News and Analysis
MULO Hotel Brands Go Glamping
We recently wrote about how many multi-location (MULO) hospitality brands are getting into the extended-stay space to meet the needs of business travelers, digital nomads, and other transient professionals. Not only major hotel brands providing these creature comforts but they are also putting guests closer to real creatures with their entrance into the glamping (upscale […]
Crafting a New Future: Michael’s Buys Joann Brands
When MULO (multi-location) fabric and crafts store JOANN declared bankruptcy and closed stores, crafters were up in arms. They took to social media, fretting about where they would buy their favorite handcraft supplies. Michael’s just purchased the failed brand’s 600 products across multiple categories, including fabric, quilting and sewing supplies, sewing machines, and yarn. Those crafters […]
dataplor Secures $20.5M Series B to Expand Global Location Intelligence
In another milestone for the rapidly evolving location intelligence sector, dataplor has announced a $20.5 million Series B funding round led by F-Prime, with participation from Spark Capital, FFVC, Acronym Venture Capital, Two Lanterns, APA Ventures, dara5, and Alumni Ventures. The investment marks a pivotal moment for the Manhattan Beach-based company as it accelerates the […]
Commentary
Streets Ahead: TikTok Adds Yelp-Like Features, AI Overviews
In this week’s Streets Ahead update we learn about TikTok adding Yelp-like features and Google’s updates to AI Overviews. TikTok Adds Yelp-Like Features The News TikTok is adding features similar to Yelp, categorizing location-specific videos into segments such as food and drink, hotels, and shopping. This update aims to improve user experience by making it […]
Local Consumers Are Shifting Toward Social; Are Marketers Keeping Up?
Most local marketers are savvy about the importance of platforms like Google Maps and Apple Maps. As consumers ourselves, we know that these channels drive a huge amount of consumer traffic to storefronts, and we understand that informative, engaging search profiles help both small businesses and multi-location brands to differentiate themselves from the local competition. […]
Streets Ahead: 64% of Google Searches End with Google
In this week’s Streets Ahead update we learn about new Google research from Rand Fishkin and a reduction in brand spending on TikTok 64% of Google Searches End with Google The News Rand Fishkin at SparkToro has released an updated version of his “zero click” search studies, with the last one published in 2021. This […]
Latest Posts
Streets Ahead: Meta’s AI Search Engine, Foursquare Shutters App
In this week’s Streets Ahead update, we discuss Meta building an AI search engine and Foursquare shuttering it’s original app. Meta Building an AI Search Engine? The News Meta has reportedly been developing its own AI search engine, aiming to crawl and index the web for up-to-date information on current events and diverse topics to expand […]
Attain’s New App Rewards Healthy Shopping
Attain is a permissioned-commerce data platform that powers real-time purchase measurement and outcome signals for brands. In September, it purchased an app called Merryfield, which enables shoppers to accumulate rewards when they buy healthy products. Actress Zooey Deschanel, best known for the TV series “New Girl” (2011-2018) was a Merryfield co-founder and chief creative officer […]
Just-published Skai Study Reveals Ad Spend Trends
MULO (multi-location) brands have more advertising options than ever before. As the year ends, last-minute decision-making regarding which outlets will deliver the best results challenges valuable marketing budgets. Skai (an omnichannel ad platform specializing in walled garden media) just published its third quarter 2024 Digital Marketing Quarterly Trends Report. Street Fight is among the first media […]
MULO Brands With Soul October Pick: Ben & Jerry’s
Many MULO (multi-location) brands avoid social or political causes for fear of backlash or polarization of their consumer base. But, for one company, activism has been part of its culture since its launch — Ben & Jerry’s. The brand now has about 500 brick-and-mortar locations worldwide, but its products are distributed throughout retail and C-store channels […]
New Study by Washie Reveals Why Your Bathroom Matters
When discussing MULO (multi-location) brands, we focus on their inventory, menu, drive-thru, and talent. But you don’t always hear much about the paper towel dispenser or the toilet plunger in the bathroom —until Washie. If a consumer walks out of a bathroom talking about the appearance or smell of a restroom at a restaurant, retailer, […]
Enhancing Fan Experience with Advanced Technology
In today’s data-driven world, sports franchises are not just competing on the field, but also in the realm of fan engagement. Navigating the complexities of fan data—spanning ticket sales, merchandise purchases, digital experiences, and season ticket holder interactions—has become a crucial challenge for teams aiming to understand their audience on a deeper level. It’s no […]
Building Blocks of a Multi-location Marketing Campaign
In today’s increasingly competitive digital marketplace, multi-location brands face unique challenges formulating their geographically driven marketing strategies. From maintaining brand consistency to tailoring efforts for local markets, businesses with multiple locations must walk a fine line between brand consistency and local relevance. With the right approach, brands can address these challenges effectively and build campaigns […]
Seedtag Is Ready for Contextual Advertising’s Renaissance
Brian Danzis is a busy bee. In addition to running Seedtag as President, North America, he’s been on the speaking circuit. Most recently he was at Advertising Week in New York in October, speaking on a panel about CTV and retail media. In September, Danzis appeared at the Cynopsis Big TV Summit on a panel […]
Multi-Family Housing: The Brand Experience Part 2
These days, MULO (multi-location) brands are not just restaurants, retailers, and service businesses. As society’s housing and work needs evolve, apartment complexes, residential property managers, and live/work landlords are also building brands. The first part of this series dealt with the unique challenges of MULO real estate brands. We also spoke to Lia Nichole Smith, […]
Streets Ahead: Google’s AI Driven Search, Apple Business Connect
In this week’s Streets Ahead update, we discuss Google’s new AI-driven search features and updates to Apple Business Connect that expand business presence to the Apple ecosystem. Google Introduces New Search Features The News Google is introducing AI-driven enhancements to its search features, focusing on providing diverse and intuitive ways for users to interact with […]
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