Dad Hat Brand ’47 Goes Global with a New Marketing Campaign, ‘Worn Worldwide’
Boston‑based dad‑hat maker ’47 has launched a global “Worn Worldwide” campaign to showcase its flagship Clean Up cap across five countries. The brand produced short vignettes filmed in Scotland, Mexico, France, Italy and the United States, distributing them on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and night‑time building projections in New York, Los Angeles and Boston. The effort follows a successful “Father of All Dad Hats” push and aims to boost awareness as ’47 expands retail partnerships in Japan, Latin America and beyond. With 150 million Clean Up caps sold, the company hopes the campaign will reclaim market share from rivals like Nike and Fanatics.
Unpacked: How Loyalty Programs Power Lifecycle Marketing Strategies
Loyalty programs are evolving from simple point‑based discounts to data‑driven lifecycle marketing tools. Consumers—especially Gen Z—demand personalized, transparent experiences while guarding their privacy. Brands that verify permissioned data on‑site can prevent up to $4 billion in reward‑code theft and reduce offer abuse....
Marketplace Briefing: How DoorDash Is Winning over Apparel Brands
DoorDash, the U.S. leader in food delivery, announced in late March that it is expanding its marketplace to include apparel. The company added four fashion brands—Urban Outfitters, Steve Madden, Dolce Vita and Rally House—to its platform, allowing Dashers to deliver clothing alongside meals....
How Portland Leather Goods Did $1M in Sales in 20 Days on TikTok Shop Thanks to an Affiliate Blitz
Portland Leather Goods catapulted its TikTok Shop sales from roughly $1,200 a day to a $100,000 peak after launching a seven‑day affiliate blitz in March. By recruiting about 500 creators who posted 3,800 videos and amassed 13 million views, the brand...
Retailers Like Pact, MaryRuth’s and Ollie Turn Customer Experience Into a Growth Function
Retailers Pact, MaryRuth’s and Ollie are turning customer experience (CX) into a profit engine rather than a cost‑center. Pact deployed AI‑powered chat that now resolves 57% of conversations and converts 17% of visitors, while using the channel to move excess...
Why Home Retailers Are Plagued with Financial Challenges
U.S. home‑furnishings retailers are grappling with a weak housing market, inflation, and high debt, driving a wave of bankruptcies and restructurings. Notable distress includes At Home’s Chapter 11 exit after shedding $2 billion in debt, Conn’s HomePlus filing with $530 million owed, and...
Puma’s AI Head Says the Brand Is Still Giving ‘the Keys to the Consumer’ as It Invests in Tech Like...
Puma is using artificial intelligence to revive growth, debuting a seven‑foot digital human concierge called “Dylan” in its Las Vegas flagship that speaks 100+ languages, recommends products and checks real‑time inventory. The brand’s AI push also includes an AI‑generated jersey creator...
Amazon Hits Pause on Controversial Change to Its Advertising Payment System that Had Caused a Seller Revolt
Amazon announced it will pause the rollout of a new advertising payment method that would require sellers to use their account balance or Pay‑by‑Invoice, after a wave of backlash. The change, originally slated for April 15, has been deferred to August 1 2026...
Brands Briefing: 40-Year-Old Travelpro Invests in Video, Creators to Compete with Béis, Away and Other Digitally-Native Players
Travelpro, the 40‑year‑old luggage maker famed among airline crews, is revamping its marketing to attract Gen Z and millennial travelers. The brand is pouring resources into short‑form video, creator collaborations, and educational content, launching a "Made to Move" campaign across TikTok,...
Why Brands Can’t Stop Acting Like Reply Guys and Jumping Into Viral Comment Threads on Social Media
Brands are increasingly using comment threads on TikTok, Instagram and X to spark real‑time conversation and drive organic reach. Companies like Dude Wipes and Vita Coco treat replies as a core engagement tactic, inserting witty remarks into viral posts to attract...
AG1 Lands in Target as Its Year of Retail Expansion Continues
AG1, the greens‑powder supplement brand, announced its launch across all Target stores and the retailer’s e‑commerce site, effectively doubling the number of retail doors where its products are sold. The rollout also brings AG1’s nighttime sleep supplement, AGZ, to mass‑retail...
Lowe’s Leans on Its 35 Million Loyalty Members as It Expands Into Kids’ Programs and Subscriptions
Lowe’s has expanded its MyLowe’s Rewards ecosystem to cover homeowners, professional contractors, families and kids, now boasting over 35 million members. The unified program uses a single currency and mobile app, and members spend about 50 % more than non‑members. New initiatives...
