News and Analysis
Ad-Tech Experts Weigh In on Using GenAI
“Experiments are easy, but scale is hard.” That’s according to Jennifer Fleck, Senior Principal at Slalom Consulting, who talked about the challenge of scaling GenAI initiatives. The key is in balancing innovation, risk and feasibility, she said. “Most of the GenAI we see happening at enterprise organizations right now is an ambitious idea that stays […]
EVs, Gas, and Targeted Marketing: The Future of Car Dealerships, According to Stirista
Car dealerships, like many MULO (multi-location) businesses, are evolving. You can now buy used cars online, some dealerships are opening showrooms in shopping centers (rather than on traditional lots), and consumers are shopping around for the best deals nationwide. About 18K car dealerships exist in the U.S. today, but how consumers shop at them (and […]
Commentary
Goodbye, Wild West. Hello, New Data Strategy
While many brands see the new data paradigm as something to rally against or covertly manipulate, most see the inherent opportunities — opportunities that can create greater customer loyalty and, importantly, higher long-term revenue. Here’s how marketers are adapting their data strategies to the new frontier.
Latest Posts
Retail Media – Is Fun Dead?
Retail media has recently claimed that the fun has been sucked out of shopping. The move to online commerce, the death of some big brands, staffing and service shortages, shopping mall vacancies, and supply chain issues have all impacted the habits of consumers, who used to view shopping and dining as a fun group activity […]
Multi-Location Retailers React to Amazon Prime Big Deal Days
Just when you thought the holiday shopping season couldn’t start any earlier, Amazon has upped the ante. The e-commerce behemoth’s decision to hold another Prime Day-like promotion more than two months before Christmas is upending the traditional sales calendar and pushing other retailers to start offering holiday deals earlier in the season. Walmart, Best Buy, […]
Marketing Agency Perspective: Improving the Franchisor-Franchisee Relationship
The relationship between a franchisor and a franchisee is … unique. Given the franchise business model and the fact that a franchisor is in a relationship with hundreds or thousands of franchisees, it’s especially important to nurture a better corporate and franchisee relationship. Here are five ideas to do just that, from a franchise marketing […]
Put a Pin in It: The Definition of a Place is Transforming
Domino’s just launched a new product (and is running campaign ads), enabling consumers to have pizza and other treats delivered wherever they “drop a pin.” It’s aptly called Pinpoint Delivery™. The definition of a “place” is transforming. Pre-Internet, it was simply a physical brick-and-mortar location. You went to those places to shop, dine, stay, meet, […]
BOOM: The Designer and Basic Milkshake
Despite many consumers’ focus on healthy and lactose-free beverages, a new MULO (multi-location) trend is picking up steam (or should we say whipped cream?). Milkshakes first came on the scene in 1885, and were made with booze. Ironically, the boozy milkshake is now having a moment again! In 1922, Walgreens began serving milkshakes and the […]
Macy’s Goes From Malls to Micro-Mini Model
Are mega department stores like Macy’s becoming a thing of the past? Although big box multi-location (MULO) stores in some categories like home improvement and groceries still make sense, the mall-based department stores may be due for a reconfiguration. Macy’s just announced that it is opening 30 small format stores. Leveraging the timeless reputation (founded […]
ChatGPT and the New Era of Search: Personalized Advertising and Beyond
As OpenAI adds more features and capabilities to ChatGPT, its artificial intelligence program, the potential use cases for search, advertising and brand marketing are growing. ChatGPT has been making waves across multiple industries since its inception, however last week’s announcement that the program will now be able to search the internet on its own is […]
BOOM: Brunch and the MULO Brands
Whether you crave a mimosa, an elaborate Bloody Mary, or simply a stack of good old-fashioned pancakes with syrup, one thing is certain — brunch is back and fueling MULO brands! A recent study by Square revealed that Saturday brunch is now the busiest day part for restaurants, including those with multiple locations (MULO brands). […]
6 Virtual Sizing Tools for Fashion Retailers
One of the last remaining hurdles for fashion brands to overcome in the e-commerce space has to do with sizing. For years, retailers have been attempting to replicate the in-store try-on experience online, with varying degrees of success. In 2023, something changed. Technology caught up with what shoppers and retailers were asking for, and a […]
The Fastest-Growing Gyms Rely on Customer Intelligence to Win