This is the Q1 2025 installment of our quarterly “Ad Spending Benchmarks” series, which helps ad buyers and sellers calibrate their spending and revenue mix against the market.

This is the Q1 2025 installment of our quarterly “Ad Spending Benchmarks” series, which helps ad buyers and sellers calibrate their spending and revenue mix against the market.​

This is the Q1 2025 installment of our quarterly “Ad Spending Benchmarks” series, which helps ad buyers and sellers calibrate their spending and revenue mix against the market.

Consumer spending surged in March: But the rapid decline in consumer sentiment and likely surge in inflation is sure to slow that momentum in the coming months.

Apple rebrands its ad business to ‘Apple Ads’: The shift is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to bolster its ad offerings amid past struggles.

Latin America’s commerce media ecosystem is rapidly evolving. Financial, travel, and other nonretail players are now looking to monetize their own first-party data—following the path retailers have already paved.

BeReal launches its US ad business: The platform is looking to capitalize on TikTok’s uncertain future in the US.

What’s next for Capri after the Versace sale? The company is looking to offload Jimmy Choo to focus on Michael Kors, but the latter needs a wholesale reinvention to succeed.

TikTok is restructuring its governance and experience team: The move affects marketplace safety within TikTok Shop and may be a response to the platform’s underperformance last year.

Despite brands scaling back DEI, commitment pays off: A new study shows demographics like Gen Z are cutting ties with brands that reverse their DEI efforts.

Core inflation rose 0.1% MoM in March, the lowest rate in four years: But that relief is likely to be short-lived as Amazon, AutoZone, Best Buy, and others warn of price hikes ahead.

Trump quadruples de minimis duties on Chinese imports as trade war escalates rapidly: The new fees will not only erase Shein’s and Temu’s price advantage, but also hit US businesses hard.

Last week, Amazon made a last-minute offer to buy TikTok, just days before President Donald Trump postponed enforcement of the sale-or-ban law for another 75 days. Reportedly, the bid isn’t being taken seriously, so it’s unlikely the deal will go through. However, the deal is worth considering because it shows how Amazon is trying to maintain its status as the top retail media network and ecommerce retailer in the US.

Acadia acquires Crush to expand Amazon-first capabilities: The deal reflects growing demand for full-funnel retail media solutions.

If ad dollars shrink, Meta and others may need to ditch risky side projects and focus on scalable, affordable services to survive the slowdown

Digital audio consumption continues to grow in the US. Younger audiences are leading the way, adopting platforms like Spotify and audio content like podcasts.

AI agents are revolutionizing marketing with autonomous capabilities that go far beyond traditional automation. Organizations are implementing AI agents to boost workflow efficiency and prepare for a consumer marketplace increasingly mediated by AI.

China’s retaliation rattles markets, but Big Tech could offset losses by leaning into AI, services, and subscriptions—if consumers still bite.

Retailers that aimed to be media giants are hitting headwinds as ad growth slows. To stay competitive, retail media networks must rethink org structure, sharpen media skills, and plan smartly to thrive in a more challenging landscape.