ClickZ Gifting Newsletter - 09.19.2024

PLUS: Walmart’s Exclusive Barbie Collection & How To Use Behavioral Data For Sales Growth

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ClickZ
September 19, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

Specialty Bites 🍪

A new survey by Coveo reveals that 76% of consumers plan to maintain or increase holiday gift spending, despite cutting everyday purchases. Key drivers include digital offers, impulse buys, and specific search categories. Retailers should leverage these insights to boost holiday sales, especially in fashion and footwear.

Source: Facebook

Walmart has released its 2024 Top Toys List, featuring 66 popular picks for the holiday season, including an exclusive Barbie World collection. With 25 toys priced under $25, there are options to suit various budgets.

The new Barbie World collection, a collaboration with Mattel, is a highlight, offering themed playsets like gardening and watersports, designed to inspire creativity. All priced under $25, these toys provide plenty of storytelling opportunities.

The list covers more than just Barbie, with categories such as crafting, mindful movement, and adventures. Whether it’s the Star Wars Force-N-Telling Darth Vader or the VTech Sort & Discover Activity Center Wagon, there’s something for everyone.

Retailers face a challenging 2024 holiday season due to economic uncertainty and a shortened shopping period. However, leveraging AI and behavioral data can enhance customer experience and boost sales. By understanding consumer behavior in real-time, retailers can personalize interactions, reduce friction, and capitalize on e-commerce growth.

Source: iStock

With inflation high and a short holiday season, consumers are turning to loyalty and gift card programs to stretch budgets. Integrating these programs can boost sales and customer loyalty. Merchants should enhance digital and in-store experiences, personalize offerings, and ensure visibility to maximize holiday success.

Performance Platters 🍽️

Fospha's latest report, "The State of E-Commerce H2 2024", reveals crucial trends that will shape your marketing strategy. What's inside:

  • 📱 How the major platforms' KPIs have trended in 2024, and where you should be investing. 

  • 🚀 How to access Paid Social's huge scaling potential. 

  • ✨ The most effective Google channel of 2024.

  • 🎯 Full-funnel strategies for Meta, TikTok and Snapchat

Let's break down the platform-specific insights: 

  • TikTok: Emerging as a powerhouse for efficient new customer acquisition 

  • Meta: Maintaining strong performance with competitive CAC 

  • Snapchat: Experiencing rapid growth, particularly effective during peak shopping periods 

"These findings underscore how impactful platforms like Meta, TikTok and Snapchat continue to be for driving sales - yet how underinvested they remain. It's incredible to see that brands can triple spend in Paid Social before becoming unprofitable. Success now lies in diversifying across the entire funnel, understanding the nuances of each platform, and continuously optimizing to unlock more scaling potential." 

Jamie Bolton, VP Growth at Fospha

WPP and Coca-Cola topped the 2024 Cannes Lions creative charts, with Coca-Cola winning 17 awards. WPP was named Creative Company of the Year. Heineken and Apple followed in the rankings. The United States was the most creative country. The LIONS Creativity Report highlights impactful creativity driving growth.

Shopify partners with Roblox to integrate in-game shopping, allowing brands to sell physical items directly within the game. This collaboration targets Roblox's 80 million daily users, with a full launch in 2025. Shopify's president highlights the endless possibilities, emphasizing the future of immersive commerce in the digital world.

Ad spend in 2024 is set to rise, driven by retail media, value-based messaging, political ads, and CTV monetization. The IAB projects an 11.8% increase, with retail media leading due to high CPG and beauty spend. AI in search could further boost Q4 advertising.

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