Retail & Ecommerce

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss what makes Sam’s Club stand out against Costco and BJ’s, why its retail media offering is unique, and where it might be falling short. Listen to the conversation with our Senior Analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts Principal Analyst Sarah Marzano and Senior Analyst Zak Stambor.

Egg prices are up, and so are consumers’ concerns about affording groceries amid rising cases of avian flu, inflation, and President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Here’s how grocery shopping may change in the year ahead and what retailers need to know.

Nearly every major retailer (and many smaller ones) has already launched media networks, but it’s not just for retailers anymore. While networks beyond retail have already begun to launch, 2025 will see more financial institutions, payment networks, travel companies, fitness centers, and more launch or revamp their own media networks. And as commerce media expands, so do the places ads are being served.

Through a tie-up with FIS, issuers can integrate Affirm's BNPL solution into their debit card programs

The momentum is a positive sign that would bring much needed clarity to the industry—if legislators can build a consensus

Amazon’s latest test could transform how shoppers engage with the ecommerce platform: The retailer’s mobile search results will feature links to products not available on its site.

CPG companies need a new play: Relying too heavily on price hikes isn’t sustainable—companies need to focus on innovation to keep consumers buying.

Shopify’s Q4 sales accelerate 31%: The company expects Q1 sales to grow in the mid-20% range as it ramps up efforts to attract major brands like Goop and Reebok to its ecosystem.

Super Bowl LIX sets new all-time viewership record: The game averaged 126 million viewers across TV and digital platforms, a 2% increase from last year, with streaming playing a major role in its success.

The fate of TikTok in the US: Legal, economic, and operational implications unfold as businesses and creators prepare for potential disruption.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss what Gen Alpha are up to on social media, where they are about to migrate to, and what advertisers need to know about these young people. Tune in to the conversation with Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Analyst Paola Flores-Marquez, and Vice President of Research Jennifer Pearson. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.

Key stat: 19% of US adults play team sports, up from 11% in 2020, according to CivicScience, signaling that people aren’t only watching sports, they’re participating as well.

With TikTok facing potential US ban uncertainties, the platform's successful shopping integration has created both challenges and opportunities in the social commerce landscape. "TikTok really showed how social commerce can work in a new way in the US," our analyst Sky Canaves said on a recent episode of “Behind the Numbers: Reimagining Retail.”

Non-retail commerce media channels typically mean payments, travel, and intermediaries that overlap with retail. But more nontraditional commerce media networks have been popping up from places like Mohegan’s casinos, RE/MAX’s real estate websites, and Planet Fitness’ gyms.

47% of restaurant operators plan to add discounts, deals or value promotions this year: But McDonald’s disappointing results highlight the challenges of that strategy.

Three-quarters of consumers will reduce spending if tariffs lead to higher prices: Dining out, apparel, and live entertainment are the most likely candidates for cutbacks.

Hurricane-force headwinds force Shein to slash its valuation: The retailer’s business model is under scrutiny amid mounting pressures in the US and EU.

Chinese ecommerce platforms seek new paths for growth: Temu expands into South Korea amid challenges in Western markets.

Key stat: After being inspired by something they saw on TV, almost three-fourths of US viewers (71.5%) either searched online to consider purchasing it, purchased it, or both, according to an August 2024 survey from Shopsense AI and EMARKETER.