Best Retail Media Networks of 2025

Use the comparison tool below to compare the top Retail Media Networks on the market. You can filter results by user reviews, pricing, features, platform, region, support options, integrations, and more.

Retail Media Networks Overview

Retail media networks are a type of advertising network that allow brands and retailers to connect directly with shoppers in-store and online. These networks use various digital and traditional advertising channels to reach consumers at the point of purchase, opportunity for brands to promote their products and services while customers are actively shopping.

One key feature of retail media networks is the ability for brands to target specific audiences based on their shopping behavior, demographics, and preferences. This allows for more personalized and effective advertising, as the content can be tailored to appeal directly to the intended audience.

These networks also offer a range of advertising options such as display ads, search ads, sponsored product listings, and video ads on various platforms including websites, mobile apps, social media channels, and even in-store digital screens. By utilizing multiple channels, retail media networks provide a seamless omnichannel experience for consumers by presenting consistent messaging across all touchpoints.

Retail media networks have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the rise of ecommerce and the growing importance of online shopping. With more consumers turning to online channels for their purchases, brands have recognized the need to reach customers where they are actively searching for products and making purchasing decisions. As a result, many major retailers have developed their own retail media networks or have partnered with established networks in order to capitalize on this trend.

One notable example is Amazon's retail media network called Amazon Advertising. Through this platform, brands can advertise on Amazon's website and mobile app through sponsored product listings or display ads. They can also utilize Amazon's data on customer behavior and purchase history to target their ads towards relevant audiences.

Another major player in the retail media network space is Walmart Connect (formerly known as Walmart Media Group). This network offers similar advertising options as Amazon Advertising but exclusively focuses on reaching customers through Walmart's channels such as its website, mobile app, and physical stores.

In addition to major retailers like Amazon and Walmart developing their own retail media networks, there are also independent retail media networks that work with a variety of retailers and brands. One such network is Criteo Retail Media, which partners with over 22,000 retailers and brands to provide targeted advertising solutions.

Retail media networks not only benefit brands by allowing them to reach their target audience in a more effective manner, but they also provide value to retailers. These networks can generate additional revenue for retailers through ad sales and help increase customer loyalty by offering personalized and relevant ads.

Retail media networks have become an essential part of the advertising landscape as they allow brands to connect with consumers in a highly targeted and impactful way. With the continued growth of ecommerce and the increasing importance of digital advertising, these networks are likely to play an even bigger role in the future of retail marketing.

Reasons To Use Retail Media Networks

1. Targeted Advertising: Retail media networks provide a targeted and personalized advertising platform. By using customer data and insights, retailers can tailor their advertisements to specific demographics, interests, and purchasing behaviors.
2. Increased Brand Visibility: With the rise of ecommerce and online shopping, retail media networks offer brands an opportunity to increase their visibility in the digital landscape. By partnering with retailers, brands can reach a large audience of potential customers who are already interested in their products.
3. Cost-Effective Advertising: Traditional forms of advertising such as TV commercials or billboards can be expensive and may not always reach the desired target audience. On the other hand, retail media networks offer cost-effective solutions for brand advertisement by directly targeting consumers who are most likely to make a purchase.
4. Drive Sales: One of the primary reasons for using retail media networks is to drive sales and increase revenue for both retailers and brands. By strategically placing ads within the online shopping journey, retailers can influence consumer behavior and encourage them to make purchases.
5. Real-Time Analytics: Retail media networks provide real-time analytics that tracks the performance of advertisements, allowing brands to measure their success instantly. This data also helps in adjusting campaigns on-the-go for better results and ROI.
6. Improved Consumer Engagement: Unlike traditional forms of advertising where consumers passively view ads, retail media networks allow for two-way communication between brands and consumers through interactive features like surveys or quizzes, creating a more engaging experience.
7. Cross-Promotion Opportunities: Retail media networks open up opportunities for cross-promotion among different product categories offered by a retailer. For example, if a customer is browsing for shoes on a retailer's website, they may see ads for related accessories such as socks or shoe care products.
8. Data Collection: By leveraging customer data from retail websites, brands can gain valuable insights into consumer behavior patterns and preferences which they can use to improve their marketing strategies.
9. Competitive Advantage: By utilizing retail media networks, brands can gain a competitive advantage over their competitors by reaching potential customers who are already engaged with the retailer's website. This allows for more targeted and effective advertising compared to traditional forms of mass marketing.
10. Flexibility and Customization: Retail media networks offer flexibility and customization options for brands to run different types of advertisements such as display ads, video ads, or sponsored content. This allows brands to experiment with different formats and find what works best for them.
11. Relationship Building: Partnering with retailers through retail media networks allows brands to build stronger relationships with their customers. By aligning themselves with trusted retailers, brands can increase their credibility and improve brand loyalty among consumers.

