Tag: Mars United Commerce

Australia – Publicis Groupe’s Mars United Commerce has recently released a new report benchmarking the evolving capabilities of retail media networks in Australia and New Zealand. The report evaluates new entrants, including Uber Advertising, Adore Beauty Media and AVC Experience Plus—alongside established networks such as Cartology, Market Media, Amazon Ads and Coles 360. 

In the report, it noted a retail media network (RMN) industry reaching maturity, with retail media networks delivering increasingly sophisticated tools with new measurement and performance tracking solutions. Driven by advertiser demand for greater clarity and effectiveness, networks are implementing advanced features such as self-service platforms, real-time analytics and rich content options.

It is worth noting that these insights come after Australia saw new entrants in the retail media space, including from Australia Post, Petbarn, and more recently Bunnings.

Strengths of ANZ’s retail media offerings

In an exclusive conversation with MARKETECH APAC, Cameron Porter, commerce planning director for ANZ at Mars United Commerce highlighted key factors on why retail media networks in ANZ are continuously maturing enough to be tapped widely by brands in the region.

“Targeting is where we’ve seen the biggest leap. The ability to understand shopper behaviour — what they’re buying, when, and how often — is powering stronger, more timely messaging across a broader mix of touchpoints. From brand-led video to conversion-led formats, the precision of retail media is starting to stand out on-platform and off-platform,” Cameron said.

He added, “Measurement is still catching up, but the momentum is there. As frameworks mature, we’ll see more advanced test-and-learn programs and sharper optimisation across formats — both of which will accelerate retail media’s role in strategic planning.”

Opportunities and challenges

Looking ahead in 2025, the report notes that the industry can expect further innovation within the retail media space. As networks mature, new entrants will continue to shape the future of the sector, allowing for even more touchpoint opportunities and enhanced capabilities. 

Moreover, the industry’s growth trajectory is clear: transitioning from adolescence into adulthood, and this will present brands with new opportunities to refine their strategies and connect with consumers in more meaningful ways.

“Non-endemic brands represent a major growth opportunity for networks — but also a shift in expectations. These brands are looking for more than sales lift; they want brand impact and real accountability. That pressure will help push innovation and expand the media offering to support both endemic and non-endemic advertisers,” Kelly Wearmouth, managing director at Mars United Commerce ANZ told MARKETECH APAC.

She added, “AI is the next big shake-up. Right now, it’s helping streamline backend processes — smarter forecasting, analytics, and reporting. But the long-term impact will be on front-end performance: real-time targeting, predictive planning, and creative personalisation based on live shopper signals.”

When asked about the challenges on tapping into retail media networks in ANZ, Cameron said, “The biggest challenge isn’t technology — it’s structure. To take full advantage of retail media’s evolution, brands need stronger internal collaboration and more integrated planning across teams and agencies.”

Key pointers to consider when tapping RMNs

In the report, it highlighted that in order to maximise effectiveness in retail media platforms, brands should adopt a strategic three-step evaluation process: evaluate networks, benchmark & compare, and identify opportunities.

For Cameron, the right retail media network isn’t just about reach — it’s about relevance. With more networks coming online, the focus should be on finding the shoppers that connect a brand to the right audience, in the right context, at the right time.

“Contextual targeting and loyalty programs are powerful tools for reaching shoppers who matter most to your category. And just as importantly, marketers should prioritise networks that can collaborate deeply — with strong insights, transparent measurement, and the flexibility to support both brand-building and performance goals. That’s the new baseline for entry,” he concluded.

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In conclusion, the rapid rise of retail media networks in Australia and New Zealand presents a transformative opportunity for brands to reach highly engaged consumers at the point of purchase. As retailers leverage their first-party data and digital platforms to create more targeted and measurable advertising solutions, brands can enhance their marketing effectiveness, drive conversions, and gain deeper consumer insights. 

This evolving landscape not only enables greater personalization but also fosters stronger collaborations between brands and retailers, ultimately delivering more value to shoppers. By embracing retail media networks, brands in ANZ can unlock new growth opportunities and stay ahead in an increasingly data-driven marketplace.

Australia – Global commerce company Mars United Commerce has appointed commerce marketing leader Kelly Wearmouth as managing director for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) as the business continues its transformation at the forefront of the evolving connected commerce ecosystem.

In her new role, Wearmouth will shape and execute Mars United Commerce’s regional operations, strategic direction and growth, including service expansion through development of new offerings that meet evolving client needs, continue to drive performance and growth by turning every brand experience into a connected commerce opportunity.

The appointment comes after the company joined the Publicis Groupe in September 2024 after rebranding from The Mars Agency to reflect its transformation as an innovation-driver, full-service partner across the entire commerce marketing spectrum.

Wearmouth brings 18 years’ experience leading and innovating in senior roles with prominent global companies including Unilever, Microsoft and Telefonica. 

She joins from Amazon, where she spent 10 years in Global, US, UK and ANZ-market roles, including delivering Amazon’s first global advertising agreement and launching its first global advertising campaign. As general manager of Amazon Ads in ANZ, Wearmouth built a $100M+ business across all Amazon advertising products including Twitch.

