Let’s get the bad news out of the way first… Consumer expectations have shifted and there’s no single type of funnel that’s going to convert everyone. What really works is creating personalized experiences that focus on the micro-moments within the shopper’s journey and using those to influence and capture the customer––again, and again, and again.

This is what retention marketing focuses on, and some experts have suggested that it be renamed to “ re-acquisition” to highlight just how important it really is in today’s market.

Direct mail has traditionally been touted for its high response rate, and indeed more than two-thirds of US adults ages 18-54 report being likely to engage with direct mail from brands they have a relationship with. What does that look like in practice? As it turns out, a study [download page] from sg360° finds that on average, consumers believe they engage with 24% of their weekly direct mail.

We surveyed 250 marketers across industries to understand how QR Codes are evolving from quick-access tools into key drivers of engagement and action. Our research reveals how brands are turning everyday scans into data-driven strategies that connect physical and digital touchpoints.

QR codes now reach customers at every stage of their journey

Marketers are no longer using QR Codes at just one customer touchpoint. Our research shows multi-channel implementation across email (47%), product packaging (46%), events (43%), print ads (40%), and in-store displays (40%).

Explore four key considerations reshaping how CPG marketers and grocers approach in-store advertising, consumer engagement and campaign ROI. CPG marketers are facing more complexity (and opportunity) than ever before. With the rise of grocery retail media networks , the store — once seen strictly as the point of sale — is emerging as one of the most influential, versatile and brand-safe media environments for CPG brands.

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.

As the second half of 2025 unfolds, one emerging trend in the payments landscape is the renewed focus on debit rewards. This shift is being driven by market demand, changing consumer preferences, integrated technologies and innovative partnerships that are allowing banks, FinTechs and brands to boost loyalty and customer engagement while opening new revenue opportunities.

Historically, loyalty programs have focused on credit card usage. This model left out 46 million consumers with little to no credit history — especially younger, debt-averse or credit invisible individuals — who use debit cards for everyday transactions. Today, over 90% of U.S. adults carry a debit card, and many brands report a significant share of airline and hotel purchases are made with debit. Yet until recently, these consumers’ loyalty and spending have gone largely unrecognized.

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.

When to post on Instagram is just as important as what you post. This is especially true for creators looking to grow their reach. While some conventional advice recommends posting during off-peak windows, our study uncovers more specific recommendations that include posting during prime time.

We examined 22,125 Instagram Reels from 200 top creators, and the findings reveal that smart scheduling significantly improves engagement.