Top Retail Media Headlines From January 2026
There was no shortage of retail media headlines in January. The Path to Purchase Institute and a number of retailers, brands and other commerce marketing entities unveiled advancements, collaborations, news and, most notably, research. Last month’s top stories included:
P2PI’s 2026 Retailer Media Network Ratings: Brand, Agency Execs Grade Walmart, Amazon, Kroger & Others: Find out how 21 RMNs fared in this year’s report. Plus, see how CPG organizations are shifting budgets, structuring teams and preparing for what’s next in retail media.
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Brands, Agencies Share Candid Feedback on RMN Challenges: Though it underscored a maturing landscape, the Retailer Media Network Ratings report pointed to continued challenges for CPG brand organizations.
Full 2026 RMN Ratings Report: Our complete report features performance ratings for more RMNs from CPG brand and agency professionals, detailed findings on budget allocation and tactical priorities, and candid feedback from industry leaders.
Walmart Connect Outlines Next Phase of AI-Powered Retail Media: The updates signal Walmart’s push to evolve retail media beyond static targeting and reporting toward systems that can anticipate advertiser needs, recommend optimizations and act on them in real time.
How Albertsons Media Collective Is Building a Smarter Feedback Loop for In-Store Media: New measurement tools are designed to bring digital-style targeting, attribution and optimization to physical store environments.
Research Reveals Why Retail Media Measurement Is Lagging Expectations: Retail media is maturing faster than the systems used to measure it. New research examines why attribution alone isn’t enough — and how brands can rethink measurement to unlock true incremental value.
Retail Media, Measurement and the Questions Emerging Next: Speakers at NRF's Big Show raised early concerns about the limits of things like ROAS, pointing to a future where retail media measurement may need to evolve alongside more agentic forms of commerce.
How Costco, Best Buy, Nordstrom Are Evolving Retail Media: From in-store activations to service-led media, retailers share what’s working at scale.
Walmart Connect Canada Launches Ad Certification Program: The program currently offers two courses tailored to the Canadian market.
BP Introduces Digital Coupons Through Earnify App: The pilot integrates digital CPG offers into BP’s loyalty app as convenience retail continues to expand its digital engagement playbook.
BJ's Wholesale Club Adds In-Aisle Interactive Screens to Alcohol Departments: The addition provides product information and recommendations to BevAlc shoppers.
Nominations Open for 2026 Retail Media Awards: P2PI’s fourth annual awards program honors top commerce marketers who are pioneering retail media. Nominate a colleague or peer by Feb. 20!
