On today’s podcast episode, we discuss what consumer confidence actually means, which specific economic indicators most significantly impact it, and what all this says about the overall health of retail right now. Listen to the conversation with our Senior Analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts Vice President of Content Suzy Davidkhanian, Senior Analyst Zak Stambor, and Research Associate Professor and Director of the Surveys of Consumers at the University of Michigan Joanne Hsu.
Disney’s ad-supported automated inventory goes global: The move unlocks new opportunities for advertisers to capitalize on Disney’s massive reach.
Marketers struggle with shrinking returns on social media ad spend: A new study found diversification without divestment is key to staying afloat.
Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs landed harder than expected. Widespread uncertainty remains, given the pause on reciprocal tariffs for countries willing to negotiate with the US—along with an escalating trade war with China. Which markets will take the greatest hits? And how might our US forecasts change?
By blending fast and accurate reasoning in open-source models, this startup is betting developers want flexibility without licensing headaches
Most professionals admit to exaggerating their AI skills as companies tie job security and promotions to tech fluency they’ve barely been trained for.
41% of US advertisers expecting budget cuts due to tariffs plan to cut from social media, while 24% plan cuts to linear TV and gaming, per February 2025 from the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB).
True Religion, the 23-year-old urban casual lifestyle apparel brand, has maintained relevance by strategically balancing heritage with innovation and leveraging cultural connections, while expanding to new audiences.
Sports discussions see growth on Threads: The shift indicates that the platform could be closer to outpacing X than initially thought.
Consumers prefer fewer personalized ads over more generic ads: An IAB Europe report found that personalization works—but transparency is key.
Sponsored AI Lenses let users drop into branded scenes via selfies, offering a fast, cost-cutting alternative to AR with higher engagement potential.
Tariff escalation reshapes Latin America trade: New duties disrupt retail margins, inventory flows, and regional growth forecasts.
Bringing manufacturing back to the US is easier said than done: Tariff uncertainty makes it hard for companies to take on large-scale projects.
With iPhone prices poised to spike, Apple’s supply chain edge offers a short reprieve, but panic buying reveals deeper economic fears taking hold
Acadia acquires Crush to expand Amazon-first capabilities: The deal reflects growing demand for full-funnel retail media solutions.
Tariffs are destabilizing Hollywood’s growth: Rising costs and shrinking ad budgets threaten content, licensing, and consumer engagement.
Over half (57.8%) of US consumers prefer to use Google search over AI platforms like ChatGPT when they need a factual answer, according to a December 2024 survey from Pearl conducted by Censuswide.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss the main reasons YouTube is the most watched platform on TVs, how “Planet YouTube’s” gravitational pull is disrupting other media types, and what the biggest threat to its dominance is. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Vice President and Principal Analyst Jasmine Enberg, and Principal Analyst Bill Fisher for the conversation. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.
E.l.f. Beauty has built its brand on democratizing access to beauty products by maintaining affordability in an increasingly expensive market, as well as creating a company culture that values diversity and disruption. This prioritization of diversity stands out as other brands like Target and Walmart roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.