Pop-up Palooza in the Hamptons

The Rise of Pop-Ups in the Hamptons

Kiki Couchman and Elan Halpern, two Stanford graduates, have taken an unconventional approach to launching their probiotic-rich yogurt start-up, Sourmilk. After leaving their jobs in private equity and tech, they’ve relied on what they call “the drug-dealer method” to move product. Without a physical storefront, they use social media to generate interest and then deliver online orders directly to customers, often meeting them at street corners or businesses in Manhattan and Brooklyn. While this method is labor-intensive for a $5 serving of yogurt, it’s necessary for selling a perishable product without a traditional retail space.

For now, the pop-up model is the only way to go. However, as summer approached, the duo knew they needed to expand their customer base. They targeted the Hamptons, where wealthier and older New Yorkers reside—potential future city customers. They found a spot at SoulCycle’s Bridgehampton location, which invited them to participate in a multi-vendor pop-up in early July. This brief stint led to a week of sold-out pop-ups across the Hamptons, and they have since secured a retail partner for the fall in the city, with several other retailers on the South Fork also showing interest.

Exposure Over Revenue

Not all brands are focused on immediate sales when setting up pop-ups. For example, Austin-based lifestyle brand Katie Kime launched a pop-up at Goop in Sag Harbor this summer, offering bags, pajamas, and ice buckets customized with Hamptons motifs like the Parrish Art Museum and Sag Harbor Cinema. For founder and CEO Katie Kime, the goal isn’t just extra revenue—it’s about exposure. “You’re so closely concentrated within and beside the top brands in the world. I just haven’t seen anything else like it,” she said.

This trend has attracted hundreds of other brands, leading to some controversy among local small businesses. Heidi Humes, owner of Sunshine Amagansett, a concept store in East Hampton, worries that the surge of pop-ups is taking money away from smaller local shops struggling to survive. She had to move her store two years ago when her landlord rented the space to a high-end brand from the city.

Humes doesn’t mind small, thoughtfully curated pop-ups like those from Katie Kime and Sourmilk, which test the market and engage with potential customers. In fact, pop-ups are a weekly event at her shop, which features merchandise from female artisans worldwide. However, she finds it disheartening when big luxury brands set up shop. “It felt like commercialism did a hostile takeover this season,” she said.

A New Era of Commercialism

The influx of pop-ups has changed the Hamptons’ landscape. What was once a place for relaxation and escape has become more crowded with city vendors, fitness instructors, and restaurants setting up temporarily. One summer resident joked, “Don’t people just go to the beach with a sandy paperback and then come home and throw a few burgers on the grill anymore?”

Luxury stores have long been part of the Hamptons scene, but now there are pop-up brokers facilitating these events, pairing out-of-town brands with local companies. Commerce has moved beyond main streets and into prime waterfront locations or historic luxury hotels.

Ice-cream pop-ups have become particularly popular, with luxury brands like Gucci serving Jon & Vinny’s from a cart. The Maidstone Hotel partnered with Brooklyn’s L’Appartement 4F, which spent $500 to have its croissants shipped east for the weekend. Clothing brands like Sezane and Saks, which has an online storefront on Amazon, have also set up in the area. Chanel even hosted a “summer salon” at the Hedges Inn, while Topping Rose Hotel in Bridgehampton featured rotating luxury pop-ups from Ferragamo, Burberry, and Giorgio Armani X Kith.

From Pop-Up to Permanent

Some brands have graduated from pop-ups to permanent spaces. Love, Binetti, after years of doing pop-ups, set up a permanent location in Sag Harbor last year and hosted pop-ups itself, including one with Missoni Home, Assouline, and New York vintage shops like Khata Space.

Multiple New York restaurants, calling themselves pop-ups, showed up for the summer with seasonal leases. Out-of-town retailers like Elyse Walker, Rebecca Minkoff, and Carbon-38 followed suit. Some brands popped in for curated events, such as Cindy Crawford hosting a small industry lunch at Pierre’s in Bridgehampton for her beauty company Meaningful Beauty. Yola, a mezcal maker, held a happy hour at Lucky’s in East Hampton with shrimp cocktail, tomato salad, and specialty cocktails.

