#virtual-influencers

#virtual-influencers

Retail's AI-driven digital transformation is well underway. In 2026, more than ever, customers are looking to technology for smoother, hassle-free shopping experiences, while businesses harness it to drive efficiency and hone their competitive edge. At the same time, the barriers between physical retail and e-commerce are blurring, and shifts in the way algorithms put products in front of us are shaking up the industry.

TTD's stock entered 2025 with shares above $120. After a catastrophic Q4 earnings report in February, shares dropped like a stone to as low as $46 before bouncing into the $70 to $80 range. The company picked up a much-needed attaboy in July when it was promoted to the . The Trade Desk is insulated, though. Tons of different industries compete head-on with Amazon - from electronics and apparel to CPG and entertainment - whereas TTD operates in a distinct space.

Vodafone made a commercial starring an AI avatar posing as a real lady. This is interesting because Vodafone is a major global brand and not a fly-by-night TikTok company using a ridiculous deepfake of Jackson Galaxy to sell cat toys. The tells in the commercial are obvious and what one would expect. The AI avatar's hair is a bit off, which ruins the charade that this is a real person.

Brands are integrating AI-generated personas into their marketing strategies, using digital tools to enhance customer engagement through virtual assistants and hyper-realistic avatars.