Retail & Ecommerce

The tools will help developers more easily launch embedded finance solutions, a key benefit of modern card issuing

Mastercard sees growth in Africa’s mobile money business: The card network purchased a minority stake in the fintech division of MTN Group as electronic payments take off in Africa

Uber gets its fintech license in Mexico: Now the ride-hailing platform can compete with its rival DiDi in offering virtual wallets and debit and credit cards, as another nonbank holding consumers’ money.

On today's episode, in our "Retail Me This, Retail Me That" segment, we discuss the changes in how US consumers buy groceries, strategies for building future growth in grocery, and who has the best shot at winning. Then in a newish segment, "Loyalty Point, Counter Point," we present arguments both in favor of and against Uber and DoorDash being able to push even further into grocery. Join our analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts analyst Blake Droesch and director of content Becky Shilling.

Target’s struggles continued in Q2 as discretionary spending stays under pressure: The retailer suffered its first revenue drop in six years as shoppers shifted more spending to essentials.

JD.com and Alibaba’s strong Q2s offer some relief from China’s economic malaise: But the environment is looking increasingly difficult for the majority of retailers, as China’s rebound stalls and shoppers grow more price-conscious.

TJX is thriving as more consumers turn to off-price retail: The company’s “treasure hunt” experience is resonating with Gen Zs and millennials, as well as driving repeat visits from bargain seekers.

DoorDash’s grocery business is booming, and Instacart is leaning on advertising to tide it over as its delivery volumes are down. Perhaps taking a cue from both, Uber Eats continues to add non-restaurant delivery partners while also building out its advertising platform.

Instead of trying to compete with Amazon, Barnes & Noble is changing to appeal to consumers looking for the experience of an independent bookstore with the resources of a large chain. Leaning on local inspiration and a store layout that optimizes discovery, Barnes & Noble is revamping its 596 locations, as well as its membership program.

Amazon Ads remains the torchbearer for the fast-growing retail media industry. Despite nearly every major retailer launching their own retail media network (RMN) in recent years—with several beginning to scale—Amazon’s No. 1 position will be secure well into the future.

The tough housing market weighed on Home Depot’s Q2: The company’s sales fell as consumers displayed limited appetite for big-ticket purchases and falling home sales dampened renovation demand.

On Running is firing on all cylinders: The performance footwear company grew D2C and wholesale revenues—as well as market share—in Q2.

Walmart, Target poised to be big winners this back-to-school season: Four in five shoppers plan to shop at a mass retailer as price considerations and convenience take precedence.

Packaged craft beer sales are down 3% YoY: The industry is struggling to deal with a host of challenges, including consumers’ shifting preferences and inflation.

eBay recently posted ad revenues of $367 million in Q2 2023—a growth of 35% YoY—in its latest earnings. But much of that can be tied to innovation in its ad types, improved measurement capabilities, and expanded third-party ads. eBay’s market also gives it a retail media opportunity outside of consumer packaged goods (CPG). Let’s break down what eBay is doing right.

A lack of standardization across platforms was cited as US marketers’ No. 1 challenge with retail media networks (RMNs) as of last summer, according to the Association of National Advertisers.

Apple uses safety and security to win over consumers. Birkenstock focuses on education, showcased through a three-part docuseries. And Taco Bell, with the help of Pete Davidson, apologized for “over-innovating” its breakfast menu.

Ant Group’s cross-border payments arm will help wallets from across Asia-Pacific operate in mainland China during the 2022 Asian Games.