Retailers are quickly embracing autonomous AI—sometimes referred to as agentic AI—to enhance operations and customer experiences. Gen Z is leading the shift, using AI for discovery and shopping. But to grow adoption across all generations, retailers must build trust through data security and transparency of AI use.
Tariff escalation heightens recession fears: EMARKETER's forecasting team analyzes the economic disruption from Trump’s new trade policies.
Walmart plans to open or remodel 45 Fuel and Convenience stations this year, bringing its total to 450 locations.
The Ulta and Target partnership may not last: Ulta is pausing its expansion of Target shop-in-shops this year as it looks to “unlock value” from its existing locations.
“A Minecraft Movie” exceeds box office expectations: The release comes at a much-needed time for Warner Bros. Discovery.
Most CEOs expect a recession and inflation: US consumers face significant uncertainty ahead, prompting them to pull back and focus spending on essentials.
Off-site retail media ad spend will grow 42.1% in 2025, almost three times as much as on-site, according to our November 2024 forecast.
The impacts of the Trump Administration’s new tariffs are already rippling through global supply chains and consumer markets. "US retailers should be dusting off their inflation playbooks and brace for erratic shifts in spending patterns," warned our analyst Blake Droesch.
The end of de minimis is nigh: The rule that fueled the rise of Temu and Shein is set to end on May 2.
Worsening economic conditions will be felt deeply by issuers if the tariffs remain in their current form
3 in 4 shoppers switched brands in the past year: More retailers are looking to rewards programs to encourage loyalty amid macroeconomic headwinds.
Leaning on non-card revenue can help the network maintain its momentum even if shaky economic conditions lead to slower consumer spending
Market instability as well as concerns over an economic slowdown as a result of President Trump’s tariffs are making the BNPL player pause its plans
Gen Z consumers are more likely to participate in economic boycotts: Their willingness to stop spending with their favorite brands over DEI and other issues should give retailers pause.
Hershey sees LesserEvil as the greater good in healthier snacking: The consumer packaged goods giant is buying the snack brand as part of its push to diversify its offerings.
Amazon wants to be where all ecommerce journeys begin: The company is testing an agentic AI-powered feature that helps shoppers buy select products directly from other brands’ websites.
The large card program is in flux, with both its issuer and network partnerships up for grabs
The payments giant is expanding its financial media network to monetize its data and push profitability efforts forward
The tie-up can help Affirm’s strategy of building out its debit card to grow its overall payments volume