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AI agents are revolutionizing marketing with autonomous capabilities that go far beyond traditional automation. Organizations are implementing AI agents to boost workflow efficiency and prepare for a consumer marketplace increasingly mediated by AI.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a fast-growing and lucrative ecommerce market. To tap into growth in the country, retailers and brands need to understand what motivates consumers.

Ulta lost beauty market share for the first time in 2024: The retailer is relying on a new marketplace, enhanced omnichannel experiences, and international expansion to recover sales.

Shoppers worldwide are flocking to online marketplaces and social commerce for convenience, variety, and competitive pricing. While price remains key, brand trust is becoming a major factor in certain markets. As these platforms drive discovery and sales, brands must adapt to stay competitive. Here are three ways digital shopping habits are evolving among consumers worldwide.

David鈥檚 Bridal is the latest retailer to rely on a third-party marketplace to shore up sales: Like Walmart and Best Buy, it adopts an 鈥渁sset-light鈥� model to expand inventory鈥攁nd ad sales鈥攚hile minimizing expenses.

B2B ecommerce growth is outpacing B2B product and electronic sales growth. And ecommerce site sales are taking an increasing share of the market. Macroeconomic conditions, buyers鈥� preferences, and AI use are fueling increased digital transactions, particularly through third-party marketplaces.

Low-cost online marketplaces like Temu and Shein have surged in popularity across the US in recent years, and starting today, both retailers have enacted price hikes due to rising import costs As of January 2025, 44% of US adults have shopped on Temu, while 31% have purchased from Shein, according to data from Morning Consult. Competitive pricing is a key draw for consumers.

TikTok is restructuring its governance and experience team: The move affects marketplace safety within TikTok Shop and may be a response to the platform鈥檚 underperformance last year.

US sales on Shein and Temu fell sharply following price increases: The decline is an unwelcome sign as both marketplaces fight to stay relevant with shoppers.

With Amazon accounting for 76.7% of the US retail media industry鈥檚 $60.81 billion in ad spend, smaller retail media networks (RMNs) have to innovate to differentiate themselves in the longtail of the marketplace.

Amazon Haul expands overseas as de minimis uncertainty clouds domestic prospects: The low-cost marketplace is now available to UK and Saudi Arabian shoppers.

In our exclusive survey with ESW, data from shoppers in 18 countries reveals new twists in the path to purchase, the rising momentum of marketplaces, and the resilience of age-old fundamentals.

Wonder acquires a media company, Unilever dedicates more spend to influencers, and Ulta launches a third-party marketplace. Here are the eight most interesting retailers and brands from last month, as ranked on our 鈥淏ehind the Numbers鈥� podcast.

Meta鈥檚 EU Marketplace ad change shifts power to regulators: The company will allow rivals to buy ads on Marketplace in compliance with EU rules

Amazon plots Haul expansion in spite of de minimis crackdown: The retailer plans to launch its low-cost marketplace in Europe and Mexico.

Walmart looks to make it easier for advertisers to buy its display ads: Walmart Connect鈥檚 new API should help it attract more ad dollars from smaller brands and marketplace sellers.