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Commerce media networks are expanding beyond retail into new verticals like travel and financial services, creating opportunities for targeted advertising using first-party purchase data. The key to growth will be achieving a delicate balance, and engaging—rather than alienating—consumers.

US port strike could paralyze supply chains just as the holiday season gets underway: A week-long stoppage could cost the US economy up to $7.5 billion, while the effects of a two-week strike could last until 2025.

Sam’s Club is on a winning streak: The Walmart-owned wholesale club is making several notable moves with an eye toward improving the customer experience.

The vertical’s spending on digital advertising will surge 12.5% this year, driven by a 14.2% spike in pharma, per our estimates.

Today’s consumers have high expectations of brands and retailers. They want to shop seamlessly across digital and physical channels, they want to get from inspiration to purchase as quickly as possible, and they prioritize value above all else.

Meta’s ad revenue soars in Q3, yet costly data center investments and metaverse losses weigh on future profitability.

Instacart is also adding its Connected Stores solutions—which includes electronic-shelf label capabilities, an in-store app mode, and pickup fulfillment technology—to all Aldi US locations and will test Caper Carts at an Aldi store in Austria.

While the deal could bring in new revenue, integrating Expedia risks overcomplicating Uber’s app and driving users to competitors.

Walgreens expands D2C telehealth to 30 states: We examine how the move aligns with Walgreens’ strategy to rightsize its retail pharmacy business.

AI agents are here, but they’ve had little effect on the consumer journey so far. That should change by the end of 2028.

Back in expansion mode: While consumers are increasingly fixated on price, Amazon is on an unceasing drive to speed up fulfillment, which the retailer believes is key to attracting shoppers and getting them to spend more—and more often. So far this year, Amazon delivered over 5 billion items the same or next-day worldwide, a new record and up 30% YoY, the company said.

Amazon will continue to gain market share, but new competition from Temu, Walmart, and other retailers could stunt future dominance.

Walgreens to close 1,200 stores over the next 3 years: The retail pharmacy chain will be hyper-focused on its surviving stores turning a profit. Between a decline in the customer experience and more convenient options emerging, that won’t be easy.

And with top ecommerce players such as Shein planning to go public and building out a fulfillment infrastructure for third-party sellers, US brands and advertisers should prepare for intensifying competition for social users’ attention (and wallets). Facebook: Back to growth.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss what actually ends up happening to TikTok, what an X and Truth Social alliance might look like, and who TikTok Shop might enter a joint venture with. Tune in to the discussion with Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Vice President and Principal Analyst Jasmine Enberg, and Vice Presidents of Content Suzy Davidkhanian and Paul Verna.

Automated distribution and fulfillment centers will be optimized with AI and robotics over the next eight years. Walmart also plans to build four automated fulfillment centers over the next three years. These will double the capacity for daily order fulfillment and bring next-day or two-day delivery to 95% of the US population.

Pfizer raises full-year revenue guidance by $1.5B: The drugmaker’s Q3 earnings represent a near-term win, but one quarter of strong performance won’t appease its activist investor for long.

Alibaba touts early Singles Day successes: Apple, lululemon, and Nike were among the biggest beneficiaries as price-conscious shoppers took advantage of steep discounts and other promotions.

The introduction of Google’s AI Overviews has thrust generative search into the mainstream. But Google’s not the only player incorporating generative AI into search functions.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss the places throughout the purchase funnel where retailers and brands are leaving revenue on the table. Listen to the conversation with our analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts director of Briefings Jeremy Goldman and analyst Sarah Marzano.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss Meta’s AI plans, the real story behind Snapchat’s growth, and how Pinterest has evolved. Tune in to the conversation with Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Senior Editor of Briefings Daniel Konstantinovic, and Senior Analyst Minda Smiley. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.