It’s a balancing act for brands that want to champion inclusivity—authentically and meaningfully, without stirring controversy. “It’s really important for advertising to reflect the world in which we live. Displaying it creates a sense of acceptance,” our analyst Paola Flores-Marquez said on the “Behind the Numbers: Reimagining Retail” podcast. But brands can hurt people by getting it wrong, she added.

While many adults are still leery about AI, for young people it’s simply part of their everyday lives. The tech is instinctive to the younger generations, but they need education and guidance. Plus, kids might be more tuned in to AI’s risks than their older counterparts, and nicer when using it. Here’s what you need to know about the generation growing up powered by AI.

Some 53% of marketers believe AI will significantly enhance the way shoppers are targeted and served relevant ads, per a survey from Cooler Screens. Both AI and retail media are still developing. As both of these areas mature, AI will make retail media data even more powerful. Here are some ways AI is improving retail media.

Feature innovation is transforming digital wallets into everyday commerce enablers.

Retailers shifted the peak shipping season earlier this year: In an uncertain macroeconomic environment, that could lead some merchants that play the percentages to still miss the mark.

At long last, Paramount merges with Skydance Media: The megadeal brings new leadership and aims to revitalize the struggling media company.

The EU asks Amazon for information on its algorithms, ads: Meanwhile, in the US, the retail giant’s investment in Saks Fifth Avenue’s parent adds fuel to the FTC’s antitrust suit.

TikTok’s top brands pulled back spending after ban signing: Ad spend growth slowed in the month after the ban was signed, and major retailers like Target reduced spend.

Social media is crucial for B2B marketing success. However, B2B marketers’ ages may be affecting their campaigns’ effectiveness. Younger B2B marketers are leading the way in leveraging social media and data-driven strategies.

Gen Alphas’ anti-aging skincare regimen causes concerns: Brands and retailers are under pressure to disclose product risks as tweens copy their favorite beauty influencers.

Amazon is retiring Astro for Business operations and focusing on home-use robots instead. The shift echoes Amazon’s past adjustments when initial tech use cases didn’t meet expectations.

On today's tiny "Shark Tank"-style podcast episode, our contestants pitch their most interesting predictions for the rest of 2024 including some new flavors of bundling we can expect to see, how Apple's AI offering will impact the app ecosystem, and more. Tune in to the discussion with vice president of content Paul Verna and analyst Yory Wurmser.

Despicable Me 4 opens strong and Inside Out 2 maintains momentum: Meanwhile, Deadpool & Wolverine is set for a record-breaking debut.

MBC's Shahid leads MENA streaming market: The service is outpacing Netflix and Starz Play Arabia with 22% share and 4.8 million subscribers.

YouTube, Sling TV, Netflix, and LinkedIn diversify into gaming, illustrating strategic moves to capture audience attention and increase platform stickiness.

Electronic Arts’ advertising plans will set an industry standard: The game publisher is hiring for several ad tech roles as it looks to create a new revenue stream.

Burberry could lay off 400 workers as turnaround falls short: The brand’s efforts to become a top-tier luxury retailer stall amid lackluster collections and price hikes.

Interest rates continue to take their toll on banks’ balance sheets: With the year running out and rate cuts prospects dwindling, more banks are reporting losses on paper of more than half of their capital equity.

It’s part of a familiar playbook aimed at avoiding becoming one of those commercial real estate-related failures Jay Powell predicted earlier this year.