Fast shipping, the vast selection of products, and high-quality customer service add to consumers’ growing attraction to online retail marketplaces, our analyst Sky Canaves said. “If there are any issues with the order, for example, there’s a trusted intermediary between the buyer and seller, which is why consumers may often feel that they have greater trust in marketplaces,” she said.

Disney is encouraging its viewers to play. Instacart is balancing food content and advertising. YouTube is experimenting with less-intrusive picture-in-picture placements for livestreams. Here is how advertisers can capitalize.

It’s unclear whether customers understand what’s required for that level of personalization. Banks must bring customers up to speed about how they’ll do it.

This decision will transform the digital wallet competitive landscape, giving players like Google Pay and PayPal the opportunity to catch up to Apple Pay’s in-store presence

The tie-up introduces the BNPL player to a new purchase category, helping it diversify payments volume as key partnerships face risk

The move is part of the BNPL fintech’s efforts to become a super app, and the accounts’ tie-in to Klarna’s newly launched rewards should help spur adoption

The US consumer is holding up, according to Walmart: The retailer raised its full-year outlook after solid spending from value-seeking shoppers drove it to a Q2 earnings beat—although it warned of uncertainty heading into election season.

X AI tool reignites brand safety concerns: Grok genAI was used to create violent images of brand mascots and celebrities, highlighting social media’s moderation challenge.

Alibaba and JD.com disappoint on revenues as 618 shopping festival fails to lift sales: Both retailers fell victim to the difficult consumer environment in China, as shoppers spend more cautiously.

The FTC cracks down on fake reviews: A new rule bans their sale and purchase, alongside the use of AI to generate fake testimonials, to help restore trust in online marketplaces.

It’s not easy to get shoppers to switch grocery stores: Consumers are far more loyal to their grocers than they are to specific brands.

Healthcare, pharma ramp-up partnerships with social media influencers: We explore the factors driving brands to embrace health influencers and examine how marketers can better navigate the creator economy.

Ro rolls out GLP-1 insurance coverage checker: The tool will help consumers determine if their health plan will cover weight loss drugs, while Ro could drum up enrollment in its own weight loss program.

Google’s new smartwatch will have a loss-of-pulse detector: We explore if the health-tracking capability can prove effective.

CMS unveils final prices of 10 drugs negotiated under the IRA: Here’s why drugmakers aren’t too concerned about the perceived impact on their bottom lines.

Political campaigns embrace the creator economy: It's a recognition of creators' ability to influence voters and drive engagement.

Streaming spending surges in Q2: Ad-supported streaming services are cutting into pay TV’s market.

Harris outpaces Trump in digital ad spending: $57 million investment targets young voters, though the spend hasn’t been without some controversy.

SAG-AFTRA softens on AI: Nearly a year after its historic strike began, the union will allow actors to make AI deals with advertisers.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss what's driving online store sales for Amazon, its outlook on brick-and-mortar, and how its ad business is continuing to outperform the market. Tune in to the discussion with host Marcus Johnson, director of Briefings Jeremy Goldman and analyst Rachel Wolff.