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The Retail Media Playbook

Articles for the retailers, marketplaces, and product teams shaping the future of commerce media.

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Podcast Unlocking Retail Media

ROAS is the Root of All Evil: Debunking the ROAS Trap with Andrew Lipsman

In this episode of Unlocking Retail Media, Kevel CEO James Avery sits down with Andrew Lipsman, independent analyst and former eMarketer principal, to discuss why he believes ROAS is “the root of all evil”, how it misleads brands and where retail media is actually headed.

May 7, 2026
Press Release

Kevel, Dollar General, and The Trade Desk Introduce First-of-its-Kind Retail Media Solution Connecting Onsite and Offsite Activation

Kevel, Dollar General, and The Trade Desk Introduce first-of-its-kind retail media solution connecting onsite and offsite activation delivering full-funnel media activation and unified measurement across the entire path to purchase

May 4, 2026
AI

Our Approach to AI

Our AI is focused on the same philosophies that guide all of Kevel’s technology: retailer controlled and transparent ad tech, designed to help retailers drive meaningful outcomes and build world class retail media programs.

April 28, 2026
Podcast Unlocking Retail Media

First-Party Data, European Innovation, and What Makes an Acquisition Actually Work

In this episode of Unlocking Retail Media, Kevel CEO James Avery sits down with Paulo Cunha, founder of Shift Forward and now VP of Product at Kevel to trace the origins of Kevel's audience product and what retail media looks like from a European lens.

April 22, 2026
Podcast Unlocking Retail Media

Why In-Store Audio Is the Most Measurable Channel Retailers Aren't Using Yet

In this episode of Unlocking Retail Media, Kevel CEO James Avery talks with Sean Cheyney, EVP of Global Business Development at QSIC, about turning in-store audio into a real, measurable retail media channel and why 2026 marks a turning point for the physical store.

April 8, 2026
Podcast Unlocking Retail Media

Why In-Store Media Is the Next Billion-Dollar Opportunity (And How to Get It Right)

In this episode of Unlocking Retail Media, Kevel CEO James Avery sits down with Michael Schuh, SVP and Global Head of Media at Dunnhumby, to discuss the future of in-store media, the real measurement conversation brands need, and why retailers must stop chasing industry noise.

March 25, 2026
Podcast Unlocking Retail Media

The Three Pillars of Commerce Media and Why APIs Matter More Than Ever

In this episode of Unlocking Retail Media, Kevel CEO James Avery sits down with Melissa Burdick, co-founder and president of Pacvue, to discuss the evolution of commerce media, the shift toward incrementality-focused spending, and why API-first infrastructure is critical for retail media success.

March 11, 2026
Interview

Kevel Welcomes John Chaplin as Chief Product Officer: A Q&A on the Future of Retail Media

Interview with Kevel's newly appointed Chief Product Officer John Chapin to see what drew him to joining Kevel, what does he see as the most pressing gaps in retail media today and where is retail media headed in the next few years

March 10, 2026
Ad Tech

Why the Adobe-Kevel Integration Changes Everything for Retail Media Leaders

The Kevel-Adobe Experience Platform integration isn't just a technical upgrade—it's a strategic advantage that turns your customer data into immediate revenue while maintaining the control and flexibility you need to lead

March 4, 2026
Interview

Kevel Expands Into LATAM: An Interview with New Director of Community & Market Herik Mourão

Kevel expands into LATAM with Herik Mourão, driving retail media innovation with AI-powered solutions for retailers, marketplaces, and more.

March 3, 2026
eCommerce

Think Outside the (Chat)box

The conversation around AI in retail keeps circling the same question: how do you monetize the chatbox? It's the wrong question..

February 26, 2026
Press Release

Kevel Launches Adobe Experience Platform Destination for Real-Time Retail Media Activation

Kevel launches its native Adobe Experience Platform (AEP) Destination for Real-Time Retail Media Activation to enhance revenue growth for Retail media networks

February 25, 2026
Podcast Unlocking Retail Media

What Retail Media Platforms Must Understand About Modern Measurement

In this episode of Unlocking Retail Media, Kevel CEO James Avery talks with Andrew Covato, founder of Growth by Science, about why most retail media networks are measuring the wrong things and what sophisticated brands actually need to prove incrementality.

