Brand strength bubbles up: Even as inflation squeezes budgets, many consumers are not trading down from name-brand sodas.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss the unofficial list of the most interesting retailers for the month of February. 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 Analyst Arielle Feger and Senior Analyst Sara Lebow will defend their list against Vice President Suzy Davidkhanian and Senior Analyst Blake Droesch, who will dispute the power rankings by attempting to move retailers up, down, on, or off the list.

Consumers are voting with their wallets: 1 in 4 has stopped shopping at their favorite stores because of politics.

Coca-Cola takes on Olipop, Poppi: The company is getting in on the “better for you” trend with Simply Pop, a high-fiber, low-sugar prebiotic soda.

Brands focus on AI as creative ally: The technology's role in fostering innovation and cost savings augments human touch.

AI will become deeply woven into daily life in 2025. Autonomous agents, smart devices, AR glasses, search engines, and digital twins are making AI an ambient presence in how we work, shop, browse, and interact with the world.

Coca-Cola narrows its sustainability ambitions: The change dovetails with several other companies backing away from DEI initiatives amid shifting political winds.

Coca-Cola’s full throated embrace of generative AI: The company launched a series of holiday ads made with AI that could inspire others to follow suit.

Restaurants, food brands adapt to Gen Z tastes with “swicy,” diverse product offerings: Companies ranging from PepsiCo to Starbucks are looking to capitalize on younger consumers’ desire for dining out and grocery treats.

Generative AI is revolutionizing marketing and advertising, allowing brands to create personalized and highly engaging content with unprecedented speed.

GenAI could help marketers more easily generate creative, bringing a host of benefits and cost savings. To fully take advantage of the technology, advertisers should understand the key use cases of genAI for creative—and their potential downsides.

Coca-Cola’s latest effort to win over Gen Z consumers falls flat: The company discontinued its Spiced flavor—which isn’t spicy—after just six months due to lackluster sales.

Nestlé targets GLP-1 users with line of nutritious frozen meals: The CPG company sees an opportunity to gain an early advantage as consumers shift to healthier options.

As Gen Zers enter adulthood and increase their spending power, brands new and old are fighting for a larger share of their dollars. Here are three battles being waged for Gen Z consumers and how wellness, social media, and low prices are giving newcomer brands an edge.

In 2024, a perfect storm of technology, business, and consumer behavior trends will conspire to intensify the challenges of protecting brands on digital media.

Coca-Cola is increasing its investment in digital media channels to appeal to Gen Z, while Gap is focused on creating more story-forward, culturally relevant marketing campaigns. To cut costs, Procter and Gamble is using AI to improve order fulfillment and reduce ad waste, and Starbucks eyes growth in delivery. Here are five insights into how companies are adjusting strategies this year.

Walmart makes a huge acquisition in hopes of taking on Amazon’s retail media dominance, while Amazon keeps churning out generative AI innovations. Plus, Target tries to steal share from Walmart’s prowess on attracting deal-seeking shoppers. Find out who else earned a spot in our Unofficial” Most Interesting Retailers List, a monthly ranking revealed on an episode of the “Behind the Numbers: Reimagining Retail” podcast.

Roku and The Coca-Cola Co. are using shoppable media to target consumers at home during the holidays, while Saks Fifth Avenue and Dior are celebrating 70 years of partnership with a first-of-its-kind ecommerce pop-up. Plus, Uber is leveraging the “Real Housewives” franchise to build up its ad business.

’Tis the season for a deluge of holiday ads, as everyone tries to score a piece of the $1.317 trillion holiday sales pie (per our June 2023 forecast). To break through the noise, brands need to zero in on what resonates with consumers—and maybe even have a little fun.

WPP merges Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R: New powerhouse VML will launch as of January 1.