Kohl’s Is Stepping up Its Creator Efforts as It Attempts a Sales Reset
Kohl’s is expanding its creator marketing program to reverse a 4% drop in net sales and a softer‑than‑expected fourth‑quarter. The retailer now works with about 1,500 nano‑creators, offering commissions, free products and exclusive event access, while maintaining a roster of...
Candy Brand Behave Bet Everything on TikTok Shop, Went Viral and Secured a Target Launch
In summer 2024, low‑sugar candy brand Behave faced bankruptcy with only 60 days of cash left. The founders pivoted to TikTok Shop, posting multiple daily videos until a viral post of their Super Sour Skulls sold out in three days...
Creator Content Has Become Critical for Retail Media Networks
Retail media networks are weaving creator‑led content into brand campaigns, leveraging sales data to pinpoint influencers with the highest conversion potential. Walmart Connect has expanded its Omnicom partnership to include Meta insights, while Best Buy will run seasonal YouTube spots with...
Modern Retail Podcast: Has the Latest Sneaker Bubble Officially Burst?
Allbirds was sold for $39 million, a stark drop from its $4 billion 2021 IPO valuation, highlighting a broader contraction in the sneaker market. Growth‑driven brands such as On and Hoka are now seeing sales slow, while technically‑focused runners like Brooks and...
Bloom, Pacsun and More Chase Coachella Crowds on the Way to the Show with Roadside Activations
Maruchan turned a viral Coachella‑ticket joke into a full‑scale roadside pop‑up called MaruMart, parked near the Cabazon Outlets about 45 minutes from the festival. The activation features a DIY ramen station, limited‑edition merch and a new Flamin’ Hot chicken flavor, all...
A Group of Seven-Figure Amazon Sellers Is Planning a One-Day Ad Boycott as Payment Changes Squeeze Cash Flow
Amazon’s Million Dollar Sellers community, representing over $11 billion in annual revenue, is organizing a one‑day ad boycott on April 15 to protest a new policy that will automatically deduct advertising costs from sellers’ proceeds, eliminating credit‑card financing. About 150 members have...
A Timeline of What Led up to Grüns Being Acquired by Unilever
Unilever announced it will acquire fast‑growing supplement startup Grüns, best known for its green gummy‑bear vitamins. The startup, founded in 2022, hit a $300 million annualized run rate within two years and secured a $500 million valuation after raising roughly $50 million. Grüns...
What Amazon CEO Andy Jassy’s Annual Letter to Shareholders Didn’t Say
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy’s 2025 shareholder letter spotlighted artificial‑intelligence spending and fulfillment upgrades while completely omitting any reference to the third‑party sellers who power the marketplace. The letter highlighted a $200 billion capex plan and a $15 billion AI run rate in...
Marketplace Briefing: Amazon Sellers Face Cash Crunch as Fees, Policy Changes Spur Order Delays, Price Hikes and Supplier Renegotiations
Amazon announced it will begin deducting advertising costs directly from seller earnings starting April 15, ending the practice of allowing merchants to finance ads with credit cards. The shift is expected to tie up as much as $800,000 in working capital...
Michaels Partners with Jonathan Adler to Give Its Home Decor Section an Upgrade
Michaels is debuting a co‑branded home‑decor line with designer Jonathan Adler, hitting stores on April 17. The collection blends ready‑to‑display pieces with DIY‑friendly items such as paint‑your‑own ceramic vases, priced between $2.99 and $299.99. The launch follows Michaels’ broader push into...
Kroger Brings Its Near-Expired Food to Flashfood App in 100-Plus Stores
Kroger is expanding its partnership with the Flashfood app to more than 100 stores across the Mid‑Atlantic, turning near‑expiration groceries into discounted items for shoppers. The pilot in Richmond, Virginia diverted over 320,000 pounds of food that would have been...
Ergobaby Is Revamping Its Website and Packaging to Better Resonate with Young Parents
Ergobaby is rolling out a brand refresh aimed at Gen Z and millennial parents, debuting a new website on April 8 that features lifestyle imagery, CGI fit explainers, a product‑finder quiz and 360‑degree videos. The company is widening its retail footprint with...
Brands Briefing: Canadian Furniture Brand Cozey Is Opening More U.S. Stores While ‘Going After IKEA’
Canadian furniture startup Cozey, founded in Montreal in 2020, is accelerating its U.S. expansion with a 5,000‑sq‑ft pop‑up store on Abbott Kinney Boulevard in Los Angeles opening April 8 and running through December. The brand previously tested the market with two New York...
