Reddit’s protest reveals a fatal flaw: Despite the platform’s important utility, it’s failing to monetize effectively and is alienating users.
On today's special episode, we continue our monthly show where we discuss the biggest trends of the moment and the newest research, sprinkle in some analysis, and bundle it up into a quiz. Every month, three of our analysts representing their respective coverage area teams compete against each other. (We also encourage you to play along at home.) We’ll keep a running score all year and crown a winning team at the end of the year. Today, we cover Americans' sentiment toward AI, how much Netflix's password-sharing initiative will boost subscriber numbers, how retail media ad spending dollars are moving around, and more. Tune in to the discussion with this month's contestants: our analysts Sky Canaves and Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf and vice president of Briefings Stephanie Taglianetti.
Shein made an unforced error: Its attempt to improve its public image by inviting influencers to its 'innovation center' only drove more scrutiny as it pursues an IPO.
Walgreens Boots Alliance to close 450 stores as part of its latest cost-cutting measures: The pharmacy chain will shutter 300 locations in the UK and 150 in the US in a bid to shore up its expensive healthcare venture.
Ford lays off engineers: The shift to EVs is a heavy lift for traditional automakers who still need workers with the right skills. Corporate training programs might be necessary.
Some 22% of beauty retail sales worldwide will take place online this year, the most of any sales channel, per McKinsey. Physical specialty stores, such as Sephora and Ulta Beauty, will come in a close second (20%), while department stores will rank last (8%).
DoorDash adjusts its business model: The company will offer drivers the option to be paid an hourly wage at the same time that it makes several updates to its app.
General Mills posts mixed Q4 as retailers look to save on inventory: The company missed revenue expectations as sales volumes continued to fall in response to price hikes.
Roku finds a cheaper way to dabble in sports streaming: A partnership with Formula will let Roku expand into live sports without spending billions.
Can a busy summer blockbuster slate spur box office sales? Big-budget failures in June could be a sign that consumers won’t show for a film-packed July.
OpenAI’s ‘supersmart personal assistant’ bot could ruffle Microsoft’s feathers: The company’s CEO keeps divulging a half-baked strategy, which could create industry tensions. Monetization hurdles will continue.
Google launches Perspectives as Reddit blackout hits Search: Users demand discussion-based results that depend on other platforms. An innovation journey lies ahead for Google to maintain its search supremacy.
Pressure to profit margins is driving insurers toward innovation. Though there’s more competition, there’s also more opportunity.
VC investors are dishing out more funds. To win big, insurtechs must present new technologies, solutions, and formats.
The tie-up highlights the provider’s growing competitiveness in the biometric payments space, which Amazon dominates
X1 will bring its income-based credit card and associated investing platform to Robinhood’s offerings
Customers and restaurants alike may not be happy with the new fee
Leaning into festival culture helps Forever 21 connect with Gen Z consumers. Abercrombie & Fitch uses generative AI to speed up the product design process. And Solo Brands embraces the changing definition of the D2C model.
Social platforms are already great vehicles for introducing consumers to products and brands they may want to purchase. Advertisers should lean into that strength and: