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: Instagram AI-Powered Search, TikTok Creator Search Insights
In this week’s Streets Ahead update, SOCi covers Instagram’s new AI-driven search feature and TikTok Creator Search Insights Instagram’s AI-Powered Search The News Instagram is testing an AI-powered search feature within the comments section, according to AdWeek. This new tool automatically generates AI-driven search summaries, offering users relevant context as they engage with posts. 🔹 […]
Why Q5 Signals a Shift for Ecommerce in 2025
The start of a new year always marks the end of the holiday season, and as the frenzy of Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day subsides, many retailers shift their focus away from advertising, assuming that consumer interest and spending have peaked. But in reality, a lucrative Ecommerce opportunity remains hidden in plain sight: […]
Streets Ahead: Google Traffic Surges and AI Mode Launches
In this week’s Streets Ahead update, SOCi discusses the 2024 surge in Google search traffic and the Google launch of AI Mode as a search alternative. Google Search Traffic Surges 22% in 2024 The News A new study from Rand Fishkin at Sparktoro reveals an eye-opening trend: Google search traffic surged by 21.64% in 2024 […]
Latest Posts
The Future is Here: A More Collaborative, AI-Enabled, Creatively Driven Industry
The advertising industry is in a period of accelerated transformation. What were once incremental shifts are now crystallizing into clear priorities — moving from hypothetical or expected into real and transactional. Consolidation around media-agnostic, AI-driven systems and the integration of creative and media processes are no longer future goals — they’re actively reshaping the way […]
Adaptive Checkout Uses AI to Boost Conversion Rates
Fraud and crime are realities of the MULO (multi-location) ecosystem. Brands used to just have to worry about the checkout stage with shoplifting, dishonest employees, and fake IDs and credit cards. Now that we’re living in a phygital world (one that combines brick-and-mortar and online sales), thieves, fraudsters, and AI-powered bots have become more sophisticated. […]
A Street Fight Trend-Spotter Walked Into a Bar ….
Well, not exactly. We attended the Bar & Restaurant Expo in Las Vegas to check out trends and products for the MULO (multi-location) bar and restaurant ecosystem. The trends we spotted include: Although liquor is still popular, mocktails are having a moment. Studies indicate that Americans are choosing moderation in their drinking habits and non-alcoholic […]
Crossing the Border With Sushi and More
Edo is a 45-year-old brand that began in Calgary, crossed the Canadian border to Arizona this month, and has bold expansion plans for the U.S. About a million Canadians visit Arizona annually and contribute about $800 million to its economy, so choosing the hot state for its first U.S. location makes business sense. Among some […]
Franchise Growth in 2025: 5 Insights That Could Define Your Future
Franchise businesses represent the backbone of many local economies, contributing not only to the convenience and options we enjoy but also to significant employment growth across the country. In an economy shaped by rapid technological change, evolving consumer behavior, and rising operational costs, franchises are facing both tremendous opportunity and unprecedented complexity. At Cinch, our […]
Karla Jo Helms Preps MULO Brands for the Impact of Tariffs
Karla Jo Helms runs an agency — JOTO PR Disruptors — that describes itself as “the anti-PR agency.” What does that actually mean? They focus on facts and pragmatic guidance rather than just media hype. To that end, Helms advises brands that may be wondering how to best prepare for U.S. trade tariffs. What should […]
Uniting Marketing and Tech Teams to Unlock AI Success
The majority of marketing and tech teams have historically been siloed within organizations, with each focusing on their own goals and paths for execution. Now, as the adoption of AI to enhance customer experiences and drive greater results takes off, that separation is no longer sustainable. In fact, according to McKinsey, nearly 65% of marketers […]
Streets Ahead: Meta Heading to Court and Instagram Reposts
In this week’s Streets Ahead update, SOCi discuss Meta Heading to Court and Instagram Reposts. Meta Heads to Court as FTC Pushes Breakup of Instagram and WhatsApp The News Meta is back in court this week as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advances its long-running case to force the company to divest Instagram and WhatsApp. The […]
C-Store – Stop…Charge…Drink…Earn…Repeat
What’s new at the C-store (convenience store)? The lowly truck stop is now tech-powered, innovative, and a model for other MULO (multi-location) brands to learn from. Among the seven big trends we’ll see along the road at at the corner store in the months ahead are: EV chargers. Forecasters believe these necessary roadside amenities will […]
420 Goes Digital With the Help of Vistar Media
The cannabis industry is unique in that it was one of the first major sectors to benefit from technology from its inception. A highly-regulated space, marketing cannabis (like the financial, liquor, and pharmaceutical industries) is filled with regulations. That’s where digital media comes into play, keeping major cannabis brands from “going up in smoke.” April 20th […]
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