Shein and Temu pull back US digital ad spending, shift to Europe: The change shows how geopolitical tensions trickle down to business operations.
This launch could revolutionize PayPal’s in-store ambitions—and provide real competition for Apple Pay
Food delivery platforms are in expansion mode: DoorDash, Uber, Instacart, and Wonder are turning to acquisitions and new markets to maintain their momentum.
Marketers are cutting branding spend in favor of performance media: Search and retail win as caution dominates strategy.
As tariffs put pressure on retail media budgets, advertisers are, in turn, pressuring retail media networks (RMNs) for more sophisticated measurement tools that provide them with richer data across the entire funnel.
Trump administration’s student loan crackdown couldn’t come at a worse time: Wage garnishment and loan defaults could reduce annual consumer spending by $63 billion, pressuring the strained US economy.
The growing trade war could dim America’s birthday and beyond: With flags and fireworks largely produced in China, July Fourth may be quieter—and holiday gifts scarcer.
In April, Walmart led the retail rankings thanks to its advanced grid-based delivery system and an elevated in-store beauty experience. Amazon followed closely with the testing of a new AI-powered “Buy For Me” feature designed to simplify purchases. Meanwhile, Temu and Shein adjusted their pricing strategies due to rising import costs, risking their low-price appeal. Here are the eight most interesting retailers and brands from last month, as ranked on our “Behind the Numbers” podcast.
Skechers goes private in challenging time for footwear industry: The $9.4 billion deal will give the company breathing room to navigate punishingly high tariffs.
Toys are among the first cuts when consumers feel squeezed: Coupled with shifting tariff policies, that puts Mattel in a tough spot.
71% of consumers worldwide are interested in AI agents that can answer questions for faster customer service, according to December 2024 data from Salesforce.
Payment providers are investing in AI to help streamline and personalize both the merchant and customer experiences
The personalized rewards offering will help the credit card stand out against other no-annual-fee credit cards
Macroeconomic uncertainty and an overreliance on Cash App led the company to slash its full-year guidance
The biggest ecommerce disruptors face a reckoning: The closing of the de minimis exemption is forcing Shein, Temu, and TikTok Shop to pivot, but it isn’t clear that shoppers will follow.
Amazon sees 18% YoY growth in ad services: While economic headwinds could slow growth, maintaining a presence on Amazon will help advertisers emerge stronger.
Private label sales growth outpaced national brands last year: Consumers' growing appetite for value is driving grocers to elevate their brands to compete against established names.
Consumers stick with Instacart amid uncertainty: The delivery platform’s orders jumped 14% in Q1 thanks to its Uber partnership and a lower minimum for Instacart+ members.
In retail, digital twins are virtual replicas of real-world products, stores, or processes, helping retailers model everything from supply chains to store layouts. Digital twins may play an even bigger role in retail now that retailers must navigate the uncertainty around tariffs. Here are four ways they can help retailers prepare and respond.
Microsoft moves to kill the password for good: New accounts skip passwords entirely, and users can delete old ones—part of a bigger push to make passkeys the new normal.