With third-party cookies on the way out, access to customer data is more valuable to brands than ever. By leveraging loyalty programs, brands can collect first-party data, including customer demographics and shopping habits, in exchange for targeted offers or deals. But in order for brands to get access to customer data, they need to be sure their loyalty program resonates with their audience.

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

Retailers need to take note—not having a customer’s preferred payment method can increase cart abandonment

Consumers care about sustainability, but often aren’t willing to buy environmentally friendly products if they’re deemed lower quality, especially if it costs more. One solution for retailers and consumers is resale, an industry worth $108.64 billion in 2024, per our December 2023 forecast. Not all environmental initiatives have to be at the consumer level, though.

Social media is an integral part of the digital lives of US consumers under age 18. What they see and how they behave on social also has real-world impact, which has resulted in increasing scrutiny from consumers and lawmakers.

As third-party cookies become obsolete, email stands out as a reliable channel for advertisers to reach and engage customers. This preference, combined with email’s role in data-driven marketing and audience building, highlights its importance in the evolving advertising ecosystem.

Some of Gen Z’s favorite social media platforms claim a similar share of young users; but how they spend their time on the platforms vary, prompting marketers to align their strategies and investments accordingly. Instagram dominates direct messaging, while YouTube takes the lead on livestreaming and TikTok maintains its stronghold on short-form video. We delve into the three insights, with an actionable takeaway for marketers.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss in what instances Gen Zers prefer TikTok over Instagram, Snapchat's relevance for young folks, and how much we anticipate young people will soon pull back from social media. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Minda Smiley.

"Delulu"—slang for delusional—is a popular Gen Z refrain used to describe achieving outcomes through the power of positive thinking. But Gen Zers’ delulu approach isn’t working for their financial lives.

Gen Z consumers are tech-savvy digital natives that feel more comfortable searching for products on social platforms like TikTok over traditional search engines like Google. Even when they’re shopping in-store, they employ technology to help them, browsing mobile phones and using self-checkout to make the shopping experience more seamless.

If you’re trying to appeal to Gen Z, “hire Gen Zers,” said Jennifer Quigley-Jones, CEO and founder of influencer marketing agency Digital Voices. Whether making social media content for brand-owned accounts or working with influencers, marketers that want to sell to Gen Z need to work with Gen Zers.

Apple’s VR headset, the Apple Vision Pro, became available in the US on February 2. Almost immediately after, brands began announcing immersive experiences that would be available for download on the headset.

Cross-border sales are booming in Western Europe despite a slowdown in adoption. As China’s ecommerce giants eye European expansion, local retailers face a competitive threat—and a substantial opportunity.

Brands and retailers are responding to shifts in alcohol consumption, particularly those of the growing Gen Z demographic as they establish habits and steer the industry’s future. With younger people drinking less and mid-level beverages waning in popularity, product diversification is becoming an even bigger business imperative.

They’re trying to woo women and Gen Z consumers away from competitors.

Gen Zers’ financial aspirations and spending habits aren’t in line with their economic reality. Banks can help them manage their expectations and plan for the future with engaging financial education—boosting Gen Zers’ customer lifetime value in the process.