Prime Video thinks AI can fix UX problems: Complaints about show catalog failures may have spawned its latest AI-powered feature.

Retailers face more potential supply-chain shocks as Canadian dockworkers go on strike: That’s in addition to the still unresolved tensions between the International Longshoremen’s Association and East and Gulf Coast ports.

ByteDance’s non-China revenues grow 60%: TikTok’s ad and ecommerce prowess drive revenues despite regulatory headwinds in US and China.

Despite an unpredictable political climate, another Fed rate cut looks likely: Members are signaling gradual cuts over time, encouraging consumers to spend just enough to boost the economy—but not so much that inflation again rears its ugly head.

“Sleepmaxxing” is the newest health fad to go viral on TikTok: The social media-inspired trend entails using a range of products, services, and gadgets to optimize one’s sleep. But some ideas have gone too far and are potentially harmful.

US employees want better health benefits: But many employers are shifting healthcare costs onto their workers. This trend will remain until prescription drug spending comes down.

Hims to offer a generic GLP-1 in 2025: It’s preparing for headwinds if the FDA halts compounded versions of weight loss drugs. But we think its diverse D2C offerings and strong subscriber growth should help insulate it financially.

Meta, TikTok, Snap, and X intensify efforts to counter foreign influence and AI-driven deepfakes. Their ability to protect election integrity faces critical scrutiny.

Combined with the closure of its AAA gaming division, the move suggests the streamer is still searching for a winning plan for gaming.

Consumers steer clear of fast food despite QSR price war: Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Popeye’s all saw comparable sales fall in Q3—although Taco Bell’s value proposition kept it ahead of the pack.

Fox sells out Super Bowl ad space for $7 million each: The cost of a Super Bowl ad climbs each year, but so does ROI.

Heavy spending on AI infrastructure by Meta, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple underscores their faith in AI’s growth, but the pressure to deliver consistent ROI mounts.

The phrase “retail apocalypse” once dominated industry conversation, Ethan Chernofsky, senior vice president of marketing at Placer.ai said during the EMARKETER Summit on November 1.

Retailers turn to returnless refunds to cut costs and boost loyalty: Amazon, Walmart, and Chewy are among the companies that rely on flexible returns policies to keep shoppers in the fold.

Shein, Temu, and Alibaba expand their US warehouse presence: The push dovetails with the US crackdown on the de minimis loophole.

Retailers tour college campuses: Brands ranging from Ikea to Rent the Runway are using the events to build awareness and connect with consumers.

84% of US adults believe private label foods are more affordable, according to an August 2024 survey from Ipsos. Nearly as many say private label quality is just as good as, or better than, name brands.

The phrase “retail apocalypse” once dominated industry conversation, Ethan Chernofsky, senior vice president of marketing at Placer.ai said during the EMARKETER Summit on November 1. “We were convinced [that] the store was dying,” Chernofsky said. “It was a thing of the past, and we were going to move to this fully online environment.”

Yum China bucks difficult retail environment thanks to more promotions, rapid store expansion, and durian pizza: The KFC and Pizza Hut operator’s efforts to offer more value and reach consumers in lower-tier cities drove sales and transaction growth in Q3.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss what will happen if either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris win the US election and how that will affect inflation, high growth digital advertising channels, and regulatory priorities. Tune in to the discussion with Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Senior Director of Briefings Jeremy Goldman, and Senior Analyst Zak Stambor.