Retail & Ecommerce

Grocery spending is slowly shifting online as consumers seek convenience: More shoppers are leveraging grocers’ ecommerce options as well as delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss how social networks could improve society, the NBA's plan to remake its TV deals, US consumers' feelings on shoppable ads, how many folks are "serial churners," how disruptive Sweetgreen's salad-making robot might be, a scientific breakthrough from a 14-year-old, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our forecasting writer Ethan Cramer-Flood, forecasting analyst Zach Goldner, and director of forecasting Oscar Orozco.

Retailers, advertisers, and customers are at odds when it comes to retail search experiences. Retailers are looking to expand ad revenues. Advertisers need the ability to drive product sales by expanding visibility through keyword use and placements. And consumers don’t want the hassle of sifting through sponsored items that aren’t relevant to them.

Amazon pulls the plug on its clothing store experiment: The move is the latest sign that the retail giant still has yet to find a physical store format that clicks with consumers.

Dupe culture powered e.l.f. Beauty to a 76% YoY sales increase last quarter: Gen Z’s favorite drugstore brand is reaping the rewards as consumers look for budget-friendly ways to stay on top of beauty trends.

The company’s earnings call—the first under new CEO Alex Chriss—also highlighted progress on new features

Bringing Affirm to Amazon Business can help sole proprietors access needed credit and bring in more volume for Amazon

Consumers are spending more on experiences like concerts and other live events, which may boost demand for these new benefits

Bad news for news publishers: The percentage of US adults who closely follow news developments continues to decline—pushing advertisers to platforms with healthier viewership.

Amazon is under the federal microscope: New allegations from the FTC’s complaint paint an unflattering picture that could open up opportunities for the retailer’s competitors.

Drought in the Panama Canal is creating new supply chain headaches: The number of crossings will be cut in half in February, forcing shippers to look for alternate routes or pay handsomely for access.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss the ongoing antitrust trial between Google and the Department of Justice, why Google should be looking over its shoulder at Amazon, and what to make of YouTube's most recent performance. "In Other News," we talk about why Google Maps is becoming more like Search and the most important thing going on in affiliate marketing. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Max Willens.

Google takes on Amazon’s product listing prowess: Free generative AI tools for online product listings offer improved visuals and a boost for small businesses in search visibility amid advertising slowdown.

Shopify’s sharper focus is paying off: The company is increasingly bullish about its results for the remainder of the year after beating analysts’ top- and bottom-line expectations in Q3.

Mercado Libre defies gravity: The company continues to defy Latin America's challenging macroeconomic environment.

Starbucks, DoorDash, Mondelēz beat expectations as consumers spring for affordable indulgences: Shoppers continue to spend big on food delivery, snacks, and pumpkin spice lattes.

The much-hyped “Ozempic effect” looks increasingly like a myth: Shoppers on GLP-1 drugs aren’t buying less, although what they put in their baskets is changing.

On today's podcast episode, in our "Retail Me This, Retail Me That" segment, we discuss how retailers are staying ahead of the curve on search and also search within retail media. Then for "Red-Hot Retail," our analysts give us some spicy predictions about the future of search in retail. Join our analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts analyst Sky Canaves and director of Briefings Jeremy Goldman.

Social commerce sales are continuing to rise steadily, reaching $82.82 billion in the US next year, per our forecast. But it’s getting harder to convert new buyers. Here’s how retailers can encourage more social media purchases and boost their social commerce sales.

Visa is competing for untapped market share in the country. BNPL growth has been slower in Canada than in other Western markets