The digital advertising landscape is shifting rapidly. Where established giants like Google and Meta have historically attracted the lion’s share of ad investment, a new advertising channel is piquing the interests of retail brands. Retail Media is the fastest growing advertising channel, estimated to be worth $45bn in the US alone. RMNs represent a new frontier in advertising where brands leverage retailer-owned platforms, bringing ads closer to the point of decision and the point of purchase.
With forecasts projecting Retail Media investment to double within three years, RMNs are becoming indispensable in modern retail strategies.*
The appeal of RMNs lies in their efficiency and transparency. Unlike traditional advertising methods, RMNs enable ‘closed-loop measurement’, tracking customer journeys from ad exposure to purchase. This capability ensures brands can more easily measure the return on their investments. RMNs can also offer unparalleled access to first-party data, allowing precise targeting while adhering to privacy standards.
Furthermore, RMNs align perfectly with the current economic climate, where maximizing Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) is a priority. International retailers like Amazon, Target and Walmart have demonstrated the potential of RMNs to generate substantial revenue while deepening trade partnerships. Domestically, Coles and Woolworths have led the local adoption but recently mainstream retailers, including David Jones and Chemist Warehouse, have launched their own offerings.
The biggest challenge facing retailers when entering the retail media space is the inherent reliance on advertising. Rarely do consumers demand more overt advertising in their lives, and this is especially true in a physical retail environment. For any retailer who has invested in building their brand, aesthetic or shopping experience, introducing retail media should be approached with care. While the appeal of incremental ad revenue might be hard to resist, retailers need to consider the impact on the customer shopping experience.
At Entwined, we go beyond just the media aspect, focusing on how digital screens can power outstanding retail experiences that drive customer engagement and sustainable growth. Our REx (Retail Experience) platform combines content, promotions, and advertising to deliver impactful retail media solutions.
Our partnership with Optus Retail Outlets showcases the transformative power of integrated digital solutions. By deploying 40 square meters of LED displays and dynamic signage, we increased foot traffic, enhanced customer satisfaction, and boosted sales at their flagship stores.
Entwined’s Sustainable Signage Initiative combines innovative technology with sustainability. By reducing energy consumption and electronic waste, we help clients achieve their environmental targets while creating future-proof retail spaces.
Ready to redefine your retail experience? Contact Entwined today for a 30min chat to explore how our cutting-edge Retail Experience solutions and retail expertise can elevate your brand and unlock new revenue streams.
Contact Andy Steven
Email: andy.steven@entwined.com.au
Mobile: 0414 733 882
References:
1. https://www.thoughtworks.com/en-au/insights/articles/retail_media_networks_are_they_the_future_of_digital_advertising
2. Global Digital Signage Service Market, Forecast till 2023
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877050918317848