Callback scheduling is just one way that call centers use automation.  This Replicant report shows that 48% have an automation project in place or in process, and 72% expect automation to reduce expenses by 25% or more.  Exactly half plan to use a mix of self-build and purchased solutions; 27% will only use purchased software and 13% will build everything themselves.

You may not want another item about retail media but look on the bright side, Dear Reader: it’s not about social commerce.  Anyway, this overview by eMarketer is pretty good, including the headline estimates that retail media ad revenue will grow 31.4% this year, total $40.8 billion and account for 16.4% of U.S. digital ad spending.  But don’t get too frisky: Amazon accounts for 77% of the total.

Is the jury still out on social commerce? Our friends at eMarketer don’t think so: they expect it to grow 34% this year to exceed $53 billion and 5% of total U.S. ecommerce market. Related: Amazon-owned Twitch is jumping into the game and Motom is consolidating social shopping feeds from multiple platforms.