Tiny barcodes, big retail impact

The tiny UPC had a giant role in retail's evolution. It's going 2-D next

Pioneered by grocers in the 1970s, the UPC only gained importance as ecommerce put order accuracy and item tracking in focus. Behind it all, GS1 US applied standards to ensure that barcodes were simultaneously unique and universal. In an interview with The Current, SVP of Innovation and Partnerships Melanie Nuce discusses its role with DTC brands, and the transition set to take place in 2027.

Athletic Greens becomes a household name

After building a committed group of devotees, podcast ads and influencers helped the brand’s drinkable multivitamin and probiotic spread to the masses. “For a company that’s been around for more than a decade, it seems to have appeared out of nowhere,” the New York Times writes. – The New York Times

Americans spent nearly $12 billion on Amazon’s biggest Prime Day yet

This week’s deals extravaganza delivered the two biggest days for US ecommerce this year, according to data from the Adobe Digital Economy Index. Sellers leaned into steep discounts as they sought to move inventory, while Amazon turned to more influencers to get the word out across the web. The response from shoppers indicated they are prioritizing price at a time of inflation.

Pepsi is making big money on smaller portions

As PepsiCo kicked off second-quarter CPG earnings season this week, it offered some insight into the latest trends in snacks. Consumers are valuing moderation and convenience, while also keeping budget in mind at a time of rising prices. It all means smaller-sized packages are proving popular. With this, brands can offer a wider variety of options, while consumers spend more per ounce. – CNN

Back-to-school spending to set record on pricier supplies

In a positive sign for retailers, a Deloitte forecast projects that back-to-school spending will jump 5.8% to $34.4 billion this year. At the same time, families are expected to begin shopping earlier as concerns about supply chain snarls linger. – Reuters

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