Retail media networks provide an effective platform for advertisers to reach a highly targeted audience, drive sales, collect data, and cost-effectively build relationships with customers. With the increasing shift towards ecommerce, these networks will continue to play a crucial role in the future of advertising for both retailers and brands.

The Importance of Retail Media Networks

Retail media networks have become increasingly important in today's digital age. These networks, also known as retail media platforms or retailer ad networks, allow retailers to reach their target audience through targeted advertising within the retail environment.

One of the main reasons why retail media networks have gained importance is due to the changing shopping behavior of consumers. With the rise of ecommerce and online shopping, traditional brick-and-mortar retailers have had to adapt in order to compete with online giants like Amazon. By using retail media networks, these retailers can now offer a more personalized and seamless shopping experience for their customers.

Another reason for the significance of retail media networks is the growing amount of data available for targeting and tracking consumer behavior. With the use of customer data collected through loyalty programs, website visits, and purchase history, these networks can offer highly targeted advertisements that are more likely to convert into sales. This not only benefits brands by increasing their ROI but also improves the overall customer experience by showing them ads that are relevant to their interests.

Moreover, retail media networks provide an opportunity for retailers to monetize their own assets such as websites, apps, and in-store displays. By partnering with brands and allowing them to advertise on these channels, retailers can generate additional revenue streams while also promoting products that they already carry in their stores.

Retail media networks also play a crucial role in omnichannel marketing strategies. As consumers interact with brands across multiple touchpoints – both online and offline – it is essential for marketers to have a cohesive message across all channels. Retail media platforms offer a way for brands to reach customers at every stage of their purchasing journey – from initial research to final purchase – ensuring consistency and increasing brand awareness.

In addition, retail media networks provide valuable insights into consumer behavior and purchasing patterns that can inform marketing strategies and product offerings. By analyzing data from various sources such as transactional records or social interactions on retailer websites or apps, these platforms can provide valuable insights that can help brands and retailers make data-driven decisions.

Furthermore, retail media networks allow for real-time tracking and optimization of campaigns. This means that marketers can quickly adjust their campaigns based on performance metrics, ensuring that the advertisements are reaching the right audience at the right time. This level of flexibility is crucial in today's fast-paced digital landscape where consumer preferences and behaviors are constantly changing.

Retail media networks also benefit smaller businesses by providing a cost-effective advertising solution. Traditional forms of advertising such as TV commercials or print ads can be expensive and may not reach a highly targeted audience. With retail media networks, small businesses can now reach their target market without breaking the bank.

Retail media networks have become an essential component in modern marketing strategies due to their ability to provide targeted and personalized advertisements, generate additional revenue streams for retailers, support omnichannel marketing efforts, offer valuable insights into consumer behavior, provide real-time campaign optimization, and offer cost-effective options for smaller businesses. As technology continues to advance and consumer behavior evolves, the importance of these platforms is only expected to grow in the future.

