eMarketer principal analyst Andrew Lipsman, research analyst Daniel Keyes, and senior forecasting analyst at Insider Intelligence Cindy Liu discuss what they're paying attention to in 2021 and why: same-day delivery, what's next for consumer packaged goods and grocery ecommerce, autonomous checkout, reimagining brick-and-mortar, and the convergence of media and commerce.

Both Capsule and Medly let consumers manage all their meds on their phone and track same day-deliveries, which are features consumers increasingly want: About 49% of consumers wish their healthcare experience was smoother and more intuitive, like experiences with Amazon and Uber.

But it may push consumers to shop online instead of in-store and increase use of same-day pickup services, mirroring 2020 shopping trends.

Same Day ACH speeds up the process by offering three same-day processing windows, enabling funds to be available hours after a transaction is initiated.

Adult beverages will also be available for same-day delivery in over 600 stores across the country where local laws allow. “Adult beverages are one of the fastest-growing online categories for the company,” said Cindy Liu, eMarketer director of forecasting at Insider Intelligence.

That put a greater emphasis on faster payments and real-time payment (RTP) systems, leading to innovations that improved the end-to-end transaction process: In March 2021, Automated Clearing House (ACH) expanded same-day settlement so financial institutions (FIs) could send payments later in the business day.

Two large nonprofit health systems, Swedish Health Services (based in Seattle) and Atrium Health (based in North Carolina), adopted skills to let customers find an urgent care location near them and schedule a same-day appointment.

Beyond Thanksgiving, more consumers will likely turn to online shopping throughout the entire holiday season, especially after retailers proved over the last year that they can duplicate much of the in-store experiences digitally by offering the same discounts online and in-store and through same-day pickup.

Beer, wine, and spirits are now available for curbside and in-store pickup, as well as same-day delivery via Shipt, at select Target stores throughout the US. Extending its same-day services to include alcohol may be profitable for Target by making alcohol purchases more convenient and adding more value to its same-day services.

As powerhouses like Amazon, Walmart and Target roll out same-day or one-day shipping initiatives, it can be difficult for smaller retailers to keep up. But with the holiday season around the corner, it’s important for retailers to understand that while fast shipping is a key consideration, free shipping is often a requirement.

All Deal Days purchases will be eligible for same-day delivery, as well as curbside and in-store pickup, and unlike Prime Day, Target’s event doesn’t require a membership. These tactics can attract a wider set of customers to help boost Target’s sales volume. Walmart is holding Deals for Days from June 20 to June 23.

eMarketer principal analyst Andrew Lipsman joins us to discuss the latest efforts by major retailers to bring goods to peoples’ homes as quickly as humanly—or robotically—possible. He covers same-day shipping, grocery subscriptions, drone delivery and more.

eMarketer principal analyst Mark Dolliver and senior forecasting analyst Oscar Orozco discuss how digital adoption has made it possible—or not—for people to work, study and entertain themselves from home during the COVID-19 outbreak. Who doesn't use the internet? Do people spend more time watching Netflix or YouTube? And which platforms get the most social media attention? They then talk about Spotify Kids, faster same-day delivery and Sling TV losing customers.

Consumers’ desire for affordability and convenience has bolstered demand for online grocery. And as heavy hitters continue to roll out offerings—like Walmart's buy online pick up in-store (BOPUS) and "InHome Delivery" options, as well as Amazon's "Key for Garage" and same-day shipping—their respective double-digit growth speaks for itself.

The lending application process should take only minutes, and funds will often be distributed the same day as the application. eBay’s lending product is a natural evolution, given the existing SMB financing gap and the ecommerce giant’s wealth of customer data. Despite unprecedented stimulus funds in the UK, SMBs are still struggling to access capital.

Technology has significantly changed the path to purchase. With massive improvements in mobile ordering, same-day delivery and voice technology, the traditional retail experience is viewed as inconvenient, thus no longer satisfying. Rightpoint shares four key takeaways to help companies develop a fluid commerce strategy that uses digital and physical channel interactions.

Stuart works with retailers, including luxury goods stores, to provide same-day or next-day deliveries where desired. The firm claims that 28% of its end customers want speedy delivery, with 40% prepared to pay more to receive goods the same day.

From there, Target uses technology from Grand Junction and Deliv to group packages by the most efficient delivery routes, which are then picked up by Shipt workers for same-day delivery. Walmart invested in self-driving vehicle delivery startup Cruise. The San Francisco-based startup operates a fleet of electric self-driving cars.

Disney became the latest to do so with several changes to its upcoming slate of movies, including same-day theatrical and streaming releases for “Black Widow” and “Cruella” and a streaming-only release for Pixar’s “Luca.”