Retail & Ecommerce

On today's episode, we discuss whether TikTok is actually a top choice for social advertisers, how it compares with other ad channels, and what to make of the companies current shopping efforts. We then talk about Facebook's "meaningful pivot" around its ad business, the latest Federal Trade Commission suit against the social giant, and whether Reels on the blue app has potential. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer principal analyst at Insider Intelligence Debra Aho Williamson.

Both companies introduced customer-facing solutions and merchant tools and expanded partnerships to make their products more attractive as economic tailwinds die down and competition heats up.

Improved foot traffic shows that good malls still draw a crowd: While they may not have the trajectory of ecommerce, traditional retail is recovering, even amid ongoing delta variant concerns.

Apple is slashing its fee for Apple News publishers to 15%: The company's 30% fee on the App Store has gotten it into legal trouble recently, and it's looking for ways to stay in control while giving just enough back.

Instagram prioritizes its search capabilities: The announcement seems to address the social platform’s biggest relative weakness against TikTok—discoverability.

Revised rule guidelines mean online merchants and payment gateways won’t be allowed to save card details, limiting the ability to market products to consumers and potentially adding friction for customers—but it could benefit UPI and mobile wallets.

Ulta announces strong Q2 results: The beauty retailer surges on account of its omnichannel investments.

Urban Outfitters launches resale marketplace: Nuuly Thrift will allow users to sell secondhand apparel and is yet another sign of the growing interest in resale.

On today's episode, we discuss how the pandemic changed the car buying customer journey and what BMW's digital experience is trying to achieve. We then talk about why online-only brands might need to do more to earn customers' trust, whether people want more—or less—human interaction when shopping, and what eBay's latest move says about the future of the retailer. Tune in to the discussion with general manager at Autogermana Andrés Fuse, eMarketer senior analyst Matteo Ceurvels, and analyst at Insider Intelligence Blake Droesch.

Walmart unveils details of its new DSP: The demand-side platform, built in partnership with The Trade Desk, is set to debut in October.

Warby Parker’s IPO filing suggests hurdles to profitability: The eyewear brand outlined its rising sales and deepening losses in the new disclosure.

Till introduced four new features that help tenants pay their rent with more ease and rewards them for on-time payments so landlords can get paid faster with fewer missed payments—making Till’s platform more useful.