A lot happens in a week, so every Friday we're going to analyze all the new data and provide you with some of the key takeaways. Welcome to the Friday 5. This week, price comparisons drive online shopping, consumers consider their grocery necessities, and retail media proves its effectiveness to consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands.
Beauty demand is falling back to earth: While beauty spending has been incredibly resilient, consumers are gradually becoming more price-conscious in their buying habits.
Retailers brace for headwinds: Companies ranging from Amazon to Whirlpool are preparing for multiple challenges that could pressure consumer spending and their bottom lines.
Parents sue Walgreens, OptumRx over son’s death: They allege that a sudden price hike of his asthma medication made it unaffordable. The lawsuit will put more pressure on regulators to lower medication costs and improve drug pricing transparency.
Oregon bill seeks to ban AI nurses: If passed, the bill could provide a framework for other states as they work to regulate the use of AI in healthcare settings.
Key stat: After being inspired by something they saw on TV, almost three-fourths of US viewers (71.5%) either searched online to consider purchasing it, purchased it, or both, according to an August 2024 survey from Shopsense AI and EMARKETER.
Amazon’s ad business expands: Ad sales were up 18% YoY to $17.28 billion, fueled by retail media and Prime Video ads.
Apple risks consumer trust—and security breaches—if it gives the UK a back door to iCloud, but noncompliance invites legal action.
OpenAI hopes the Super Bowl can boost usage: Its first-ever spot coincides with a rebrand and rollout of ChatGPT search.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how much is too much when it comes to AI-generated ads, the relationship between how much people notice ads versus how intrusive they find them, and the main reason consumers say they feel “ignored” by marketers. Tune in to the conversation with Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Director of Reports Editing Rahul Chadha, and Senior Analyst Evelyn Mitchell-Wolff. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.
The platform warns that shifting search algorithms and mixed DEI expectations could hurt user growth and brand perception.
The Blackberry-esque device offers an e-ink display and physical keyboard but faces delays and a lack of FCC approval.
Tariffs on Chinese goods could hurt Google, Meta: Chinese retailers Temu and Shein are two of the companies’ top ad spenders.
One-third of US shoppers stay updated on their favorite brands by proactively visiting their website, according to a September 2024 survey from Gale Group.
We examine how some smaller financial institutions can outperform their larger counterparts.
Department stores face an uphill battle as discounters, online retailers take share: Our Industry KPIs show foot traffic declined during the holiday season, emphasizing the sector’s challenges.
The payments provider maintained impressive POS growth given heightened competition in the space
The wallet has pushed to capture more payment volume from inbound travelers to China and Chinese travelers abroad