Retail & Ecommerce

We plot the trajectories of three US policy initiatives we tracked this year to forecast how they’ll fare in the 118th Congress.

Retailers couldn’t get enough of retail media networks in 2022: But the challenge going into 2023 is to make those networks sophisticated and effective enough to draw ad dollars away from Amazon.

There are more ways than ever for shoppers to buy secondhand: That’s one reason why 62% consumers have browsed, or bought, a secondhand item in the past year.

Walmart, Kroger, Walgreens ramped up warehouse automation in 2022 to compete with Amazon: We forecast that nearly half of retailers with major centers will use fulfillment robots by 2024 to fulfill consumers’ desire for faster delivery.

Walmart looks to bag more digital ad market share: The largest retailer’s trove of first-party data positions it for bigger and better results in advertising.

Today’s consumers expect brands to recognize them and anticipate their needs, all while respecting their privacy.

US retail sales grew 7.6% over the holiday season: Consumers diversified their spending due to inflation and a desire to return to pre-pandemic activities such as eating out.

2022 brings a dramatic change in fortunes for some social networks: Contracting ad spending growth prompts big downgrade in our forecast.

Traveling for the holidays? Here are four episodes of our “Reimagining Retail” podcast for your listening pleasure while you’re on the road.

Social commerce sales will reach $107.17 billion by 2025: While Facebook and Instagram will still attract the most buyers, it’s TikTok that’s making the most aggressive moves.

Marketing and advertising has room for improvement on diversity: A study shows progress in female and non-white worker representation, but concerns remain.

Our predictions that Block would launch a super app and that multinational firms would ramp up acquisitions in Africa in 2022 deserve a second look.

Which retailers and brands won (or lost) in 2022? Retailers that catered to the budget or luxury ends of the price spectrum did well, while those that dealt in discretionary categories like apparel and electronics saw the biggest drop-off in consumer spending.