We all know that 2023 will be the year of retail media, social commerce, and lingering economic uncertainty. But here are some more targeted possibilities for the year ahead.

Economic uncertainty caused investors to grow cautious: Even so, there were several significant acquisitions in 2022.

Retailers’ return rates are rising: That’s a significant challenge to merchants’ bottom lines, but it also presents an opportunity for those that offer a straightforward process.

US retail sales grew 7.6% over the holiday season: Consumers diversified their spending due to inflation and a desire to return to pre-pandemic activities such as eating out.

On today's episode, we discuss whether streaming's golden age is suddenly waning, the race to build a do-everything app, Amazon's new TikTok-like shopping feature, how Disney+ is doing, Walmart's drone deliveries, the numbers that best sum up this year, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our director of reports editing Rahul Chadha, vice president of Briefings Stephanie Taglianetti, and analyst Paul Verna.

Which retailers and brands won (or lost) in 2022? Retailers that catered to the budget or luxury ends of the price spectrum did well, while those that dealt in discretionary categories like apparel and electronics saw the biggest drop-off in consumer spending.

Which retailers and brands will win (or lose) in 2023? Retailers that can offer value—either in terms of price or convenience—will continue to thrive, while those that cater to an increasingly squeezed middle class will struggle.

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.

What retailers need to know about the new wave of delivery apps and quick-commerce startups.

Alibaba, Amazon, and Mercado Libre dominate retail ecommerce in different parts of the world. Here’s a look at how these marketplaces stack up, in seven charts and graphics.

Shoppers hold out for Super Saturday sales: A record 158 million consumers are expected to shop that day as Amazon, Target, and Walmart ramp up promotions.

Big retail players jockey for healthcare positioning: We look back at noteworthy advancements made by retail health companies this year and how the top players stack up going into 2023.

The digital advertising landscape is shifting and it’s every person for themselves in a fight to the top. Let’s get to know the players and place our bets on who will win the battle royale for ad dollars.

Shein may soon directly compete with Alibaba and Amazon: The fast-growing fashion retailer is reportedly exploring evolving into an online marketplace that enables other merchants to sell on its platform.

The retailer’s reported plans to launch its own BNPL product through its fintech, ONE, could help boost customer spending.

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.

US consumers continue to spend: But they’re increasingly selective about their purchases, which is bad news for retailers selling pricey goods such as consumer electronics.

Walmart, TalkShopLive, Qurate expand livestream commerce options to bring in holiday shoppers: But celebrity guests may not be enough to overcome limited consumer adoption and awareness.

BJ’s Wholesale Club is the latest retailer to launch a media network: At the same time, Instacart is adding more promotional capabilities to help drive sales among cost-conscious shoppers.

The retail landscape in Europe looks bleak: Retail sales in Europe fell at the highest rate since July 2021. That’s a sharp contrast to the US, where consumers keep spending.