The Broadmind Business & Innovation Tracker

How industry leaders are using AI, immersive tech, and new marketing strategies to redefine retail, connect with Gen Z, and strengthen brand engagement.

Apr 03, 2025

In this edition of PSFK's Business and Innovation Tracker from Broadmind, we're highlighting innovative moves from brands like Meta, Pepsi, Instacart, and PayPal as they leverage AI and immersive experiences to drive deeper connections. We also examine how Stagwell and Home Depot are shifting their strategies, embracing smarter metrics and robust AI investments to position themselves ahead of the curve. Plus, retail updates from Puma, PVH Corp, and Sportsman's Warehouse reveal how smart operational adjustments and immersive flagship stores are shaping the future of shopping.

First up, Meta has something pretty interesting in the pipeline: sleek AR glasses called Hypernova. These aren’t your typical smart glasses—they have a discreet display in the lower-right lens corner and a clever wristband named Ceres, letting you control them with subtle hand gestures. Expect to see these around 2025, priced at about $1,200. And speaking of Meta, they've teamed with UFC to blend AI and mixed reality into some pretty engaging fan experiences. Definitely something to keep an eye on. (ho, ho)

Next, Pepsi is tapping into Gen Z trends with its new campaign called The Sweetest. They're using AI (of course) to creatively link Pepsi zero-sugar flavors with everyday moments, combining digital innovation and real-world pop-up events to connect authentically with younger customers.

Instacart has a new idea for grocery ads—they’re bringing digital ads into physical stores. They've put AI-powered screens right onto shopping carts, extending online advertising into your real-life shopping trips. (They’re excited about this - we’re not so much). Nevertheless, it's part of their big shift from just delivering groceries to becoming a comprehensive retail tech partner.

PayPal is also getting in the ad game by expanding beyond just payments with their imaginatively named PayPal Ads, launching this July in the UK. They'll use their vast transaction data to power personalized ads—another clear step toward becoming an all-around commerce solution.

Meanwhile, Home Depot is changing how they measure advertising success. They've introduced a new metric called ROMO —Return on Marketing Objectives —which measures brand awareness, customer engagement, and market share, not just immediate sales. It's a significant shift toward deeper, more meaningful metrics in retail media.

And in advertising agency news, Stagwell is doubling down on artificial intelligence. CEO Mark Penn announced yesterday a massive expansion in data capabilities and appointed John Kahan as Chief AI Officer. They've also partnered with Adobe and Palantir, aiming for $5 billion in revenue by 2029. It's a bold move in a very competitive space.

In retail, Sportsman's Warehouse reported mixed sales but showed impressive financial discipline. They're finding smart ways to stand out between struggling rivals and larger competitors.

PVH Corp—the company behind Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein—has faced declining revenues this quarter but is finding stability through direct-to-consumer channels and operational efficiencies, especially in Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Sneakerheads, mark your calendars: Puma is opening a huge flagship store in London's West End in autumn 2025. Expect immersive, interactive experiences that blend performance gear with streetwear.