Retailers Are Bringing AI Into Stores in More Ways
Retailers are experimenting with AI‑driven tools inside brick‑and‑mortar locations, from Vitamin Shoppe's interactive touchscreen advisor to Guitar Center's QR‑based Rig Advisor. Smart fitting rooms equipped with AI screens have rolled out at brands like Victoria’s Secret, while Walmart is testing...
The RealReal CMO Samantha McCandless on Resale Math, Vintage Bulgari and Her Go-To Sneakers
The RealReal is riding a wave of record growth in online resale as consumers stretch budgets and seek sustainable fashion options. Chief merchandising officer Samantha McCandless funds each new purchase by consigning roughly two items, turning shopping into a low‑guilt, value‑driven...
The Unilever-McCormick Deal Ushers in a New Era for Condiments
The U.S. condiment and spice market has expanded over 50% since 2019, driven by social‑media trends, pandemic‑era home cooking, and a surge in global flavor interest. On March 31, McCormick announced a merger with Unilever’s food division, forming a $44.8 billion entity...
Modern Retail Podcast: Why Shoppers Can’t Get Enough of Limited-Edition Scents and Flavors
The Modern Retail Podcast highlighted the accelerating role of limited‑time offers (LTOs) in consumer packaged goods, especially seasonal scents and flavors. Brands like Peeps are rolling out unconventional variants such as Rita’s‑Italian‑Ice‑ and Pop‑Tarts‑marshmallows, while Dude Wipes leveraged fall and winter...
Marketplace Briefing: Amazon Picks up Speed in Rural America with $4 Billion Delivery Push
Amazon is accelerating its delivery network in rural America, boosting same‑day or next‑day service to 16% of remote customers—a rise from 8% in mid‑2024. The company’s $4 billion logistics push helped it ship more than 13 billion items on same‑day or next‑day...
FedEx Goes After DoorDash, Amazon, UPS with Same-Day Delivery
FedEx launched FedEx SameDay Local in partnership with last‑mile platform OneRail, offering two‑hour or end‑of‑day delivery for retailers. The service taps OneRail’s network of 12 million drivers across more than 1,000 carriers, positioning FedEx against Amazon, DoorDash, Walmart and UPS. FedEx...
April Fools’ Day Gets Real: Why some Brands Are Choosing to Release Actual Products on April 1
On April 1, several brands are swapping traditional pranks for genuine product launches and giveaways, using the holiday’s high‑visibility to cut through cluttered media feeds. Examples include Crumbl’s one‑day‑only “Almost Everything Bagel Sandwich Cookie,” Bocce’s corn‑chip‑scented dog candle, and a pickle‑flavored...
Brands Briefing: How Oral-Care Brand Boka Made the Jump From Erewhon to Walmart
Oral‑care startup Boka, known for its premium $10‑$12 toothpaste, has secured shelf space at Walmart after building a foothold at upscale retailer Erewhon. The move marks the brand’s first foray into mass‑market distribution, aiming to capture shoppers willing to pay...
Coach Won over Gen Z in North America. Now It’s Stepping up Its Focus Abroad
Coach has leveraged deep Gen‑Z consumer research to revitalize its brand, first in North America and now across Asia and Europe. Tailored partnerships with streetwear labels like Clot and Matin Kim, plus localized ambassador programs, have driven double‑digit revenue growth—22% in...
Malibu Taps Creator Sabrina Brier for ‘Get Ready With Me’ Campaign to Promote New Pink Spirit
Malibu has introduced Malibu Pink, a rum‑based spirit flavored with guava, coconut and pineapple, and is launching it through a "Get Ready With Malibu Pink" campaign. The brand partnered with comedian‑creator Sabrina Brier to produce #GRWM videos and a stop‑motion...
Home Brands Target Renters as Ownership Remains Out of Reach for Many
Homeownership is slipping out of reach for many Americans, with the average age of first‑time buyers climbing to a record 40 and median home prices soaring 30% to about $405,000. Elevated mortgage rates around 6% keep borrowing costs high, prompting...
Class-Action Lawsuits over Nutritional Claims on the Rise in MAHA Era
Class‑action lawsuits over nutritional claims are accelerating, with filings up 58 % between 2023 and 2024 and reaching a decade high in 2021. The latest case targets David protein‑bar, alleging nearly double the advertised calories and fat, while Poppi settled an...
