Retail & Ecommerce

Shein stumbles under UK regulators’ scrutiny: The ecommerce platform failed to relieve concerns about forced labor in its supply chain as it prepares for a more challenging operating environment.

Trader Joe’s opened 34 new stores last year: The grocer is rapidly expanding to capitalize on consumers' appetite for private labels and value.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss the trend of healthcare and pharmaceutical brands selling prescription drugs, treatments, and medical services directly to consumers and how rising medical costs are changing patients’ relationship with the healthcare system. Tune in to the conversation with Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, and Senior Analysts Dane Finley and Rajiv Leventhal. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.

By now, all the largest airlines and hotels have mature credit card portfolios. Delta Air Lines, for example, had upward of 7.5 million cardholders in 2023, per View from the Wing. But even airlines with smaller US footprints have gotten in on the action. Low-cost carrier Breeze, founded in 2021, launched a co-brand in partnership with Barclays in March 2024.

China manufacturing activity contracts ahead of Lunar New Year: While the blip may stem from holiday closures, it’s a worrying sign as the threat of tariffs looms large.

59% of US shoppers are most influenced by honest creator reviews that showcase the pros and cons of a product, according to a September 2024 survey by Bazaarvoice and Savanta.

Reddit taps commerce and community: The platform aims to help advertisers engage intent-driven users at every stage of the purchase journey.

TikTok boosts awareness of apparel: Industry KPI data shows app’s dominance in reaching consumers and raising brand presence.

In-store, consumers want experiences that engage their senses, while online, they’re interested in generative AI (genAI) tools that can help them research products. Plus, young men in the South lead in fast-food consumption, retail leaders lean on loyalty to boost growth, and holiday spending remained in check (for the most part).

Google takes aim at fake reviews: The company will improve detection and impose stricter penalties on UK businesses and individuals.

Deloitte expects retail sales to grow 3.1% this year: That’s slightly ahead of our 2.9% forecast, but those projections could go askew in several ways.

Major payment players like PayPal and Visa that invested in them are likely celebrating this regulatory movement

Given the success of its long-standing Sam’s Club card, the issuer could be in the running to restart Walmart’s program

From avatars to real-life purchases: Roblox’s branded worlds deliver deeper consumer interaction and emerging 3D ad standards for marketers.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss why households with no pay-TV (traditional or digital) will be the majority and if livestream shopping in America can become habitual. Tune in to the conversation with Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Principal Forecasting Writer Ethan Cramer-Flood, and Senior Director of Forecasting Oscar Orozco. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.

Almost one-third (31%) of US consumers would prioritize spending on essential items this year if a trade war or tariffs increased the price of products they regularly purchase, according to a January survey from First Insight.

Consumers are constantly discovering new products, but actually getting them to buy is a different story. Advertisers must ensure product information is accessible everywhere, as consumers use multiple channels for discovery, research, and purchasing products. Here are five key stats to know about the shopping journey.

German ecommerce sales rose 1.1% last year: That’s the first growth in several years despite a tough economy and consumers’ overall gloominess.

Delinquencies slightly improved for both issuers, but Discover’s card volume fell behind