Automating civil service tasks could save billions, but concerns over job losses, transparency, and AI reliability may dampen enthusiasm.
60% of US retail professionals say charging customers for returns has resulted in an increase of adoption in their free return methods, while 54% say it has cut down on return rates, according to a September 2024 survey from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Happy Returns.
On today's podcast episode, we discuss how much we will actually be using AI agents this year, what happens when they start talking to each other, and how much Apple is likely to move the smart glasses adoption needle. Tune in to the conversation with Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Technology Analyst Jacob Bourne and Senior Briefings Editor Gadjo Sevilla. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.
With the holiday season in the rearview mirror, our analysts are already looking ahead to what the rest of this year—including the 2025 holiday season—will look like. This year will be defined by unpredictability, as President Trump begins his second term during a time of mixed consumer sentiments. Here are four trends our analysts expect will continue in 2025.
Instead of casting a wide net on social platforms and pursuing the creators with the highest follower accounts, marketers are now more focused on resonating with the right audience.
In 2025, there will be a stronger focus on performance marketing as advertisers seek to prove their efforts are worth the investment.
This natural disaster could cost more than any in US history, raising profitability questions.
India’s weak consumer purchasing power: The country’s slowing economic momentum presents a challenge for retailers and brands relying on the market for growth.
Kantar Media is sold for $1 billion as measurement heats up: Private equity sees a big opportunity in the rapidly changing landscape.
Kohl’s new CEO faces a tough challenge: The department store’s sales have declined for 11 consecutive quarters as it struggled to attract new shoppers without alienating long-standing customers.
Instagram is looking more and more like TikTok: The company is launching a video editing app, Edits, which is strikingly similar to TikTok’s CapCut.
Trump’s first days in office exacerbate uncertainty over tariff plans: While Mexico and Canada are firmly in the administration’s sights, other tariffs are up in the air.
Now that Trump is in office again, crypto regulations could boost crypto ownership and payments momentum—slowly
A rewards integration coming later this year could make Synchrony a more attractive co-brand partner
The rule, which regulates payment apps like banks, is already on shaky ground given the CFPB is about to be overhauled under Trump
Some advertisers’ budgets are shifting: Paid media traffic rises for Google and Pinterest after TikTok’s brief shutdown and Meta’s moderation changes.
Lina Khan’s FTC sued Pepsi in final bid to shape antitrust enforcement: But that Hail Mary pass will likely fall short amid pushback from her successor.