Madison and Wall Podcast Ep. 49: Meta's Metrics, Retail Media Acceleration Vs. E-Com Deceleration, the Cord-Cutting "Singularity" and More
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Aug 22, 2025 This week’s discussions highlight alarming measurement issues at Meta, revealing how inflated ad metrics are impacting marketing strategies. The retail media landscape is booming, growing 24%, while e-commerce struggles, showing just a 5% increase. Transitioning views on pay TV are reshaping advertising investments, reflecting changes in consumer habits. Amid economic pressures, advertisers are still investing heavily, showcasing a resilient yet complex advertising environment. Tune in for an insightful look at the changing dynamics in both retail and media!
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Weekend Movie With His Son
- Brian Wieser mentions seeing the Fantastic Four movie with his son as a rare non-work activity this week.
- He also notes doing some light gardening but downplays it as a repeated topic.
E-Commerce Growth Slower Than Perception
- U.S. e-commerce sales grew only about 5% year-over-year according to the Census Bureau data.
- That pace outpaces overall retail only slightly and suggests slower-than-expected online expansion.
Retail Media Running Far Ahead
- Retail media grew ~24% in 2Q25 despite modest e-commerce expansion.
- Growth stems from many retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Target, DoorDash, Uber) aggregating ad demand in one place.