Retail & Ecommerce

It will bundle the app’s most popular features into Google Wallet but cut less-used functions like its P2P payments

Klarna is leaning on AI across more of its business to slash costs and keep up profitability

More retailers are turning to self-checkout: While the technology reduces labor costs, it also creates a host of other problems.

TJX is confident it can grow market share this year: The retailer’s offerings continue to resonate strongly with deal-seeking shoppers.

2024 is shaping up to be the year of the AI-powered shopping assistant. Just two months in, retailers from Walmart and Amazon to Ikea and Chevron have released a flurry of AI-based updates, hoping to make the shopping experience easier and more relevant.

Lowe’s expects comparable sales to fall 2% to 3% this year: The high interest rate environment is tough for the retailer as fewer people are moving or embarking on home projects.

Macy’s unveils new turnaround plan as sales continue to slide: The company will close 150 stores while expanding its luxury and beauty presence.

Ikea operator Ingka Group bets big on malls: The company is scooping up properties around the world and adding on experiential elements (and an Ikea store) to drive traffic.

Worldwide retail media spend will hit $140 billion this year, according to our December 2023 forecast.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss the potential audiences for some of the world’s biggest sporting events; how brands and marketers can better monetize these audiences; and how TV and streaming rights might shake out in the near future. Join host Bill Fisher, our analyst Paul Briggs, forecasting writer Ethan Cramer-Flood, and vice president of content Paul Verna for the discussion.

"Delulu"—slang for delusional—is a popular Gen Z refrain used to describe achieving outcomes through the power of positive thinking. But Gen Zers’ delulu approach isn’t working for their financial lives.

Gen Z consumers are tech-savvy digital natives that feel more comfortable searching for products on social platforms like TikTok over traditional search engines like Google. Even when they’re shopping in-store, they employ technology to help them, browsing mobile phones and using self-checkout to make the shopping experience more seamless.

Retail media works. For 77% of US organizations, retail media has either met or exceeded KPI expectations, according to a December 2023 survey from Skai and the Path to Purchase Institute. Only 3% say it had little or no impact on desired objectives.

Amazon aggregators show signs of life: Acquisitions from unybrands and Forum Brands indicate a thawing in the landscape.

Apple, Samsung, and Motorola push the needle on wearables: Unusual prototypes point to tech’s hunger for device revenue. But is it worth the cost?

Concerns over forced labor could tank Temu’s US ambitions: Lawmakers are pushing for an import ban, which could end the company’s rise as abruptly as it began.