"Every January, retailers gather in New York City for the National Retail Federation's Big Show to get the latest on everything from theft-prevention gadgets and biometric trackers for workers to tactics for preventing frequent returns among customers. And retail media now has a dedicated section at the conference, since an increasing part of retailers' margins comes from selling ads, not selling products."
"The growth in retail media comes as retailers are going through a transformation. Malls are making a comeback (maybe) and in-store retail is adding more friction (those locked-up compartments), as online shopping becomes even faster and more frictionless to spur consumption. All of these dynamics were on display at the conference, as AdExchanger Senior Editor James Hercher reports. Privacy priorities in 2026 Then, we give a 10-minute primer on privacy priorities for 2026."
"Regulators are focusing their attention on three main areas: kids, health and AI. Anyone processing data, targeting ads or running campaigns on or about kids or health should know a misstep could attract the attention of organizations like the FTC. And AI, an emerging area, is amplifying the potential harms of targeting kids. For example, AI chatbot therapists, and kids using chatbots to the detriment of their mental health, are attracting attention in mainstream media."
Retailers convene each January at the NRF Big Show in New York to showcase theft-prevention gadgets, biometric worker trackers, return-reduction tactics, and a growing retail-media ecosystem. Retail media now occupies a dedicated conference section as an increasing share of retailer margins derives from selling ads rather than products. Physical retail is adapting: malls show tentative revival while some stores add friction (locked compartments) even as online shopping becomes faster and more frictionless. Regulators prioritize privacy in 2026 around kids, health, and AI. Companies handling data or ad campaigns tied to those areas face heightened enforcement risk, especially as AI amplifies potential harms.
Read at AdExchanger
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]