Montauk: A Summerlong Pop-Up

Montauk became a hub of activity throughout the summer, with the Surf Lodge turning into a giant summerlong pop-up featuring takeovers by Casablanca, Ned’s Club, and Asos. Gurney’s Resort had a beachfront takeover by Dolce & Gabbana, offering a Cadillac “experience” with chauffeured rides. Sisley took over the Montauk Yacht Club with themed treatment rooms, while Hero Beach Club offered weekend wellness activations with sponsors like DanceBody offering workouts alongside free sports bras and tights.

The workout space, surrounded by dozens of brands offering potions, powders, and branded items, was largely staffed by brand ambassadors handing out products for exposure. “People basically leave with a tote full of landfill,” said one Hamptons regular.

Influencers and the Pop-Up Cycle

The presence of influencers in the Hamptons has amplified the pop-up frenzy. Their posts can spark a chain reaction, bringing more pop-ups to the area. This cycle is familiar in New York, but not everyone is comfortable with local spots becoming crowded with people mostly there for the Instagram feed. A Reddit user commented, “Influencers and brand pop-ups have made my favorite bars and restaurants seem like they’re clubs in Ibiza. It’s really a shame to see what this part of NY has turned into, especially Montauk.”

Some brands have leaned into this model, flying influencers to the Hamptons like many do for distant locales. Hotel Lobby Candle, known for its tomato-scented candles, collaborated with Wheels Up, a private plane operation, and flew a group of influencers to the Hamptons. Both brands’ online posts featured a pillow on the plane that read “my candle flies private.”

See Your Birds in Style with This Smart Feeder That Takes Selfies

Understanding What Attracts Birds to Feeders

Living in the woods of Northern Ontario, Canada, my wife and I get to enjoy lots of natural beauty, including many woodland creatures who occasionally visit our cabin site. Some of our favorite visitors are the birds who love to perch on our bird feeders regularly. “What attracts birds to feeders, generally, is the type of food you have available, as well as the type of feeder it is,” explains Maria Kincaid, an ornithology research specialist for a smart bird feeder manufacturer.

The color of your feeder isn’t that important for something like a seed feeder, while it is very important for a hummingbird feeder. Hummingbirds have evolved with flowers, and while they’re attracted to flowers of many colors, they’ve evolved with red flowers. This is why many hummingbird feeders are red.

The trouble is, most birds attracted to our standard feeders are too skittish to let us get close-up view in order to snap decent photos with our smartphones. My wife’s been trying for years and has discouragingly few good bird pictures to show for it. She did eventually convince a particularly brave chickadee to land in her seed-filled hand for a few moments last year, but this took months of coaxing.

Luckily for us and other bird lovers around the world, there’s an easier way — the smart bird feeder.

What Is a Smart Bird Feeder?

A smart bird feeder is a bird feeder with a camera built in that sends images and also sometimes videos of birds that visit your feeder to your phone via an app, Kincaid explains. Essentially, smart feeders make it much easier to enjoy birds without scaring them off and captures some stunning visuals of your feathered friends in the process.

“I love that I can see all the different species of birds that are coming to my FeatherSnap feeders without having to watch it constantly,” Kincaid says. “Sometimes, especially during the spring migration, there are birds that stop by just for a few hours, and when they stop at my feeder, I’ve got a record of it.”

There are many different smart bird feeders on the market that boast unique features. One example is the Bird Buddy Feeder, an elegant, modern-looking 9×6-inch bird feeder which we tested out. The feeder itself is weatherproof, sturdy, and well-built. It has a protective roof and transparent walls on two sides, making it super easy for birds to spot the tasty seeds within. The Bird Buddy holds just under 4 cups of feed and has an openable rear door to make refilling simple.

