This is the Q1 2025 installment of our quarterly “Ad Spending Benchmarks” series, which helps ad buyers and sellers calibrate their spending and revenue mix against the market.​

In-store payments provide a new growth avenue for BNPL providers facing slower industrywide volume growth

Consumer spending surged in March: But the rapid decline in consumer sentiment and likely surge in inflation is sure to slow that momentum in the coming months.

Latin America’s commerce media ecosystem is rapidly evolving. Financial, travel, and other nonretail players are now looking to monetize their own first-party data—following the path retailers have already paved.

Foot traffic to Target declined for the tenth straight week, according to Placer.ai. Visits to Target fell 7.9% the week of March 31, per the latest data. Walmart’s foot traffic has also fallen for 10 consecutive weeks, while visits to Best Buy are down from a slight rise in mid-March.

TikTok is restructuring its governance and experience team: The move affects marketplace safety within TikTok Shop and may be a response to the platform’s underperformance last year.

What do brands need to know about the next wave of digital growth?

Despite brands scaling back DEI, commitment pays off: A new study shows demographics like Gen Z are cutting ties with brands that reverse their DEI efforts.

Mother’s Day campaigns are shifting toward personal storytelling, creator partnerships, and emotionally resonant content to deepen consumer connection. For marketers, it’s a reminder that authenticity and brand values can drive both engagement and sales.

Walmart is upbeat despite tariff turmoil: The retailer expects to take share as shoppers grow more value-conscious.

Walmart plans to open or remodel 45 Fuel and Convenience stations this year, bringing its total to 450 locations.

Retailers that aimed to be media giants are hitting headwinds as ad growth slows. To stay competitive, retail media networks must rethink org structure, sharpen media skills, and plan smartly to thrive in a more challenging landscape.

Market instability as well as concerns over an economic slowdown as a result of President Trump’s tariffs are making the BNPL player pause its plans

Roblox has been popular with young game players for years. It brings in tens of millions of players every day. As more marketers explore activations on the platform, best practices are starting to take shape.

Canada’s trade war with its largest trading partner is underway. While uncertainty remains around the scope and depth of US tariffs, Canadian brands and retailers need to rebalance a heavy reliance on US-based customers and suppliers.

Walmart is all in on metaverse commerce: The retailer partnered with Minecraft on an immersive gaming experience.

Amazon outperformed rivals during February 28 economic boycott: Industry KPI data shows Walmart's and Instacart's online traffic declined.

This week, Walmart wins the hearts of US grocery shoppers, secondhand retailers could see a tariff bump, and home is where the breakfast is.

Tying up with DoorDash gives the BNPL provider a massive volume opportunity