Data Visualization

  1. Technology & Innovation
For years, martech was divided into systems of record and systems of engagement. Systems of record stored the “master” versions of data. CRMs and CDPs for customer data. PIM for product data. DAM for brand assets. ERP for inventory data. (I know, there’s a ton of acronyms in this piece, almost to the point of […]
  1. Data & Insights
With the rise of generative AI, the top of the marketing funnel is getting more complex. The digital marketing funnel from search to consideration to purchase is fragmenting into exploration across more varied digital channels, making it more challenging to capture a consumer’s attention and lead them where we want them to go. More and […]
  1. Shopper & Customer
Recent actions by the Trump administration to remove references to and celebrations of heritage months and specific demographics (including Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and those honoring women and individuals with disabilities), have sparked concern. Such decisions risk undermining the recognition of diverse contributions that have shaped American society and the economy. Amidst this […]
  1. Data & Insights
1-800-Flowers still leads in US, FTD is gaining share 1-800-Flowers is the largest flower service by sales headed into Valentine’s Day 2025, according to Earnest credit card data. However, the industry stalwart is likely to lose share this season if recent trends continue. Access chart in Dash. 1-800-Flowers commanded 37.0% of Valentine’s Day flower sales […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
ChatGPT vs. the competition. Source: SimilarWeb ChatGPT is booming. After months of stagnant usage in early 2024, the chatbot hit an inflection point and is now far outpacing its competition, according to new data from analytics firm Similarweb. OpenAI’s flagship bot hit 3.8 billion visits on desktop and mobile web in January 2025, more than […]
  1. Data & Insights
Source: Brighthive (EZ Newswire) Chicago, IL — Brighthive, a company that is at the forefront of the AI industry, today announced that Suzanne H. EL-Moursi, its co-founder and CEO, was named as one of the Top 50 Women Chief Executive Officers of 2025 by Women We Admire. Women We Admire is an organization comprised of […]
  1. Data & Insights
ICYMI, the largest three pharmaceutical wholesalers—Cardinal Health, Cencora, and McKesson—are using vertical integration to build significant market positions in businesses beyond drug distribution. In the video clip below, I review the vertical integration status of the largest three pharmaceutical wholesalers, illustrated in the chart below. [Click to Enlarge] I also: Explain how wholesalers have strengthened […]
  1. Owned Brands (Private Label)
The private label landscape is experiencing unprecedented growth and transformation across retail channels. With all the news around private label performance, various new brand launches last year, and recent tariff concerns, and the buzz at PLMA in Chicago, the Harvest Group team decided to pause and reflect on how businesses at Walmart, Target, and Amazon […]
  1. Data & Insights
In today’s cut-throat retail landscape, promotions, which account for 10 percent to 45 percent of total revenue, are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they can potentially boost sales and significantly improve brand visibility. On the other hand, poorly executed promotions can lead to decreased margins, customer frustration, and even brand dilution. Traditional retail […]
  1. Data & Insights
The end of the year is typically a busy time for media in the U.S., and 2024 was no exception for audio. The final three months of 2024 were jam packed with news, sports and entertainment topics galore. Audio accounted for nearly 20% of American’s daily media time in the fourth-quarter of 2024—that translates to […]
  1. Data & Insights
Today’s media landscape is complex. Americans continue to spend a significant amount of time with media, devoting 70 hours a week (or 10 hours a day) across all devices in the first quarter of 2024. But with audiences spreading their time across linear TV, CTV, radio, smartphones, tablets and computers, how can advertisers and media […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
Coinbase deposits surged post-election Deposits onto crypto exchange Coinbase (COIN) surged 197% YoY in November according to Earnest ACH, debit and credit card data. The acceleration from +39% YoY largely came after the US election, with the promise of a more crypto-friendly administration.  Coinbase deposits broadly rose in 2024, in line with cryptocurrency values. Early […]
  1. Data & Insights
Obesity is arguably the defining health issue of the 21st Century. World Health Organisation data shows that 43% of over-18s are overweight, and 16% are obese. In the US, the adult obesity rate is far higher than the global average, at 43%, with an incalculable impact on the nation’s health, quality of life, and economic […]
  1. Shopper & Customer
[[{“value”:” By John Spiropoulos Media is filled with evolutionary step-change transitions which permanently alter the marketplace. Each evolutionary event, seen in terms of advertiser outlays – the media mix – is driven by incremental change during economic uncertainty. This is particularly true – and trackable – in modern times. Some of these events were covered […]
  1. Data & Insights
Contact Sales for details. Rising egg prices amid shortages The egg industry is currently facing a significant shortage, which has driven egg prices to soar by 28% year-over-year (YoY) during the first 13 days of January. According to Earnest Scanner Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) product data, this marks the highest YoY price increase since mid-2023. […]
  1. Data & Insights
TJX Companies’ (TJX) expansion strategy is reshaping several markets in the retailer’s favor according to Earnest credit card data. TJX CEO Ernie Herrman said in May 2024 he planned to expand “store footprint by at least another 1,300-plus stores.” Earnest ZIP code level sales data suggests that T.J. Maxx store openings in 2024 have already […]
  1. Media & Marketing
TikTok Shop took the market by storm in just two years. The social media platform sold more merchandise than Sephora [LVMUY] in late 2024 according to Earnest credit card data. TikTok Shop also handily outperformed during the 2024 holiday season. But a potential ban could result in brands losing access to a vital marketing and […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
Welcome to 2025! It’ll be the Year of AI Agents in martech, in word and deed. Here’s what I think that means… From the moment there was more than one software product in a company’s tech stack, there’s been jockeying to determine who was boss. If the tech stack were an orchestra, which product would […]
  1. Department: Beverage
This week’s beer goes out to Oktoberfest beers for kicking pumpkin beers’ a**es during this fall seasonal uh, season. Lester Jones shared this nice chart here from the folks at FINTECH in a webinar last week illustrating the dominance (well done on the Beerfest addition there – who says data nerds don’t have fun?).
  1. Retail Operations
“Coming with that vision of ‘We’re global, we’re telling you what to do and we know best,’ does not work.” — Diana Macia, Director of Global Omnicommerce Capabilities, Kellanova Building a truly omnichannel organization requires establishing a strategic vision, cultivating buy-in, breaking silos, and fostering collaboration. In the best of circumstances, accomplishing all these things […]
  1. Stores & Formats
  Chi-Chi’s, once a celebrated pioneer in Tex-Mex cuisine within the United States, retains an enduring allure despite the closure of its U.S. restaurants in 2004. Today, the brand survives through a robust retail presence, primarily focused on salsa, tortillas, and related products. With consumers increasingly craving bold flavors and convenient meal solutions, Chi-Chi’s stands […]
  1. Shopper & Customer
As fashion designer Stella McCartney once said: “The future of fashion is circular: it’s about making clothes last longer and creating value beyond the first wear.”  In recent years, this vision has become more than an ideal; it’s transforming the fashion industry as we know it. Unlike fast fashion, which prioritizes quick production and disposal, […]
  1. Stores & Formats
Access chart in Dash. The Earnest Analytics Spend Index powered by Vela Gamma transaction data fell 0.3 YoY in November, with a deceleration in credit card spending more than offsetting an acceleration in debit card after steep acceleration in October.  Results from major merchant category codes (MCC) in descending order of total sales: Grocery Stores, […]
  1. Data & Insights
Unless you’ve been stranded on a desert island for the last few years you’re probably aware that AI market research tools are transforming the way businesses uncover and interpret consumer behavior. The ability to streamline complex processes, analyze vast datasets, and deliver actionable insights in real time mean these tools are the smart way to […]
  1. Channel: Mass
Holiday spending flat compared to 2023 Holiday consumer spending grew 0.1% YoY between November 1st and December 4th according to Earnest credit card data. This marks a deceleration from 2023, which had notched 1.1% YoY growth by this time. Contact Sales for details. Still, positive spending growth is a reversal from the early holiday period. […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
Happy holiday season, ye merry marketing maestros! Here’s a marvelous way to get prepped and psyched for the New Year that’s right around the corner. Frans Riemersma and I just released our latest report, Martech for 2025. It’s 108 pages of our latest research and analysis of what’s actually happening with marketing technology in the […]
  1. Agencies & Vendors
Subscribers of retailmediaIQ’s MMR and Chain Drug Review can now learn which CPG brands are garnering the most interest from buyers across the categories of food and beverage, health and beauty care, and general merchandise with the monthly RangeMe Top Brands reports that will be published on the magazine’s websites and in select issues.  RangeMe […]
  1. Shopper & Customer
Dynamic pricing is a hot topic in retail, but hints of such a strategy at big-name grocery retailers such as Kroger and Walmart have sent shoppers out the door. With over one-fifth of U.S. consumers shying away from retailers using dynamic pricing, the key is transparency. Walmart is paving the way for electronic shelf labels […]

