Klarna launched its premium membership model in the US, per press release. Klarna has been trying to compete with premium credit card rewards as a buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider, but the cash-back rates for both tiers are paltry compared with credit cards, which often offer 2% cash back for all purchases with no annual fee. BNPL rivals should make using installment loans for big-ticket items—a key growth area for providers—as easy as possible, like by offering 0% interest holidays, instead of promoting toothless rewards structures.

Klarna debuted a two-tiered membership program, per a press release. larna’s second stab at a rewards membership program may prove more fruitful. This places the onus on competitors like Affirm, Sezzle, Cash App Afterpay, and PayPal to respond in kind. Offering better rewards is one way to stand out: PayPal’s Pay Later offered an untouchable 5% back during a holiday promotional period. While platforms could mimic Klarna’s membership program, BNPL providers could also expand promotional 0% interest windows, like Affirm’s latest offer, to sway young consumers who view installment loans as safer than revolving credit.

Marketplaces have been driving US ecommerce growth. But established players face a shake-up from new entrants and advances in AI and agentic commerce.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans recently converted its credit union to a digital-only bank after over a decade, aiming for greater growth and strategic flexibility beyond the limitations of its nonprofit credit union structure, as reported by American Banker. The rationale is to offer a wider range of products and reach younger consumers more effectively. This move addresses an existential threat to credit unions, whose customer base is aging. To succeed, Thrivent must implement a targeted marketing strategy to reach digital-first consumers on social media and ensure its new products meet the specific needs of younger demographics, focusing on relevant credit offerings.

Warehouse club membership has its privileges: Strong sales show that consumers see these stores as a smart way to save as costs rise.

Loyalty membership is up in the US as consumers seek personalized deals and discounts.

Retail sales via online marketplaces are growing faster than overall ecommerce. As competition in the sector rises, brands and retailers must navigate the challenges of an increasingly complex landscape.

Loyalty programs are back in the spotlight in Western Europe as consumers seek savings and brands look to boost revenues and gather first-party data.

Marketplaces will continue to expand their share of US retail ecommerce as new players with roots in China vie for prominence.

As the share of US ecommerce sales on marketplaces continues to expand, our latest survey examines consumer buying habits and expectations across leading platforms.

Consumers spend cautiously as inflation perceptions, higher debt payments hurt confidence: But we expect retail sales growth to be healthy as buying power recovers.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss why the Atlantic thinks "Google is playing a dangerous game with AI search", the best new membership perk that retailers should introduce, TV networks strategy to deemphasize age, whether every brand needs a personality, why the Taj Mahal was built, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Blake Droesch, Bill Fisher, and Carina Perkins.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss what finding products online will look like in 2025, if Target's new membership program can stack up against Amazon Prime and Walmart+, how ads on chatbots will change advertising, how to make stores more fun places to shop, what the world's first "ketchup insurance" offers, how Americans use dating apps, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our vice president of content Suzy Davidkhanian and analysts Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf and Carina Perkins.

As the top two retailers in the US, Walmart and Amazon are battling for holiday success by rolling out the best deals, the fastest delivery, and the best in-store experience. Here’s who we expect will come out on top in each of those areas, plus a post-holiday outlook.

Walmart is reaping the benefits of Walmart+: And it has clear opportunities to unlock even greater growth.

The pandemic ecommerce boom that drove online sales is over. But marketplaces will continue to expand their share of US retail ecommerce, contributing almost 40% of the $588 billion in US online sales growth that we forecast over the next five years.

Walmart is undergoing a “much broader shift,” said our analyst Sky Canaves on our “Behind the Numbers: Reimagining Retail” podcast. Where Walmart was once seen as primarily a retailer, it’s pivoting into tech and services. Walmart’s business remains rooted in grocery, but through its retail as a service and Walmart+ offerings, it’s expanding that flywheel.

Starbucks and Delta team up on loyalty: Starbucks customers can now earn Delta miles as both companies look to broaden the reach and stickiness of their rewards programs.

As customer loyalty grows more elusive, retailers beef up member rewards: Walmart, Starbucks, and Sweetgreen are just some of the companies looking to sweeten the deal to keep customers coming back.

In our 2022 US Apparel Retail Features Benchmark report, we break down the online and in-store features apparel shoppers value the most.