Global Ad Boom, Retail Dominance & E-Commerce Surge

$1.8T

U.S. e-commerce sales are forecast to hit $1.8 trillion by 2030, making up about 29% of total retail sales, while overall retail is expected to grow from $5.2 trillion in 2025 to $6.2 trillion. Despite online gains, more than 70% of retail sales will still come from physical stores, highlighting the ongoing importance of in-person shopping.

$6.4B

Walmart’s advertising business drove strong growth in fiscal 2025, with global ad revenue climbing about $6.4 billion, up 46% year-over-year, and U.S. unit Walmart Connect posting 41% Q4 growth. Executives say marketplace demand and the Vizio integration give the retail media segment “plenty of runway” as they expand capabilities and global reach.

91%

About two-thirds (66%) of consumers feel brands prioritize new shoppers over existing loyal customers, rising to 70% among monthly buyers, despite nearly 7 in 10 brands claiming balanced budgets between retention and acquisition. Larger companies (over $50M revenue) focus more on retention than smaller ones, and customers want meaningful recognition beyond typical discounts.

12%

Salesforce reported $11.20 billion in Q4 revenue, up 12% year-over-year, and $3.81 adjusted EPS, beating Wall Street expectations, but its fiscal 2027 revenue outlook of $45.8–$46.2 billion was viewed as cautious by investors. Despite the strong quarter, confidence wavered amid AI growth concerns and mixed guidance.

26

Samsung has launched its new Galaxy S26 series, but the debut comes as the smartphone industry braces for memory chip supply tightness, which could drive up component costs and constrain production of AI-heavy devices. The move tests Samsung’s dual role as both a major phone maker and memory supplier, potentially giving it an edge if shortages worsen.

72%

Mass retailers like Walmart hit a record 72% grocery penetration, and the broader mass channel now matches traditional supermarkets at 79%, as price-driven shopping grows amid persistent financial strain. Dollar stores climbed to 42% penetration, showing shoppers increasingly prioritize affordability even though actual food inflation is far lower than perceived.

$1.2 B

eBay is buying secondhand fashion marketplace Depop from Etsy for $1.2 billion in cash, a deal expected to close in Q2 2026 as Etsy refocuses on its core marketplace. Depop, which generated roughly $1 billion in gross merchandise sales in 2025 and saw ~60% U.S. growth, will help eBay deepen its reach with younger, fashion-forward shoppers.