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Amazon to shutter Amazon Ad Server by 2024, focusing on growing other ad services: Reflects a strategic shift towards more promising advertising technologies.

It wants to lean on AI to attract users, while new environmental-focused features should strengthen its brand with younger shoppers.

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.

US retail ecommerce sales will reach $1.720 trillion by 2027, hitting a milestone of more than 20% of overall retail sales, according to our forecast.

Nearly half of US adults said last month that they’re buying more brands on sale due to inflation, while 43% reported buying fewer products overall, according to Ipsos.

Earlier this month, Beyond Inc. (formerly Overstock) acquired ecommerce retailer Zulily, which went out of business in late 2023. Beyond Inc. also plans to bring back the Overstock brand, which it sunset after acquiring the rights to Bed Bath & Beyond last year.

Google continues to lose ground to Amazon: Amazon is holding steady as shoppers’ search engine of choice for products, even as TikTok and other social platforms attract Gen Z consumers.

Free returns are becoming more elusive: Retailers are turning to final sales more often to get rid of unwanted inventory and eliminate the possibility of returns.

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.

Amazon turns to Meta, Snap partnerships to keep TikTok at bay: As the retailer moves in on social commerce, TikTok is beefing up its supply chain.

As consumer expectations evolve at breakneck speed, staying ahead means investing wisely in technology. Learn why 42% of online retailers plan to boost their digital investments this year, according to a recent CommerceNext survey.

The annual charges increased across all six cards, but Amex is hoping the enhanced rewards will offset the added consumer costs

Key stat: 43% of US adults say discounts are the main reason they sign up for subscription services, per May data from SurveyMonkey.

Albertsons hit its marks in Q1: The company is leaning into private labels, growing its loyalty program, and boosting its digital sales.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss the reasons that retailers are launching new store formats, what those layouts look like in the US vs. the UK, which ones are working, and which ones are not. Join our analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts analysts Carina Perkins and Zak Stambor.

Nearly half of US adults who have made a purchase via shoppable commerce have done so on social media, according to our February 2024 survey conducted by Bizrate Insights. But budding partnerships between brands and streamers may shift more commerce toward connected TV (CTV) platforms, especially around live events. For example, Paramount piloted a shoppable experience during the CMT Music Awards, NBCUniversal launched a new shoppable ad format ahead of this Summer’s Olympics, and Amazon added shoppable ads to its Amazon Prime platform.

Nano-influencers reign on Instagram with a 6.23% engagement rate: TikTok's top influencers, meanwhile, maintain a 4.95% rate.

Shoppers hold out for Super Saturday sales: A record 158 million consumers are expected to shop that day as Amazon, Target, and Walmart ramp up promotions.

Inflation is inevitable and its impact is extensive, affecting everything from the cost of goods to consumer behavior and business expenses. To navigate these challenges, ecommerce businesses must be proactive in finding solutions to combat inflation’s effects to emerge stronger and more resilient.

On today's podcast episode, we launch our inaugural 'The Unofficial Most Interesting Retailers List' for January. Arielle, Becky, and Sara (a.k.a. The Committee) have put together a very unofficial list of 8 retailers they're watching right now, based on which retailers are making the most interesting moves this month. Who's launching new initiatives? What partnerships move the needle? What stand-out marketing campaigns are there? On future episodes, we’ll have analysts dispute this power rankings list, but on today's show we layout our top 8 for January. Join our analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts analyst Arielle Feger and director of content Becky Schilling.

SoftPOS is a form of mPOS that can turn any seller’s smartphone into a payment terminal.

Over 40% of direct marketers are concerned about declining response rates and budget constraints relating to printing, paper, and postage, according to Quad’s Direct Marketing Revolution 2023 report. And 32% are struggling to provide relevant, personalized, and customized messaging for consumers.

Constrained chip supply continues: The yearslong chip crisis isn’t getting any better, and some markets aren’t expecting relief until 2024. But dwindling consumer demand could lead to oversupply and stagnating innovation.