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.
Store closures jumped in H1 2023 thanks to high-profile retail bankruptcies: But the overall brick-and-mortar landscape remains healthy as discounters seize expansion opportunities and retailers move off-mall.
Halloween sales start early for a growing number of retailers: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Bath & Body Works, and Michaels are among those releasing Halloween products in the summer to capitalize on demand from enthusiasts.
Target expands Starbucks curbside pickup partnership to boost sluggish sales: The retailer is expected to post its first quarterly sales decline in six years as discretionary spending remains under pressure.
Retailers can’t afford to ignore the post-purchase experience: If merchants don’t meet consumers’ high expectations, those shoppers may not return.
Physical retail must adapt to intensifying competition from ecommerce. Every physical retail incumbent feeling heat from Amazon recognizes the need to better compete with digital’s informational and convenience advantages. But they must do so without losing the experiential edge offered by brick-and-mortar.