It’s Thursday
Best Buy just launched Social+, a tool that lets advertisers target its shoppers on Facebook and Instagram using first-party data and Meta’s Advantage+ shopping campaigns.
Stanley Tucci’s new show has a surprising backer—Allbirds
A new Stanley Tucci series just dropped–but it’s not on Netflix or HBO. Instead, Allbirds is behind Cards on The Table, a four-part YouTube series designed as a mix of deep conversations and brand marketing.
The show brings together guests like Sophie Turner, F1’s Carlos Sainz Jr., and Queer Eye’s Tan France for dinner-party discussions shaped by conversation decks curated by psychologist Dr. Orna Guralnik (Couples Therapy).
Why Allbirds is betting on entertainment
Allbirds’ CMO Kelly Olmstead says traditional ads aren’t cutting it anymore. Instead of chasing impressions, the brand is focusing on content that sparks real engagement.
If Cards on The Table succeeds, expect more brands to shift from ad campaigns to branded entertainment.
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More shoppers are ditching name brands—here’s why
A new report from Bazaarvoice shows that 57% of shoppers have permanently switched to store brands, and 54% are opting for cheaper alternatives as price sensitivity grows.
Why store brands are winning
76% of shoppers switch for lower prices
49% say private-label quality has improved
35% rely on positive reviews to make the switch
Some private-label products are even outpricing national brands. Costco’s Kirkland Signature orange juice, for example, costs more than Simply Orange or Tropicana but still leads in taste tests.
The bigger picture for brands
Retailers are expanding their private-label offerings, using data to focus on quality over just lower prices. Name brands that can’t compete on trust or value risk losing shelf space.
Amazon’s big ad play–taking on Google?
Amazon just slashed ad-buying fees from 5-7% to 1% and is offering AWS discounts to brands that use its ad platform. The move signals an aggressive push to become a major player in internet advertising, competing directly with Google and The Trade Desk.
Why this is happening
Amazon has a massive data advantage with real purchase intent signals.
Google is under antitrust scrutiny, giving Amazon an opportunity to gain ground.
Ad costs are rising, and brands are looking for cost-effective alternatives.
The challenge
Amazon’s ad platform still lags behind its competitors. Many advertisers say it’s slow and lacks the capabilities of The Trade Desk.
Why it matters
If Amazon can improve its ad tech, it could take a serious bite out of Google’s dominance. For brands, it means cheaper ad placements–if Amazon can deliver on performance.
We’re also reading
Vogue Business – Why escapism is the new marketing currency.
Ad Age – Substack marketing—why more brands are joining the newsletter platform.
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