Channel: Restaurants Starbucks is Brewing the Next Generation of Food Marketers—One Barista at a Time For years, restaurant chains invested millions telling consumers what made their brands special. Today, consumers increasingly believe employees more than advertising. Starbucks has recognized that reality, and its newest partnership with TikTok may become one of the most influential employee-marketing initiatives the restaurant industry has seen. Starbucks recently announced a pilot program that allows selected […] Grocerant Guru June 30, 2026June 30, 2026 5 min read RestaurantsConsumersDept. GroceryData & InsightsAssociatesDept. BeverageShoppersMarketing: Social MediaPredictions and ForecastsESG and CSRBrick and MortarTrends: Food and BeverageMerchandisingRegional GrocerySustainabilityOperations & Supply ChainTikTokMarketing: Loyalty & SubscriptionTrends: MarketingTechnology & InnovationGovernmentKraftHeinzDept. BakeryOwned Brands (Private Label)Agencies 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Technology & Innovation Walmart’s Sparky AI assistant makes live shopping debut as retailer launches Summer Deals campaign Walmart is laying claim to one of its biggest Walmart Live experiences to date, an initiative that also saw the use for the first time in this space of Sparky, the retailer’s AI assistant. Walmart Live is a feature on the US retail giant’s website and app, enabling consumers to watch livestreamed shopping events hosted […] Retail Technology Innovation Hub June 23, 2026June 23, 2026 2 min read Technology & InnovationAIData & InsightsWalmartPredictions and ForecastsMarketing: Social MediaInternational - UKConsumersOmnichannelTwitterHealth & WellnessMarketing: BroadcastTrends: MarketingTrends: TechPartnershipsMarketing: UGC 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Data & Insights From Loyalty Data to Retail Media: Molly Hjelm’s Playbook for RedVest Retail media has quickly become one of retail’s most important growth engines, but Ace Hardware is taking a different approach. One that’s built around local ownership, community relevance and real-world customer needs. In this episode of Retail Remix, Kate Robertson speaks with Molly Hjelm, CVP of RedVest Media, Ace Hardware’s retail media network, about launching […] Retail Remix Podcast June 22, 2026June 22, 2026 < 1 min read Technology & InnovationAIMarketing: Retail MediaData & InsightsDept. NonfoodShoppersWeatherMarketing: Loyalty & SubscriptionPodcastsConsumersBrick and MortarColgate-PalmoliveMarketing: In StoreTrends: MarketingBig Data 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Svedka’s senior brand director on the vodka’s future-forward marketing David Binder talks about the vodka maker’s controversial AI-generated Super Bowl debut and its future marketing plans under Sazerac. MarketingDive May 14, 2026May 14, 2026 < 1 min read Predictions and ForecastsDept. Adult BevTrends: MarketingTechnology & InnovationHoliday & EventsAI 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Retailer Media Retail Media Networks Look To Compete Against Broadcast For Ad Bucks The Wall Street Journal has a story about how retail media networks are making a play for the big time, attempting to show that that they can compete with legacy television networks in terms of return-on-investment. They will do so by participating in what in the ad biz is called “the upfronts” – a series […] MorningNewsBeat May 12, 2026May 12, 2026 2 min read Marketing: Retail MediaPredictions and ForecastsAgenciesResults & InvestmentMarketing: BroadcastMarketing: In StoreData & InsightsExecutivesOperations & Supply ChainTargetRegional GroceryTechnology & InnovationPartnershipsAlbertsons / SafewayTrends: MarketingEconomyShoppersKrogerHome DepotFood DeliveryDoorDashAmazonWalmart 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Department: Nonfood AI Strategy We’re in a strange time of urgency without clarity in AI adoption. The pressure is on to adopt everything everywhere all at once. A case in point is agentic AI. Suddenly the term “agentic” is used indiscriminately in everything from strategy decks to marketing copy. Even simple chatbots are being called agents. The pace seems […] Tom Fishburne March 2, 2026March 2, 2026 4 min read Fun & HumorTechnology & InnovationAIStrategySponsoredPredictions and ForecastsGoogleExecutivesTrends: MarketingDept. Nonfood 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Corporate Strategy The loyalty-building advantages of embracing Black audiences Ahead of the curve: Moving the Culture and the market Brands respecting cultural nuance isn’t just good marketing, it’s driving effective strategies on where and how to show up and delivering bottom line impact. With an inclusive approach and a data-driven strategy, diving deeper into Black audience trends can be a guidepost to where the […] Nielsen February 26, 2026February 26, 2026 3 min read