Retail Media Networks, Part 1: What Are They?

Let’s talk about retail media.

More specifically, the rise of retail media networks launched by major retailers, looking to build new, sizeable, and highly profitable media revenue streams by taking advantage of their large audiences of loyal shoppers and the vast amounts of purchase data they collect from these shoppers.

In this 4-part series, I take a look at the origins and definition of retail media networks (or RMNs), examine the reasons for the rising interest and investment in RMNs, assess where different retailers stand in their evolutionary journey of launching and monetizing their RMN, and offer my point of view on what needs to happen in the retail media space in order for RMNs to live up to and deliver on their widely publicized potential.

In-Store Media and Merchandising: The Digital Renaissance Cometh

Barrows "Connected Store" endcap units

Let's talk about digital in-store media.

More specifically, the future of engaging shoppers digitally inside physical stores to make their shopping experience smoother, more productive and delightful, while also seizing the opportunity to serve them advertising and promotional messages sponsored by brand manufacturers.

Life of a Coupon: The Industry Value Chain That Powers Manufacturer Coupons

Let’s talk about coupons.

More specifically, the full value chain of activities and industry players that constitutes the ‘Life of a Coupon’ – from the CPG manufacturer to the consumer to the retailer’s checkout register and back to the manufacturer.

Print or Digital: The Trade-Offs Brand Managers Face When Choosing Between Paper and Electronic Coupons

Let’s talk about coupons.

More specifically, manufacturer coupons issued by major brands for consumers to redeem against every-day food and household purchases at grocery and drug stores.

Why, despite the appeal and growth of digital incentives, have traditional paper coupons continued to reign supreme? Is it just a matter of time to change consumer adoption habits, or is there more to the physical paper coupon that accounts for its longevity and continued popularity?