Features of Retail Media Networks

1. Targeted Advertising: Retail media networks offer targeted advertising options that allow brands to reach specific demographics based on factors like age, location, interests, and behavior. This helps businesses reach the right audience and increase the effectiveness of their ad campaigns.
2. Brand Awareness: Retail media networks provide a platform for brands to build awareness and visibility among consumers by displaying their ads in high-traffic retail stores. This exposure can help businesses increase brand recognition and establish a strong presence in the market.
3. Product Placement: In addition to traditional display advertising, retail media networks also offer product placement opportunities for brands. This involves featuring products prominently in-store or on retailer websites, increasing the chances of impulse purchases and generating higher sales.
4. In-Store Promotions: Another feature provided by retail media networks is in-store promotions, where brands can run special offers or discounts targeted at shoppers inside physical store locations. These promotions can entice customers to make a purchase while they are already in the store, leading to increased sales for the brand.
5. Data Analysis: Retail media networks have access to large amounts of data regarding consumer behavior and purchase patterns within their partner retailers. They use this data to analyze trends and provide insights that can help brands optimize their marketing strategies and better understand their target audience.
6. Cross-Promotion Opportunities: Retail media networks often have partnerships with multiple retailers under their umbrella, providing an opportunity for cross-promotion between different stores or products within those stores. This allows businesses to expand their reach and potentially attract new customers from other retailers' customer base.
7. Customizable Campaigns: Many retail media networks offer customizable campaign options for brands based on their specific goals and budget constraints. Businesses can choose from various ad formats such as videos, banner ads, pop-ups, etc., depending on what aligns best with their overall advertising strategy.
8. Performance Tracking: With digital technology being an integral part of most retail media networks, brands can track the performance of their campaigns in real time. This allows them to make changes or optimize their ads for better results and measure the effectiveness of their investment.
9. Targeted Offers and Recommendations: Retail media networks also use customer data to create personalized offers and recommendations that are tailored to individual shoppers' interests and preferences. This targeted approach can be more effective in driving sales compared to generic promotions.
10. Collaborative Strategies: Some retail media networks offer collaborative strategies that allow businesses to partner with other brands to create joint marketing campaigns. This can help companies increase brand exposure, share resources, and reach a wider audience while also minimizing costs.
11. Multichannel Marketing: Another key feature of retail media networks is the ability to promote products across multiple channels simultaneously, such as in-store displays, online ads, social media posts, etc. This creates a cohesive brand image and increases the likelihood of reaching potential customers through various touchpoints.
12. Consumer Insights: By utilizing consumer data collected from various retailers within the network, retail media networks can provide valuable insights into current trends and shopping behaviors that can inform future advertising strategies for businesses.

Retail media networks offer a range of features that help businesses effectively advertise their products and reach their target audience efficiently. By leveraging technology, data analysis, and strategic partnerships with retailers, these networks have become an essential tool for brands looking to increase sales and establish a strong presence in today's competitive market.

Who Can Benefit From Retail Media Networks?

• Brands and Retailers: Retail media networks can greatly benefit both brands and retailers by providing targeted advertising opportunities, driving sales, and increasing brand awareness. Through these networks, brands can reach their target audience directly while retailers can drive foot traffic to their stores.
• Consumers: Consumers can also benefit from retail media networks as they provide them with personalized and relevant advertisements that cater to their interests. This creates a more engaging shopping experience for consumers and makes it easier for them to discover new products or promotions.
• Advertisers: Retail media networks offer advertisers a unique opportunity to advertise directly to shoppers at the point of sale. This allows for targeted messaging based on consumer behavior, demographics, or location. Advertisers can also measure the effectiveness of their campaigns in real-time through data analytics provided by these networks.
• Small Businesses: In addition to large brands and retailers, small businesses can also benefit from retail media networks. These networks offer affordable advertising options that allow small businesses to compete with larger companies by reaching a wider audience through targeted ads.
• Data Analysts: Retail media networks generate vast amounts of data on consumer behavior which can be analyzed and used to inform future marketing strategies. Data analysts can identify trends, patterns, and consumer preferences within specific demographics or locations, allowing for more effective targeting of advertisements.
• Digital Marketing Agencies: Digital marketing agencies play an important role in managing campaigns on behalf of brands or retailers who utilize retail media networks. These agencies have expertise in creating effective ad content, analyzing data, and optimizing campaigns for maximum impact.
• Tech Companies: With the rise of digitalization in the retail industry, tech companies involved in developing software or platforms for retail media networks stand to benefit greatly. As demand for these services increases, so does the need for innovation in technology that supports these advertising channels.
• Publishers: Some retail media networks partner with publishers such as news websites or blogs to display ads on their sites. This benefits both parties as the publisher receives revenue for displaying ads, while the network reaches a wider audience through different online channels.
• Service Providers: Retail media networks also benefit service providers such as payment processing companies, digital signage providers, and in-store technology providers. These networks use their services to display ads and gather data, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
• Investors: As retail media networks continue to grow and expand their reach, they become attractive investment opportunities for investors. With increasing demand for targeted advertising and digitalization of the retail industry, these networks have great potential for growth and profitability.

