Much like in previous years, NRF’s Big Show featured many hot topics, including retail media networks and AI in the industry.

But one panel led by Hilary Milnes, executive Americas editor at Vogue Business, focused on a subject that’s captivated retailers and companies big and small for years now: What does the Gen Z consumer want and how do you give it to them?

And while this generation’s preferences probably change more rapidly than the weather in New York, we know that if there’s one thing that’s constant, it’s that Gen Z is a digital generation.

To understand what digital strategies work best to engage Gen Z customers, executives from H&M, McDonald’s, and Spotify sat down to provide their insights. We’ve rounded up their best advice to help retailers remain at the forefront of reaching the younger audience online.

Keep reading here.—JS

In the world of retail, one word has resounded above all others this past year: “profitability.”

This concept has crystallized into three strategic imperatives essential for e-commerce businesses in our post-pandemic reality—and they’re all here in VTEX’s latest white paper, Three Investments to Drive Economic Growth.

Jordan Jewell, former IDC analyst, sat down with dozens of e-commerce leaders and analysts to understand the key to not just growing an e-commerce business but also growing it profitably.

Amid a changing e-commerce landscape, retailers face new challenges across consumer demands, digital ecosystem shifts, and economic fluctuations.

Tack on other harsh realities, like a 38% reduction in digital ad effectiveness thanks to iOS 14.5 updates, and it’s clear that retailers need to rethink their approach to digital success.

We know. It’s a lot, but—breathe. VTEX’s white paper can help put you on track to profitable growth this year. Download it here.

Price hikes helped Procter & Gamble, maker of Dawn dish soap, Gillette razors, and haircare brands like Head & Shoulders and Pantene, deliver revenue growth in its fiscal second quarter as consumers showed some signs of accepting higher prices, particularly in North America.

P&G reported its net sales rose 3% YoY to $21.4 billion, with organic sales up 4% thanks to higher pricing. Volume was flat overall, but rose 4% in North America.

“As consumers come in, maybe at a lower tier and a lower value proposition, they continue to trade up in the US, which speaks to the health of the proposition but also the health of the consumer and willingness to invest,” CFO Andre Schulten said during the earnings call.

Each of P&G’s segments posted net sales growth despite volume declines in healthcare and in baby, feminine, and family care, though volume picked up for grooming and was flat for fabric and home care.

Keep reading here.—EC

Could 2024 be the year that drone delivery finally takes off?

Alphabet-owned Wing is betting on a bigger future for the technology with a new aircraft that can handle delivery boxes of up to five pounds, doubling the capacity limit of the company’s currently operating drones. Wing claims the fleet addition will give it more versatility in accommodating a range of order types for companies like Walmart, DoorDash, and healthcare logistics startup Apian.

Cleared for takeoff: The rollout comes as a number of factors seem to be aligning in favor of a potential tipping point for the long-discussed means of fulfilling retail orders in the coming year.

Keep reading here on Tech Brew.—PK