Discord expands ad offerings: The company is launching Video Quests for mobile in June 2025, incentivizing ad engagement with in-game rewards as it broadens its advertiser appeal beyond gaming.
Over a third (39%) of US adults currently have access and 28% would like to gain access to personal information removal tools, according to December 2024 data from Cornerstone Advisors.
Returns will pass the trillion dollar mark this year, with US ecommerce returns growth outpacing sales growth, per our forecast. “It’s important for retailers and brands to look at their returns, because those ultimately eat into their margins,” said our analyst Sky Canaves.
Secondhand apparel delivered its strongest annual growth since 2021 last year: The category is poised to continue its up-and-to-the-right trajectory as tariffs push up the price of new clothing.
Advertisers are stepping back from TikTok: CPMs fell significantly YoY, but advertisers should focus on diversification, not total abandonment, for the best results.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how the beauty industry is venturing into untapped markets, how the conversation of ageism in beauty fits or diverges with the greater trend away from diversity and inclusion, and how brands market to older people while staying relevant with younger audiences. Listen to the conversation with our Senior Analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts Principal Analyst Sky Canaves, Analyst Arielle Feger, and CEO and Founder of Ageism Is Never In Style® Jacynth-Bassett.
Economic uncertainty ate into General Mills’ quarterly results: Consumers’ sharp focus on value is causing them to consume fewer snacks.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch later this year. Though a firm release date has not been set, it's positioned to sell millions of units and put a whole generation of new Nintendo games in front of worldwide audiences.
Streaming TV keeps growing, but so does the challenge of reaching viewers. With audiences constantly switching between platforms, old TV advertising methods fall short. A more precise, audience-first approach—borrowed from search and social marketing—is helping advertisers keep up.
Forever 21’s long-shot plan to emerge from bankruptcy involves copying Shein: The fast-fashion retailer plans to adopt an ecommerce-only model if it fails to find a buyer to manage its stores.
When Southwest Airlines announced they were charging for bags, Amtrak posted on X, “Guess we’re the only ones doing free baggage now.” The post, followed by more info on Amtrak’s baggage policy, is an example of what Amtrak senior manager of social media Nicolle Lopez calls its infotainment strategy, designed to educate and entertain at the same time.
GenAI is playing a bigger role in the shopping experience: Consumers are turning to AI tools for product recommendations, research, and inspiration.
US ad spending faces a slowdown: Economic uncertainty, tariffs, and inflation are prompting advertisers to cut budgets, with 2025 ad growth forecasts declining.
50% of US adults are likely to cut back on spending at fast food restaurants if tariffs lead to higher prices, according to a February 2025 CivicScience survey.
As customers grab the same grocery staples they have for decades, Walmart is betting that gamifying the experience will challenge those habits. The retailer plans to launch Walmart Unlimited, a three-part miniseries that features the entrepreneurs behind its products. Launched last month on Spatial, the game includes full commerce integration that enables in-app purchases.
As the mall's place in consumers' lives changes, brands are left to focus on bringing people in through experiences and attractions, or on forging their identities outside of those retail spaces. "A lot of people are going to malls, but they're not necessarily going there to shop," said our analyst Rachel Wolff on a recent episode of "Behind the Numbers: Reimagining Retail." Instead, people are visiting malls for restaurants, to socialize, or for experiential attractions.
Major creators will hold event to vie for YouTube ad dollars: The Spotter Showcase will unveil crucial data and content slates to draw marketers away from traditional TV.
Pepsi buys Poppi to hone its appeal to health-conscious consumers: The acquisition comes amid a broader portfolio shift in favor of “better for you” options.