Anthropologie Says It Marries Data and Intuition in Merchandising as It Looks for ‘Calculated Risks’
Anthropologie is blending quantitative sales data with qualitative customer insights to drive fast‑moving merchandising decisions. The retailer launched a dedicated 90s minimalist section within a week after spotting TikTok and Hulu‑driven trend signals. It also expanded in‑store footwear from eight...
Poshmark Unveils Its First Major App Redesign in 15 Years Amid Online Thrifting Boom
Poshmark has launched its first major app redesign in 15 years, revamping the experience for its 165 million buyers and sellers. The update introduces an AI‑driven “For You” home feed, larger portrait‑style product images, and a consolidated seller hub with analytics...
Brands Briefing: Beyond Yoga Looks to Stretch Its Men’s Business
Beyond Yoga, traditionally known for women’s activewear, is intensifying its focus on the men’s market. Since launching a men’s line in 2020, the brand has added core fabrics like Spacedye and LuxeFleece and introduced a dedicated men’s landing page. It...
Lowe’s Is Fighting to Prevent AI Agent Overload
Lowe’s is scaling its AI portfolio while battling what it calls “AI sprawl,” the uncontrolled proliferation of narrow, siloed agents. The retailer has instituted an AI Transformation Office, a taxonomy‑based governance model, and a human‑in‑the‑loop framework to vet new agents....
Retailers Are Rethinking Prom with Social-First Marketing and Faster Trend Turnarounds
Teen‑focused retailer Windsor abandoned traditional models in favor of six influencers for its “Prom House” campaign, generating roughly 15 million projected reach and 3.2 million video views. The initiative helped drive 20% year‑over‑year sales growth across both e‑commerce and its 350 stores....
Amazon Pressures Walmart, Other Retailers with One-Hour Delivery
Amazon has launched a $9.99 one‑hour delivery service in hundreds of U.S. cities, adding a three‑hour option in more than 2,000 markets. The offering focuses on pantry, cleaning, health‑beauty items and OTC meds, leveraging Amazon’s existing same‑day hubs and AI‑driven...
Babylist’s Newest Arrival Is a New York Showroom
Babylist is launching a 20,000‑square‑foot showroom in Manhattan’s Soho this summer, eclipsing its 18,000‑square‑foot Beverly Hills flagship. The space will blend retail with education, offering product demos, barcode‑based registry additions, and regular community programming tailored to New York’s compact living and...
Pawn Shops See More Business Amid Consumer Cost Pressures
Pawn shops are experiencing heightened demand as inflation and economic uncertainty tighten household budgets. EZCorp, operating about 1,500 stores, reported a 9% year‑over‑year rise in outstanding pawn loans and a 16% revenue increase to $270 million in the latest quarter. The...
Modern Retail Podcast: AI-Generated Review Summaries Could Upend Online Shopping
Generative AI is now creating condensed summaries of customer reviews that appear in AI‑powered search results such as Gemini, ChatGPT and Rufus. The Modern Retail Podcast discusses how these bot‑written snippets reshape product discovery and can strip essential context from...
Marketplace Briefing: Amazon Says Customers Make Three Times More Purchases Using Alexa+ on Devices than the Original Version
Amazon announced that its generative‑AI‑enhanced Alexa+ is prompting customers to make three times as many purchases as the original Alexa voice assistant. The upgraded assistant can handle complex, conversational requests, build shopping lists, place orders, and book reservations, moving beyond...
Why Parker Thatch Transformed Its Strip-Mall Storefront Into a Livestreaming Studio
Parker Thatch, an eight‑figure luxury handbag DTC brand, has turned its Orinda strip‑mall store into a hybrid retail‑studio space for weekly livestreams. The Friday broadcasts reach 179,000 Instagram followers and 101,000 YouTube subscribers, driving sales spikes of up to 50%...
The Real Winners of March Madness? Brands that Move Fast on NIL Deals
Brands are racing to sign college athletes for NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals as March Madness draws record viewership, turning the tournament into a high‑impact marketing platform. Companies from footwear to fast‑food chains have partnered with stars like Azzi Fudd,...
As Retail Media Enters Its Second Act, Savvy Brands Diversify Networks and Tactics
Retail media is evolving from a bottom‑funnel, search‑only model to a full‑funnel ecosystem that includes video, display, and off‑site formats. Amazon’s share of retail media spend dropped from 56% to 46% as marketers allocate more budget to Walmart and mid‑size...