On today's podcast episode, we discuss the unofficial list of the most interesting retailers for the month of February. Each month, our analysts Arielle Feger, Becky Schilling, and Sara Lebow (aka The Committee) put together a very unofficial list of the top eight retailers they're watching based on which are making the most interesting moves: Who's launching new initiatives? Which partnerships are moving the needle? Which standout marketing campaigns are being created? In this month's episode, Committee members Arielle Feger and Sara Lebow will defend their list against analysts Sky Canaves and Blake Droesch, who will dispute the power rankings by attempting to move retailers up, down, on, or off the list.
More retailers are turning to self-checkout: While the technology reduces labor costs, it also creates a host of other problems.
It will bundle the app’s most popular features into Google Wallet but cut less-used functions like its P2P payments
Klarna is leaning on AI across more of its business to slash costs and keep up profitability
Plan It will help Amex capitalize on UK consumers’ strong demand for installment payments
TJX is confident it can grow market share this year: The retailer’s offerings continue to resonate strongly with deal-seeking shoppers.
2024 is shaping up to be the year of the AI-powered shopping assistant. Just two months in, retailers from Walmart and Amazon to Ikea and Chevron have released a flurry of AI-based updates, hoping to make the shopping experience easier and more relevant.
Lowe’s expects comparable sales to fall 2% to 3% this year: The high interest rate environment is tough for the retailer as fewer people are moving or embarking on home projects.
Macy’s unveils new turnaround plan as sales continue to slide: The company will close 150 stores while expanding its luxury and beauty presence.
Ikea operator Ingka Group bets big on malls: The company is scooping up properties around the world and adding on experiential elements (and an Ikea store) to drive traffic.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss the potential audiences for some of the world’s biggest sporting events; how brands and marketers can better monetize these audiences; and how TV and streaming rights might shake out in the near future. Join host Bill Fisher, our analyst Paul Briggs, forecasting writer Ethan Cramer-Flood, and vice president of content Paul Verna for the discussion.
Retail media works. For 77% of US organizations, retail media has either met or exceeded KPI expectations, according to a December 2023 survey from Skai and the Path to Purchase Institute. Only 3% say it had little or no impact on desired objectives.
Apple, Samsung, and Motorola push the needle on wearables: Unusual prototypes point to tech’s hunger for device revenue. But is it worth the cost?
"Delulu"—slang for delusional—is a popular Gen Z refrain used to describe achieving outcomes through the power of positive thinking. But Gen Zers’ delulu approach isn’t working for their financial lives.
Gen Z consumers are tech-savvy digital natives that feel more comfortable searching for products on social platforms like TikTok over traditional search engines like Google. Even when they’re shopping in-store, they employ technology to help them, browsing mobile phones and using self-checkout to make the shopping experience more seamless.
We look at Block's plans to dive deeper into retail banking.
Worldwide retail media spend will hit $140 billion this year, according to our December 2023 forecast.
Amazon aggregators show signs of life: Acquisitions from unybrands and Forum Brands indicate a thawing in the landscape.