Retail & Ecommerce

This year was challenging for retailers as inflation kept prices high and consumers cut back on spending. But there were a few bright spots, as some in-store shopping rebounded and retail media boomed. Here’s some advice for retailers on how to use in-store experiences and retail media to their advantage.

Logistics companies moved fewer high-cost items this holiday season: But even as consumers buy lower-cost items, several forecasts (including ours) still expect solid results in November and December.

The retail media landscape is vast—and growing. Brands can’t work with every retail media network (RMN), but they should find the right ones for their objectives. That starts with asking the right questions.

Ninety-one percent of US advertisers plan to maintain or increase their investment in retail data in the next few years, according to data from The Trade Desk Intelligence.

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.