Pinterest’s AI-driven ad strategy and shopping expansion drive Q4 growth: Revenue surges 18% YoY as Gen Z engagement and ad performance improve.
They’re still using the payment method, but some are wary the plans lead to overspending
The payment method may not appeal to consumer-facing businesses but will add value for its B2B customers
Waiting in line is a major turnoff for shoppers: Frustrations are rising as anti-theft measures and understaffed stores lead to ballooning wait times.
A lot happens in a week, so every Friday we're going to analyze all the new data and provide you with some of the key takeaways. Welcome to the Friday 5. This week, price comparisons drive online shopping, consumers consider their grocery necessities, and retail media proves its effectiveness to consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands.
Beauty demand is falling back to earth: While beauty spending has been incredibly resilient, consumers are gradually becoming more price-conscious in their buying habits.
Retailers brace for headwinds: Companies ranging from Amazon to Whirlpool are preparing for multiple challenges that could pressure consumer spending and their bottom lines.
Key stat: After being inspired by something they saw on TV, almost three-fourths of US viewers (71.5%) either searched online to consider purchasing it, purchased it, or both, according to an August 2024 survey from Shopsense AI and EMARKETER.
Amazon’s ad business expands: Ad sales were up 18% YoY to $17.28 billion, fueled by retail media and Prime Video ads.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how much is too much when it comes to AI-generated ads, the relationship between how much people notice ads versus how intrusive they find them, and the main reason consumers say they feel “ignored” by marketers. Tune in to the conversation with Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Director of Reports Editing Rahul Chadha, and Senior Analyst Evelyn Mitchell-Wolff. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.
One-third of US shoppers stay updated on their favorite brands by proactively visiting their website, according to a September 2024 survey from Gale Group.
Amazon sees storm clouds ahead: The retailer's weak guidance raises red flags for a broad swath of companies—suggesting that retail headwinds could be more widespread than expected.
Department stores face an uphill battle as discounters, online retailers take share: Our Industry KPIs show foot traffic declined during the holiday season, emphasizing the sector’s challenges.
Tariffs on Chinese goods could hurt Google, Meta: Chinese retailers Temu and Shein are two of the companies’ top ad spenders.
The wallet has pushed to capture more payment volume from inbound travelers to China and Chinese travelers abroad
Adding a premium card and other changes could help to improve the program’s profitability
The payments provider maintained impressive POS growth given heightened competition in the space
Chipotle and Taco Bell’s same-store sales grew around 5% in Q4: Chipotle’s smoked brisket and Taco Bell’s nostalgic menu items proved to be customer magnets.
With a nearly endless selection of books, low prices, and speedy delivery, Amazon has revolutionized bookselling, making it challenging for everyone else to keep up. But retailers like Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org haven’t given up the fight against the ecommerce giant. Here’s how they’re using their unique strengths to chip away at Amazon’s dominance.
Refined luxury thrived during the holidays: Shoppers splurged on timeless pieces from Coach and Ralph Lauren but held back on bolder, flashier styles from Versace and Michael Kors.