February 18, 2026
Podcast Unlocking Retail Media

Why Retail Media Networks Should Be Thinking About Connected TV

In this episode of Unlocking Retail Media, Kevel CEO James Avery speaks with James Borow about democratizing TV advertising through Universal Ads — and why retail media networks should be thinking about Connected TV right now.

February 16, 2026
Podcast Unlocking Retail Media

Why Product Leadership Determines Which Retail Media Networks Will Survive

In this episode of Unlocking Retail Media, Kevel CEO James Avery sits down with Ben Johnson, Senior Director of Chewy Ads, to discuss why strong product strategy—not just technology or sales—separates thriving retail media networks from those that stall..

February 3, 2026
Podcast Unlocking Retail Media

How to Build a Retail Media Network: Klarna’s Playbook

In this episode of Unlocking Retail Media, Kevel CEO James Avery sits down with Sam Wright, former head of retail media at Klarna, to discuss the practical realities of launching and scaling a retail media network—from org structure and trade dollars to what brands actually want.

January 30, 2026
Press Release

Kevel Expands Global Footprint into Australia with Appointment of Chris Woodworth

Strategic expansion reinforces Kevel’s long-term commitment to helping retailers and commerce platforms build scalable, differentiated media businesses across complex global markets.

January 27, 2026
Insights

Direct Offers Explained: How to Deliver High-Intent Promotions Without the Black Box

Google’s Direct Offers deliver real-time promotions at moments of purchase intent—but rely on opaque AI decisioning. This article explains what Direct Offers are and how retailers can build the same high-intent experiences with Kevel, using transparent, first-party logic and full control.

January 15, 2026
Podcast Unlocking Retail Media

Building Retail Media in Automotive: Why Relevance Matters More Than Ad Load

In this episode of Unlocking Retail Media, Kevel CEO James Avery talks with Gareth Menton about launching retail media networks in food delivery and automotive marketplaces, and why making ads relevant is the key to protecting user experience.

January 12, 2026
Press Release

Kevel Welcomes Ad Tech and Retail Media Veteran Jaclyn Nix as Chief Operating Officer, Accelerating Retail Media Innovation

Kevel continues to strengthen its position as a leader in retail media innovation with the appointment of Jaclyn Nix as Chief Operating Officer

January 9, 2026
Podcast Unlocking Retail Media

What Media Buyers Really Want From Your Retail Media Network

In this episode of ‍, Kevel CEO James Avery sits down with Lee Dunbar, Head of Retail Media at Starcom, to discuss what brands and agencies truly want from retail media networks, the ongoing fragmentation debate, and why retail media buyers should think like politicians.

January 5, 2026
Podcast Unlocking Retail Media

Why Agentic Commerce Isn’t Hype (And What Retailers Must Do Now)

In this episode of Unlocking Retail Media, Kevel CEO James Avery sits down with entrepreneur Scot Wingo, to discuss the rise of agentic commerce, AI-driven shopping experiences, and what retail media networks must do to survive the shift.

December 22, 2025
Ad Tech

35ms Ad Servers: Boost Retail Media Revenue

Discover how Kevel's 35ms ad server boosts retail media revenue, improves SEO and conversions, and retains advertisers with edge-powered speed.

December 15, 2025
Podcast Unlocking Retail Media

The Future of Retail, AI Shopping & Supply Chain Innovation

Learn how retail media, AI-driven shopping and lean supply chains reshape ad infrastructure — insights to guide building custom ad servers and marketplace

December 15, 2025
Podcast Unlocking Retail Media

What Brands Want: Retail Media Insights from Amazon

Discover how retailers can build retail media networks that drive measurable sales, preserve consumer trust, and scale with Kevel’s ad infrastructure.

December 5, 2025
Company Highlight

Kevel and Blue Triangle Drive Retail Media ROI

Kevel and Blue Triangle partner to optimize retail media & digital experience, using ad infrastructure and friction insights to boost revenue and ROAS.

December 3, 2025
Intro to Ad Serving

Native Advertising: The Definitive Guide

Learn how we define native advertising and how these ad types can monetize your website or app experience. Read the guide.

