Too many brands still make affiliate decisions based on legacy relationships and gut feel—not data. Join us for a Tech-Talk Webinar where PartnerCentric will pull back the curtain on how smart brands are rewriting their affiliate strategies. |
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JUNE 25, 2025 |
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JanSport’s back to school ad features backpacks doing what? |
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A) Playing lacrosse B) Assembling a tent C) Studying chemistry D) Singing poorly |
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TOP STORY |
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Back-to-school spending is steady in 2025, but shopper behavior is split. Parents are prioritizing tech and clothing—yet these are also the first to be cut when budgets tighten. Consumers are shopping earlier, seeking deals, and using AI to keep costs down. |
With shopping habits divided by generation and income, retailers must stay flexible, personalize offers, optimize for AI, and create seamless cross-channel experiences. |
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Here’s why. |
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IN THE NEWS |
Male shoppers’ relative confidence makes them an attractive target for Unilever, Saks Global. Unilever acquired men’s personal care brand Dr. Squatch—which recently made headlines for offering soap containing actress Sydney Sweeney’s bathwater—for an undisclosed amount as it looks to establish a greater foothold in the fast-growing category. Read online |
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Other headlines: |
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Target tests factory-direct model to broaden low-cost assortment. The model, which lets suppliers ship products directly to shoppers, closely resembles the strategy used by Temu and Shein to keep prices low. Read online
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Amazon will bring same- or next-day delivery to more than 4,000 smaller cities, towns, and rural communities by year-end. The announcement follows its pledge to invest over $4 billion by 2026 to triple the size of its rural delivery network, including expanding to more than 200 delivery stations. Read online
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McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme pull the plug on their partnership. The announcement comes less than two months after the companies said they were pausing a nationwide rollout—despite doughnuts being available in 2,400 McDonald’s locations—to reassess the profitability of the expansion. Read online | | | |
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ANALYSIS |
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Influencer marketing spend will grow15% YoY, outpacing digital and social ad spending, and will reach $10.52 billion in 2025, EMARKETER forecasts. Despite its growth, influencer marketing has maintained a core communication issue—no one knows what to call the people who are doing the work. |
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PODCAST |
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On today's episode, we discuss our unofficial list of the most unexpected retailer campaigns this year so far, including Liquid Death, Coors Light, and Dr. Squatch. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on Instagram. “Behind the Numbers” is made possible by Cint. |
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