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Over 9% of US adults identify as LGBTQ+, per Gallup, and nearly one quarter of Gen Z identifies as LGBTQ+. Retracting Pride Month support risks alienating a massive portion of key audience demographics. Those that maintain visible investment in Pride stand to gain鈥攁nd will have a better chance of connecting with the next generation of consumers.

This could resonate well with local Gen Zers who are turned off by more overt sales tactics and who value the diversity Valley prioritized showcasing in this campaign. Its product-focused displays drive customers to the products being advertised via QR codes鈥攈elping Valley solidify new banking relationships.

It certainly won鈥檛 endear companies to the roughly 1 in 11 US adults who identify as LGBTQ+, according to a February Gallup poll鈥攚hich includes 23.1% of Gen Zers ages 18 and over. But brands that can withstand the pressure and demonstrate their commitment to DEI stand to win deeper brand loyalty from the LGBTQ+ community and its many supporters.

Livestreaming is becoming an increasingly popular form of shoppable media for US audiences, with 49 million US livestream retail ecommerce buyers in 2025. This figure is expected to exceed 60 million by 2028. Platforms outside of YouTube are also taking note of the need for livestreams.

It makes sense to ensure its cardholders can use their Amex cards at their vacation destinations 鈥攖hat way, Amex can capture everything from booking the flights to dining and souvenir shopping.

The brand is looking to capitalize on its popularity among Gen Zers with a curated Urban Outfitters store experience, as well as reach more affluent shoppers browsing the designer selections at luxury department store Printemps. At the same time, it鈥檚 working more closely with long-time retail partners like Foot Locker, Dick鈥檚 Sporting Goods, and JD Sports.

Gen Z isn鈥檛 far behind. More than half (55%) of Gen Zers express trust in AI, but a notable 21% remain skeptical. Older generations push back. Only 25% of baby boomers and 37% of Gen X agree that AI is accurate. Sycophantic AI could risk deepening bias for younger users, and for older, more skeptical generations, flattery may appear manipulative鈥攆urther widening the trust gap.

D2C shoppers want fast delivery speed: Survey shows they are less interested in the story behind a brand and more concerned about basic operational execution.

Online returns growth will outpace overall ecommerce growth through 2028, driving retailers to update their strategies and solutions to manage costs.

40% of Gen Zers, and 19% of all consumers, have stopped using or purchasing brands who contradicted or reversed DEI efforts, according to a March survey by Ad Age and The Harris Poll.

Tapestry dismisses impact of tariffs on FY performance as 鈥渋mmaterial鈥�: The Coach parent projected healthy growth as more Gen Zers and millennials pay full price for its bags.

TikTok Shop plans to launch in Mexico next month: The move suggests the company is unfazed by the potential US ban.

Instacart is going after Gen Z. Fizz is squarely aimed at younger consumers, from its Gen Z-oriented branding to its integration with party-planning app Partiful to its $5 flat delivery fee, which is lower than the $7.99 Instacart currently charges nonmembers.

Starbucks鈥� dominance is under threat as Dutch Bros鈥� growth surges: The coffee giant is struggling to stem a sales slump as the latter鈥檚 colorful drinks and service win it more customers.

As more consumers use voice assistants for shopping, brands should make sure their products are shoppable via voice, either on websites like Amazon or on their own sites.

颁辞苍蝉耻尘别谤蝉鈥攅蝉辫别肠颈补濒濒测 Gen Z鈥攁re eager to spend on live events: Summer concert ticket sales are at record levels thanks to high-profile stadium tours and the strong appeal of live experiences.

Reaching consumers when they鈥檙e touching grass. 73% of global consumers agree that brands should aim to engage all their senses, according to VML鈥檚 Future 100 report. 70% of Gen Z believe that the scent they use reflects their identity, and 60% say they are willing to spend a lot of money on it.

Gen Z in particular ranks messaging (including WhatsApp) as one of the top five channels for urgent brand communication鈥攎ore than social media or web chat. 37% of US adults said they feel most connected to online communities through WhatsApp鈥攐n par with Substack and ahead of YouTube or Facebook. That emotional connection raises the stakes even further.