The company is trying to cut costs as it focuses on profitability ahead of going public

US internet users are expected to spend an average of $1,652 this holiday season, exceeding pre-pandemic figures, according to Deloitte. This marks a 13.5% YoY growth rate from 2022, when average spending was $1,455.

On today's special podcast episode, we continue our monthly show where we discuss the biggest trends of the moment and the newest research, sprinkle in some analysis, and bundle it up into a quiz. Every month, three of our analysts representing their respective coverage area teams compete against each other. (We also encourage you to play along at home.) We keep a running score and will crown a winning team at the end of the year. Today, we cover the future of AI devices, shopping Amazon from your social feed, what happens now that the Hollywood strikes are over, and how Amazon is expanding. Tune in to the discussion with this month's contestants: our vice president of Briefings Stephanie Taglianetti and analysts Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf and Carina Perkins.

Gen Z’s attention is split across social media for shopping and search: The cohort’s use of multiple social networks spells opportunity for platforms and advertisers.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss why shopping on Amazon is changing, the proposal of ad-free TikTok and Instagram subscriptions, how much Amazon's AI chatbot shopping assistant can move the needle for customers, whether Toys-R-Us can make a successful comeback, the share of women in leadership roles and more. Tune in to the discussion with our vice president of content Suzy Davidkhanian and analysts Blake Droesch and Paul Verna.

On today's episode, in our "Retail Me This, Retail Me That" segment, we discuss what's most important this back-to-school season, how much Amazon Prime Day might have stretched out the shopping period, and where coolness comes from. Then, for "Pop-Up Rankings," we rank the things you need to do to be better than OK and in an OK market. Join our analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts vice president of content Suzy Davidkhanian and analyst Zak Stambor.

On today's episode, we discuss whether the summer travel boom will last, how the economic climate is influencing how people think about vacations, and the changes in how people choose where they go on vacation. "In Other News," we discuss whether folks want gamified shopping experiences and how brands should—and shouldn't—text you. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Zach Goldner and director of forecasting Oscar Orozco.

On today's episode, in our "Retail Me This, Retail Me That" segment, we discuss why beauty is doing so much better than the rest of retail, how we've seen the "lipstick effect" play out, and how beauty shopping habits are changing. Then, for "Pop-Up Rankings," we rank our top four beauty brand marketing strategies other retailers can learn from. Join our analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts analysts Sky Canaves and Carina Perkins.

Mobile P2P payments are reaching market maturity in the US as spending soars, but security challenges threaten to reverse gains. Providers are working to assuage consumer fears while adding a robust array of features to tighten user relationships.

Retailers can use digital wallets to speed up the checkout process both online and in-store and reward repeat customers. But creating a standalone wallet may not be the best solution for most retailers, and that’s where partnerships with existing providers can help out.

The rise of in-store retail media—through the digitization of surfaces in physical retail—will transform the store experience, the financial fortunes of retailers, and the advertising opportunities for brands.

Scroll through TikTok and you’ll see young users explaining why acting millennial online is “cringe,” or embarrassing. But millennials are still the biggest buyers on social media. As Gen Z grows up, they’re gaining on millennials a bit. But millennials will continue to outnumber Gen Z—and other generations—on social media through at least 2026.

Amazon was the most downloaded mobile shopping app in the US in 2022 as its reach continued to grow. Closing in on Amazon was Shein at No. 2, followed by Walmart, Fetch, and Shopify’s Shop app.

“We used to talk about ‘omnichannel’ and we should just be talking about ‘commerce.’” That’s according to our analyst Suzy Davidkhanian, speaking on our “Behind the Numbers: Reimagining Retail” podcast.

The leading reason consumers in the UK and US return online purchases is due to fit, size, or color, according to Coveo. Damage, defects, and poor quality are other top reasons. Some 18% of UK and US consumers make returns because they order multiple sizes with the intent of keeping only those that fit.

Invigorated travel has reestablished demand for travel credit card perks and benefits. But a recession could reverse gains—requiring premium card issuers to balance travel offerings with everyday utility. This second annual study reveals which of 10 leading premium travel credit cards are best positioned to attract and engage customers, based on their support of 49 emerging features.

Another eventful year is on tap for retailers as inflation forces consumers to prioritize basics, supply chain snarls continue, and customer loyalty wanes. Retailers that cut costs or add new revenue streams—and provide frictionless customer experiences—will prevail.

For holiday shopping, 56% of US consumers prefer online-only retailers, and 49% favor mass merchants, according to Deloitte. Off-price retailers rank No. 3 on this list, nearly tied with the remaining four retail formats.

Close to a third of US adults don’t like anything about in-store holiday shopping, according to CivicScience. Meanwhile, for more than a fifth, experiencing the products is the biggest appeal. About the same share most enjoy the holiday music, decor, and displays, while 17% are after in-store deals.

Worldwide, head-worn augmented reality (AR) revenues will hit $35.06 billion in 2026, up from $3.78 billion this year, according to ARtillery Intelligence. These revenues include spending on everything from devices to content.