November 26, 2025
Ad Tech

Launch Custom Ad Servers & Retail Media Faster

Build custom ad servers and retail media formats with Kevel to launch video ad units fast, control targeting, and capture SKU-level ROI.

November 21, 2025
Podcast Unlocking Retail Media

Unlocking Retail Media: PayPal Commerce & AI Shopping

Hear PayPal Ads' leader on building a commerce media network, AI-native storefront ads, and measurement that preserves first-party data for retail media

November 20, 2025
Press Release

Kevel + Skai: Scale Retail Media Networks

Kevel and Skai enable brands/agencies to run campaigns across Kevel-powered retail media including Amazon & Walmart, for unified control and ROI gains.

November 6, 2025
Ad Tech

Server-Side Native Ads: Power Your Ad Server

Learn why server-side native ads load faster, look better, and drive stronger engagement than outdated client-side formats.

October 31, 2025
Ad Tech

Scale Retail Media: GroceryShop 2025 AI Takeaways

The top six trends from 2025's GroceryShop conference reveal that the future of grocery is being shaped by data, media, and AI.

October 20, 2025
Ad Tech

The Future of Retail Media in 2025 — IAB Europe Takeaways

The five biggest takeaways from the 2025 IAB Europe Attitudes to Retail Media Report.

October 6, 2025
Ad Tech

Own search revenue with retail media infrastructure

Discover how AI is reshaping search and retail media -- and how brands can stay in control in an autonomous digital world.

September 29, 2025
Ad Tech

6 Key Takeaways From ATS London 2025

ATS London 2025 highlighted retail media innovation with Kevel’s James Avery and PayPal’s Henry Stokes on the future of adtech.

September 17, 2025
Press Release

Kevel Scales Haypp's Retail Media Network

Global e-commerce leader Haypp Group deploys Kevel's Retail Media Cloud® to scale its advertising network

September 2, 2025
Interview

Kevel Enables Retail Media & Custom Ad Servers

Hear Kevel's Matt Newcomb on retail media evolution: how retailers use ad infrastructure and first-party data to build controlled, measurable ad servers.

August 20, 2025
Company Highlight

Kevel Spotlight on Lucas Wiese, Strategic Account Manager

Meet Lucas Wiese, Kevel’s Strategic Account Manager who supports clients across the EMEA and APAC regions.

August 20, 2025
Press Release

Kevel Wins Best AdTech Solution - Retail Media Cloud

Kevel Wins “Best Overall AdTech Solution” Designation in 2025 MarTech Breakthrough Awards Program

August 14, 2025
Press Release

Kevel Powers Carwow Custom Retail Media

Kevel Partners with Carwow to Power the Development and Enhancement of its Innovative Marketplace Media Platform

August 13, 2025
Company Highlight

Kevel Spotlight on Leslie Pierce-Connor, General Counsel

Meet Leslie Pierce-Connor, Kevel’s General Counsel and resident legal powerhouse.

July 30, 2025
Ad Tech

The Summer Retail Media Turned Pretty Prominent

Retail media came of age this summer. Discover key trends, AI disruption, and how retailers can thrive with differentiation and standardization.

July 21, 2025
Ad Tech

Retail Media’s Next Phase — Where Legacy Platforms Fall Short

As the retail media industry grows, legacy ad platforms are struggling to keep up.

July 16, 2025
Company Highlight

Debunking 7 Myths About LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in 2025

What we get wrong about Pride, policy, and real progress -- and what we can do instead.

June 26, 2025
Press Release

Kevel Console: AI Retail Media & Ad Infrastructure

Kevel Launches Kevel Console: AI-Powered, Unified Self-Service Platform Transforming Retail Media Networks

June 24, 2025
Company Highlight

Kevel Spotlight on Craig Andera, Principal Engineer

Meet Craig Andera, Kevel principal engineer scaling our ad infrastructure and reporting to power custom ad servers and retail media networks reliably.

June 17, 2025
Press Release

Kevel Powers Kleinanzeigen's Custom Ad Infrastructure

Leading German classifieds platform Kleinanzeigen chooses Kevel's Retail Media Cloud® to enhance its advertising capabilities.

June 17, 2025
Press Release

Kevel Appoints Mark Mannino to Strengthen Retail Media

Kevel announces the appointment of Mark Mannino to its Board of Directors.

