Membership-based retailers might have an edge in retail media. While most retail media networks tout first-party data and closeness to purchase as benefits of this burgeoning channel, membership stores like Sam’s Club, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and more have rich troves of historical data on its members.
Key stat: About 98% of creators use Instagram feed posts, Instagram Stories, and Instagram Reels, putting the platform above TikTok, Facebook, and other popular social networks for creator use, according to Mavrck.
Brands can capitalize on social trends with real-world products and programs, but they have to be able to act at the speed of TikTok. That means giving creators autonomy, having a strong brand identity, and keeping a close eye on trends.
Rate hikes prompt consumers to shop for new auto insurance: But the increases haven’t kept pace with the rising cost of parts and labor, as insurers’ balance sheets show.
US new vehicle sales are expected to rise 15.4% in August: Despite that strong growth, there may be limits to consumer ability to maintain that pace.
What’s happening? Active user figures are falling on both X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) and Meta’s Threads, which started strong but has stumbled recently, with more than 80% of users logging off. Their loss could be LinkedIn’s gain, as both Gen Z use of the platform and B2B ad spend there increase.
Hostess Brands wants to cash in on CPG acquisition boom: The Twinkie manufacturer is reportedly seeking a buyer as snack demand stays strong.
Boots leans into beauty: The UK retailer plans to open a beauty-only store that offers free consultations and skincare advice.
Alibaba's two AI models rely on open-source technology for image understanding and complex interactions, reflecting a strategic move toward wider adoption.
Amazon and Disney could team up on ESPN: Thursday Night Football could make Amazon a desirable partner for ESPN’s uncertain streaming future.
Publishers continue pushing back against OpenAI: The list of outlets blocking the genAI giant lengthens.
On today’s podcast episode, we take a deeper dive into lesser-known areas of Amazon’s business. First, we examine the initiatives at play for the company's TV and voice businesses. Then, we discuss Amazon's ambitions around “just walk out” and smart payment technology. Tune in to the conversation with our analysts Grace Broadbent, David Morris, and Yory Wurmser.
AI gives rise to ‘digital sweatshops’: Evidence suggests that the technology’s economic value won’t be equally distributed as the companies building it get accused of worker exploitation.
QSRs see opportunity in late-night dining: Easing labor pressures and growing delivery demand are helping increase visits and sales during off-peak hours.
The service is now available on web browsers. But it will still be hard to sustain engagement after an 80% drop in users from its July peak.
Amazon to weave AI into sports broadcasting: It’ll power Thursday Night Football on-screen features with its neural network. We expect other digital entertainment platforms will follow suit.
Google, Meta, and Amazon gear up for AI announcements: Tech’s busy fall event calendar will be packed with AI announcements. We could see new models and new tools.
Getting a bank charter is a marathon, not a sprint: Fintechs are increasingly dropping out of the race, trying to buy a bank instead or settling for partnerships.
Neobank Guava plugs in the power of networking: A community hub designed to help Black creators and entrepreneurs grow their businesses will also promote Guava’s brand to its target audience.
Strong volume growth and 100 million users prove the BNPL provider’s successful expansion