Happy Monday, and Happy New Year! 🥂
We’re starting 2025 with a little refresh. DTC Creator is now Ad to Cart! Same great newsletter, just with a new name and even more to look forward to. We’ve brought on some amazing new writers and editors, and we’re excited to share what’s coming this January and February.
Thanks for being here with us. Let’s make it a great year together.
What’s next for DTC, e-commerce, and IRL shopping
Retail in 2025 is poised to be a blend of nostalgia and innovation, driven by behavioral psychology and savvy strategies. From rising prices to AI-powered experiences, here’s what’s shaping the industry this year.
Higher prices, smarter strategies
With tariffs looming, brands are leveraging anchoring bias to manage price hikes—like smaller juice bottles at the same price or revamped loyalty programs that subtly nudge shoppers to spend more. On the flip side, budget-friendly drops like Popflex’s $35 Target skort appeal to cost-conscious consumers, leveraging the decoy effect to make lower-cost options feel irresistible.
The ‘Made in America’ boost
Expect a patriotic twist on marketing as brands spotlight local manufacturing. Tapping into in-group bias, this strategy appeals to shoppers’ sense of identity and pride while justifying stable prices. For brands, it’s a way to stand out as tariffs disrupt global supply chains.
Pop-ups steal the show
The scarcity principle is in full effect as pop-ups dominate the retail landscape. Temporary setups, like Lands’ End’s tote-customization shop, create urgency and exclusivity that drive foot traffic. Meanwhile, DTC brands are scaling back aggressive store expansions, focusing instead on targeted openings that feel more curated and intimate.
AI enhances the customer journey
AI is transforming customer service, with tools predicting returns and chatbots handling common queries. By offering personalized recommendations, AI taps into reciprocity bias, making shoppers feel understood and valued. This tech-forward approach builds loyalty while streamlining operations.
The death of self-checkout?
Retailers like Dollar General are rolling back self-checkouts in favor of human cashiers, prioritizing trust and security to combat rising theft. This shift also enhances human connection bias, giving shoppers a better in-store experience that fosters goodwill and repeat visits.
DTC’s fresh focus on new faces
After years of pandemic-era caution, DTC brands are back to growth mode. With increased marketing budgets, they’re targeting new customers while maintaining relationships with loyal ones. This dual approach leverages loss aversion, ensuring long-time shoppers feel valued even as brands expand their reach.
Why it works: These strategies aren’t just reactive—they’re rooted in social science. From tapping into identity with “Made in America” to leveraging scarcity with pop-ups, brands are designing experiences that cater to deep-seated psychological triggers. In 2025, the winning formula is clear: keep it personal, memorable, and just scarce enough to leave people wanting more.
TalkShopLive bets on shoppable Reels amid TikTok uncertainty
As TikTok’s future hangs by a thread, TalkShopLive is seizing the moment with Shoppettes—short, shoppable videos launching on Instagram and Facebook. These Reels, available for seven days, let users attach up to five products and offer seamless purchasing via DMs. It’s a clever pivot from live-stream shopping to bite-sized content tailored to modern attention spans.
The psychology is clear: limited-time availability taps into FOMO, while the ease of commenting “buy” reduces friction in decision-making. Pair that with the social proof of influencers showcasing products in real-world scenarios, and you’ve got a formula that turns casual viewers into instant shoppers.
For brands, Shoppettes provide an alternative to TikTok, letting them diversify their strategies without losing access to engaged audiences. TalkShopLive CEO Bryan Moore says the platform’s embeddable tech—already boosting sales by 25% in simulcasts—ensures brands can meet customers wherever they are.
By blending urgency, simplicity, and social validation, TalkShopLive is quietly redefining social commerce—and offering a scalable Plan B for brands navigating the shifting digital landscape.