Speaking of seeds, the way you should select how to fill a smart bird feeder is no different than your standard feeder. “The type of seed that you use in your feeder will attract different birds, so look into the favorite foods of what you’re hoping to attract,” Kincaid says. “One of my favorite features of the FeatherSnap Seed Feeder is that it’s got dual feeder bins, allowing me to put in two different types of bird seed, and increase the types of birds I’m attracting to my feeder.”

How Do Smart Bird Feeders Work?

The rechargeable camera built into a smart bird feeder works with a custom app that alerts homeowners when birds are at their feeder. It uses your home’s Wi-Fi connection to stream closeup photos and videos to your mobile device. Once your mobile device receives and processes images of your latest feathered visitors, most smart bird feeder apps now use AI to identify each bird photographed by species.

Feathersnap feeders boast this type of AI functionality and take things a step further to help new bird watchers increase their knowledge. “You can use AI or the manual bird identification to ID the birds coming to your feeder, and learn more about them via the Bird Book, which includes seed preferences, the ranges they’re found in, and fun facts about each species,” Kincaid says.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Smart Bird Feeder

Excited to get your own smart feeder? We don’t blame you. Here are some pro tips for making the switch from a standard bird feeder to smart bird feeder:

• Be patient. “First, it’s important to note that it may take some time for the birds in your yard to find your feeder and deem it safe, especially if you don’t have any other bird feeders available,” Kincaid says. Give your bird friends time to find your new feeder and don’t get discouraged if it takes a week or two.
• Keep your feeder clean. Whether it’s a smart feeder or not, it’s important to keep your bird feeder cleaned and maintained regularly for the safety of the birds and to avoid the spread of disease, Kincaid says.
• Occasionally move feeder locations. “I find that moving feeders, even from one side of the yard to the other, changes the types of birds that visit regularly,” Kincaid says. “I’ve also found that even with all my knowledge and practice, sometimes the birds just don’t like the location I’ve chosen for the feeder.”
• Make the most of your photos. “I’m definitely a bird nerd, so I like to use the photos I save to keep track of the spring and fall migration in my area, as the birds that come through my yard at that time are different from what I see during the summer and winter,” Kincaid says. “I can also see what kinds of birds are attracted to my yard which I use to influence my landscaping decisions.”

Kincaid has also seen many FeatherSnap users share the images and videos they’re collecting with friends and family. “I particularly enjoy seeing the memes and edits people make of the images and videos collected from their smart feeders,” Kincaid says. “What you can do with the collection of images you’re gathering is limited only by your imagination!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Do smart feeders deter squirrels or pests?
Not necessarily. While there may be aspects of a smart feeder meant to deter squirrels and other feeder pests, like having movable perches or squirrel sirens, the best way to keep pests off any feeder is to consider where you’re placing it, Kincaid says. “Squirrels are incredibly agile little critters, and can jump long distances and climb like you wouldn’t believe,” she says. “There’s a rule called the ‘5-7-9 rule’ for deterring squirrels from feeders, which means placing the feeder at least five feet off the ground, seven feet away from trees or fences squirrels could jump from, and nine feet away from overhanging branches or other structures.”

Can I view the feeder remotely?
Absolutely! “Smart feeders, like the FeatherSnap, connect to a dedicated app on your phone or other device via your WiFi, and send HD images and videos of the activity at your feeder,” Kincaid says. Some smart bird feeders also allow for a live view, which lets you log into your feeder’s camera to see what’s going on in real-time, she adds.

