Charlie Menchaca

Marianne Lacle The way AI is reshaping product discovery dominated the conversation at the Path to Purchase Institute's Retail Media Summit last month. But the real reveal was that the store is still the most important engagement channel. Here's how brands can win the next era of retail media: Retail media is no longer the shiny new thing. It's a $70 billion-and-growing commerce capability, and the brands treating it like that are already pulling ahead.

Brad Godwin If your brand isn't involved in culture, you're living in the past. Just think of all the cultural moments that have taken over the popular zeitgeist in the first half of the year. From Bad Bunny's epic performance at the Super Bowl to Alysa Liu's gold medal-winning skate at the Winter Olympics, cultural events have dominated conversations and created connections far beyond the event itself. The FIFA World Cup is yet another cultural moment with wide-reaching implications.

Grilling supplies beat out fireworks and themed food as the most popular items for Fourth of July celebrations, according to Breaktime Media. This summer, Breaktime surveyed 618 respondents about the July 4 holiday. They answered questions ranging from purchase priorities to must-have products. About 40% of respondents said that grilling supplies are a must-have for their Independence Day celebrations. Fireworks and sparklers were tied for second at 20% with themed food and beverage.