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Editor’s Choice

  1. Data & Insights
  2. Partnerships & Alt Profit
  3. Media & Marketing
  4. Data & Insights
  5. Shopper & Customer
1-800-Flowers still leads in US, FTD is gaining share 1-800-Flowers is the largest flower service by sales headed into Valentine’s Day 2025, according to Earnest credit card data. However, the industry stalwart is likely to lose share this season if recent trends continue. Access chart in Dash. 1-800-Flowers commanded 37.0% of Valentine’s Day flower sales […]
  1. Holiday & Events
  2. Holiday & Events
A good number of consumers, over 77%, believe there are better deals available after the holidays, and nearly 51% plan to take advantage by making a large purchase in late December and January. Those are top findings from a Holiday Green survey, from CouponCabin, regarding consumer habits in the post-holiday time frame. When it comes to post-holiday […]
  1. Trends & External Forces
  2. Data & Insights
  3. Technology & Innovation
  4. Trends & External Forces
IAB’s 2025 Outlook: A Snapshot into Ad Spend, Opportunities, and Strategies for Growth offering an early glimpse into ad spending trends for the coming year. The report is a must-read to gain and understanding of brand and agency buyers’ growth strategies and the challenges they foresee. The report covers: 2025 projections for the market overall […]
  1. Data & Insights
  2. Technology & Innovation
There’s been a lot of talk lately about artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) and how these technologies are going to revolutionize retail. But the retail revolution can’t be accomplished with sweeping generalizations about putting more technology into stores. Successful retail outcomes are built using technology to solve specific challenges, expanding on wins and […]

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