How Much Do Retail Media Networks Cost?

The cost of retail media networks varies depending on the specific network and services offered, as well as the size of the retailer and its individual needs. Generally speaking, a basic retail media network can range from $3 to $5 per thousand impressions (CPM), while more advanced networks with customized solutions can cost upwards of $10+ CPM.

There are several factors that contribute to the varying costs of retail media networks. Firstly, retailers have different levels of traffic and reach. A larger retailer with a high volume of website visitors or in-store foot traffic will likely command a higher price for their network due to their wider reach and potential for greater advertising impact.

Additionally, the type of advertising format also affects the cost. For example, standard banner ads may be less expensive than premium video ads or interactive display ads. The level of targeting and personalization also plays a role in determining pricing. Networks that offer more advanced targeting options such as geolocation or demographic targeting may come at a higher cost.

Another factor influencing the cost is exclusivity agreements between retailers and advertisers. Some retailers may offer exclusive access to their customers through their network, which can drive up prices for advertisers looking to target those specific audiences.

In addition to these factors, there are other expenses associated with setting up and running a retail media network. This includes technology infrastructure costs such as data management platforms (DMPs) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, as well as staffing costs for managing campaigns and analyzing data. These additional expenses can add up quickly and contribute to overall pricing.

It's important to note that while there are upfront costs associated with setting up a retail media network, they can also provide significant ROI for both retailers and advertisers in terms of increased sales and targeted advertising efforts.

The full cost of a retail media network will depend on several factors including reach, types of advertising formats offered, targeting capabilities, exclusivity agreements, technology infrastructure setup, and ongoing maintenance. It's important for retailers to carefully consider their individual needs and budgets when evaluating the cost of a retail media network.

Risks Associated With Retail Media Networks

Retail media networks have gained popularity as an effective way for retailers to monetize their digital assets and generate additional revenue streams. However, like any other business venture, there are certain risks associated with retail media networks that retailers should be aware of before implementing them. These risks include:

• Increased competition: As more retailers adopt retail media networks, the market becomes saturated and creates a highly competitive environment. This can lead to lower advertising rates and reduced profit margins for participating retailers.
• Dependence on third-party platforms: Retailers often rely on third-party platforms to manage their retail media networks, which puts them at risk of being tied down by the terms and conditions set by the platform. Any changes in these terms or disruptions in service could negatively impact the retailer's ability to monetize their digital assets.
• Data privacy concerns: Retail media networks involve collecting customer data such as browsing history, purchase behavior, and location information for targeted advertising. This raises concerns over privacy infringement and may damage consumer trust if not handled carefully.
• Ad fraud: With the increase in digital advertising through retail media networks comes the potential for ad fraud. Advertisers may use fraudulent methods such as click farms or bot traffic to inflate metrics and clicks, leading to wasted ad spend for both retailers and brands.
• Negative brand perception: If advertisements on a retailer's website or app are not relevant or potentially offensive to consumers, it can harm the retailer's brand image. Consumers may associate these ads with the retailer's brand rather than seeing them as separate entities.
• Technological challenges: Implementing a successful retail media network requires robust technology infrastructure to collect, analyze, and act on customer data in real time. Any technical issues such as system crashes or glitches can disrupt the network's operations and result in lost revenue opportunities.
• Legal compliance: Retailers must adhere to various laws regarding data privacy, consumer protection, and anti-competitive practices when implementing a retail media network. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could result in significant fines and legal repercussions.
• Lack of control over advertisements: Retailers may not have complete control over the advertisements displayed on their digital assets, as they rely on third-party platforms and brands to curate the ads. This lack of control can lead to irrelevant or even harmful ads being displayed, which can negatively impact consumer experience.

While retail media networks present great opportunities for retailers to boost revenue, there are also potential risks that need to be carefully considered before implementation. Retailers must thoroughly evaluate these risks and take necessary precautions to ensure a successful and ethical retail media network strategy.

