able to deliver efficient service when it’s needed most will bolster its reputation for reliability and encourage more frequent visits.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss why Ms. Yaccarino left X, the expectations for its advertising business in the short and long term, and how realistic its chances are of becoming an “everything app”. Join our conversation with Senior Director of Podcasts and host, Marcus Johnson, Vice President and Principal Analyst, Jasmine Enberg, and Analyst, Marisa Jones. Listen everywhere you find podcasts and watch on YouTube and Spotify.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how YouTube is ahead in the video streaming wars, if Netflix’s next wave of content can keep audiences’ attention, and how much these new Netflix House locations might move the needle. Join our conversation with Senior Director of Podcasts and host, Marcus Johnson, Analyst, Marisa Jones, and Vice President of Content, Paul Verna. Listen everywhere you find podcasts and watch on YouTube and Spotify.
US nano-influencers, those with fewer than 10,000 followers, boast a 34.1% impression rate—more than double that of any other tier—according to a February survey from Later.