About the Expert

Maria Kincaid is the in-house Ornithology Research Specialist for a smart bird feeder manufacturer. She studied Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Louisiana State University.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Could Finally Deliver Your Dream Design

Design Evolution for the Galaxy S26 Ultra

A well-known insider in the Samsung community, known as UniverseIce on X, has shared some intriguing details about the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra. According to this source, the device is expected to feature rounder corners compared to its predecessor. This change could be a significant shift for fans who have long requested a more rounded design, similar to other flagship smartphones in the market.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is not just any smartphone; it's Samsung's largest non-foldable flagship and the only model in the Galaxy S series that includes a built-in S Pen stylus. While the Galaxy S models typically have rounded corners, much like the iPhone and other leading devices, the Galaxy S Ultra models have traditionally had rectangular or minimally curved corners. This design choice was primarily driven by the need to accommodate the internal placement of the S Pen.

The placement of the S Pen within the device necessitated a flat bottom edge, which led to a symmetrical design with flat top edges as well. However, these rectangular corners have made the Galaxy S24 Ultra less comfortable to hold. In response, Samsung made some improvements with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which features slightly rounder corners than its predecessor. Yet, the curvature still doesn't match that of the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus.

If UniverseIce's information is accurate, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could see a more substantial redesign with significantly rounder corners. Given the insider's track record of providing accurate details about unreleased Samsung products, it's reasonable to take this information seriously. The early leaks surrounding Galaxy phones also suggest that such information is often reliable.

One potential way for Samsung to achieve this design change is by removing the S Pen from the Galaxy S26 Ultra. This would allow for a more rounded design and could potentially increase the battery size. However, this move might disappoint loyal Samsung users who have relied on the S Pen since the Galaxy Note days.

Rumors and Possibilities Surrounding the S26 Ultra

Several rumors have circulated over the summer regarding potential changes to the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s S Pen. In late June, reports suggested that Samsung might consider removing the S Pen to make room for a larger battery. If this happens, the S Pen could be sold as an accessory, similar to how it's handled on previous Galaxy Z Fold models. This would mean users would have to carry the stylus separately.

Another leak in mid-June indicated that Samsung was exploring the possibility of removing the digitizer from the Galaxy S26 Ultra to incorporate Qi2 magnets on the back of the phone. This would enable wireless charging capabilities similar to those found in the Pixel 10 series. However, removing the digitizer would mean that the S Pen either needs to be eliminated or redesigned to function without a digitizer layer.

In contrast, a mid-July leak suggested that Samsung was dissatisfied with the performance of the S Pen after removing the digitizer. As a result, the display layer might remain to support the stylus experience. This rumor did not mention the removal of the stylus or provide details about the Galaxy S26 Ultra's design. These conflicting reports indicate that Samsung is likely testing various prototypes before finalizing the production model.

What to Expect in 2026

Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026. With all these rumors and design considerations, it's clear that the company is actively working on refining the Galaxy S26 Ultra to meet consumer expectations while balancing functionality and aesthetics. Whether the S Pen remains or is replaced by an external stylus, the upcoming model is poised to bring significant changes to the Galaxy S lineup.

Netflix Reveals AI Use Guidelines for Filmmakers

Netflix Introduces New AI Guidelines for Filmmakers

Netflix has taken a significant step in addressing the growing use of generative AI in filmmaking by introducing a set of comprehensive guidelines. These rules aim to ensure that the technology is used responsibly, transparently, and without infringing on intellectual property rights. The streaming giant's move comes as filmmakers increasingly turn to AI tools to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs.

The new principles, as reported by various media outlets, require partner production houses to adhere to strict standards when using AI-generated content. One of the key requirements is that the outputs must not replicate or substantially recreate identifiable characteristics of unowned or copyrighted material. This means that AI tools cannot be used to copy existing works or infringe on the rights of creators.

Another important guideline is that generative AI tools should not store, reuse, or train on production data inputs or outputs. This ensures that sensitive information remains protected and does not end up in the wrong hands. Additionally, where possible, these tools should be used in an enterprise-secured environment to safeguard all input data.

Netflix also emphasizes that any generated material should be temporary and not part of the final deliverables. This helps maintain the integrity of the original content and prevents the misuse of AI-generated elements. Furthermore, the company prohibits the use of AI to replace or generate new talent performances or union-covered work without explicit consent.

