Insights

It’s hard to believe that another year is ending with many people looking back on the year that was and forward to what’s to come. And at the risk of sounding like a broken record, 2023 promises to be another year that keeps everyone on their toes.  

The last quarter of the year, often referred to as the ‘golden quarter’ is the most crucial time for many UK retailers.

Falling on the 11th of November, Singles’ Day is the biggest retail event in the world. Originally a Chinese phenomenon, the event has been quickly gaining traction in the UK – especially for brands that ship to China – but also to kick off promotions during this ‘Golden Quarter’ of retail.

Economic headwinds have struck global markets - with sky-high inflation and supply chain issues putting a strain on spending habits, shaping how consumers explore, discover and purchase. In other words, consumer shopping habits are swiftly changing. Consumers become savvier about how and what they buy when the world is in a state of flux.

There is no doubt that it has been a turbulent few years for the travel industry. However, despite concerns over inflation, cancelled or disrupted trips, UK consumers are still eager to escape – they want to get away, and are willing to do the leg work to make sure it is worth their while. 

Rakuten Advertising is excited to launch Linkless Code Tracking for advertisers and publishers. This solution takes the power of affiliate marketing beyond traditional channels into social, connected TV, print media, podcasts and more, helping brands to elevate their affiliate strategy and reach consumers where they choose to spend their time. Linkless Code Tracking is an […]

The dust has settled on 2021, and the affiliate industry is looking forward to the year ahead. Recent years have taught the industry to prepare for anything, whether it be a behavioural shift to content commerce or the resurgence of advertiser verticals to pre-pandemic levels. To support our advertisers and publisher partners in planning for […]

Over recent years the e-commerce industry has accelerated as the world continues to move in and out of lockdown. Changes in shopper behaviour combined with privacy regulations have brands and agencies constantly on their toes as they seek out the most effective strategies to engage and ultimately convert consumers. To support agencies, brands and publisher […]

The fourth quarter of the year is by far the most lucrative time of the year for most retailers and brands with numerous shopping events, deals and promotions leading up to the big day itself. However, it has been another challenging year for the retail sector. The combined impact of COVID-19 and Brexit has continued […]

Rakuten TV is a leading video-on-demand platform in Europe, offering a premium home entertainment portal and exclusive, free advertising-video-on-demand (AVOD) content. Audiences can watch premium Hollywood movies and programmes, local European content, and exclusive sporting documentaries through Rakuten TV. AVOD platforms such as Rakuten TV provide an immense opportunity for brands to reach new and […]

Today Rakuten Advertising launches A 5-stage Blueprint for High-Performance Affiliate Marketing. The blueprint provides both advertisers and publishers with insights into the strategic value of affiliate marketing throughout the customer journey. Based on discussions in the first meetings of the Rakuten Advertising International Collective (RAIC), the blueprint features comments from leading advertisers such as Harvey […]

The finance sector has seen rapid changes in consumer behaviour throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to lockdown, online banking and financial products have accelerated online. According to Deloitte, 35% of customers have increased their online banking usage during the pandemic. Interestingly, a high proportion of this growth has come from seniors and boomers who have […]