Google has reversed a decision on its more than five-year plan to phase out third-party cookies. The company announced Tuesday that it will keep third-party cookies in their current form and will not roll out a stand-alone "user-choice" button in Privacy Sandbox that would have allowed users to opt out of being tracked by advertisers. After careful consideration and testing, Google will keep its current approach to offer users third-party cookie choice in Chrome, and will not roll out a new stand-alone prompt for third-party cookies, Anthony Chavez, vice president of Privacy Sandbox at Google, wrote in a blog post. "Users can continue to choose the best option for themselves in Chrome’s Privacy and Security Settings," Chavez wrote.

As inboxes become more cluttered, mailboxes have become prime real estate. In fact, the latest data from the United States Postal Service shows that 73% of all households read their mail daily. Brands can cut through the noise and create memorable and tactile brand experiences by using and investing in technologies that take into account how customers interact with and use mail. Through their 2023 Monthly Mailing Promotions, the USPS is encouraging marketers, printers, and mailers to leverage advances in print and finishing technology to improve how consumers interact and engage with mail to drive customer engagement and response rates. Promotions range from using dynamic color and new print techniques to integrating mobile technology. Participants in these monthly promotions are eligible for significant discounts of up to 5%. This can add up to significant savings for big brands. One promotion to note is the 2023 Tactile, Sensory, Interactive Promotion which enhances how customers interact and engage with mail through multi-sensory experiences from visual effects, sound, scent, touch, and even taste!

The slumping housing market is still having its way with the furniture business, but La-Z-Boy seems to be outsmarting the prolonged downturn. While the retailer's overall sales were flat in the fourth quarter at $570 million, sales in its retail segment increased 11%. That came from an aggressive retail move: adding four new stores. With 230 of the fleet now company-owned -- about 60% of the store total -- the company was able to deliver a sharp jump in profits.  Industry research seems to confirm that La-Z-Boy's investment in store expansion is a smart one. A recent survey from the Home Furnishings Association, which included 9,000 consumers, reveals that customers increasingly find furniture inspiration online, and the need for hands-on interaction is growing.