Social Commerce

U.S. retail sales remained unchanged from September to October as consumers moderated their spending ahead of the holiday season. The U.S. Census Bureau provided the October sales numbers earlier this week; the report was delayed more than a month because of the 43-day government shutdown that occurred earlier this fall. Americans spent $732.6 billion in…

TikTok Shop has moved from an experimental feature to one of the most influential retail channels in the U.S. As brands build their holiday strategies, creator-led commerce is emerging as a frontline conversion engine, especially for younger consumers who now discover products through creators rather than traditional advertising. Why Has TikTok Shop Taken Hold So…

Today, commerce is flipping the creator economy upside down. If influencers were previously perceived by brands as partners in creating and distributing content, today they build a business together with brands. And the most advanced brands help them do it more effectively. The New Currency: Trust and Conversions There are several factors that contribute to…

In Q1 2025, investments in U.S.-based creator economy companies surged to a four-year high of $928 million, marking a 140 percent year-over-year increase. This growth underscores the growing influence of creators and influencers. However, this momentum is now tempered by rising tariffs, particularly on imports from China, which pose significant challenges for both creators and…

As retail navigates macroeconomic headwinds, platform disruption, and increasingly cautious consumer spending, a new dynamic is emerging: creators are evolving into strategic commercial collaborators, not just storytellers. Supercharged by artificial intelligence (AI), creators are rewriting the rules of affiliate and brand partnerships, becoming leaner, smarter and more resilient in the process. In 2025, AI isn’t…

The fate of TikTok in the U.S. is still in flux. At DMi Partners, from the beginning of regulation discussions, we’ve done more than stay the course for our clients; we’ve doubled down on channel investment, with great return on ad spend to show for it. One of the primary reasons? TikTok Shop. In this…

Social commerce is no longer just a trend; it’s reshaping how consumers discover, evaluate and purchase products. Fueled by younger generations, platforms such as TikTok Shop, Instagram Shops, and YouTube Shopping have transformed shopping into an interactive, content-driven journey. By 2030, the social commerce market is projected to reach $5.32 billion to $8.5 trillion, making…

If you think Netflix’s next big move is just about binge-worthy series, think again. The streaming giant is eyeing podcasts — specifically, video podcasts — and this shift could redefine not just how we consume content but how we shop, engage, and monetize online. The Video Podcast Explosion is Just Beginning Podcasts have been surging…

In episode 476 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Bob D'Loren, CEO of Xcel Brands, a leader in live stream media and social commerce, and co-founder of ORME, a social commerce app that features TikTok-style videos within a shoppable marketplace. Listen in as D'Loren describes the Xcel Brands organization and its mission to…

Qurate Retail Group, known for its portfolio of live social shopping brands including QVC and HSN, announced Friday that it has officially rebranded to QVC Group, Inc. as it leans into streaming and social. QVC Group's other brands include Ballard Designs, Frontgate, Garnet Hill, and Grandin Road. In November, the Pennsylvania-based company announced plans to…