June 4, 2025
Ad Tech

Financial Media Networks: The Definitive Guide

Guide to financial media networks: how banks and fintechs use first-party data to build ad infrastructure that drives precise targeting and revenue.

June 3, 2025
Ad Tech

Data Clean Rooms: The Definitive Guide

This comprehensive guide explains how data clean rooms work, their key benefits and challenges, and best practices for implementation.

May 21, 2025
Press Release

Kevel Powers Dollar General Retail Media Network

Kevel powers Dollar General's retail media network with its API-first Retail Media Cloud, enabling custom ad products and first-party data control.

May 20, 2025
Company Highlight

Key Takeaways From Retail Media Summit U.S.

Key takeaways and main themes from the Path to Purchase Institute’s Retail Media Summit 2025, held May 6–8 in Rosemont, IL.

May 13, 2025
Ad Tech

2025 Retail Media Takeaways: Optimize Onsite Ads

The top insights and key takeaways from Retail X's 2025 Retail Media: Onsite Report.

May 5, 2025
Ad Tech

Google’s Privacy Sandbox: Road to Cookie‑Less Future

Discover how Google's evolving Privacy Sandbox reshapes digital advertising, battling privacy concerns and ad effectiveness amidst industry uncertainty.

April 29, 2025
Press Release

Kevel Powers Consulta Remédios' Retail Media Network

Partnership demonstrates shared commitment to innovation and helps the leading Brazilian healthcare platform build the future of retail media in healthcare

April 29, 2025
Ad Tech

Mastering Yield Management & Optimization in Retail Media

Kevel shows retail media networks how to maximize revenue with yield management, real-time optimization, and unified ad server infrastructure.

April 23, 2025
Company Highlight

3 Key Insights from E-Commerce Connect Lisbon 2025

3 insights from E-Commerce Connect Lisbon 2025: Kevel and ENDLESS boosted MC Sonae's retail media, first-party data use, choosing an ad server to scale ROAS

April 15, 2025
Press Release

Kevel: API Ad Server for Lyft & StackAdapt

Industry-first collaboration enables programmatic in-app ads offering advertisers a direct path to engage consumers on the go.

April 10, 2025
Ad Tech

Retail Media Strategy: Dentsu 2025 Insights

Dentsu's 2025 report shows off-site retail media growth, learn how Kevel's ad infrastructure helps RMNs monetize first-party data and scale revenue.

April 7, 2025
Ad Tech

5 Ways AI is Revolutionizing Retail Media in 2025

How AI is transforming retail media in 2025: five practical strategies to improve targeting, automate campaigns, personalize ads, and increase ROI.

March 25, 2025
Company Highlight

International Women’s Day 2025: Challenges & Allyship in the Workplace

Explore insights from Kevel’s roundtable on women in tech—key challenges, practical advice, and steps to foster a more inclusive, equitable workplace.

March 10, 2025
Ad Tech

Retail Media Trends to Watch in 2025

This blog explores the top trends poised to shape retail media in 2025, drawing insights from the Mars United 2024 Yearbook.

March 4, 2025
Ad Tech

Looking Back on Retail Media Trends & Challenges from 2024

Explore 2024 retail media trends, challenges and how Kevel’s Retail Media Cloud helps brands and retailers build custom ad servers for faster ROI.

March 4, 2025
Press Release

Kevel Acquires Nexta: Unified Retail Media Platform

Kevel's acquisition of Nexta unifies on-site and off-site retail media, letting retailers build custom ad servers and reach walled gardens.

February 17, 2025
Nexta

Kevel Acquires Nexta To Build E2E Retail Media Tech Stack

Nexta is thrilled to announce it's acquisition by Kevel, an industry-leading API-driven, on-site retail media technology.

February 11, 2025
Press Release

Kevel Acquires Nexta to Power Retail Media Growth

Kevel announces acquisition of Nexta to enhance advertiser self-serve, managed service workflows, and add off-site capabilities to retail media APIs.

February 11, 2025
Nexta

Drive ROAS with Custom Ad Servers

Today, advanced technologies are helping retailers and brands connect the dots between an in-store impression and a final purchase.

