Amazon reportedly plans to replace 600,000 workers with robots

As we approach a new year, these are the questions marketers should be asking. The world has been flipped upside-down and it’s critical that you question everything. Join the FWD forum as three industry partners provide answers, case-studies and a clear blueprint as you begin creating your own way FWD. Who should attend? Anyone involved with print, data & analytics and digital marketing are guaranteed to take away actionable items. Don’t miss this opportunity to create sustainable growth! register at: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_c0Y_HYBLQ-q5zDvRTo88Lg?utm_medium=email&_hsmi=105454497&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_sDUdrHspRB07QZuR_U74e8gCtoUmzrWVQ8TXh31iVIuS303LG6r4sQPXOmj5zQUYRNBfAPtZfPUL4MxDSi_W6xazrqEHSpCNPsZipXP5eHF1Kn84&utm_content=105454497&utm_source=hs_email

Female shoppers are spending less than their male counterparts. During the first half of 2025, year-over-year demand for discretionary products among women fell flat, while unit sales from men were up 3%, according to Circana. Female discretionary spending grew 1% during the same period, while male spending rose 2%.   The firm noted that discretionary spending has been challenged by elevated prices across retail food and beverage, non-edible consumer packaged goods and general merchandise “Female consumers are critical to retail performance, representing more than half of annual spending, and those purchase decisions,” said Marshal Cohen, chief retail industry analyst for Circana. “Shifts in spending behavior among female consumers reveal signs of broader consumer changes brewing.” Women seem to be opting for purchases that allow them to spruce things up, rather than a bigger ticket spend. Between January and June 2025, the majority of the pullback in spending among female shoppers impacted furniture, apparel, juvenile products and housewares.

As brands jump on the hashtag brand-wagon, one wonders if the effort truly makes a difference to the bottom line. Short answer? Absolutely. But, have some brands experienced major fails at achieving an ROI? Absolutely. Does it take a lot of effort and resources to get it right? Absolutely. Why even bother? Campaigns are an excellent tool to create brand awareness, drive traffic, engage customers, promote a product or service, boost social media followers and ultimately helps track and quantify your content. For a stale brand, a brand campaign is the perfect opportunity to blow new life into your business. click read more below to continue