"Retail and growing a business today relies a lot more on developing alternative revenue streams and brand building that goes far beyond the typical selling products at a good price," said our analyst Blake Droesch during a recent “Behind the Numbers” podcast recorded live at the National Retail Federation's (NRF) 2026 Big Show.
TikTok users ages 25-44 lead all age groups in taking action after seeing ads, with 54% gathering more info about products and 47% making purchases, according to an October 2025 survey from Edison Research.
After a 20% jump in streaming subscription prices, when will consumers cut back?
Retail media is entering an execution era; advertisers are now judging networks on speed, flexibility, and clarity, not just closed-loop performance or topline growth.
The growing role of AI in shopping is forcing retailers to rethink discovery and decision-making. Walmart, for example, is embedding its ecommerce capabilities into external AI assistants like Google’s Gemini. Meanwhile, Amazon is keeping AI-led discovery and decision-making inside its own ecosystem with tools like Rufus.
Consumer credit could be radically transformed.
This FAQ addresses what marketers need to know about AI chatbots as adoption increases in 2026.
AI companions present ad potential through high trust and engagement, but safety and regulation pose real risks to advertisers.
Amazon is pushing suppliers to cut prices amid lower China duties and questions over tariffs’ legality
Messy product data and system silos are stalling its plan to monetize ChatGPT through AI-driven commerce
Retailers need to strike the right balance between speed and sustainability.
November retail sales beat expectations in the US, but consumers in the UK, EU, and China are displaying signs of caution.
Golden Globes TV audiences dipped 7% YoY while social buzz hit a record 43M reactions—requiring marketers to adapt.
With vendors wary and cash tight, Saks’ revival won’t come cheap.
On today’s podcast episode, the team reports straight from the show floor at NRF’s Big Show 2026 to break down the most compelling themes dominating the conference, noteworthy insights from off-stage and hallway conversations, and what retail leaders should prioritize next based on what mattered most at one of the retail industry’s most influential events. Listen to the discussion with Vice President of Content and host Suzy Davidkhanian, along with Senior Analyst Blake Droesch and Principal Analyst Sarah Marzano.
Retailers face an uphill battle when it comes to loyalty and enticing repeat customers in 2026. Customers challenged by high prices are searching for the best deals wherever they can find them. And compared with practical considerations like convenience and customer satisfaction, brand love isn’t as effective in influencing customers as some marketers think.
This FAQ discusses how the holiday marketing season is evolving into a longer, leaner, and more competitive period, driven by economic headwinds, earlier shopping behavior, and the growing importance of retail media. It outlines why marketers must plan earlier, prioritize measurable and omnichannel strategies, and avoid overconcentrating spend around the Cyber Five to capture demand across an extended season.
Cardholder metrics improve as the issuer takes on Apple’s outsize subprime borrowers.
New protocols aim to secure their role as default rails for bot-led shopping.
Issuers warn of legal fights, tighter credit, and shrinking perks for premium users.