Episode Details

When in-store retail media is done right, it can deliver something digital ads simply can’t: a multisensory brand experience that drives immediate sales and long-term brand recall. In this episode, I’m sharing highlights from my recent LinkedIn Live  with Jordan Witmer from the agency SALT, where we dug into what’s really possible with experiential in-store activations, and why so few brands are fully taking advantage of them.

Jordan brings a rare, well-rounded perspective, having spent years on the brand side before moving onto agency side leadership. We talk candidly about why in-store activations in the U.S. often fall flat, how brands are leaving value on the table, and the real reason these high-impact experiences struggle to get funded. If you’re a brand or retail media leader trying to balance short-term ROI with long-term brand building, this conversation is for you.

This episode is sponsored by Mirakl Ads

Timeline

[00:00] Why in-store experiential activations deliver value that sponsored products and display ads can’t

[01:00] The gap between what’s possible in-store and what’s actually happening in the U.S.

[02:30] How experiential activations drive both immediate POS lift and long-term brand recall

[03:15] Data that proves experiential marketing deepens brand connection and drives purchase

[04:00] Inside the Topo Chico Target activation that drove 3X same-store sales growth

[06:30] The real challenge: measuring ROAS and funding experiential retail media across siloed budgets

Links & Resources

• Listen to the full replay of my conversation with Jordan
• Learn more about SALT
• Follow Jordan Witmer on LinkedIn
• Read my related articles:
  • Sam's Club Cracked the Code on In-Store Retail Media—Here's How They Did It
  • Three Companies Monetizing Moments That Most Retailers Ignore
  • It’s Time To End Retail Media “Versus” Organic Search
• Join me and Jordan Witmer from Salt XC at 10am ET Thursday Feb 19, for our next LinkedIn Live on When RMNs Come Calling for Your Brand Marketing Budget. We'll be answering questions LIVE -- join us!
• Atlanta-based retail media professionals: Wednesday, February 25 is the next In-Person Atlanta Happy Hour! RSVP here.
• Subscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletter
• Follow Kiri Masters on LinkedIn