News and Analysis
Pop-up Retail Abounds
We already know that the “big box” store model has its challenges these days. And micro store footprints have become a widespread alternative to high rents and excess inventory. Even Ikea is getting into the mini-store game. But this summer, another retail format is trending. The pop-up (like a food truck for shopping) is everywhere. Big […]
The Adult Arcade: Two Trends Converging
We’ve covered the rise of eatertainment. Multi-location (MULO) brands have discovered that incorporating entertainment, sports challenges (sportainment), and activities into their converging retail and restaurant models enables them to appeal to a vast and growing segment of the market. Add to that model the newstalgia trend (a mash-up of new and nostalgia). Brands are combining […]
The MULO Dozen: July Brands in Review
Some things slow down over the summer, but this July the MULO ecosystem continues to heat up phygital enhancements, leadership changes, and creative new marketing approaches. Hot dogs are not just for family BBQs this summer! Wienerschnitzel is making a bold new leap, with the hot dog chain announcing its expansion to the East Coast, aiming to solidify […]
Commentary
What the Rise of AI Shopping Means for the Future of Marketing Strategy
A shift is underway in the world of digital commerce and media, and its implications go far beyond channel optimization or creative placement. Publishers and marketers alike are beginning to recognize the transformational potential of AI-powered shopping agents, not just as a user interface, but as a new ecosystem altogether. We are no longer just […]
Franchise Marketing Needs a New Playbook for the Post-Promo Era
Okay, we need to talk. Promotional marketing has been the go-to playbook for franchise brands for years. The “20% off” email, the last-minute BOGO social ad, the holiday-themed coupon barrage—we all know the routine. Why? Because it work s… or worked, at least. But here’s the hard truth: short-term wins won’t cut it anymore. Today’s […]
Cookie Loss Didn’t Kill the Web, But AI Overviews Might
The digital advertising industry spent years preparing for the demise of third-party cookies—an event that never fully materialized. But while we were focused on cookies, a much bigger transformation was quietly unfolding: the fundamental shift in how people interact with search engines. AI Overviews. Google’s AI Overviews and AI-driven chatbots are reshaping search behavior in […]
Latest Posts
Flamel.ai Streamlines Social Ads for Multi-Location Brands
Flamel.ai, a marketing technology platform built for franchise and multi-location businesses, has launched a new set of tools aimed at automating localized social media advertising. The product release marks the company’s latest effort to reduce the operational complexity of managing campaigns across dozens—or even hundreds—of individual markets. The update focuses on helping franchisors plan, launch, […]
Captify and Adalyser Partner to Bring Search Intent Data into TV Ad Targeting
In a move that reflects broader shifts in how advertisers approach TV media buying, Captify and Adalyser have announced a partnership designed to integrate search intent data into premium TV advertising campaigns. The collaboration brings together Captify’s real-time search behavior signals and Adalyser’s ActiveVoice Store, a self-serve platform offering access to major broadcaster inventory such […]
The MULO Dozen: June in Review
Let’s take a look in the rear-view mirror of June and glimpse at some of the most significant developments in the MULO (multi-location) retail, restaurant, service, c-store, and hospitality ecosystem. Of course, the most significant announcement this spring was the reveal of our first round of inspirational speakers at Street Fight LIVE 2025! Here are […]
Looking for New Growth Strategies? Look at C-Stores!
Convenience stores (C-stores) are no longer just a lowly truck stop or much-needed bathroom break along a highway. These retailers are a prime example of a category that has “blurred the lines” across MULO (multi-location) categories — retail, food, and service. They have incorporated technology and loyalty programs (and even online merch sales) into their […]
Kevel Launches AI-Powered Kevel Console to Transform Retail Media Campaigns
Retail media continues to evolve rapidly, with growing demands for automation, cross-channel efficiency, and deeper audience personalization. Last week, retail media technology provider Kevel announced the launch of the Kevel Console. This AI-powered, self-service platform is built specifically for retailers, marketplaces, and publishers seeking greater control, speed, and performance from their media networks. Kevel Console […]
WiRL-ing with Satyne Julianna Doner
Although technology is booming, human connections remain extremely valuable in the MULO (multi-location) restaurant world. A whopping 77% of restaurant operators say that talent acquisition and retention are significant challenges. Associate Editor Satyne Julianna Doner recently gathered a group of executive women in the MULO (multi-location) restaurant industry to discuss their career paths and how to foster […]
Hatch Urges People to ‘Escape the Algorithm’
A Boston-based agency known as Hatch has come up with a tagline for a local museum’s campaign that may well be a healthy approach to life itself: “Escape the algorithm.” For the purposes of this local outdoor campaign, which began its run in the greater Boston area in 2024, the work is in support of […]
How AI May Win Prime Days in 2025
When Amazon launched its Prime Days concept, it was a true novelty. After all, who doesn’t want deals, especially those that come up unexpectedly? This year, Amazon has expanded Prime Days to four full days (July 8th to 11th) and has already begun spending on pre-promotion awareness ads. Amazon spends approximately $20B on advertising annually, […]
What the Rise of AI Shopping Means for the Future of Marketing Strategy
A shift is underway in the world of digital commerce and media, and its implications go far beyond channel optimization or creative placement. Publishers and marketers alike are beginning to recognize the transformational potential of AI-powered shopping agents, not just as a user interface, but as a new ecosystem altogether. We are no longer just […]
B-to-B Takes on Cannes
Cannes Lions claims to be the world’s largest gathering of the advertising and creative communications industry. Agencies, CPG brands, and related companies have long made the trip to France to connect, accept awards, party, and (of course) brag on social media that they attended. This year, we saw many B-to-B companies cross the Atlantic to […]
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