TikTok: From Entertainment Powerhouse to E-Commerce Phenomenon
TikTok is no longer just for entertainment—it's become a powerful tool for product discovery that retailers are cashing in on.??
Our report, "TikTok's Uncertain Future," reveals that 67% of consumers discover new products on TikTok they later purchase. Consumers are finding value in seamless connection between the content they see on TikTok and e-commerce platforms, allowing them to quickly navigate from TikTok to the point of purchase.
As TikTok's future remains unknown, it's essential for retailers to prepare for potential shifts by replicating this strategy across other platforms. For retailers, now is the time to ensure you have a strategy in place to continue the seamless shopping experience for your customers—no matter where they discover the product.?
This Week's Retail Rundown:
INDUSTRY NEWS | WHAT WE'RE READING
How Coach and Sephora Use Data to Drive Design Innovation
Retailers are leveraging data to enhance store design, optimize merchandising, and improve customer experiences. Sephora is revamping stores based on shopper insights, while Coach follows their own model to balance commerce, experimentation, and creativity.
The End of De Minimis: What Do New Tariff Rules Mean for Temu, SHEIN, and Other Chinese E-Tailers?
With the recent implementation of 10% tariffs on Chinese imports, and the elimination of the de minimis exemption, e-tailers like Temu and SHEIN are left to come up with new strategies.
OpenAI Unveils New 'Deep Research' Tool for ChatGPT
The AI technology race is on. Just days after the release of DeepSeek AI, OpenAI launched "deep research," an AI tool that quickly analyzes online data to generate detailed reports with citations.
RETAIL Q&A | INDUSTRY QUESTION OF THE WEEK
INSIGHTS IN ACTION | SOLE SEARCHING: FINDING THE RIGHT FIT WITH DATA
A fast-fashion retailer used First Insight's platform to determine if a shoe they were seeing as a trend in the market would resonate with their customer.
The Goal: Determine customer interest in the trending shoe style and identify if an alternative style would be preferred instead.
The Result: Insight results revealed low demand for the trending shoe, leading the retailer to avoid production and pivot to a different style that was resonating with customers. The retailer saw $10 million in savings in production costs, markdown, and inventory by not investing in the shoe.
About First Insight ????
First Insight is a global leader in AI-powered decision-making, trusted by brands like Gap, Under Armour, Marks & Spencer (M&S), Woolworths, Family Dollar, and Kohl’s. Leveraging advanced AI technologies—including generative AI, machine learning, and human computational modeling—combined with real-time consumer data, First Insight transforms consumer insights into profitable strategies that drive measurable business success.
Powered by its proprietary Voice of the Customer platform and Value Score?, First Insight enables businesses to evaluate the value of products, people, and experiences. First Insight helps companies confidently design, price, and market offerings that resonate with consumers, ensuring every decision aligns with market demand and delivers financial impact.
With 17 years of innovation in AI and predictive analytics, First Insight empowers businesses across industries—including retail, apparel, footwear, automotive, home goods, CPG, and hospitality—to outpace competitors by deeply understanding and adapting to ever-changing customer needs. From concept to conversion, First Insight equips brands to create offerings customers love while achieving higher revenue, stronger margins, and deeper customer loyalty. Learn more at?www.firstinsight.com.