Consumers plan to spend $890.49 per person on average this year on holiday gifts, food, decorations and other seasonal items. That’s according to the National Retail Federation’s annual consumer survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. The amount is the second-highest in the survey’s 23-year history and is 1.3% less than last year’s record of $901.99. The increase comes as 85% of consumers are expecting higher prices because of tariffs.

The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has updated the industry's 25-year-old digital ad agreement terms through a collaboration with brands, agencies, publishers, ad tech, and legal experts. The updates should improve performance. Brands, agencies, publishers, ad tech, and legal experts collaborated with the IAB on the updated terms. In fact, 276 IAB member companies participated in redefining the terms. The goal is to bring the document and processes into the 21st century and prepare for a future of high tech and innovation, while helping to prepare the ad industry for what’s to come. Some of the changes will include faster and direct media purchases done programmatically or through a series of agentic agents.

The “now” part of Nike’s high-stakes Win Now turarnound plan is starting to feel like a “later” to some industry watchers nearly two years in. The legendary sportswear giant is beset by challenges related to tariffs, deflating growth in China and an overall uncertain global environment. A lack of clear marketing vision may be further amplifying its problems, with a recent stumble around the Boston Marathon indicative of Nike’s difficulties replicating the aspirational messaging it once delivered with a rare level of finesse.  There are critical fronts, including women’s sports, where Nike can and is still winning. But it may need to pare down focus and switch up tactics to make its narrative cohere in a way that appeals to both choosier consumers and impatient investors. Nike reported flat revenue for the Q3 period ended Feb. 23, with company leaders admitting they were not satisfied with the pace of progress for the Win Now strategy. Marketing experts are in line with the sentiment.