News and Analysis
Getting Brandy With Reilly Newman
Reilly Newman is the co-author of a book called Brandy: 101 Sips of Wisdom for Attaining a Successful Brand. Whereas in the past, MULO (multi-location) brands had significant control over how they presented themselves, both at the corporate and local levels. Social media has disrupted that model, and brand reputations are as likely to be impacted […]
Realize by Taboola Boosts Brand ROI with Generative AI
Taboola is seeing rising adoption of Realize, its outcome-driven technology suite launched earlier this year. The company announced that Realize is delivering measurable success for brand advertisers across verticals, while also being enhanced with Generative AI-powered Motion Ads that lift conversion rates by 20% for select advertisers. Advertiser Momentum Across Verticals Realize was designed to […]
Marketing Cycles & Trends With Rachel Noonan
Rachel Noonan is one of the 30+ thought leaders offering perspectives on MULO (multi-location) brands and marketing at Street Fight LIVE 2025. She comes to the stage with 14 years of experience in consumer brand strategy, digital product development, and strategic partnerships across entertainment, media, and tech. Having worked with Universal Pictures, Meta, and Samsung, […]
Commentary
Streets Ahead: ChatGPT for Search and Google Local Ranking Guidelines
In this week’s Streets Ahead update, SOCi discusses ChatGPT becoming a mainstream search tool, Google revising local search ranking guidelines and updating Business Profiles with social links. Adobe Study: 77% of Americans Use ChatGPT for Search The News A recent Adobe survey of 800 consumers and 200 marketers reveals that ChatGPT is becoming a mainstream […]
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 […]
Latest Posts
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 […]
Streets Ahead: Perplexity’s Ranking Logic, Instagram Metrics
In this week’s Streets Ahead update, SOCi discusses Perplexity ranking patterns and Instagram’s data update insights. Inside Perplexity’s Ranking Logic: Why Classic SEO Still Matters The News A recent deep dive into how Perplexity ranks content—led by independent researcher Metehan Yesilyurt—suggests that good old-fashioned SEO still matters, even in this new era of AI search. […]
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 […]
AI Is Changing Customer Discovery Forever. Who Wins?
Until today, search has been the enabler of the internet. It served as a powerhouse of digital economics, the foundation of the Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) business model, and the model for organic customer discovery. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) underpinned how brands and companies crafted their marketing and communications strategies. Artificial intelligence (AI) changes all of this. […]
MULO Brands With Soul July Pick: NIKE
“Just Do It” is the NIKE tagline. It’s been around since 1988, and it also captures the brand’s view toward giving back and building a positive company culture. The brand is our July choice for a Brand with Soul. Or, perhaps it should be Brand with Sole, although the footwear manufacturer has expanded to include […]
Meet the Street Fight LIVE 2025 Speakers: Part 2
We’re just weeks away from Street Fight LIVE 2025 on September 30th in Los Angeles at Microsoft’s Playa Vista headquarters. What better place to tackle the huge impact that tech, AI, and digital media is having on the brick-and-mortar business ecosystem? Plus, the ecosystem itself is rapidly changing, with retailers, restaurants, service businesses, convenience stores, […]
Blis AI Platform Offers Deeper Targeting
Blis, recently acquired by T-Mobile, has launched Blis AI, a platform that uses foot traffic data and other real-world signals such as in-store sales to help brands with audience building and media planning. If a brand wants to reach moms during back-to-school shopping season, they can enter KPI parameters such as “foot traffic,” and Blis […]
Swiftly Program Enables Circle K and its Brand Partners
Retail technology platform Swiftly has partnered with Circle K, a mobility platform, to make it easier for alcohol buyers to get cash back rebates, eliminating the friction and time waste involved in traditional mail-in ones. Swiftly’s Alcohol Cashback platform works with a Circle K app that enables targeted, real-time promotions by product, category, and geography. […]
Meet Pilates Franchise Power Woman Sarah Luna
Sarah Luna is the Founder and CEO of Pilates Addiction. The new brand is launching in California and New York, with plans to expand nationally through franchising. Pilates focuses on muscular balance and can improve strength and flexibility, and is gaining popularity worldwide. The Pilates and Yoga studio market is anticipated to grow from approximately […]
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