Filmmakers who comply with these guidelines are encouraged to inform their Netflix contacts about the use of AI. If the footage does not meet the standards, production partners must seek guidance and, if necessary, obtain written approval from Netflix. The company stresses the importance of transparency and accountability in all AI-related activities.

Specific Situations Requiring Written Approval

Netflix has outlined several situations that require written approval before AI can be used. These include:

• Using its proprietary data
• Using other artists' work to train or fine-tune AI models
• Using AI to create main characters, key visual elements, or fictional settings
• Using prompts that reference copyrighted materials or bear resemblance to public figures
• Using AI to create digital performers, voices, or likenesses of real talent

These conditions are designed to prevent potential legal issues and ensure that all AI-generated content is ethically and legally sound.

No-Go Zone for AI Use

There is also a clear no-go zone for AI use. Filmmakers are prohibited from using generative AI to recreate footage of real events, people, or statements. Netflix explains that this is to maintain audience trust and prevent the blurring of lines between fiction and reality. The company warns that poorly managed AI use could unintentionally mislead viewers and damage the credibility of the content.

This decision follows criticism that Netflix faced last year for using AI images in its true crime documentary What Jennifer Did. The company took a step further this year by using AI-generated footage for the first time to depict the collapse of a building in the Argentinian show The Eternaut.

"Using AI-powered tools, they were able to achieve an amazing result with remarkable speed, and in fact, that VFX sequence was completed 10x faster than it could have been completed with traditional VFX tools and workflows," co-CEO Ted Sarandos said during an earnings call last month.

Sarandos is not alone in his enthusiasm for AI in filmmaking. James Cameron, director of Avatar, has also spoken about the benefits of generative AI. "Generative AI can double the 'speed to completion on a given shot, so your cadence is faster and your throughput cycle is faster, and artists get to move on and do other cool things and then other cool things," he said earlier this year.

As AI continues to shape the future of filmmaking, Netflix's guidelines serve as a critical framework for responsible and ethical use. By setting clear boundaries and promoting transparency, the company aims to harness the power of AI while protecting the rights of creators and maintaining the trust of audiences.

Synopsys Stock Forecast: Bullish or Bearish?

Overview of Synopsys, Inc.

Synopsys, Inc. (SNPS) is a leading company in the field of electronic design automation (EDA), silicon intellectual property (IP), and system simulation solutions. With a market capitalization of $94 billion, it plays a pivotal role in the development of advanced technologies across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. Based in Sunnyvale, California, the company provides essential tools for chip design, verification, and manufacturing analytics, making it a key player in the global tech landscape.

Performance in the Stock Market

Over the past 52 weeks, shares of SNPS have faced challenges compared to the broader market. The stock has declined by 10.7%, while the S&P 500 Index (SPX) has seen an increase of 16.1%. However, on a year-to-date basis, SNPS has shown resilience, rising by 25%—outpacing the SPX’s 10% growth during the same period. Despite this, the stock has lagged behind the Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF Fund (XLK), which has gained 19.1% over the last 52 weeks and 12.9% in 2025.

Strategic Moves and Growth Opportunities

On July 17, SNPS shares experienced a notable surge of 1.4% following the completion of its acquisition of Ansys. This strategic move has created a combined leader in silicon design, IP, and simulation solutions. The deal enhances Synopsys’ capabilities in driving AI-powered product innovation and expands its total addressable market to $31 billion, positioning the company for future growth.

Financial Outlook and Analyst Ratings

Looking ahead, analysts anticipate that Synopsys will see a 6.2% year-over-year increase in adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the fiscal year ending in October 2025, with an expected EPS of $10.88. The company has a strong track record of exceeding consensus estimates, having beaten them in the past four quarters.

Among the 20 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a “Strong Buy.” This is based on 16 “Strong Buy” ratings, one “Moderate Buy,” and three “Holds.” The current sentiment is more bullish than it was two months ago when the stock had 15 “Strong Buy” suggestions.

