Retailer first-party data now plays a central role in Google's updated Commerce Media Suite, enabling advertisers to leverage valuable audience insights for campaigns that reach beyond retailer-owned websites. By sharing their audience data, retailers help brands target high-intent shoppers on Google surfaces such as YouTube, Discover and Gmail, while maintaining robust measurement and visibility into how ads drive real sales.

QVC will mark its 40th anniversary this month with a series of special events, highlighted by an eight-hour "Super Brand Day" livestream on TikTok Shop from New York City on June 17. The anniversary celebration will also feature a sold-out party at QVC's West Chester, Pa., headquarters on June 13, immersive experiences with top brands, the debut of a new podcast and the release of a multi-part documentary on QVC's history. Customers can access exclusive anniversary deals online and on-air throughout June.

The rise of AI in marketing has led brands to prioritize performance over quality and decency, as illustrated by a recent Chewy ad featuring a maggot-covered coin, James Hercher writes. The "cult of performance" shift has seen companies like Skechers and various Chinese brands using AI-generated content that would have previously been deemed unacceptable. Hercher says marketers should place safeguards on product feeds and data to prevent AI from generating inappropriate content.

Jason Kelce's new YouTube series, Kelce Versus, sees the retired NFL star stepping into the shoes of a rookie as he tries his hand at new sports. The show's debut features Kelce joining a NASCAR pit crew and getting a feel for stock car racing. Subsequent episodes will highlight his attempts to dunk a basketball and hit a fastball in baseball, all part of his quest to see how his skills translate beyond football. Produced with Wooderboy Productions and Wondery, Kelce Versus documents his journey of learning and competition in professional sporting arenas outside his NFL comfort zone.

Family farms are turning to social media to supplement income as crop prices fall and persistent droughts continue. Members of the Welker family, which has farmed in Montana for more than a century, have become "aginfluencers" on YouTube, earning six figures annually from ads and endorsements. The trend reflects a broader shift, as most family farms now rely on off-farm earnings for the majority of their income, according to the Agriculture Department.

Online shopping has become increasingly fragmented, with consumers struggling to track sales and product drops across multiple brands and platforms. The Mall addresses this challenge by consolidating information from thousands of brands into a single, searchable feed. By scraping retail websites and leveraging language models, the app provides real-time updates and notifications on promotions, restocks, and price changes, aiming to reduce the frustration of managing numerous tabs and newsletters.

Pacsun has revitalized its Generation Z strategy by centering its approach on the personal interests of young consumers, focusing on fashion, music, sport, and art. Under CEO Brieane Olson, the brand has leaned into consumer co-creation, launching initiatives such as the Youth Advisory Council and the annual Youth Report in 2025. Pacsun also made an early move onto platforms like TikTok Shop and invested in a mobile app to better connect with Gen Z shoppers and keep pace with their evolving preferences.

Hyundai has launched a campaign from Innocean USA as the official mobility partner for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. "Next Starts Now" includes a 60-second spot featuring global soccer stars and a Boston Dynamics Atlas robot, highlighting Hyundai's commitment to innovation. Media elements include TV, social media content, influencer partnerships, out-of-home and fan experiences in major cities.

Paze's "Paze. It Checks Out" campaign features actors Elizabeth Banks and Gabrielle Union, using their surnames to highlight the digital wallet's backing by banks and credit unions. The campaign, aimed at reducing online checkout friction, is running across connected TV, digital and social media.

IAB’s Angelina Eng and Quigley-Simpson’s Rachel Mervis join IAB Pulse Host Chris Bruderle for a discussion on the newly released Campaign Data Standards 1.0 framework, part of Project Eidos, and what it means for the future of campaign measurement.

IAB’s updated Standard Advertising Services Terms & Conditions modernize digital ad contracting with modular terms for direct buys, IOs, and definitions, reducing negotiation friction while supporting evolving media, data, privacy, and buying models. Download the framework to learn more!