Most consumers aren’t splurging on big-ticket items: Even as economic conditions improve, retailers ranging from Best Buy to Puma to TJX expect consumers to spend cautiously this year.
TikTok’s ecommerce push could be driving down engagement: Users are steering clear of Shop posts as the platform struggles to clean up the marketplace experience.
On today's podcast episode, we discuss what comes after the end of search as we know it, what generative AI (genAI) is best at today, who the right partner for Paramount+ is, what Ikea's plans to save the mall entail, the most popular alcoholic drinks in the US, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our director of reports editing Rahul Chadha and analysts Ross Benes and Max Willens.
Knowing how price-sensitive consumers are at this moment, brands need to be extra cautious how they position themselves and their messaging. Otherwise, they could risk angering or alienating consumers, as evidenced by the reaction to recent comments from executives at the WK Kellogg Co and Wendy’s.
The RealReal expects to break even in 2024: The resale platform is prioritizing high-value merchandise like jewelry and handbags while moving away from direct sales.
More than one-third (34%) of Amazon sellers and brands worldwide use AI to write and optimize product listings, according to January 2024 data from Jungle Scout.
Best Buy expects this will be a “year of increasing industry sales stabilization”: That would be welcome news after a tough few years for consumer electronics.
Figure AI scores $675 million funding round amid surging interest in warehouse automation: Walmart, Amazon, Skechers, and others are relying on robots to speed up operations and keep pace with demand.
Price pressures on French and German consumers are easing: But steady services inflation in the EU and US could push back the timeline for interest rate cuts.
AB InBev’s US revenues fell nearly 17.3% in Q4: That’s the third straight quarter of double-digit declines as the company reels from its Dylan Mulvaney missteps.
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
Plan It will help Amex capitalize on UK consumers’ strong demand for installment payments
TJX is confident it can grow market share this year: The retailer’s offerings continue to resonate strongly with deal-seeking shoppers.
On today's podcast episode, we discuss the unofficial list of the most interesting retailers for the month of February. Each month, our analysts Arielle Feger, Becky Schilling, and Sara Lebow (aka The Committee) put together a very unofficial list of the top eight retailers they're watching based on which are making the most interesting moves: Who's launching new initiatives? Which partnerships are moving the needle? Which standout marketing campaigns are being created? In this month's episode, Committee members Arielle Feger and Sara Lebow will defend their list against analysts Sky Canaves and Blake Droesch, who will dispute the power rankings by attempting to move retailers up, down, on, or off the list.
More retailers are turning to self-checkout: While the technology reduces labor costs, it also creates a host of other problems.
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.