Generative AI (genAI) is fundamentally changing how consumers shop online, potentially eliminating the "treasure hunt" experience that drives impulse purchases and changing how marketers push products.

As the creator economy grows, marketers are considering how they can incorporate AI into their strategies without compromising the consumer trust and human connection the industry relies on.

It launches with 200+ partners, aiming to reshape enterprise workflows—but adoption hurdles like trust issues and integration complexity could slow its impact.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss what a tariff even is, what might happen when they’re implemented, and how best to prepare for them. Listen to the conversation with our Senior Analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts Principal Analysts Paul Briggs and Matteo Ceurvels, and Analyst Rachel Wolff.

Abercrombie & Fitch sees slowdown looming as tariffs take effect: The retailer expects sales growth and profits to be seriously pressured in 2025.

AI-powered search and AR try-ons promise a smoother buying journey, but with social commerce on the rise, Google has to fight for attention.

Adidas’ CEO says Q4 results were ‘much better than we had expected’: The company’s sales rose 19% YoY, ahead of analysts’ expectations, helping it gain ground on Nike.

40-day boycott makes Target a target: The company is already dealing with fallout from February’s economic blackout, and another boycott could spell trouble.

DeepSeek, a genAI chatbot that originated from China, astonished the world with its capability to match ChatGPT while costing significantly less to build and using less powerful GPUs. The launch has triggered an industry soul search that could potentially accelerate AI adoption worldwide.

In a competitive retail landscape, alcohol brands are turning to AI-powered image recognition to optimize in-store execution. This technology provides real-time insights on shelf conditions, helping brands keep products well-stocked, properly displayed, and positioned to capture shoppers’ attention—boosting visibility and sales.

Oscars viewership falls 7% but improves across younger demographics: The ratings decline doesn’t necessarily mean that live events are a lost cause.

Walmart bought a mall, Coca-Cola launched a soda, and Nike partnered with SKIMS in February, marking some of the month’s most interesting retail moves. Here are the eight most interesting retailers and brands from last month, as ranked on our “Behind the Numbers” podcast.

Virtual and hybrid events have more than proved their staying power as in-person experiences resumed post-pandemic. In fact, 62% of B2B marketers said they plan to attend webinars in 2025, while 45% will host their own webinars, according to a November 2024 survey by Sagefrog Marketing Group.

Tariffs could add $12,000 to new car prices, drive up costs for electronics, and inflate grocery bills. Marketers must pivot to value-driven messaging as economic uncertainty reshapes spending.

Best Buy faces stiff headwinds: The consumer electronics giant warned of higher prices due to President Trump’s new tariffs, which will likely crimp demand.

Delaware-based WSFS Bank and Greenlight to offer financial education to kids.

Eli Lilly’s Oscars commercial slams unapproved drugs like compounded GLP-1s: The ad could help pharma companies rebuild trust with consumers.

Medical misinformation ‘infodemic’ on social media: Influencers are promoting misleading information about medical tests. Here’s what healthcare and pharma brands should be doing to combat it.

It’s a major win for the P2P player as the Trump administration dismantles the agency

The explosion of softPOS is reshaping the POS landscape and forcing hardware and software providers to pivot

Private equity is reshaping the agency landscape: As holding companies exit some service categories, PE firms see AI-driven agencies as high-growth investment opportunities.

Microsoft, Google enhance genAI offerings for clinicians: We examine the race between startups, health tech companies, and Big Tech giants to show healthcare organizations how their AI tools will drive efficiency-–and why Microsoft could have a leg up on the competition.

The BNPL provider has made strong inroads in the US but faces steep obstacles in growing its market share

Nordstrom ended the year on a high note: The retailer’s banner comparable sales rose 5.3% YoY in Q4, and off-price Rack’s comps increased 3.5%.