Are you tired of watching your ad budget vanish into clicks that never convert? Retail media networks (RMNs) have transformed from experimental channels into essential growth engines, with global ad spending projected to surpass $200 billion by 2027.
Unlike traditional display ads that feel like throwing darts blindfolded, RMNs use massive first-party data to target shoppers who are already in “buy mode.” Ignoring these retail media platforms isn't just a missed opportunity; it's leaving revenue on the table.
Here are the six retail media ad networks that deliver measurable ROAS and real sales for brands right now.
Why Retail Media Ad Networks Are the New Standard for Brand Growth
Retail Media Ad Networks have become indispensable because they solve the biggest problem in modern digital advertising: signal loss. As third-party cookies disappear, brands are losing the ability to track users across the Open Web.
Retail media networks solve this by offering closed-loop attribution based on first-party insights and transaction data.
Trusted Retail Media Ad Networks for Brand Visibility and Sales
| Best Retail Media Ad Networks | Monthly Reach | Key Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Advertising | 300M+ shoppers | Dominant market share, closed-loop attribution | E-commerce brands, high-intent targeting |
| Walmart Connect | 165M+ customers | Omnichannel reach, in-store + online | CPG brands, mass-market products |
| Target Roundel | 165M+ guests | Premium audience, AI-powered optimization | Lifestyle brands, quality-focused products |
| Kroger Precision Marketing | 60M+ households | Grocery-specific data, self-service platform | Food & beverage, household essentials |
| Instacart Ads | 100M+ users | Delivery-focused, high purchase frequency | Grocery brands, quick-commerce products |
| eBay Advertising | 100M+ visitors | Cookieless targeting, diverse inventory | Niche products, collectables, electronics |
1. Amazon Advertising
Amazon Advertising posted ad revenues exceeding $60 billion in 2024, solidifying its position as the most powerful retail media ad network for brand advertisers worldwide.
What I've learned running seven-figure campaigns on Amazon: their Sponsored Products and search ads appear in high-visibility ad placements that capture shoppers at peak purchase intent.
The advertising platform offers flexible cost-per-click models—you only pay when shoppers click your ads, and you control daily budgets down to the dollar.
Key Features:
2. Walmart Connect
Walmart Connect brings unmatched omnichannel capabilities to retail media platforms for brand advertisers. With access to America's largest retailer (commanding 30% of US grocery market share), your ad space reaches customers both online and across 4,600+ physical footprint stores.
What separates Walmart Connect from competitors: their closed-loop system correlates online and in-store activity at scale through cross-channel attribution. Track how digital marketing campaigns drive foot traffic and in-store coupons redemption—something most retail media networks still struggle to measure effectively.
Key Features:
3. Target Roundel
Target Roundel focused on quality over quantity. Their 165 million+ guests through Target Circle represent higher household incomes and 2x more likely to splurge compared to average shoppers.
Their Precision Plus AI-powered performance engine delivers smarter activation and faster optimization than manual campaign management across digital channels.
The advertising platform automatically adjusts bids and targeting based on real-time performance signals, maximizing ROAS without constant babysitting.
Key Features:
4. Kroger Precision Marketing
Kroger Precision Marketing owns grocery retail media platforms for brand advertisers. Their first-party data from 60 million+ households provides unmatched insight into food and beverage purchase data behaviour.
The self-service Kroger ad network lets advertisers create, manage, and optimize onsite campaigns with ease. What makes this advertising platform effective: grocery-specific targeting based on actual basket data eliminating data silos. Target households that purchase competing products, complementary items, or specific dietary preferences.
Key Features:
5. Instacart Ads
Instacart Ads dominates delivery-focused retail media. With 100 million+ users ordering groceries online, the advertising platform captures high-frequency shoppers at peak purchase intent.
Instacart's Carrot Ads solution helps retailers build retail media businesses by connecting them with CPG brands through API connectors. The platform recently became the first retail media network offering end-to-end capabilities on TikTok, expanding ad placements beyond traditional e-commerce digital properties.
Key Features:
6. eBay Advertising
eBay Advertising brings unique advantages to retail media platforms, especially those selling niche products, electronics, or collectables.
With 100 million+ monthly visitors, eBay provides scale. But their real value: cookieless targeting in a cookie-less world based on user IDs rather than third-party cookies. As privacy regulations tighten, this first-party data approach future-proofs your advertising investment.
Key Features:
How Retail Media Ad Networks for Brand Advertisers Drive Lower-Funnel ROI
The ROI from retail media is superior because it captures consumers at the exact moment of decision. When a user searches for “laundry detergent” on Walmart.com, they are not browsing for entertainment—they are building a cart.
This high-intent context through Sponsored Search and display ads leads to conversion rates that are often 3-5x higher than social or programmatic advertising.
Final Thoughts
Retail media ad networks are no longer just a trend—they're the new standard for performance-driven digital advertising. With access to first-party data and high purchase intent, these advertising platforms deliver measurable results that traditional channels can't match.
Brands that invest in retail media platforms are seeing stronger ROAS and better brand awareness through consumer data insights.
Ready to open this potential? Start testing the top retail media networks today and watch your sales and brand visibility grow across digital properties and physical footprint locations.
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