A smartwatch launch in 2026 could sharpen Meta’s device play, reduce ads reliance, and open up new AI touchpoints.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss what stood out most about how people shopped this past holiday season, what feels fundamentally different about the upcoming holiday season, what real personalization at scale looks like for retailers, and why AI matters even more during the holidays. Listen to the discussion with Vice President of Content and host Suzy Davidkhanian and Principal Analysts Sky Canaves and Zak Stambor.
YouTube revamps its fight against ad blockers; mobile ad blocker usage is on the rise, opening a new front in the platform's struggle.
Uber aims to sell proof, not just scale, through transaction-level data and third-party measurement validation,
The marketplace is pausing plans to force merchants to use its fulfillment services after considerable backlash.
Lowe’s, Airbnb, and Expedia are using installments to unlock hesitant spend.
Home Depot tightens bonus guidelines and cuts roles, while Lowe’s trims corporate staff to weather continued housing headwinds.
Its pivot from design tools to AI infrastructure offers faster, cheaper content as marketers scale output.
DUDE Wipes extended the momentum of the Super Bowl with its “Gut Reset" campaign, targeting the day after the big game, when many consumers are dealing with the effects of overindulgence. The brand partnered with Kellogg’s Raisin Bran and former NFL tight end Jake Butt for a social-first activation that playfully addresses digestive health while reinforcing DUDE Wipes’ core product benefit.
Netflix is reshaping CTV economics as sports, live events, podcasts, and a potential WBD acquisition push its ad tier toward 10% of spend, with $3 billion in sight this year.
66% of UK/US parents say their children ages 10-15 significantly influence clothing, shoes, and accessories purchases, making it the top category where Gen Alpha sways family spending, according to a November 2025 study from Teneo.
Core delivery surges, but integration expenses and investments squeeze near-term profits.
To win, brands must defend share with sharper innovation and younger consumer capture.
Platforms like Google are pushing AI search offerings, compressing clicks and centralizing control of information and traffic.
The AI search firm is betting on subscriptions instead, arguing that even labeled promos erode trust.
Big Tech shifts to India’s scale, talent, and AI-first workforce as Western growth slows and China risk rises.
LinkedIn and OpenAI build AI hiring platforms, threatening staffing firms’ 15% to 30% markups.
Creator marketing has evolved from a nice-to-have resource for generating buzz to an essential part of a retailer’s commerce strategy. Gap Inc. serves as a prime example.