January 30, 2025
Ad Tech

Why Independent Ad Tech Matters for Retail Media Growth

Independent ad tech is redefining retail media with flexibility, speed, and scalability that traditional models can't match.

January 27, 2025
Ad Tech

Key Takeaways from NRF 2025 — Retail’s Future Trends

Kevel's NRF 2025 highlight: Key trends in AI, retail media, sustainability, and in-store experiences from three days of industry innovation.

January 20, 2025
Company Highlight

Kevel Spotlight on Lizzie Kattmann, Senior Solutions Architect

Meet Lizzie Kattmann, Kevel Senior Solutions Architect, on career growth, company values, and how Kevel empowers teams to build custom ad servers.

January 13, 2025
Nexta

Breaking the Cycle: Why Retailers Must Embrace Retail Media

Kevel lets retailers build and scale retail media networks and custom ad servers, simplifying operations, measurement, and higher ROI.

January 8, 2025
Press Release

Kevel and Vantage Partner to Transform Retail Media Management

Kevel and Vantage partner to deliver a unified retail media platform that streamlines operations, powers custom ad servers, and boosts ad ROI.

January 8, 2025
Company Highlight

Kevel Spotlight on Oscar Ibarra, VP of Sales

Meet Oscar Ibarra, Kevel’s VP of Sales, as he reflects on Kevel’s culture, career milestones, and what drives him every day.

December 16, 2024
Ad Tech

Navigating the Future: Key Commerce Media Trends for 2025

Unlock 2025 retail media strategies. Stay ahead in a $178B market with key trends and insights to optimize your approach for success.

December 6, 2024
Press Release

SAS Partners with Power Players in the Retail Media Industry

SAS partners with industry leaders like Nexta.io to revolutionize retail media, enhancing ad inventory monetization and empowering businesses of all sizes

November 15, 2024
Ad Tech

Key Takeaways From Retail Media Summit UK

Kevel's Retail Media Summit UK takeaways on first-party data, in-store digital transformation, measurement, and omnichannel tactics to scale retail media.

November 12, 2024
Kevel Newsletter

Kevel Newsletter: Edition #43 "Prime Potential: Amazon Ads"

This week's Kevel newsletter breaks down Amazon’s announcements from its recent conference in Austin, Texas, along with a look at Google’s executive shakeup, key insights from ChannelX Europe’s Marketplace 2024 report, and the latest MadTech sketch from ExchangeWire.

November 5, 2024
Kevel Newsletter

Kevel Newsletter: Edition #42 "Google's Cookie Recipe Change"

This week’s Kevel newsletter investigates the effects of Google’s cookie deprecation pivot, alongside Omnicom Media Group’s efforts to standardize ad auctions, and more.

October 29, 2024
Kevel Newsletter

Kevel Newsletter: Edition #41 "Orange Is The New Ad"

This week’s Kevel newsletter dishes on Home Depot’s new self-service ad platform, Orange Access. From the partners that helped them launch to the Why behind the platform. Plus, all the event recaps and takeaways you need to stay informed.

October 22, 2024
Ad Tech

Advertising Terms: Everything You Need to Know

An ad tech glossary and resource for publishers who want to learn more about the ad tech industry and its many terms and acronyms.

October 11, 2024
Company Highlight

Kevel Enables Workplace Wellness for Ad Infrastructure Teams

Kevel marks World Mental Health Day 2024 with leader-focused steps to foster workplace wellness and support employee mental health for retail media

October 10, 2024
Press Release

Kevel Powers Home Depot In-House Retail Media

Kevel's API retail media cloud powers The Home Depot's Orange Apron to in-house ad servers and infrastructure, enabling custom ads and first-party data control.

October 8, 2024
Kevel Newsletter

Kevel Newsletter Edition #40: "How To Thrive"

This week’s Kevel newsletter explores Thrive Market’s foray into the retail media game - making them the latest niche marketplace to bet on Instacart. Plus, the latest insights from the IAB’s update to their 2024 Outlook Study.

October 8, 2024
Press Release

Kevel Ranks #18 on Newsweek List — Retail Media Leader

Kevel ranked as 18th among 200 American companies recognized for employee sentiment and satisfaction by Newsweek's Most Loved Workplaces.