ConsumersBig DataInsight ProvidersPredictions and ForecastsPodcastsData & InsightsMarketing: Loyalty & SubscriptionMarketing: Social MediaStrategyInclusivityEconomyMarketing: BroadcastMarketing: Digital MediaESG and CSRPartnershipsResults & InvestmentTrends: Marketing 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Shopper & Customer VML: Marketing must balance consumer anxiety and hope in 2026 Marketing trends, such as microdramas and consumers who are expressing a sense of “dysoptimism,” are identified in the agency’s “Future 100” report. MarketingDive February 3, 2026February 3, 2026 < 1 min read ConsumersPredictions and ForecastsTrends: Marketing 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Department: HBC #740: Cannabis Loyalty Unlocked: Marketing and Innovation with Embarc This episode is also available in video format on www.Loyalty.TV. We are breaking new ground today as we explore the retail Cannabis industry, one that is often discussed, but not very well understood. Marketing to customers in a regulated industry has complexities and my guest today is one of the most accomplished persons leading marketing innovation in the […] thewisemarketer February 1, 2026February 1, 2026 < 1 min read CannabisDept. HBCMarketing: Loyalty & SubscriptionTechnology & InnovationShoppersMarketing: Social MediaMarketing: BroadcastTrends: MarketingGovernmentConsumers 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Media & Marketing FaceTime with the Content Guy: Everybody Competes Against Everybody You’ve probably read about how Netflix is trying to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s movie and TV business for $83 billion. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos argues that in the modern media landscape, “everybody competes with everybody.” He wants this deal not to be considered within just the streaming universe, but in the larger context in which […] MorningNewsBeat January 27, 2026January 27, 2026 < 1 min read Marketing: Social MediaStreamingPredictions and ForecastsTrends: MarketingTikTokRegional GroceryMarketing: Digital MediaMarketing: BroadcastKrogerExecutivesAlbertsons / SafewayAcquisition 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces The Black influence: How Black culture & identity drive the market The Black influence How Black culture & identity drive the market Black consumers are sending a clear signal to businesses that want to leverage their buying power, influence, and brand loyalty. Get the key insights into Black consumer trends that brands need to know to win over Black audiences in 2026 and beyond. Download now […] Nielsen January 19, 2026January 19, 2026 3 min read Predictions and ForecastsBig DataInsight ProvidersConsumersData & InsightsMarketing: Social MediaMarketing: Loyalty & SubscriptionGamingDept. FuelMarketing: BroadcastTrends: ConsumerDept. GroceryEconomyInclusivityPodcastsTechnology & InnovationESG and CSRTrends: Marketing 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces 9 marketing predictions for 2026 as AI fuels polarity The sense of a stable middle ground is eroding across an industry at a point of contraction, with many displaying mixed feelings about marketing’s future. MarketingDive January 13, 2026January 13, 2026 < 1 min read Predictions and ForecastsTrends: MarketingTechnology & InnovationAI 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Data & Insights Retail Media Trends, Benchmarks and Leadership with EMarketer’s Sarah Marzano The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Sarah Marzano, Principal Analyst for Retail and Commerce Media at EMarketer, the go-to forecasts, data, and insights provider for marketing, advertising, andcommerce professionals. Follow Sarah on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahzmarzano/Follow EMarketer on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emarketer-inc/Follow EMarketer online at: http://emarketer.com Learn more about Sarah’s research report “Retail Media […] The CPG Guys January 10, 2026January 10, 2026 2 min read Technology & InnovationAIMarketing: Retail MediaMarketing: Social MediaPodcastsBrokersTrends: MarketingData & InsightsThick DataMerchandisingPredictions and ForecastsStrategyMarketing: In Store 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces P&G’s Native to debut 50-part microdrama series as genre takes off P&G is aligning the adventure-romance, which will debut on social platforms in early 2026, with a history of marketing innovation around soap operas. MarketingDive December 10, 2025December 10, 2025 < 1 min read Trends: MarketingTechnology & InnovationPredictions and ForecastsESG and CSR 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Media & Marketing Tops of Sports – Media trends shaping sports marketing for 2026 Tops of sports Media trends shaping sports marketing for 2026 Download now Tops of sports Media trends shaping sports marketing