Analyst Insights and Price Targets

On August 11, Morgan Stanley analyst Lee Simpson reiterated an “Overweight” rating on Synopsys and raised the price target from $540 to $715, which is the highest on Wall Street. The mean price target of $646.84 represents a premium of 6.6% over current price levels, indicating optimism about the company's future performance.

Additional Information

It is important to note that as of the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data provided are for informational purposes only. For more details, readers are encouraged to review the The Shiro Copr Disclosure Policy.

For those interested in gaining exclusive insights, the FREE The Shiro CoprBrief newsletter offers a midday guide to what's moving stocks, sectors, and investor sentiment. Subscribers can stay informed and make well-informed investment decisions.

Samsung brings One UI to home appliances with 7-year updates

Samsung Expands One UI to Home Appliances

In October 2024, Samsung made a significant move by extending its One UI platform beyond smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Now, the company is taking this innovation further by bringing One UI to its home appliance lineup, including refrigerators, washers, and air conditioners. This expansion marks a major step in Samsung’s strategy to unify its ecosystem and provide users with a consistent digital experience across all devices.

One of the most notable features of this expansion is the promise of up to seven years of software support for these appliances. This aligns with the same level of support that Samsung offers for its Galaxy phones and tablets. The extended support ensures that users will continue to receive updates, security patches, and new features for an extended period, making their home appliances more future-proof.

While One UI for Galaxy devices is based on Android, the version designed for home appliances will be tailored specifically for these devices. However, it will still bring some of the best features from Galaxy phones, such as Bixby, Gallery, and expanded availability of Samsung TV Plus. These features will enhance the user experience, allowing for greater integration between appliances and other Samsung devices.

Bixby, Samsung’s voice assistant, will see several improvements. It will gain Voice ID, which enables the system to recognize individual users' voices and switch to their respective profiles. This personalization will make interactions with appliances more intuitive and tailored to each household member. Additionally, users can trigger Bixby with a simple double-tap on the display, making it even more convenient to use.

Another key feature of One UI on home appliances is Knox Matrix support. This technology allows compatible devices, such as air conditioners, EHS (Electric Heating System), slide-in induction cooking ranges, and washers, to monitor each other's security status. This creates a more secure environment within the smart home ecosystem.

Home appliances equipped with screens will also benefit from Passkey support, which simplifies the login process. This feature allows users to access their accounts securely without the need for traditional passwords, enhancing both convenience and security.

All Wi-Fi-enabled Samsung home appliances will enjoy deeper integration with SmartThings, Samsung’s smart home platform. This integration will create a more connected and powerful smart home experience, enabling seamless communication between devices. Furthermore, the Now Brief feature, which provides relevant information at a glance, will expand to other Samsung devices. This includes weather updates, family schedules, and appliance insights, such as how much time remains on a washing machine cycle.

However, this feature will only be available on compatible home appliances starting in 2026. Despite this delay, the overall vision of integrating One UI into Samsung’s home appliances is clear: to create a more intelligent, personalized, and connected living environment.

Long-Term Software Support for Home Appliances

The biggest advantage of bringing One UI to Samsung’s smart home devices is the extended software support. Samsung guarantees up to seven years of updates for its home appliances from the date of launch—just like its phones and tablets. This means that users won’t have to replace their appliances to get the latest features and security updates.

Samsung has also outlined a timeline for the rollout of One UI to compatible models launched in 2024. Starting in September, these models will begin receiving the update. This ensures that customers who purchased appliances in 2024 can enjoy the benefits of One UI without needing to buy new devices.

With this software policy, Samsung’s 2024 appliances running One UI will be supported until 2031. This long-term commitment highlights the company’s dedication to providing value and innovation over the lifespan of its products.

The hidden data behind AI's personalization power

The Power of AI in Personalization

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a hot topic across various industries, from consumers to business leaders and marketers. While the more eye-catching aspects of AI, such as content or creative generation, often steal the spotlight, the real value frequently lies in traditional applications—especially personalization. This is where AI can make a significant impact by enhancing customer experiences and making communications more relevant.

