US travel media network (TMN) ad spend will reach $2.13 billion this year and increase to $2.96 billion in 2026, per our September 2024 forecast.

A number of retailers and brands have eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs this year. These changes may not present a PR issue for many brands, said Dr. Marcus Collins, clinical assistant professor of marketing at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.

Social commerce has a trust problem: TikTok and other platforms are trying to become shopping hubs, but consumer sentiment remains low.

Gen Z is looking for “besties,” said speakers at ZCON, a conference featuring Gen Z speakers, creators, marketers, and business leaders. Speakers and attendees emphasized connections, personal branding on social media, platforms for networking, and more. Here are four takeaways from the event.

When formulating Gen Z outreach plans, financial institutions may overlook these three tactics.

New AI-powered Apple devices hit markets, but Indonesia’s ban and the EU’s App Store demands reveal global friction in Apple’s shift toward an AI-first strategy.

Crocs tempers growth expectations: The company expects Q4 revenues to be flat to up slightly compared with last year, with its namesake brand growing just 2%.

The company is shifting its strategies to achieve greater profitability, but investors still aren’t impressed

This hurdle will make it difficult for payment players’ recent crypto launches to gain traction

Marqeta Flex helps digital wallets and card issuers embed BNPL options, eliminating the need for direct integrations with merchants

Alibaba touts early Singles Day successes: Apple, lululemon, and Nike were among the biggest beneficiaries as price-conscious shoppers took advantage of steep discounts and other promotions.

Affiliate marketing shifts to creator-driven strategies: Influencers bring engagement and trust to brand partnerships.

McDonald’s value focus paid off in Q3: But challenges remain as the company needs to dig out from the recent E. coli outbreak.

Most digital hypertension tools are not cost-effective: Healthcare orgs will be less likely to invest in health tech solutions as more evidence questions their value.

Half of insured patients can’t predict their Rx costs: It’s causing some to abandon their meds. Big Pharma must provide more resources to improve adherence rates.

Pfizer raises full-year revenue guidance by $1.5B: The drugmaker’s Q3 earnings represent a near-term win, but one quarter of strong performance won’t appease its activist investor for long.

Netflix Moments boosts social sharing: New feature allows users to save and share scenes, expanding Netflix’s organic reach.

LEGO’s website is by far the most visited toy retail website among US consumers, with 5.89 million unique visitors in August 2024, according to data from Comscore Inc.