How are eCommerce brands driving growth, loyalty, and performance in an uncertain market? Marketing strategies are being reshaped by shifting platform and macro economics, changing user behavior, and the dominance of China-based apps in a landscape influenced by trade pressures.

As the holiday season approaches, marketers face both opportunity and complexity. While moderate growth is expected, uncertainty remains high. To help marketers plan Q4 and beyond, this report analyzes $4.2 billion in ad spend to surface key trends and benchmarks from Q4 2023 through May 2025. 

The world of shopping has changed — and all because of your phone. Our study of 18,468 consumers and 3,464 businesses across eight markets reveals that nearly half of consumers across the globe used a smartphone in their most recent retail purchase. The “ 2025 Global Digital Shopping Index ,” a PYMNTS Intelligence report commissioned by Visa Acceptance Solutions, details the rise of the mobile-first shopper. Read your copy today.

Asia has emerged as a powerful growth engine in the retail industry, maintaining an active global economy. With a burgeoning middle class, rising digital adoption, and strong demand for cross-border products, the region is poised to play an increasingly central role as commerce evolves. For U.S.-based retailers—especially small and midsize enterprises—this presents a critical opportunity. But tapping into it requires more than translating a website or expanding shipping zones. To succeed, merchants must meet customers where it matters most: the point of payment.

The global marketing landscape in 2025 is a dynamic one. AI’s rapid evolution and the rise of shoppable advertising present exciting opportunities, but the industry is also navigating global market fluctuations, including supply chain uncertainties and shifting consumer sentiment, creating real challenges. The path to marketing success in 2025 demands clarity and informed action. Read our 2025 Annual Marketing Report to gain a strategic advantage in today’s dynamic environment. Unlock the insights that will help you navigate challenges and achieve measurable results.

The European Payments Alliance (EuroPA) and European Payments Initiative (EPI) are joining forces to explore ways to make it easy for consumers to send and receive payments seamlessly across the continent. The move signals an attempt to wrest control of the EU’s payments ecosystem away from US card schemes and Big Tech giants and secure the Bloc’s sovereignty in payments.

Bank-backed EPI launched its Wero digital wallet late last year, harnessing the potential of account-to-account (A2A) payments to help European banks take on the might of Visa and Mastercard.

This isn’t just another guide. It’s your roadmap to global expansion. Inside, you’ll find expert strategies, real-world success stories, and proven tactics designed to help businesses scale across borders – securely, confidently, and profitably.

Cross-border e-commerce is growing twice as fast as domestic sales, with global spending expected to hit $8.09 trillion by 2028. The chance to grow is huge, but going global takes more than just ambition; it takes smart, precise moves.

From climate concerns to charitable causes, your customers want to support brands that stand for something and they’re willing to spend more to do it. This exclusive report reveals what matters most to UK shoppers when it comes to sustainability and social impact – plus how you can turn those insights into commercial gains. With nearly 65% of consumers saying they’d favour brands that support causes, this isn’t just a feel-good trend, it’s a strategic advantage.

Social media is a part of daily life for many, but usage patterns and preferences vary across different countries and demographics. Let’s explore global trends in social media engagement, from posting frequency to platform preferences and emotional connections.

Instagram claimed the top spot as users’ favorite platform, with those in Mexico, Germany, and the UK showing the strongest preference for the photo-sharing app.