October 2, 2024
Kevel Newsletter

Newsletter Edition #39: "Quick Commerce, Big Ads"

This week’s Kevel newsletter divulges Gopuff and Delivery Hero’s secret weapon against low margins. Plus all the insights you need from Skai’s Q2 2024 Digital Marketing Quarterly Trends Report and IAB Europe’s inaugural Attitudes to Retail Media survey.

October 1, 2024
Ad Tech

Retail Media Trends 2024 — ATS London Insights

The expert insights during Kevel's ATS 2024 panel highlight the transformative potential of an in-house retail media program.

September 27, 2024
Kevel Newsletter

Kevel Newsletter Edition #38: "Consistency Is Key"

This week’s Kevel newsletter dissects the IAB’s new standards for in-store retail media, unveiled at the Connected Commerce Summit. Plus, bite-sized updates from the DOJ vs. Google trial and the latest retail media stats and dialogues.

September 24, 2024
Kevel Newsletter

Kevel Newsletter: Edition #37 "Court Is In Session"

This week’s Kevel newsletter is the ultimate debrief on Day 1 of the US v. Google LLC. antitrust case. From expert testimonies to Google’s rebuttals, read all about it here.

September 17, 2024
Press Release

Kevel + Placements.io: Scale Retail Media ROI

Kevel and Placements.io partner to help retailers build scalable, in-house retail media networks with custom ad servers and revenue tools to maximize ROI

September 11, 2024
eCommerce

Retail Media Build vs Buy: Strategy and Best Practices

Owning your retail media platform is the best way to scale your business.

September 10, 2024
Kevel Newsletter

Kevel Newsletter: Edition #36 "Yahoo's Rippl Effect"

This week’s Kevel newsletter explores Yahoo’s retail media expansion through new partnerships. Plus, all the latest retail media reports and stats you need to stay informed, brought to you from the ANA, IAB, and more.

September 10, 2024
Nexta

Jobindex.dk Enhances Listing-Based Advertising with Nexta.io

See how Jobindex.dk partnered with Nexta.io to expand off-site job ads, streamline workflows, and improve reporting using a custom ad server solution.

September 3, 2024
Ad Tech

In-House Retail Media: Control Data with Kevel

After PromoteIQ's shutdown, bring retail media in-house with Kevel to regain control, own first-party data, and launch customizable ads fast.

August 29, 2024
Kevel Newsletter

Kevel Newsletter: Edition #35 "A State of Privacy"

This week’s Kevel newsletter breaks down the IAB Tech Lab’s recent expansion to its privacy compliance solutions: the MSPA. Plus, see how third-party marketplaces are making themselves essential to grocers.

August 29, 2024
Kevel Newsletter

Kevel Newsletter: Edition #34 "Winning At Loyalty"

This week’s Kevel newsletter explores how Albertsons customer-first strategy has been a raging success. Plus, updates with retailer Ahold Delhaize USA, Publicis, and how the walled garden playbook is evolving.

August 20, 2024
Intro to Ad Serving

Open Source Ad Servers: The Definitive Guide

What open source ad servers are, how they differ from hosted ad servers, examples of open source ad servers, and more.

August 16, 2024
Ad Server Comparisons

Top OpenX Ad Server Competitors & Alternatives

With the OpenX ad server closing down, now is the time to look for alternatives, including another third-party ad server or building it yourself.

August 14, 2024
Kevel Newsletter

Kevel Newsletter: Edition #33 "Musk Vs. Everyone?"

This week’s Kevel newsletter dives into Musk’s legal beatdown against nonprofit, GARM (and what this could mean for the industry moving forward). Plus, all the stats you need on subscriptions and a future with cookies.

August 13, 2024
Company Highlight

Kevel Spotlights Claire Hansen on Ad Infrastructure

Meet Claire Hansen, Kevel's Senior Manager of Customer Success - discover how our ad infrastructure empowers clients, supports teams, and drives results.

August 9, 2024
Kevel Newsletter

Kevel Newsletter: Edition #32 "Uber's Ad Game"

Take things up a gear with Uber’s strategy for RMN success in this week’s Kevel newsletter. Plus, the latest Sensor Tower report reveals which verticals are delivering impressions and Kevel’s latest success story.

August 6, 2024
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