AI Search to Disrupt Discovery for Retailers — Here's 3 Companies Thinking Outside The Box

In this episode, I dive into one of the biggest questions facing retail media leaders today: how can retailers and brands adapt as AI-driven shopping agents and zero-click discovery start reshaping how consumers buy? With sponsored search revenue under pressure and growth slowing across the industry, it’s time to look at creative alternatives to the traditional onsite, offsite, and in-store ad models.I spotlight three fascinating companies that are doing just that: Rokt, Swish, and Nift. Each of them is monetizing overlooked customer moments in fresh, high-impact ways, from post-purchase offers to AI-driven gifting experiences. These companies are turning everyday customer touchpoints into new opportunities for engagement, brand discovery, and long-term loyalty — proof that innovation still thrives even as the industry shifts beneath our feet.This episode is sponsored by Mirakl AdsTimeline[00:00] – Retail media’s new threat: how AI shopping agents and zero-click search are changing ad revenue dynamics.[02:16] – Why 200+ retail media networks are all fighting for just 16% of ad dollars, and why differentiation is key.[02:45] – Company #1: Rokt – Turning post-purchase moments into premium ad inventory. [05:00] – Company #2: Swish – Treating the product itself as media through full-size sample placements in online grocery orders. [06:45] – Company #3: Nift – “Gifting as acquisition” by using AI to match consumers with brand gifts after key customer actions. [07:54] – Why these innovations could be more “AI-proof” than traditional retail media strategies. [08:45] – My closing thoughts on the importance of thinking beyond ad slots to build meaningful brand-retailer partnerships.Links & ResourcesMy original article, Beyond Banner Ads: How Retailers Are Monetizing the Moments That Actually Matter was published in The Drum on October 21. Read the full piece for deeper analysis on why these approaches work now and what it means for mid-tier networks trying to escape the doom loop.Read the new research from eMarketer and Bain Learn more about RoktLearn more about SwishLearn more about NiftRead my article The Secret Hopes & Dreams of RMN LeadersRead my article While We Debate What's 'Really' Agentic, Retail Media's Foundation Is Already ShiftingRead my article 2 Ways Retailers Can Compete In An AI-Enabled Shopping FutureSubscribe to Retail Media Breakfast Club's daily newsletterFollow Kiri on LinkedIn