FedEx delivers a positive outlook: Though it highlights its ongoing transformation efforts, its slowing ecommerce growth is one potential risk.

Uber taps in to OOH and self-serve ads as its ad empire expands: Advertisers can now display car-top ads on 3,500 cars in several US cities, targeted by ZIP code.

After two years of outsized growth, ecommerce returns dipped by 2.5% year over year per our estimates, and we now expect ecommerce return rates to approach pre-pandemic levels by 2026

On today's episode, we discuss Snapchat's new AI chatbot, Meta's generative AI plans, and what's new about GPT-4. "In Other News," we talk about whether VR influencers can save the metaverse and how drone delivery company Wing is looking to make last-mile delivery more efficient. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Jacob Bourne and Jasmine Enberg.

As QR codes come to play a larger role in how consumers shop, buy, and interact with brands, marketers can use them to drive conversion across physical and digital spaces. Here are three ways marketers can use QR codes to increase consumer engagement and encourage purchase behavior.

Retail theft is on the rise: Macy’s, Ulta, TJX, and Five Below are among the retailers that have recently warned about shrink eating into their margins.

LinkedIn leans into AI: New tools generate writing suggestions to save time producing user profiles and job descriptions.

Email marketing is hot, but it’s not immune either: Shopify partner Klaviyo laid off 140 staff as even it feels the brunt of interest rates and slower spending.

Discount stores are on an expansion tear: Amid growing sales, Dollar General, Five Below, and Dollar Tree plan to open more stores this year.

Which networks should brands be paying attention to as they refine their retail media strategy? From the king of them all to the ones that are just catching up, here are five retail media networks to keep an eye on this year.

Pharma companies get some love: A recent poll shows some consumers like Big Pharma brands.

PersonalRx’s new app helps home caregivers: The home delivery pharmacy adds support features to keep patients and their medications on track.

Gamers who grew up on PC and console games are seeking sophistication in their mobile hybrid-casual games, AAA titles, and multiplayer mobile games. We dive into the future of gaming.

The fog around generative image AI legality is clearing: The US Copyright Office has said some AI-generated work can be protected but warned it hasn’t made an official call.

HBO and the Oscars fought for Sunday’s primetime viewers: The finale of blockbuster show “The Last of Us” aired during Hollywood’s biggest night.

GPT-4 lied to bypass security: The AI model’s risky pre-release testing coupled with secrecy around technical details has heightened concerns about the technology. The sector is on a breakneck trajectory.

PwC partners with Harvey for fast, high-tech lawyering: Thousands of legal professionals are getting AI chatbot assistants. It signals how automation will trigger a shift in demand for human skills.