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
Streets Ahead: Google Social Posts, Local Pack & AIO Results
In this week’s Streets Ahead update, SOCi discuss Google expanding social posts visibility in local search results and a new study that finds a correlation between local pack and AI Overview results. Google Now Showcasing Social Posts More Prominently in Mobile Search The News If you haven’t already added your social media URLs to your […]
What are You Doing on September 30th?
As a consumer, you likely shop, dine, and consume services at a combination of big-box and mom-and-pop establishments. As a MULO (multi-location) executive, agency, or tech company, you probably attend several industry-specific (retail, restaurant, service) conferences in your sector. So, what’s the deal with an event like Street Fight LIVE 2025 that cuts across multiple […]
Setting the Record Straight on Curation
Curation is dominating conversations in the advertising world right now, and while it is not an entirely new concept, it still comes with misperceptions and confusion. Our industry’s desire to succinctly define curation, assign responsibility for it, and spell out guidelines and best practices is understandable—yet also challenging. But curation is more than a buzzword […]
Latest Posts
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 […]
Innovid Report: CTV Ad Spend Should Be Higher
Ad spending in CTV is not near what it should be given its potential and sophisticated targeting, reach, and ad formats, according to a report by Innovid, which recently released its 2025 CTV Advertising Insights Report. Citing data from eMarketer, the Innovid report noted that while eyeballs and time spent on streaming content among viewers […]
95% of Your Customers Do This with AI and Humans, According to SOCi
“AI Suggests, Humans Decide!” That’s the bold statement that emerged from the SOCi 2025 Consumer Behavior Index (CBI). The company warns Brands to “embrace” human validation or get left behind. The study validated the importance of TikTok, Instagram, and real human experiences to determine spending choices. Although 19% of consumers are using AI tools themselves […]
Perion Acquires AI Platform Greenbids
When Perion Network Ltd., wanted to take the next step in expanding its offering and fueling potential growth, it decided to acquire Greenbids, an AI platform that can optimize campaigns at scale inside walled gardens such as YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, and leading DSPs such as Google DV360 and The Trade Desk. The transaction terms […]
The MULO Dozen: May in Review
Perhaps the biggest news of May is the announcement of some of our amazing and visionary speakers for Street Fight LIVE 2025. However, we’re biased. That said, you won’t find this much diverse and forward-thinking insight anywhere else this fall. The lines have blurred between digital and conventional media, marketers, influencers, and retail, restaurant, and […]
Streets Ahead: Microsoft New Agentic Tools, Apple Maps Recommendations
In this week’s Streets Ahead update, SOCi discusses Microsoft unveiling over 50 new AI agentic web tools and Apple Maps adding curated recommendations. Microsoft Adds New AI Agentic Web Tools The News At its Build 2025 conference, Microsoft outlined a sweeping strategy to lead the evolution of the “open agentic web,” unveiling more than 50 […]
Shopping Distraction or Enhancement? Study Shows In-Store DOOH Really Works
Vistar Media, the leading global provider of technology solutions for digital-out-of-home (DOOH) media, partnered with consumer research company MFour to better understand how consumers view retail media ads. A relatively new frontier for MULO (multi-location) advertisers, these messages target customers from the parking lot through checkout. But do they impact consumer shopping behavior? The study […]
Meet the Street Fight LIVE 2025 Speakers: Part 1
Street Fight LIVE was resurrected last year, after pausing for the pandemic. This “un-conference” thought leadership conference is the first of its kind because it brings together C-level executives and decision-makers across MULO (multi-location) retailers, restaurants, convenience stores, service businesses, eatertainment/sportainment concepts, and hospitality brands. They are joined by the agencies and technology companies (with […]
Scalable Reviews and Reputation Management for Multi-Location Brands
It’s no secret that customer reviews makes or breaks a brand. Reputation management influences buying decisions, impacts local search rankings, and—let’s be honest—shapes how people feel about doing business with you. For multi-location brands, though, reputation management isn’t just about responding to a few Google reviews. It’s about scaling trust across dozens, hundreds, or even […]
“Wegmaniacs” Rejoice as Wegmans Opens Restaurants
Industry crossovers are nothing new. Tommy Bahama has restaurants, a retail operation, and now a hotel. Fitness retailers like Athleta offer in-store workout classes. And now Wegmans , an iconic grocery store with more than 110 locations , is opening a restaurant to appeal to its Wegmaniacs fan base! Tastings is opening in Rochester, New […]
Street Fight’s Big 3
Street Fight Columns
Street Fight Categories
Why TV Remains the Heartbeat of Local Connection