for 2026 Download now 2025 proved to be a pivotal year for sports as consumers continue to adapt to a changing media landscape. A growing intensity of fan engagement coupled with an evolution of how […] Nielsen December 8, 2025December 8, 2025 2 min read Predictions and ForecastsTrends: MarketingMarketing: OOHMarketing: Social MediaInsight ProvidersBig DataStreamingMarketing: Digital MediaData & InsightsCompetitionConsumersStrategy 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Technology & Innovation Here’s your copy of our Martech for 2026 report — free and ungated It’s here! Our brand-new, 127-page Martech for 2026 report. No form to fill. No “leave a comment on LinkedIn” arm twisting. You can simply download the full PDF right here. These are the 7 major subjects we cover to prepare you for 2026: The hype-free reality of SaaS & AI in martech 3 types of […] 0 Author Missing December 3, 2025December 3, 2025 2 min read Technology & InnovationAIPredictions and ForecastsData & InsightsInsight ProvidersTrends: MarketingThick DataMarketing: Social MediaCustomer Experience 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Department: Nonfood Decades of Marketing I originally drew a version of this cartoon before the AI boom. ChatGPT launched three years ago this week, and completely changed the trajectory of the decade. (The original panel I drew for the 2020s involved the metaverse, which already seems so dated.) It’s a good reminder things are always in flux in marketing. And […] Tom Fishburne December 1, 2025December 1, 2025 3 min read Fun & HumorAITechnology & InnovationSponsoredStrategyMetaverseTrends: TechTrends: MarketingMarketing: Social MediaDept. NonfoodChatGPT 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Media & Marketing Mobile Commerce Media with Uber Advertising’s Kristi Argyilan The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Kristi Argyilan, Global Head of Advertising at Uber. Follow Kristi on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristiargyilan/Follow Uber on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uber-advertising/Follow Uber online at: https://www.uber.com/us/en/advertising/ Kristi answers these questions: Can you walk us through your role at UBER Ads and how the organization fits within the broader UBER […] The CPG Guys November 26, 2025November 26, 2025 2 min read Marketing: Social MediaPodcastsBrokersMobile commerceData & InsightsStreamingMarketing: Retail MediaFood DeliveryConsumersCustomer ExperienceDept. GroceryDeliveryMarketing: Digital MediaPredictions and ForecastsShoppersTechnology & InnovationMarketing: Direct & PersonalizationTrends: Marketing 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Data & Insights Mall Operator Simon Adds Omnichannel Multi-Retailer Loyalty Program Real estate investment trust Simon has launched the Simon+ loyalty program, giving members the opportunity to earn cash back, points and perks for shopping at any Simon Mall or Premium Outlets center, as well as on the company’s digital marketplace, ShopSimon.com, and through links to participating retailers’ websites. More than 500 retailers are already participating […] Retail TouchPoints November 14, 2025November 14, 2025 2 min read Data & InsightsMarketing: Loyalty & SubscriptionShoppersOmnichannelBrick and MortarMarketing: Social MediaMarketing: In StoreConsumersPredictions and ForecastsPricing & PromotionsVendorsShopifyDeliveryDept. ApparelTrends: ShoppingTrends: MarketingMergersStore LocationRestaurantsResults & InvestmentExecutivesWarby Parker 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Media & Marketing Local news goes over the top: OTT app viewing is growing in US markets The way Americans consume local news is undergoing a dramatic transformation, moving from the traditional broadcast screen to the personalized, on-demand world of over-the-top (OTT) streaming. Local news apps on platforms like Roku, Samsung, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV are not just an alternative; they are rapidly becoming a primary source of news and […] Nielsen November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 3 min read StreamingMarketing: BroadcastData & InsightsMarketing: Digital MediaConsumersInsight ProvidersBig DataWeatherOperations & Supply ChainMarketing: Direct & PersonalizationAmazonPredictions and ForecastsDept. PerimeterDept. FreshDeliveryESG and CSRMarketing: Loyalty & SubscriptionMarketing: PrintMarketing: Social MediaTechnology & InnovationTrends: MarketingEconomyAgencies 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Data & Insights Marketing ROI Blueprint 2025 The Marketing ROI Blueprint: Unlocking the full value of marketing investments A step-by-step framework for driving marketing impact Download now The Marketing ROI Blueprint: Unlocking the full value of marketing investments A step-by-step framework for driving marketing impact Download