On today's episode, we discuss the reasons the metaverse will get held back and why it might not end up being the next version of the internet. Then for "In Other News," we talk about the main reason shoppers abandon their carts and why people buy things on Amazon. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Andrew Lipsman.

On today's episode, we discuss which brands are emerging as key players in the metaverse race, how Apple could make its mark, why Disney's intellectual property (IP) makes it a heavyweight in this space, how Nike is positioning itself, and more. We then talk about what to expect from cashierless technology in 2022 and how a new breed of remote workers has changed shopping. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer principal analyst at Insider Intelligence Andrew Lipsman.

Single’s Day—China’s annual shopping extravaganza in November—is the world’s biggest shopping event, with an estimated RMB 965.1 billion ($139.83 billion) in sales in 2021, according to the China e-Business Research Center. It is also changing the way consumers shop by showcasing new retail concepts such as the metaverse, nonfungible tokens, sustainability, and agile commerce.

The metaverse is expected to be a major disruptor across industries, but it's still early days for the emerging realm. In this report, we look at how different markets are embarking on their own metaverse business models.

Meta is making a modest step into physical retail: Facebook’s parent company is opening a store on its Burlingame, California, campus to let consumers try its metaverse hardware products.

On today's episode, we discuss how buy now, pay later (BNPL) adoption will continue to evolve and what's next for these services. We then talk about what retailers' first step into the metaverse should look like and what retailers should be doing with their avalanche of returns. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Sky Canaves.

Retail ventures into the metaverse: Sentiment at annual industry show suggests the metaverse may already be too big to fail.

It’s already made crypto-payments-focused partnerships, and an exec said it’s looking at crypto. Or maybe it’s more about the metaverse.

In 2022, China’s tech sector will continue dealing with a new regulatory climate, resulting in some new winners and a few familiar losers. Short-form video will make gains with commerce, and the metaverse will rear its head.

Fifteen trademark applications filed last week suggest Mastercard is buying the NFT and metaverse hype.

The recent Metaverse Fashion Week (MVFW) on the browser-based virtual platform Decentraland is a case in point: It drew more than 60 brands—from household names like Estée Lauder, Forever 21, and Tommy Hilfiger to metaverse-native fashion labels DressX and Auroboros.

Pinterest has its own AR shopping tools, including ones for home decor and beauty brands. Meta and TikTok are less advanced in AR shopping, but Facebook and Instagram have some try-on experiences in their Shops and ads. Wild Cards in the Forecast. The metaverse is a glossy vision, but it will need buy-in from consumers.

How should businesses view these global trends and events? How are behaviors and spending changing? In this report, Insider Intelligence analysts weigh in on the questions they’re being asked by both clients and the media about the shifting landscape in key areas like digital advertising, retail and ecommerce, and financial services.

Meta’s Horizon Worlds features can monetize VR: Creators will be able to sell items “in-world,” with Meta taking up to 47.5%. Will creators balk at the cost of business in the metaverse?

Agencies spy an opportunity in the metaverse: WPP is partnering with Epic Games on a new initiative for that very reason.

Among executives worldwide, 72% believe the metaverse will have at least some positive impact on their organization. Some 13% expect this mixed-reality realm to redefine their industry, while 28% think it will enable new business practices and help them reach new customers. Another 28% anticipate the metaverse will have minimal or no positive effect on their company.

But the survey showed that its plans for the metaverse aren’t making inroads with teens either. Just under half (48%) of teens say they’re not interested in or are unsure about the metaverse.

3D advertising on rise as brands step toward the metaverse: Twitter and Meta are banking on new ad types to propel growth.

Instagram’s role in the metaverse will involve NFTs and the creator economy: At SXSW, Zuckerberg hinted at long-term metaverse plans and upcoming NFT features.

And many see the metaverse as an important catalyst for NFTs, where these digital assets will be created, displayed, and sold.