Planning for the holidays may be harder this year as tariffs cast a shadow over both consumers and retailers. “As of right now, we’re seeing a lot of unusual consumer behavior that’s likely to persist as long as tariff uncertainty persists,” said our analyst Sky Canaves, author of our “US Holiday 2024 Recap and 2025 Preview” report. Still, there are steps retailers can take to prepare. Here are three key strategies to help navigate a challenging holiday season.
Several weeks ago, Amazon announced Nova Act, an AI model that can search for products, add to cart, and make purchases on someone’s behalf without intervention. As AI agents like Nova Act become more popular, marketers will need to target not only people, but the machines operating on their behalf, using a strategy called machine-to-machine—or M2M—marketing.
Tariffs will hurt US economic growth this year: The IMF expects growth of just 1.8%, as the trade war and rampant uncertainty chill consumer and business spending.
YouTube shows virtual influencers are gaining traction: While the technology promises innovation, not all consumers are buying in.
A recent J.D. Power survey revealed credit union members’ biggest qualm with their primary FIs.
Updates to YouTube’s “Inspiration” tab: The changes will allow videos to be transferred from TikTok are part of YouTube’s push to secure marketing dollars.
The transition risks alienating customers who are frustrated by the app or uncomfortable with the AI surveillance tech
The BNPL provider is taking the lead on credit reporting as the industry waits for regulatory clarity
The issuer’s confidence in its cardholders and business could be upended by tariffs
Perplexity eyes smartphone deals to challenge Google’s mobile search dominance: With Motorola on board and Samsung talks underway, Perplexity’s AI could replace Google Gemini on Android phones
Kimberly-Clark forecasts $300 million hit from tariffs: But the company will not pass the cost onto consumers as it looks to maintain volume growth in a difficult environment.
Trump considers reviving a proposal that cuts US drug prices to international levels: It could be another blow to the drug industry, on top of ongoing drug price cuts in Medicare and looming tariffs set to hit the sector.
Only 30% of healthcare and pharma AI pilots make it to production: AI companies must demonstrate tech prowess, address security concerns, and drive clinical or business outcomes to convert more pilots into full-scale implementation..
US adults spend over 32.3 hours monthly on the Spotify app, compared with 3.5 hours on Amazon Music and less than an hour on Apple Music, according to a January 2025 Comscore study.
Australia will exempt YouTube from its under-16 social media ban: The promise is receiving backlash from Meta and TikTok, and will require brands to adapt.
In light of rising watch time on YouTube and a booming podcast ad market, video podcasts could be Netflix’s next frontier for new content.
“Made in USA” is front and center for new Men’s Wearhouse collection: Tariffs are sharpening consumers’ focus on sourcing—and the menswear and rental products retailer leans in.