Ecommerce
DTC brands, marketplaces, and unit economics.
Albertsons’ new ‘micro sitcom’ is a big deal for retail media
Retail media content is becoming more complex, with major brands like Procter & Gamble making big investments in videos made specifically to reach shoppers on screens in grocery stores or while shopping on an app.
Welch’s Fruit Snacks targets Gen Z with growing functional snacks offerings
Welch’s Fruit Snacks is expanding its functional snacks with the launch of probiotic Yogofruits, the latest better-for-you line in an effort to court Gen Z.
Why brands like Untuckit are experimenting with robot-made T-shirts
Some companies like Untuckit are experimenting with robotics to boost their "Made in USA" production.
Guitar Center plots its turnaround, with a focus on serving ‘serious musicians’
Nearly six years after it declared bankruptcy, Guitar Center says its turnaround efforts are striking a chord. After redoing its merchandise, holding more events and refocusing on "serious musicians", Guitar Center is seeing sales climb, CEO Gabe Dalporto told Modern Retail.
The World Cup provided a much-needed boost to the retail industry this summer
Despite some initial fears that fans wouldn't show up over hefty ticket prices, World Cup tourism helped lift sales in host cities. The tournament helped boost business for restaurants, retailers and even cannabis dispensaries.
How Bloom Nutrition is expanding internationally
This year, Bloom Nutrition has been on a growth streak, and recently entered Australia, France and the U.K. Its Vice President of Global Growth, Joel Contartese, joins the Modern Retail Podcast to discuss how the brand has adapted its marketing, positioning and products for different markets.
‘The store is a lemonade stand’: Brands are lending their retail spaces to other brands for events
Brands like P.F. Candle Co. and Sorbara’s are lending their physical spaces to other brands for guest pop-ups. The strategy helps lift foot traffic and offset real estate costs.
Sam’s Club takes Manhattan for wellness event with creators
On Thursday, Sam's Club hosted its first-ever Sam's Wellness Club, an exclusive event bringing together creators, media and merchants at a loft event space overlooking Midtown Manhattan. Here's why the club retailer is so keen on promoting its health and wellness offerings right now.
Marketplace Briefing: What’s driving a surge in Amazon sales for 3 startups
Amid a challenging macroeconomic year, Amazon has proven to be a powerful sales engine for many digitally native startups. Modern Retail spoke with three startups — Suri, P.F. Candle Co, and Pretty Tasty Tea – about what they believe is driving their surge in Amazon sales this year.
How toy manufacturer PlayMonster helped engineer a Hacky Sack revival
Encouraged by the resurgence of Hacky Sacks, toy company PlayMonster is developing about 10 new Hacky Sack styles. PlayMonster's CEO spoke with Modern Retail about keeping up with demand, and what the Hacky Sack revival says about the types of games and toys resonating with consumers right now.
Salomon continues its US growth streak by launching at Foot Locker
Only two weeks after the cult French sneaker brand Salomon opened its largest store in New York City, it's making another big retail move: It's launching at Foot Locker.
The state of agentic storefronts: How AI agents guide shoppers on frictionless, full-funnel journeys
This State of the Industry report, sponsored by Swap, explores how brands, retailers and agencies are adopting agentic commerce, including agentic storefronts, to enhance shopping experiences. Artificial intelligence is the new entry point in e-commerce, as more shoppers rely on AI-powered summaries and assistants to discover products. Beyond discovery and product recommendations, AI agents are […]
Walmart reveals soccer fans’ World Cup shopping habits
A new study from Walmart shows how its soccer-watching consumers planned to grocery shop during the World Cup, from how much they would spend to what kind of snacks they would buy — and the company has seen some of these results validated over the course of the tournament.
Brands Briefing: 80-year-old Minnetonka banks on clogs and creators to woo new customers
Minnetonka is betting on new categories, new silhouettes and new marketing tactics to win over new audiences as it celebrates its 80th birthday this year.
Rising gas prices threaten impulse purchases at convenience stores
Thanks to rising gas prices, shoppers are switching up where they buy their gas, and what purchases they are making while doing so. One habit that may be most acutely threatened is the tradition of picking up a soda, bag of chips or energy bar at the gas station.
Ports brace for record-high imports in July
Imports are expected to hit an all-time high this month as retailers and brands pull ahead their shipments to avoid new potential tariffs.
Modern Retail+ Research: Marketers hesitate to adopt AI for influencer and CTV marketing
Advertisers are embracing AI for social media and retail media marketing. However, they are slower to adopt AI for influencer and CTV marketing. This is according to a Modern Retail+ Research survey of more than 100 marketing professionals in first-quarter 2026.
DTC brands are finding growth with older customers
DTC brands like Little Spoon and Boarderie are adjusting their marketing to win over older consumers like grandparents and Boomer parents.
Brands won this season of ‘Love Island USA’
"Love Island USA" has become a cultural phenomenon that many brands can no longer ignore. Ad sales were up 73% across the hit show this season, and "Love Island" has now become an integral part of summer-long marketing campaigns for brands like Poppi.
Hispanic shoppers and pro customers are key to The Home Depot’s World Cup retail media strategy
While The Home Depot is not a sports equipment or sports apparel retailer, its consumer base has given it ample reason to develop a comprehensive retail media strategy around the World Cup.
Marketplace Briefing: AI traffic is poised to reshape the Amazon funnel
Every Amazon agency right now is trying to get a sense of what role AI referral traffic is playing — and will play — in driving purchases, even if they don't have much data to go off of yet.
Sam’s Club taps Weight Watchers to expand its membership benefits
Sam’s Club has partnered with Weight Watchers on new membership benefits, including a program that provides medical support to GLP-1 users.
Meta’s AI glasses are already among the fastest sellers at America’s Best, Eyeglass World
AI-powered glasses are beginning to make an impact on one of the largest vision retailers in the country.
Daily ecommerce digest.
The most useful 5 stories in this beat, every weekday at 7am local.