Insights

Generative AI has quickly gone from a curiosity to a daily utility for millions of consumers, and ecommerce is starting to feel the impact. Shoppers are no longer limited to traditional search engines or marketplace listings. Instead, they’re turning to conversational tools like ChatGPT to ask for product recommendations in plain language: “best gifts for new moms,” “top-rated noise-canceling headphones under $200,” or “eco-friendly kitchen essentials.” Until now, these AI-powered shopping experiences have largely stopped at discovery.

If you’ve watched customers line up overnight for a limited-edition product drop, you’ve seen brand equity in action. Stanley’s viral 40-oz tumbler, for example, fueled a 751% year-over-year increase in sales thanks to the loyalty and excitement the brand built through cultural relevance and community engagement, not because the product was functionally superior. This is the power of consumer brand equity: the intangible value that makes buyers choose you over the competition, even when cheaper or similar alternatives exist.

Reddit isn’t just another paid channel to plug into your media mix. It’s a massive, community-led platform where users don’t just scroll, they research. They ask questions. They compare brands. And they trust each other most. But that doesn’t mean brands can’t earn their attention, it just means you have to do it on their terms. That makes it one of the most overlooked opportunities for reaching high-intent shoppers: people deep in the buying process, looking for real answers and trusted recommendations.

Spotify has quickly evolved from a music streaming giant into one of the most powerful advertising platforms available today. With over 675 million monthly active users, Spotify commands the attention of a highly engaged, cross-generational audience, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials, two demographics critical to consumer brand growth. Today, Spotify isn't just about streaming music or podcasts; it’s a full-funnel marketing channel that blends sight, sound, and storytelling into one seamless consumer experience.

Economic slowdowns test every assumption consumer brands make, from how they price and position products to how they acquire and retain customers. And while economic signals are rarely clear, whether it's persistent inflation, tightening tariffs, or declining consumer confidence, the easy default is to hit pause. Delay launches. Cut back on marketing. Wait for clarity. But that’s not how leaders thrive. Economic slowdowns are more than a dip in demand; they’re catalysts for change.

The pet industry is booming, and subscription models have become a go-to strategy for brands looking to generate recurring revenue, strengthen customer loyalty, and increase lifetime value (LTV). Pet owners love the convenience of auto-replenishing essentials like food, treats, and supplements, while brands benefit from a steady revenue stream and predictable inventory planning. However, not all pet subscription services succeed.

For health and wellness brands, growth isn’t just about acquiring new customers—it’s about keeping them. Research shows that acquiring a new customer costs five to ten times more than retaining an existing one. Yet, many brands pour their budgets into paid ads and promotions without optimizing the real driver of profitability: repeat purchases. Unlike fashion or luxury goods, health and wellness products have built-in repeatability.

Fashion retail has evolved dramatically, with direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands redefining how customers interact with their favorite labels. Unlike traditional retail, where brands rely on third-party stores, department chains, or wholesalers to sell their products, DTC fashion brands own the entire customer journey—from discovery to purchase and beyond. This model allows brands to build direct relationships with their customers, personalize experiences, and control every touchpoint, from marketing to fulfillment.