Speaking on her new role, Wearmouth said, “I am delighted to join the team at such an exciting and transformative time for the company. With a strong foundation in the ANZ market and the ongoing integration across our Publicis Groupe partners, there is unrivalled opportunity to drive innovation and growth for our clients. I look forward to working alongside this uniquely talented team to help our clients achieve their ambitious goals and navigate the evolving commerce market landscape with confidence.”

Meanwhile, Darren Keen, CEO International Markets at Mars United Commerce said, “I am thrilled to welcome Kelly as our new Managing Director for Mars United, ANZ. Her deep local market expertise, combined with world-class commerce and leadership capabilities, makes her the perfect fit to drive our continued success in the region.” 

Darren added, “Kelly joins us at a pivotal stage in our company’s exciting evolution, having joined the Publicis Groupe in Q4 2024. Her leadership will be instrumental in supporting our clients’ growth ambitions, ensuring they thrive in an increasingly dynamic market. We look forward to the impact she will bring to our existing talented team.”

Paris, France – Communications agency Publicis Groupe has acquired commerce marketing company Mars United Commerce to expand its commerce offerings for clients.

Gaining access to Mars’ technology and business offerings, Publicis Groupe enhances its capabilities, allowing end-to-end commerce solutions. 

Through the acquisition, the company provides its clients with a database of consumer behaviour and drives product purchases in digital and physical stores. Clients are also given access to a view of their marketing performance to keep track of their growth.

Mars leverages its 50 years of operations in the industry, with its commerce insights platform and retailer relationships. Through its insights on shoppers, it can motivate changes in shopping behaviours and steer results for businesses.

“Joining Publicis Groupe will help Mars realise our vision of being the preeminent global commerce company faster and more completely. We’re excited to have the support of Publicis to bring new opportunities to our existing clients and also to share our connected commerce solution with new clients around the globe. We look forward to writing the next chapter of commerce together,” Rob Rivenburgh, global chief executive officer of Mars United, said.

“We are delighted to be welcoming Rob and his incredible teams at Mars to Publicis Groupe. Their innovative spirit and proprietary platforms will further connect and complement our existing capabilities, to deliver industry-leading, end-to-end commerce solutions for our clients, both online and offline,” Arthur Sadoun, Publicis Groupe chief executive officer, said.

“With the acquisition of Influential this summer, and now Mars, Publicis is uniquely positioned to help our clients understand both existing consumers and future prospects, and connect that knowledge at an individual level to the new media channels that work hardest for their business: Connected TV, Commerce and Creators. All of this, in clients’ own ecosystems, giving them control over their customer relationships and transparency in their investments and outcomes,” Sadoun added.

Australia – XPO: The Mars Agency, the connected commerce company, has officially rebranded as Mars United Commerce to reflect its transformation into an enterprise-wide solutions partner for the commerce marketing industry. 

The company’s new name is now adopted by all of The Mars Agency’s operations around the world, a name that depicts its transformational growth into a full-service commerce marketing partner for brands and retailers.

Mars United Commerce’s rebranding reflects not only the company’s global reach but also the company’s past, present, and future commitment to operating as an enterprise commerce partner that delivers all the solutions brand and retailer clients need to grow their businesses. 

Mars United Commerce fully embodies the ongoing evolution of the commerce marketing industry, which has become a vast, complex array of shopping channels and engagement opportunities that must be mastered individually to deliver programme-level success but also managed collectively to drive company-wide growth. 

Significant investments in technology and infrastructure have positioned Mars United Commerce as global leaders in four key disciplines: strategy and analytics, retail media and eCommerce, content and experiences, and retail consultancy. These areas form a ‘United Commerce Ecosystem’, providing clients with essential expertise to navigate the complex commerce marketing landscape. 

The company’s proprietary ‘Marilyn Commerce Marketing Technology Platform’ enhances core strengths like shopper insights, deep retailer intelligence, and creative excellence, helping clients make better decisions, create connected experiences, and drive stronger business results.

Moreover, strategic acquisitions, including XPO Brands in 2022, have expanded the company’s reach and capabilities, bringing comprehensive commerce marketing solutions to new regions. Since aligning with The Mars Agency, XPO Brands has rapidly extended its passion and expertise across retail media, ecommerce, measurement, and analytics.

Mars United Commerce now encompasses a workforce of 800 professionals across North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, all experts in specific functions but also trained and certified in every aspect of commerce marketing. 

Sally Tobin, managing director for Mars United Commerce ANZ, said, “We’re so very proud of the equity we’ve built around the XPO name and the reputation we established for excellence in shopper and experiential marketing. Since joining The Mars Agency, we’ve moved beyond those roots to grow capabilities and gain equity in other key areas of commerce marketing. It’s only natural, then, for us to now join the rest of Mars in adopting a new name that better represents everything we can do for clients in the region.”

She added, “With The Mars Agency’s support, we’ve become a more complete commerce partner for our clients. As part of Mars United Commerce, we’ll be bringing even more opportunities to the region.” 

Also speaking on the rebrand, Rob Rivenburgh, global CEO, shared, “The Mars Agency has long been known for relentless reinvention, for staying ahead of industry trends to build expertise in the emerging skill sets our clients need to drive sustainable business growth. We have best-in-class capabilities across the full spectrum of commerce marketing and an unmatched ability to unite them to drive even greater success for our clients. That’s what Mars United Commerce says to the marketplace.”