On today's podcast episode, we discuss the unofficial list of the most interesting retailers for the month of September. Each month, our analysts Arielle Feger, Becky Schilling, and Sara Lebow (aka The Committee) put together a very unofficial list of the top eight retailers they're watching based on which are making the most interesting moves: Who's launching new initiatives? Which partnerships are moving the needle? Which standout marketing campaigns are being created? In this month's episode, Committee members Arielle Feger and Sara Lebow will defend their list against analysts Zak Stambor and Rachel Wolff, who will dispute the power rankings by attempting to move retailers up, down, on, or off the list.

Gen Z’s complicated path to purchase leans heavily on digital platforms and channels. But offline resources still play a key role.

US apparel ecommerce sales are set to reach $263.18 billion by 2028. To take advantage of this opportunity, brands and retailers need to understand online sales trends as well as shopper behaviors and preferences.​

Physical retail is the leading channel for product discovery, while digital channels complement it by influencing decisions after discovery. To convert shoppers, prices must be competitive, but reviews also heavily influence purchases, especially in apparel and shoes.

Amid shifting consumer priorities, competitive promotional activity, and an unusual calendar, brands and retailers must fine-tune their holiday 2024 marketing strategies to maximize sales during this critical period.

Gauging the influence of digital on the shopper's journey.

The biggest Prime Day on record gave loyal consumers even more of a reason to love Amazon. Millennials shopped more conservatively during the sale this year, yet continued spending at other retailers. Meanwhile, retail competitors rode the wave of heightened buying intent. Here are five key stats on Prime Day that you didn’t know.

Entertaining social media content isn’t just good for brand lift, it drives conversions, said Kate Kenner Archibald, CMO for social media marketing company Dash Hudson.

Gen Z spends significantly on beauty products online while favoring in-store shopping for apparel. For groceries, this tech-savvy generation relies heavily on search engines and social media to discover new products. Additionally, the trend toward low- and no-alcohol beverages is gaining momentum, as many Gen Zers embrace initiatives like Dry January.

Earlier this month, Beyond Inc. (formerly Overstock) acquired ecommerce retailer Zulily, which went out of business in late 2023. Beyond Inc. also plans to bring back the Overstock brand, which it sunset after acquiring the rights to Bed Bath & Beyond last year.

Our latest forecast and exclusive consumer surveys highlight the most compelling omnichannel opportunities for fashion brands, retailers, and marketers.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss how Walmart plans to use AI to enhance the customer shopping experience, Instacart pushing smart carts into in-store retail media, why consumers are dissatisfied with their in-store shopping experience, how best to reduce clothing returns, the rise—and potential fall—of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our vice president of content Suzy Davidkhanian and analysts Blake Droesch and Carina Perkins.

Amazon Fresh could get a refresh to conquer the grocery market, Finesse uses AI to reduce fashion waste, and Claire’s leans on content to engage Gen Zalphas. Meanwhile, Macy’s downsizes, e.l.f. Beauty aims to go viral, and Walmart makes strides in media. Here are six retailers that are most likely to makeover, reinvent, go viral, and more, as predicted by our analysts in a recent “Reimagining Retail” podcast episode.

71% of US adults prefer to take their time while shopping online for clothes and shoes, according to November 2023 Kearney data.

How does social media influence Gen Z’s customer journey?

How do consumers discover, evaluate, and purchase new brands and products?

“Barbie” is the top-searched term on Amazon. Shopify has seen a 56% increase in doll sales. And despite a fall in Q2 Barbie doll sales, Mattel believes there will be significant growth for the property in the coming months and years. All of this has Greta Gerwig’s movie to thank.

The Christmas Tree Shop is closing its doors. Overstock.com is becoming Bed Bath & Beyond. Party City went bankrupt and is closing stores. More than 50,000 stores that are open now may be closed by 2027, according to UBS. But what actually happens to retail spaces, brand identities, and competitors when a brand goes out of business?

Britain is looking forward to its first coronation celebration in 70 years—with street parties, socializing, and an extra bank holiday set to give a welcome lift to retail sales.

Data’s role in creating a seamless customer experience has never been more important. But adding in a human element can help your data analytics strategies reach their full potential. Thomas shares how Stich Fix is blending data science with client feedback to create a better experience for shoppers.