CommerceNext Insights

AI Search, Physical Retail & Breakout Brand Growth: 3 Sessions You Don’t Want to Miss at the Growth Show

Kidest Wasihun April 17, 2026

3 Must-See Growth Show Sessions on AI Search, Retail & Breakout Brands From AI-driven discovery to the reinvention of physical stores, the lines between channels, experiences and expectations are blurring. At 2026 Growth Show, June 23–24 in NYC, we’re taking these ideas to the stage with leaders from Ulta Beauty, Tecovas, Tractor Supply Co, and The Wharton School, bringing together leaders who are shaping what’s next in retail, and unpacking what’s actually working. Take a look at three sessions you don’t want to miss, and register to be part of the conversation defining the future of growth. Keynote: How AI Search and Agentic

Beyond Guesswork: How Agentic AI Unlocks Marketing Decisioning

Haven Huong Nguyen April 13, 2026

Customer behavior is becoming more fluid, less predictable and harder to serve with traditional marketing approaches. Journeys don’t follow clean paths, intent shifts quickly and static segmentation often misses the moment. In this CommerceNext webinar, ThredUp, Artisant Lane Furniture and Aampe explored how agentic AI is changing the way brands approach personalization, how teams are rethinking execution and what it really takes to make these systems work in practice. What We Covered: Segmentation Is Losing Precision Real-Time Decisioning at the Individual Level A Shift in How Marketers Spend Their Time What Readiness Actually Looks Like Measuring Impact Beyond Immediate Conversions Speakers: Kristen Brophy,

5 Brands with the Best Gen Z Marketing Strategies and Why They Work

Jenna Shaps April 7, 2026

Gen Z expects brands to be relevant, transparent, and culturally in tune. So much so, that the most effective Gen Z marketing strategies prioritize community-led experiences, creator partnerships roothed in authenticity and value-driven storytelling. Here are five brands from CommerceNext’s community of retail leaders that are winning with Gen Z – including Glossier, e.l.f. Beauty, Aerie, Rhode and Nike. With Gen Z’s global spending power projected to reach $12 trillion by 2030, here’s how you can embrace modern retail strategy to appeal to the new customer. 1. Glossier’s Community as Content Co-Creators Glossier’s Gen Z brand marketing succeeds because it was built

2026 Digital Retail Forecast: Challenges, Opportunities and Strategies

Corey Peters April 3, 2026

Economic uncertainty, fragmented discovery, shifting generational behavior and rising expectations around trust are all reshaping how retailers plan for growth. In this CommerceNext webinar, Forrester, Mejuri, B&H Photo and RTB House came together to explore what digital retail leaders need to know about 2026 and how brands can adapt without losing sight of the fundamentals. What We Covered: Peak ambiguity and the new planning environment Discovery is fragmenting, but proven channels still matter Consumer behavior is more research-heavy, generational and multi-device Trust, fulfillment and measurement will define the winners Speakers: Sucharita Kodali, VP & Principal Analyst, Forrester Rohit Nathany, CTPO, Mejuri Jeff

Mother’s Day Marketing: Key Trends for Retailers

Jenna Shaps March 26, 2026

Mother’s Day presents a valuable opportunity for brands to connect with millions of consumers across the United States. On average, consumers spend about $259 each year on Mother’s Day. With spending at near-record levels, brands must align their campaigns with emerging consumer trends to maximize engagement and sales. The Power of Customer-Centric Storytelling Storytelling remains a key driver of emotional engagement during holidays like Mother’s Day. Shoppers increasingly seek gifts that feel personal and meaningful, making user-generated content and real-life stories especially impactful. Recent research shows that storytelling can increase conversion rates by up to 30%. Additionally, 64% of consumers say stories help

5 Ways Businesses Can Prioritize Sustainability in 2026

Maya Chalil March 11, 2026

While Earth Day brings our environmental responsibilities into sharp focus, the truth is that sustainability demands brands’ attention every day. From sourcing to packaging to managing logistics, the aim is clear: build an ecosystem that’s beneficial for the planet, profitable for businesses and positive for consumers. A 2023 report by ThredUp found that 78% of consumers prefer to buy from brands that are transparent about sustainability efforts. This means sustainability is no longer a niche concern—it’s an expectation. So, ready to get your green on? Let’s dive into 5 ideas to steer your business towards a greener future. 1. Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions Transitioning

Brands Excelling with TikTok Ads in 2026

Corey Peters March 10, 2026

Brands Winning Big with TikTok Ads and What Retail Leaders Can Learn TikTok advertising has evolved from experimental spend to a strategic growth lever. Engagement is high. Cultural impact is undeniable. Yet for many leaders, it still feels unpredictable. So what can brands do to ensure efficient, measurable growth using TikTok advertising? Here are some of the biggest takeaways emerging from CommerceNext’s community of senior marketing and performance leaders. TikTok Ads Require Speed, Authenticity, Trend-Forward Strategies & Cultural Fluency A successful TikTok advertising strategy flips the traditional paid social playbook. On Meta and Google, polished visuals and clear CTAs often win. On TikTok,

International Women’s Day: Honoring Iconic Women In our Retail Community

Corey Peters March 6, 2026

Happy Women’s History Month! To celebrate, we asked a few incredible female leaders in our community to share career advice and insights to help inspire and empower the next generation of leaders in retail. “The marketing landscape is changing so quickly that none of us are true experts anymore — and the most impactful leaders I know are comfortable saying, “I don’t know, let’s figure it out.” They ask thoughtful questions, they listen more than they speak and they surround themselves with people who challenge their thinking. My advice: Stay curious, be open to change and be brave enough to keep evolving

Market Expansion Plan for 2026: Competitor and Insights Data To Grow Your Brand Into New Regions

Corey Peters March 5, 2026

Expanding into a new market can unlock major growth, but it can also expose brands to costly missteps if decisions are based on instinct rather than insight. We recently partnered with Launchmetrics and 111SKIN on a webinar exploring how brands can approach expansion with more precision. Guided by fresh research from Launchmetrics, the discussion unpacked how brands can measure real brand impact, activate the right voices in each market and balance global brand identity with local relevance. What We Covered: How Data Can Guide Market Expansion Why Growth Requires a Smarter Expansion Strategy Redefining Influence in Global Markets Balancing Global Brand DNA with

Explore the Best of NYC During the 2026 CommerceNext Growth Show

Corey Peters February 9, 2026

Get ready for the retail, ecommerce, tech extravaganza of the year! The 2024 CommerceNext Growth Show is set to take place June 11-13, 2024, and what better place to host this spectacular event than the vibrant and electrifying city of New York! As you prepare for an enriching professional experience, why not seize the opportunity to explore the city’s cultural richness, delicious cuisine and thrilling activities? Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of NYC during your visit this upcoming June.

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