To unlock this potential, it's crucial to have the right setup. For AI, this means creating a strong, centralized data platform that combines both structured and unstructured datasets. This allows brands to better tailor their interactions with customers and improve overall engagement.

Accuracy and Governance Are Fundamental

Whether you're working on a basic customer segmentation model or a complex lifetime value analysis, the importance of solid data foundations remains consistent. Ensuring that data from marketing, CRM, websites, and apps is clean and accurate is essential for building confidence in your outputs.

This accuracy extends to unstructured data as well, which plays an increasingly vital role in AI-driven personalization. For example, if you're using dynamic targeting for personalized, generative ads, the brand guidelines that shape your creatives must be up-to-date and reflect the desired tone and style accurately.

Understanding Context and Gaps

Beyond just ensuring data accuracy, it's equally important to understand the context of the data you've collected and what might be missing. This is particularly true when dealing with historical time-series data. If there are gaps—such as tracking outages or paused search spend—these need to be identified and addressed.

Similarly, spikes or dips in performance, like sales surges during Black Friday or sudden increases in competitor activity, should be noted upfront. Making necessary adjustments based on these insights can lead to stronger results.

Implementing Structured Data Management

Historically, setting up a structured, robust data platform has been a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. However, many brands are now turning to AI to streamline and scale this work.

Smarter Taxonomy Management

Taxonomies are critical for marketers and analysts, yet managing them is often seen as a tedious task. AI can provide real value by:

• Monitoring activity across platforms.
• Automatically flagging non-compliant naming conventions and suggesting the correct version.
• In some cases, automatically updating the platform itself.

For brands that prefer more control, an intermediary step—like having a person validate proposed updates before they go live—can still offer efficiency and accuracy.

Optimizing Product Feeds

AI also plays a significant role in managing product feeds used across channels like shopping ads and carousel formats. Traditionally, maintaining these feeds required substantial manual effort, especially for brands with large product catalogs and frequent updates.

AI can make this process more efficient by:

• Dynamically filling in missing or incorrect product fields—such as color, size, or description—based on product images or other data in the feed.
• Proactively optimizing product titles and descriptions, which significantly impact campaign performance.

By training AI solutions on past campaign results, brands can identify which types of descriptions perform best and apply those learnings across their existing feeds, improving both efficiency and outcomes.

Using the Right Tools

There are numerous AI solutions available that promise to simplify marketers' tasks while boosting performance. The key is to align your ambitions with your existing setup to determine which solution is right for you.

Start with Embedded AI

For most businesses, the best place to begin is with the embedded AI features already built into adtech and marketing platforms. Tools like Google Ads, Adobe Analytics, and Meta Business Manager include a wide range of AI-powered capabilities—from bid strategies and automated insights to creative generation.

Most of these features don’t require specialist AI expertise, making them an excellent entry point for brands starting their AI journey.

When to Consider Applied AI

Some brands eventually reach the limits of embedded AI and require more advanced or customized applications. In these cases, using a centralized data platform to build bespoke applied AI solutions can deliver more tailored results.

For example, a leading high-street electronics retailer developed a custom abandoned basket pipeline within Google Cloud. By training an AI model on historical customer activity, the brand could send personalized emails instead of relying on a less effective CRM tool. The result was a 72% increase in revenue from abandoned basket emails, along with reduced ongoing costs and licensing fees.

Setting Your Brand Up for Success

AI can feel overwhelming, and knowing where to start isn't always easy. Despite the vast opportunities it offers, the foundations of success remain similar to any other technology: a clear view of use cases, robust data foundations, and a practical approach.

Personalization is a natural fit for AI, and there are many areas for brands to explore. Whether you begin with embedded AI features or move toward more advanced applied solutions, confidence in the underlying data that powers them will always be the key to stronger performance and more meaningful customer experiences.