At one level, so-called agentic AI — the proliferation of AI assistants, both customer- and employee-facing — seems like science fiction. OK, it’s coming soon, but maybe not yet, maybe not to what I’m doing. Think again. Smart people are predicting impactful use by retailers this holiday season. And not just for customer service.

Speaking of holidays, we’re a week away from Cyber Week. Coming up first, for those who celebrate it, is something a little more peaceful and relaxing. Take a deep breath and enjoy.

Kim Davis
Editor-at-large

 
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Ecommerce

AI is ringing in big holiday shopping changes

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Global commerce media platform Criteo on how AI will be a big differentiator for retailers in the coming weeks.

Marketing technology

Marketers discuss what it takes to succeed with intent data

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Understanding which type of intent data will work for your team depends several factors, including the type of intent you’re looking for in the first place.

Marketing technology

DOJ pushing the sale of Chrome sparks industry debate over web’s future

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Marketers and tech experts warn of unintended consequences while questioning Chrome's viability as standalone product.

MarTech webinar

Elevate Your Data Strategy: From Cookies to Universal Consent & Preferences

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Join us as we explore the pivotal shift from traditional cookie consent to the dynamic world of universal consent and preference management.

Customer experience

6 steps to help improve your customer experience with AI

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It's easy for customers to get frustrated at handoffs between different AI tools and to human service agents.

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Email marketing

Email deliverability: What you need to know

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Everything from bulk email requirements to deliverability practices. Updated with a report Google may be developing an email alias system to combat spam.

MarTech intelligence reports

The essential guide to identity resolution platforms

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With third-party cookies disappearing and privacy regulations tightening, choosing the right identity resolution platform has never been more critical.

Marketing technology

The latest jobs in martech

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On the hunt for something new? Check out who's hiring in martech this week.

On-demand training

The complete fall season of MarTech is now available

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Stream over 20 hours of world-class training designed to help you drive better marketing outcomes: Sign up for free access to the complete fall season of MarTech. Training topics include the iOS 18 email inbox impact, generative AI, data-driven journeys, Google’s third-party cookies decision, CTV, lead gen vs. demand gen, and more.

Start streaming for free

What else we're reading

Good reads and conversations to help good marketers get better.
  • The big vendors may be hard to take down, but the EU is trying, one by one (Reuters).
  • Not just AI, but blockchain, voice search and other innovations are driving marketing trends (EBN).
 

MarTech research

Surveys and research reports to make you a more-informed marketer
 

What they're saying

  • “The new types of AI actually can [know] it’s the festive season: ‘That thing that you would buy normally, I am going to push the premium version of it.’ Those models know about context, they know about the world.” Romain Lerallut (Criteo) in AI is ringing in big holiday shopping changes
  • “Marketers are now at the mercy of algorithms that shape everything from visible customer-facing interactions to behind-the-scenes operations. This means the marketer’s role is to ensure the right balance between technological advancements and human connection.” Theresa Kushner in 6 steps to help improve your customer experience with AI
 

From Search Engine Land