Brands are battling for attention in Paris, and with so many eyes on the Games, some are finding out-of-the-box ways to stand out.

Analysis

Zombie brands, fire sales & quiet closures are plaguing the DTC world

July 10, 2024

What founders decide to do with stagnant zombie brands is proving to be the defining issue of the DTC space in 2024.

Amazon’s reported Temu-like discount store likened to ‘slap in the face’ by sellers

July 01, 2024

After reports that Amazon plans to launch a discount store akin to the likes of Temu and Shein on its website, third-party sellers on Amazon said the move threatens to erode their market share.

Other news to know

  • DoorDash added Michaels as its first retail partner in the arts and crafts space, delivering supplies, home decor and other items from more than 1,200 stores.
  • Sam’s Club’s retail media network will display ads on the in-app cart page for members who opt into the service, which the retailer says will allow advertisers to connect with shoppers at the “point of conversion.”
  • Walmart Canada said it increased hourly wages for about 40,000 store associates this month after similar investments in its workers in the U.S. to retain more employees.
$53M
Walmart Canada's investment in increasing employee wages
Top Stories Jul 27

‘A long-game move’: Why Coach is entering Roblox to win over younger shoppers

July 26, 2024

Luxury brand Coach made its first moves in the gaming world as it works to appeal to younger, digital-focused shoppers.

Amazon Briefing: What Google’s cookie reversal means for Amazon’s ad pitch 

July 25, 2024

Amazon has been shoring up its highly lucrative ad business for a post-cookie world for years. Despite Google's sudden announcement that it plans to keep third-party cookies, after all, Amazon still stands to seize on Google's share of digital advertising.

As big-box retailers cut prices, CPG startups are also facing pressure to lower costs

July 25, 2024

Food and beverage startups are receiving feedback to reduce on-shelf prices, as retailers seek to win back inflation-weary shoppers.

Why the FTC is asking companies like Bloomreach about ‘surveillance pricing’

July 25, 2024

Companies including Bloomreach and JPMorgan Chase will have 45 days to respond to the FTC's inquiry seeking information about their price optimization products.

Limited Series
The modern brand's guide to doing more with less

It’s a strange time to be operating a consumer brand. Shoppers are more selective about what they spend and brands are struggling with how to interpret signs of conflicting consumer behavior. While many brands were recentlyswimming in cash, VC funding has now dried up and high interest rates make vehicles like debt less palatable. In this series, Modern Retail looks at the scrappy ways companies are continuing to build their brands and wow shoppers in this strange new operating environment

Podcasts

Technology

‘We feel a sense of relief’: Brands react to Google’s decision to keep third-party cookies

July 24, 2024

After years of preparations for the death of Chrome’s third-party cookie, e-commerce marketers are now breathing a sigh of relief as Google reverses the decision.

How TikTok’s summer sale stacked up against Amazon’s Prime Day

July 22, 2024

TikTok Shop, which sought to take on Amazon’s Prime Day with a competing sales event of its own, dubbed Deals For You Days, didn’t appear to chip away at Amazon’s retail dominance. Gross merchandise volume was down 6% during TikTok’s sale, which ran from July 9 to July 17, whereas Prime Day saw gross merchandise volume growth rise 3%. 

How QR codes help brands meet consumer expectations for sustainability

April 09, 2024

Katherine Ryan, vice president, brand marketing, Bitly From trending resale programs at top brands like Lululemon and REI that make sustainable shopping more accessible to scrutiny over Taylor Swift’s private jet carbon dioxide emissions, demand for sustainable shopping experiences and transparency is at an all-time high. Consumers have more access to information than ever, and […]

Marketing

Why telehealth service Mistr is giving away free HIV tests at select Walmart stores

July 25, 2024

Customers will be able to get free HIV test kits at seven Walmart locations in Georgia, a target jurisdiction for federal plans to eradicate HIV.

Nostalgic brands like Limited Too are trying to make room for both millennials and Gen Alpha

July 24, 2024

After much buzz online, Limited Too began selling a collection of girls’ skirts, v-neck sweaters and other products at Kohl’s this month. But some diehard fans say the brand’s revamp will be too limited if it doesn’t offer items for adults. Here’s what Limited Too had to say.

College bookstores add more dorm decor after Bed Bath & Beyond closure

July 23, 2024

College bookstore operators like Follett Higher Education and Barnes & Noble college are hoping more students will buy dorm decor right on campus.

Operations

Purple handbag balloon on purple background with white clouds

Recent luxury earnings highlight tumultuous times for high-end brands

July 24, 2024

High-income shoppers are pulling back on spending, as indicated by earnings on Tuesday from luxury conglomerate LVMH.

DTC Briefing: Former employees sound off on the biggest mistakes brands make when opening stores

July 23, 2024

DTC startups have collectively opened hundreds of stores over the last few years. But not all brick-and-mortar experiments panned out successfully, according to former employees.

How advertisers are leveraging Roundel’s best practices to maximize retail media spend

March 20, 2024

Renee Doerre, senior director of strategy and enablement, Roundel Creating impactful e-commerce strategies begins and ends with the consumer experience. From websites to apps to in-store experiences and third-party platforms, shoppers can connect with brands at many touchpoints. Consumers want a convenient and personalized shopping experience and advertisers must create lasting ways to capture and […]