Retail Media Networks Integrations

There are a variety of software types that can integrate with retail media networks, allowing for enhanced functionality Some examples include:

1. Point-of-sale (POS) systems: These are used in retail stores to process sales transactions at the checkout counter. By integrating with a retail media network, POS systems can provide real-time sales data and inventory information, as well as enable targeted advertising and promotions.
2. Customer relationship management (CRM) software: This type of software is used to manage interactions with customers and track their behaviors and preferences. When integrated with a retail media network, CRM software can help personalize marketing messages and advertisements based on customer data.
3. Inventory management software: This type of software is designed to track inventory levels, orders, and product availability. By integrating with a retail media network, inventory management software can ensure that advertisements are only shown for products that are in stock at a given location.
4. Digital signage solutions: These are specialized software platforms used to create and display digital content on screens within a store or retail environment. When integrated with a retail media network, digital signage solutions can display targeted advertisements based on real-time data such as customer demographics or weather conditions.
5. Analytics tools: These types of software collect and analyze large amounts of data from various sources to provide insights into customer behavior and overall business performance. By integrating with a retail media network, analytics tools can help retailers understand the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns and make informed decisions about future advertising strategies.

It's worth noting that these are just some examples of common types of software that may integrate with retail media networks; there may be other industry-specific or proprietary solutions available as well.

Questions To Ask When Considering Retail Media Networks

1. What types of retailers do they work with? This question is important because different retail media networks may specialize in specific types of retailers, such as grocery stores, big box retailers, or online marketplaces. Knowing the types of retailers they work with can help determine if their network aligns with your target audience.
2. What is the reach and coverage of their network? It is essential to understand the size and scope of a retail media network's reach. This includes information such as the number of stores in their network, geographic coverage, and potential audience size. A larger reach can mean more exposure for your brand or product.
3. What are the demographics and buying habits of their audience? Understanding the demographics and buying habits of a retail media network's audience can provide valuable insights into whether they align with your target market. For example, if you are targeting young adults who are heavy online shoppers, a retail media network that focuses on ecommerce platforms would be a better fit than one that primarily works with brick-and-mortar stores.
4. How is their data collected and used? Retail media networks collect vast amounts of data from consumer purchasing behavior within their stores or websites. It is crucial to understand how this data is collected, analyzed, and utilized for targeting advertisements to ensure it aligns with ethical practices and complies with privacy regulations.
5. What advertising formats do they offer? Retail media networks may offer various advertising formats such as display ads, sponsored products, influencer partnerships, etc., depending on the retailer's capabilities. Understanding these options can help determine which format would best fit your marketing goals.
6. How do they measure campaign success? It is vital to have clear metrics in place to measure the success of any advertising campaign on a retail media network accurately. Ask about their measurement techniques and reporting capabilities to ensure you can track key performance indicators (KPIs) effectively.
7. What is the cost structure? Retail media networks may have different pricing models, such as pay-per-click or flat fee structures. It is essential to understand the costs involved in using their network and whether it aligns with your budget and advertising goals.
8. What support and resources do they provide for advertisers? Some retail media networks offer additional support and resources for advertisers, such as ad design services or campaign optimization tools. Understanding what kind of assistance you can expect from the network can help ensure a successful campaign.
9. Who are some of their previous or current clients? Asking about previous or current clients can give insight into the types of brands that have benefited from working with the retail media network. It also provides an opportunity to reach out to these companies for feedback on their experience with the network.
10. How do they ensure brand safety and transparency? With many advertisements being placed programmatically, it is crucial to ask about a retail media network's policies and procedures for ensuring brand safety and transparency in ad placement. This includes measures taken to prevent ads appearing next to inappropriate content or fraudulent websites.
11. What kind of targeting capabilities do they offer? Different retail media networks may have varying levels of targeting options, such as behavioral targeting, contextual targeting, or demographic targeting. Understanding these capabilities can help determine if their platform can effectively reach your desired audience.
12. Can they provide case studies or success stories? Ask for examples of successful campaigns run on their network to see how other brands have utilized their platform effectively. These case studies can give insights into best practices and potential strategies for your own campaign.