Ad execs say AI campaigns increase revenues: While executives are jazzed about AI’s potential, anxiety swims in the workforce and public.
Scarlett Johansson says OpenAI used a voice similar to hers after she rejected an offer to be its AI voice—it’s the latest conflict between Big Tech and creators protecting their copyright and likeness
Amazon eyes a new opportunity to boost margins: The retailer is looking for ways to reduce its reliance on UPS, including having Amazon drivers pick up returns from customers’ houses.
Temu parent PDD posts triple-digit growth in Q1 as value proposition resonates with consumers worldwide: But regulatory challenges in several important markets could slow momentum.
Pride Month debacles have brands anxious: Bud Light and Target’s high-profile controversies are causing some brands to stay quiet during Pride Month.
The number of drugstores is falling: CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid have all closed hundreds of stores over the past five years amid growing competition from discount retailers and online sellers.
Anthropic makes a breakthrough in AI safety research: It comes on the heels of OpenAI losing key safety researchers and bodes well for Anthropic’s marketplace reputation.
What Pixar’s steep layoffs say about Disney’s strategy: The animation studio has had major flops in recent years, and significantly outspends competitors for smaller profits.
Consumers’ pullback on discretionary spend hits Target hard: The retailer’s sales continue to fall, while shoppers boost spending at Walmart and Amazon.
Petco is bullish despite short-term sales hit: The retailer expects the pet humanization trend to drive long-term success as Walmart, Tripadvisor, and Van Leeuwen also look to get a piece of the pie.
Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs promise AI advancements and improved performance aimed at competing with Apple’s MacBooks and iPads. AI is tech’s latest proving ground.
The average tenure for CMOs at top US advertisers was around three years (37 months) in 2023, according to an April 2024 report by Spencer Stuart.
Over a quarter (26.6%) of US internet users will use generative AI at work next year, according to our June 2023 forecast. Many applications will come from tech companies embedding AI into existing workflows, like using Microsoft Copilot for productivity or Google Gemini to create images. To stay ahead of the AI innovation curve, marketers should seek out and experiment with new applications, according to experts at the BrXnd NYC AI in marketing conference earlier this month. Here are four key takeaways from the event.
Regulators are considering halving the proposed new requirements after reviewing public comments.
The old Google-Meta duopoly will claim less than 47% of digital ad spending this year. Adding Amazon brings the share above 60%. Every other digital ad publisher pales in comparison, including seemingly major players like Microsoft and TikTok.
Google rolls out genAI tools to help retailers market their wares: The features aim to make it easier for brands to create compelling content that grabs shoppers’ attention.
Amazon’s 2023 Prime Day events brought in a combined $13.88 billion in US ecommerce sales last year, according to our forecast. But as consumers remain cautious with their spending, Amazon is looking to boost sales outside of the July and October tentpole events.