Paying for return shipping is the hardest part of returning an online order for 25% of US digital shoppers, nearly double the share who cite waiting for a refund (18%), according to a November 2025 survey from Locus and Dynata.
As early movers launch ads within OpenAI's ChatGPT, they're closely watching how consumers interact with their campaigns and where this emerging channel fits within broader strategies. “Investment in technology and AI…goes hand-in-hand with great experience,” said Target CEO Michael Fiddelke, at the retailer’s 2026 Financial Community Meeting. “We know those tech investments pay off with stronger experience, whether that's digital or whether that's in-store.”
Betting on a cash-back strategy, Robinhood takes a shot at premium card spend.
The company is shifting tactics as users prefer to purchase on retail sites rather than in chatbots.
Beating profit and sales forecasts, it trims distractions to cement sustainable growth.
The POS provider credited AI and its tech stack as growth drivers.
Tepid stimulus and fragile consumer confidence signal another tough year for retailers.
Costco widens its lead as 6.7% comps and rising memberships show value still wins in a K-shaped market.
EMARKETER Principal Analyst Max Willens unveils new forecasts that reveal where creator spending is accelerating, including new category breakouts for 2026. He’ll dig into what’s powering the surge, from shoppable content to CTV’s growing pull, and how brands are moving toward fuller-funnel partnerships that deliver real lift. Listen everywhere you find podcasts and watch on YouTube and Spotify.
Price investments and ecommerce growth aim to defend share in a tight market.
Commerce powers Netflix ads with an Amazon DSP integration that gives Netflix retail-grade targeting as CTV budgets focus on outcomes.
Lower commissions and alt billing weaken Google’s grip through 2032, widening brands’ paths to users.
New credit scoring models, which lenders are not accustomed to using, may make their credit scoring costs higher in the near term.
Buying moments are surfacing everywhere; in search results, social media, streaming platforms, and the AI tools guiding consumer choices. For retailers, that means rethinking how conversion happens and reshaping commerce operations for a world where any touchpoint can become a point of sale.
A Santander-Mastercard pilot shows AI can transact—forcing brands to rethink the funnel.
High-margin ads, more third-party sellers, and investments in fulfillment and loyalty are set to drive growth in 2026.
Walmart and others offer cautious outlooks amid rising tariffs and fuel costs.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss why Gap is introducing a Chief Entertainment Officer, whether this is a bold, transformational move or a distraction from retail fundamentals, and how success should be measured 12 months from now. Listen to the discussion with Vice President of Content and host Suzy Davidkhanian, Principal Analyst Sky Canaves, and Senior Analyst Blake Droesch.
68% of US adults consider returns policies when choosing where to shop, according to a December survey from FedEx and Morning Consult.