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JANUARY 14, 2026 |
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Which generation is most likely to say efficient and enjoyable digital experiences are an important part of loyalty programs? |
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A) Gen Z B) Millennials C) Gen X D) Baby boomers |
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TOP STORY |
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The growing role of AI in shopping is forcing retailers to rethink discovery and decision-making. |
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Walmart, for example, is embedding its ecommerce capabilities into external AI assistants like Google’s Gemini. Meanwhile, Amazon is keeping AI-led discovery and decision-making inside its own ecosystem with tools like Rufus. |
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Here’s how their strategies diverge and why most retailers will land somewhere in between. |
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IN THE NEWS |
Grocery prices surge in December, marking the largest MoM increase since 2022. Grocery prices are highly salient to consumers: 86% of US adults say grocery prices cause them stress, a concern that is amplified by inflation headlines and renewed trade uncertainty. Read online |
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Other headlines: |
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Delta buoyed by premium growth, but broader travel outlook is uneven. To offset weaker international spending, businesses will need to find ways to entice domestic consumers. Read online
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Sam’s Club bets natural ingredients can drive stronger membership. Nearly all of its Member’s Mark private label food and beverage products are free of certified synthetic colors, artificial flavors, aspartame, and high-fructose corn syrup. Read online
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Sandwich chains look to shake up operations to fight slumping sales. Inflation and rising menu prices are weighing on lower- and middle-income consumers, spurring a fresh round of food wars amid a recognition that fast food is losing its low-cost perception. Read online | | | |
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ANALYSIS |
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As CTV matures, marketers are treating it as a full-funnel engine, balancing reach with performance goals. |
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“We are building experimentation frameworks that make it a full funnel performance engine versus just reach or just ROI,” said Shruti Khatod, senior vice president, growth marketing and media strategy, at Nutrafol during a virtual EMARKETER Summit. |
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PODCAST |
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In this episode, the team reports straight from the show floor at NRF’s Big Show 2026 to break down the most compelling themes dominating the conference, noteworthy off-stage insights, and what retail leaders should prioritize next. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Or watch our video podcast on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram. |
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