Inflation for pet food and services was over 10% in April, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. But the category has won a reputation of being somewhat recession-proof, thanks to its necessity for pet owners. “People will be spending more on the pets that they have already, despite the fact that it’s been a relatively inflation-wary populous,” said our analyst Jeremy Goldman on a recent episode of our “Behind the Numbers: Reimagining Retail” podcast.
Bud Light is no longer the US’ top-selling beer brand: While cost-conscious consumers turn to macro beers, AB InBev’s Dylan Mulvaney-related missteps are pushing them to other brands.
Private label products give retailers more control over sourcing, manufacturing, and pricing, which they can use to offer items for lower costs, encouraging consumers to try new products, leading to lifelong brand ambassadors who will swear by your brand. Here’s how Target, Walmart, and Costco are labeling up.
Though we’ve downgraded our retail media forecast, we anticipate the channel will experience double-digit growth through 2027. “I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that retail media is one of the most important and potentially most transformative ad spending channels in media right now,” said our analyst Max Willens.
Retail media is moving from its initial state (search and on-site display ads) up the funnel toward social, open web, and connected TV. As retail media networks move into their next era, they should leverage partnerships to explore new channels, said Evan Hovorka, vice president of product and innovation at Albertsons Media Collective.
Social media and TV are the top channels that consumer packaged goods (CPG) consumers use to find new products, but in-store still plays an important role in product discovery. Meanwhile, Amazon and Walmart are fighting to capture share of CPG product searches, though in-store consumers are more likely to turn to Google for help.
We expect US cosmetic and beauty sales to grow 7.6%: While consumers are spending more selectively, they’re still willing to splurge on their favorite items.
Amazon is the top dog of US retail, accounting for 37.6% of all US ecommerce sales this year for a total of $431.11 billion dollars, according to our forecast. While the giant has a successful stronghold in many US industries, Amazon isn’t dominant everywhere, especially as it pertains to a physical footprint and getting consumers comfortable with its elite tech. Here are a few areas Amazon hasn’t overtaken—yet.
Amazon is doing everything it can to keep growing: The retailer has a dizzying array of initiatives in the pipeline, from in-game merchandise shops to generative AI advertising tools to incentives for shoppers to retrieve orders in person.
CPG brands hike prices to pad their margins: Companies are leveraging data to minimize the share of consumers who trade down to less expensive options. (This article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT.)
Trader Joe’s small, curated stores and limited footprint sets it apart. Between its branding, product choice, and customer experience, there are a lot of lessons other retailers beyond grocery can learn from the Trader Joe’s model. Here are four takeaways from Trader Joe’s.
Economic uncertainty is making it hard for some to keep up: Prolonged inflation, financial stress, and rising debt are making for a challenging environment.
Gen Zers value authenticity; male beauty consumers ask marketers to keep it simple; and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) beauty consumers want representation. Here are tactics to reach three different beauty consumers across #beautytok.
McDonald’s had the most downloaded app of any quick-service restaurant in the US in March, with 3.5 million downloads, about 2 million more than No. 2 Starbucks, according to Apptopia. Taco Bell, Subway, and Domino’s Pizza rounded out the top five.
Inflation is starting to ease, but consumers remain cautious with their spending. This puts pressure on consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands and retailers to attract customers without affecting the bottom line.
Disney and Kroger team up to enhance targeting, measurement capabilities: The partnership gives CPG advertisers the ability to better connect ad exposures to sales or their KPI of choice. (This article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT.)
The FTC spots a trust problem in health and wellness advertising: Nearly 700 brands including Unilever and Coca-Cola are warned for misleading ads.
US retail sales will hit $7.334 trillion this year, according to our forecast, a growth of 3.3% YoY. “Where we’re headed is something of a new normal of slower growth,” said our analyst Zak Stambor.
Amazon sees growth opportunities amid economic challenges: That's CEO Andy Jassy's key message in an optimistic letter to shareholders about navigating difficult terrain. (This article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT.)
Albertsons’ earnings beat expectations as debate over its acquisition by Kroger rages on: A wave of antitrust concerns from consumers, employees, suppliers, and government officials is putting the deal in doubt.