now Marketers are facing more pressure than ever. Budgets are tighter, and the media landscape is […] Nielsen October 9, 2025October 9, 2025 2 min read Data & InsightsInsight ProvidersBig DataMarketing: Social MediaPredictions and ForecastsTrends: MarketingStrategyDept. Nonfood 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Media & Marketing Global Ads Partnerships with Snap Inc.’s Fintan Gillespie The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Fintan Gillespie, Global Director – Ad Partnerships Group at Snap Inc., a technology company that contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together. Follow Fintan on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintangillespie/ Follow Snap for […] The CPG Guys October 8, 2025October 8, 2025 2 min read Marketing: Social MediaPartnershipsAgenciesPodcastsBrokersPredictions and ForecastsTechnology & InnovationOmnichannelSponsoredStrategyTrends: Marketing 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Data & Insights Rethinking… The most popular edition of the 268 posts of this Substack so far is Rethinking Presentations on how to put together powerful presentations with only 9 slides! The third most popular post is A Company of One on a way to ensure one remains relevant in a world of changing work. This post combines a […] Rishad Tobaccowala October 5, 2025October 5, 2025 5 min read Technology & InnovationAIData & InsightsPredictions and ForecastsAssociatesStreamingCampbellsCOVID19Marketing: Social MediaMarketing: BroadcastPodcastsExecutivesTrends: MarketingStrategyblockchainPartnershipsMarketing: Direct & PersonalizationMarketing: In StoreDept. NonfoodDept. FreshWeather 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Data & Insights Retail Product Launch Strategy: Key Metrics to Track for Success Launching a new product in the retail sector is both exciting and challenging. The stakes are high, and success is determined by much more than just having a great product. It’s about how well you can introduce it to the market, captivate your audience, and ultimately, drive sales. For product manufacturers, understanding how to measure […] Retail Bound September 30, 2025September 30, 2025 4 min read Data & InsightsShoppersStrategyDept. NonfoodESG and CSRMarketing: Social MediaMarketing: Direct & PersonalizationPredictions and ForecastsCompetitionThick DataConsumersGovernmentInsight ProvidersGoogleTrends: MarketingMarketing: In StoreInternational - North AmericaMarketing: UGCPepsiCoPricing & PromotionsResults & InvestmentSustainabilityTargetTechnology & InnovationData Visualization 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Shopper & Customer How Hispanic consumers are influencing the media landscape 2025 Diverse Intelligence Series How Hispanic consumers are influencing the media landscape Hispanic audiences are taking control of the way they shape their own media experiences, driving trends and redefining how content is created and consumed. As this powerful consumer group adapts and evolves, there are opportunities for brands and advertisers to leverage. Download the […] Nielsen September 9, 2025September 9, 2025 3 min read ConsumersInsight ProvidersBig DataData & InsightsMarketing: Social MediaPredictions and ForecastsTrends: MarketingThick DataMarketing: Direct & PersonalizationTrends: Consumer 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Data & Insights Intent is Just the Beginning in the Age of Agents I recently read an article by Ann Smarty on intent-based optimization which was a nice, clear articulation of how search engine optimization (SEO), generative engine optimization (GEO) and artificial intelligence optimization (AIO) are converging. She discusses how in order to succeed in this new landscape, brands must shift from targeting exact-match keywords to solving user […] Retail TouchPoints September 3, 2025September 3, 2025 3 min read Technology & InnovationAIPredictions and ForecastsData & InsightsExecutivesDeliveryMarketing: Social MediaTrends: TechStore LocationResults & InvestmentTargetShoppersChatGPTPodcastsMarketing: UGCHealth & WellnessMarketing: Direct & PersonalizationTrends: Marketing 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Channel: Delivery Incremental Growth for CPG Brands with DoorDash Ads’ Toby Espinosa The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Toby Espinosa, Vice President of Ads at DoorDash, one of the world’s leading local commerce platforms that helps businesses of all kinds grow and innovate, connects consumers to the best of their neighborhoods, and gives people fast, flexible ways to earn. Since its founding in 2013, […] The CPG Guys August 27, 2025August 27, 2025 2 min read Food DeliveryDoorDashMarketing: Social MediaConsumersPodcastsBrokersPredictions and ForecastsTechnology & InnovationStreamingData & InsightsCustomer ExperienceMarketing: Retail MediaSponsoredShoppersDeliveryOperations & Supply ChainMarketing: Digital MediaGovernmentDept. GroceryEconomyTrends: Marketing 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Maximize your retail impact: Digital marketing trends to watch in 2025 Learn the most impactful trends shaping the retail industry and how they can be leveraged to stay ahead of the curve by embracing innovative digital marketing strategies. RetailDive August 26, 2025August 26, 2025 < 1 min read Trends: Marketing 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Data & Insights Your Views: Dynamic Pricing, Market Basket, & “Superman” On the subject of dynamic pricing and electronic shelf labels, one MNB reader wrote: While I understand the concern that retailers might use dynamic pricing as a means to “gouge” or raise prices when the environment may be optimal to do so, but I would think that practice would be quickly detected by shoppers and […] MorningNewsBeat August 4, 2025August 4, 2025 4 min read Data & InsightsRegional GroceryMerchandisingGovernmentConsumersPredictions and ForecastsTrends: MarketingStrategyShoppersPricing & PromotionsHealth & WellnessPackagingMarketing: TradeDept. NonfoodDept. FreshUnileverBrick and Mortar 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Data & Insights Your Views: Dynamic Pricing, Market Basket, & “Superman” On the subject of dynamic pricing and electronic shelf labels, one MNB reader wrote: While I understand the concern that retailers might use dynamic pricing as a means to “gouge” or raise prices when the environment may be optimal to do so, but I would think that practice would be quickly detected by shoppers and […] MorningNewsBeat July 31, 2025July 31, 2025 4 min read Data & InsightsRegional GroceryMerchandisingGovernmentConsumersPredictions and ForecastsTrends: MarketingStrategyShoppersPricing & PromotionsHealth & WellnessPackagingMarketing: TradeDept. NonfoodDept. FreshUnileverBrick and Mortar 0 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Channel: Grocery Kroger acquiring Giant Eagle in $1.65B deal Kroger Co. is acquiring Giant Eagle, a family-owned food and pharmacy retailer, for a purchase price of $1.65 billion. Giant Eagle has approximately $9 billion in annual sales and 197 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies across northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana, according to a press release. The purchase is comprised of […] Written by Retail Customer Experience July 8, 2026July 8, 2026 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Trends & External Forces Corporate Finance Start Ups Trends & External Forces The running list of retail deals in 2026 In the first half of the year, Etsy sold Depop, Reformation filed for an IPO and Bed Bath & Beyond made a slew of acquisitions. Written by RetailDive July 8, 2026July 8, 2026 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Data & Insights Channel: Mass Corporate Strategy Media & Marketing Retailer Media Agencies & Vendors Retail Ecosystem Data & Insights Shopper & Customer Technology & Innovation Trends & External Forces Retail Operations Omni CEO Christine Gambino – Omnichannel, Real ID & the Full-Funnel Future The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Christine Gambino, CEO of Omni, Omnicom’s next-generation marketing and sales intelligence platform. It connects strategy, creativity, media, CRM, commerce, data, and AI to help brands grow with greater clarity, speed, and measurable business impact. Follow Christine on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-gambino-59683ab8 Follow Omni online at: https://www.omc.com/omni/ Christine […] Written by The CPG Guys July 8, 2026July 8, 2026 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Channel: Ecommerce & Digital Corporate Strategy Technology & Innovation Trends & External Forces Ocado details exit plan for CEO Tim Steiner, who has led the U.K.-based automated fulfillment-technology supplier since 2000, will give up his position during its 2028 fiscal year and remain an advisor until 2029. Written by Grocery Dive July 7, 2026July 8, 2026 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked
Technology & Innovation Channel: Mass Channel: Restaurants Department & Category Department: Food Department: Nonfood Corporate Strategy Corporate Finance Agencies & Vendors Data & Insights Shopper & Customer Technology & Innovation Trends & External Forces Associates & Employees Stores & Formats C-Stores Grow, In Both Size And Ambition CNBC has a story about how, while “gas stations have been reinventing themselves for the past decade with food offerings that rival many established grub-only chains,” now they are “doing something else: growing in physical size and attracting legions of fans along the way.” Buc-ee’s is described as the poster child for this transformation: “On […] Written by MorningNewsBeat July 7, 2026July 8, 2026 Saving Bookmark this article Bookmarked