Consumers increasingly have a negative perception of generative AI (genAI) in the creator economy while fewer see it positively, per a Billion Dollar Boy Study. AI is becoming a necessity across marketing strategies. Negative consumer attitudes toward AI in the creator economy suggest that it’s not whether advertisers and creators use AI, but how they use it that will determine if they see success or face backlash.

France’s government is pushing for a three-month suspension of Shein’s entire site after authorities discovered illegal firearms and sex toys for sale on its marketplace, per Reuters. It is also being sued for up to €3 billion ($3.25 billion) in damages by a consortium of French retailers and retail associations for allegedly using fake promotions to attract shoppers and failing to comply with regulatory standards. Political considerations are contributing to the crackdown on Shein as governments seek ways to protect local retailers from ultra low-cost rivals, but the company hasn’t helped its case.

Consumer concerns over AI scams are rising, as three-quarters of UK adults believe AI advancements have made online scams more difficult to identify, per Barclays. Just 36% of UK consumers are confident they could spot an AI scam. As consumers wade through scams to find legitimate retail sites, ecommerce marketers should review brand search results, monitor social mentions, earn trust through About and FAQ pages, and advertise with caution on social media sites.

Shoppers across Western Europe are gearing up for a digital-first, deal-focused 2025 holiday season. Brands that better understand shifting consumer behaviors can refine their holiday strategies and capitalize on opportunities for growth.

Payments companies are investing in sport marketing to capture volume at lucrative stadiums and live events, per multiple press releases. Standard arena deals have big value, but there’s another area of sports with even less penetration: Women’s sports leagues. Viewership and attendance for professional women’s basketball is exploding thanks in part to standout rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Ads during women’s sports events have a 40% greater impact on consumer engagement than average primetime TV ad airings—meaning the opportunity to seize on rising attendance at women’s sporting events and TV viewership is ripe for payment providers trying to snag in-arena volumes and new customers.

80% of adults in France, the UK, and the US say well-integrated, non-disruptive ads are important factors in a high-quality media experience, according to The Trade Desk research conducted by PA Consulting in June 2025.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss whether Coca-Cola’s AI holiday ad is a bold move forward or a soulless shortcut—and, when everything can be generated, whether authenticity becomes the new premium. Listen to the discussion with Vice President of Content and host Suzy Davidkhanian, Principal Analyst Sky Canaves, and Analyst Arielle Feger.

Lloyds Banking Group will acquire Curve, a London-based digital wallet. Acquiring Curve is a valuable first step toward embracing digital wallet payments solutions. However, Lloyds faces a challenge of incentivizing its users to choose Curve over competitors like PayPal and Klarna, which have established rewards systems. Embedding features and perks into Curve could help create a flywheel effect to trap more volume within its ecosystem.

WPP is reportedly eyeing a merger with holding company Havas and private equity firms KKR and Apollo, per the Times. A merged WPP and Havas would provide more value to advertisers by giving access to a broader mix of services.

32% of US and UK consumers say AI is negatively disrupting the creator economy, up from 18% in 2023, according to July 2025 data from Billion Dollar Boy.

Global ad spending has steadied after a turbulent year, setting the stage for modest acceleration in 2026. Digital is still the main engine, but traditional media’s rebound will add lift as markets stabilize.

Quick commerce startup Gopuff raised $250 million at an $8.5 billion valuation—a significant downgrade from the $15 billion it commanded four years ago. Gopuff claims to be in the “strongest financial position in company history,” with record revenues and continued growth for its core businesses. To get to that point, the company has forged partnerships with companies like Amazon, Starbucks, and Disney, a strategy that has broadened its audience and the appeal of its advertising platform. However, consumers’ reluctance to use quick commerce platforms, coupled with competition from DoorDash and Uber, could hamper Gopuff’s growth prospects.

Grocery retail sales are robust, and ecommerce is gaining share as more people buy groceries online—making retail media a growing opportunity.​