Retail & Ecommerce

Amazon Prime Video ads launched today, defaulting Amazon’s 163.3 million US viewers into its ad-supported tier unless they pay a premium to opt out. This is good news for Amazon’s $44.26 billion dollar retail US media business. But who could this move hurt?

Flexport cuts 20% of staff despite cash infusion from Shopify: The logistics startup is under pressure to become profitable amid softening demand and growing competition from Amazon.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss how Walmart plans to use AI to enhance the customer shopping experience, Instacart pushing smart carts into in-store retail media, why consumers are dissatisfied with their in-store shopping experience, how best to reduce clothing returns, the rise—and potential fall—of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our vice president of content Suzy Davidkhanian and analysts Blake Droesch and Carina Perkins.

The subscription service model is growing in popularity across the payments industry as it provides payment transparency for consumers and a steady stream of revenues for providers

Usage of biometric technology in payments is growing, as Mastercard recently announced its own authentication service as well

Payments funding is off to a strong start in 2024 after a couple of rough years

Levi Strauss announces layoffs as forecast disappoints: The company is reducing its workforce amid a major D2C push.

Target opened 12 new large-format stores last year: Those locations feature large back rooms to support the retailer’s same-day fulfillment services.

Temu takes a page from Shein: It plans to open its marketplace to US and European sellers. But it may face the same challenges that have plagued Shein’s similar strategy.

Consumers took to the skies over the holidays: That helped American and Southwest Airlines soar past analysts’ expectations, but domestic demand is expected to moderate this year.

Healthy consumer spending drove better-than-expected GDP growth in 2023: That momentum looks set to continue in 2024, as the strong labor market and easing inflation boost confidence.

Amazon Fresh could get a refresh to conquer the grocery market, Finesse uses AI to reduce fashion waste, and Claire’s leans on content to engage Gen Zalphas. Meanwhile, Macy’s downsizes, e.l.f. Beauty aims to go viral, and Walmart makes strides in media. Here are six retailers that are most likely to makeover, reinvent, go viral, and more, as predicted by our analysts in a recent “Reimagining Retail” podcast episode.

On today's podcast episode, in our "Retail Awards" segment, we discuss the retailers to watch out for in 2024 (superlatives edition). Find out which retailer will win most likely to need a makeover, most likely to reinvent itself, most likely to go viral, and more. Join our analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts analysts Arielle Feger and Zak Stambor.

The firm’s total 2023 net charge-offs were in line with its 2023 outlook, and it expects improvement in the second half of the year

Criminals are taking advantage of P2P apps to steal consumers’ money, creating a need for more safety measures

This can improve conversion rates for online shopping and helps Citi compete against digital wallets like PayPal

TikTok trims workforce as growth slows: Layoffs reflect broader tech sector's pivot towards AI and efficiency.

By offering in-app purchases and bypassing Apple’s fees, the music streaming app leads the charge in dismantling the walled garden. Will other apps follow?

Third-party grocery intermediaries lost share to grocer platforms in 2023, securing 15.2% of US digital grocery sales in Q4, down from 18.3% in Q1, according to December 2023 data from Incisiv and Wynshop.

CPG brands lean into innovation to fight churn: Price hikes by companies like Unilever and Kimberly-Clark drove shoppers to private labels. Now they need to develop new products to win customers back.