The Key Drivers of Marketing Shifts Amid AI, Inflation, and Cultural Change

Knowledge at Wharton

  • Nov 26, 2025
  • 28:30
  • Full Episode

ABOUT THE EPISODE Peter Adams, Senior Writer at Marketing Dive, joins Barbara Kahn to explore how economic bifurcation, evolving loyalty drivers, and rapid advances in AI are forcing marketers to rethink strategies, adapt to cultural moments, and navigate an increasingly complex industry landscape.

ABOUT THE PODCAST Marketing Matters is hosted by Wharton marketing professors Barbara Kahn and Americus Reed. Each week they discuss marketing and advertising trends, consumer behavior, data and analytics, the latest in retail marketing, brand-building, and much more with their expert guests. Episodes are recorded at the Wharton School.

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Brief Summary

Peter Adams discusses marketing trends, AI's impact, and Walmart's holiday strategy in this episode of Marketing Matters.

Key points

  • The Vanishing Middle Class. A deep dive into how the disappearance of the middle class affects marketing strategies.
  • AI's Impact on Marketing. Exploring how AI is reshaping consumer behavior and marketing responses.
  • Walmart's Grinch Campaign. Walmart embraces pop culture with a Grinch-themed holiday campaign, blending nostalgia and value.

Tension

45/ 100Some tension

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