In-store is retail media’s biggest missed opportunity. Ecommerce-first design, weak measurement, and internal friction keep budgets small, even as stores drive most sales. Closing the gap demands new standards, aligned incentives, and real infrastructure investment.

Amazon Prime Video hikes its ad-free price by 67%, making ads the default as streaming competition intensifies.

The news: Amazon plans to bring same- and next-day delivery to more than 4,000 smaller cities and rural communities by year’s end. Our take: Amazon’s growing focus on rural delivery is squarely aimed at deepening Prime’s value, driving higher engagement, and unlocking long-term loyalty in a market that still holds plenty of untapped potential.

Amazon Prime is deeply entrenched in the US, with 75% of households as members. Despite this saturation, Amazon sees growth opportunities in international markets and among underpenetrated US demographics: rural, younger, and lower-income consumers. These groups show untapped potential, said Jamil Ghani, Amazon Prime’s worldwide VP. Prime fuels Amazon’s ecosystem—members spend more by using benefits like streaming, pharmacy, Grubhub+, and free shipping. In contrast, nonmembers often spend less over time. By expanding perks and appealing to new segments, Amazon uses Prime to drive loyalty, customer lifetime value, and resilience against macroeconomic shifts.

Amazon shrugs off economic pressure: The retail giant says it hasn’t seen any meaningful average selling price increases, nor have shoppers pulled back spending.

Amazon sees storm clouds ahead: The retailer's weak guidance raises red flags for a broad swath of companies—suggesting that retail headwinds could be more widespread than expected.

Consumers won’t order toilet paper online unless it arrives quickly: That insight led Amazon to speed up shipments, a push that has made household essentials its fastest-growing category.

Amazon strengthened its grip on ecommerce in 2024: The retailer warded off growing competition from Temu and Walmart by improving delivery speeds, offering deals, and enhancing Prime benefits.

Record Prime Day sales, booming ad business powered Amazon to Q3 earnings beat: The retailer expects to carry that momentum into Q4.

Amazon misses sales expectations as shoppers trade down to cheaper products: The retailer is trying to win over price-conscious customers with more sales events and a soon-to-be-launched budget marketplace.

Two weeks have passed since Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, but its success is unclear. Amazon’s first-ever Big Spring Sale took place from March 20-25, offering discounts on seasonal items like spring fashion, fitness products, and cleaning and yard work essentials.

Shoppers made a record number of Amazon purchases this holiday season: Strong consumer spending coupled with momentum in its ad business helped propel Amazon’s earnings well past expectations.

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

Amazon broadens advertising appeal with latest ad updates: The retailer is adding new formats and expanding the verticals that can advertise on its platform.

Already firmly established in the US ecommerce market, Amazon is ramping up its international efforts. Prime is the primary driver behind its global growth, but the membership program looks very different from country to country.