As the digital advertising landscape rapidly evolves, the concept of the retail media network (RMN) is breaking free from its retail roots. Today, industries as diverse as hospitality, automotive, and financial services are seizing the opportunity to monetize their first-party data, unlocking new revenue streams and transforming how they engage with customers. Publicis Sapient stands at the forefront of this cross-industry revolution, helping organizations architect, launch, and scale media networks that deliver measurable business impact while navigating complex regulatory and operational landscapes.
While retail giants have pioneered the RMN model—leveraging rich shopper data and digital real estate to connect brands with high-intent audiences—other sectors are now realizing the untapped value of their own customer relationships and data assets. Any business with a direct-to-consumer relationship, whether a hotel chain, car manufacturer, or financial institution, can build a media network that:
By 2028, media networks are projected to account for over 15% of total ad revenue, outpacing even television. The market is expected to reach $231 billion by 2030, with non-retail sectors driving a significant share of this growth.
Leading hotel chains are building media networks that allow advertisers—such as tour operators, theme parks, and local attractions—to reach loyalty program members based on their interests and booking history. Ads are delivered across the hotel’s website, mobile app, and marketing communications, with future expansion to in-room TVs and lobby screens. The value for advertisers is clear: real-time performance data enables in-flight campaign optimization, while guests receive offers tailored to their travel preferences, enhancing the overall experience.
Automotive OEMs are leveraging the data generated by connected vehicles and digital showrooms to create powerful media networks. Advertisers, from auto accessory brands to insurers and financing companies, can target consumers who are actively researching or preparing to purchase a vehicle. As autonomous driving technology matures, in-car infotainment systems will become new frontiers for advertising, delivering contextually relevant offers to drivers and passengers. Additionally, OEMs can monetize insights—such as cross-shopping patterns—by providing anonymized, aggregated data to partners.
Banks and financial institutions possess some of the most valuable first-party data: transaction histories. By building media networks, they enable advertisers to target audiences based on real-world spending behaviors—such as pet owners, gym members, or frequent travelers—while maintaining strict privacy controls. Closed-loop measurement is a unique advantage, as financial services can directly link ad impressions to purchases, providing advertisers with transparent ROI. Some industry leaders are innovating with performance-based pricing models, charging advertisers only when campaigns drive measurable results.
While the opportunity is vast, non-retail sectors face distinct hurdles in building and scaling media networks:
Publicis Sapient’s Media Network Accelerator is purpose-built to address these challenges and accelerate time-to-value for organizations across industries. Developed in partnership with Google Cloud, the Accelerator provides:
Our solution is designed to be industry-agnostic, supporting the unique needs of hospitality, automotive, financial services, and beyond. Whether you’re looking to monetize loyalty data, connected vehicle insights, or transaction histories, Publicis Sapient provides the strategy, technology, and operational expertise to launch and scale a high-impact media network.
Organizations that embrace media network monetization are already seeing transformative results:
The path forward is clear: industries beyond retail are poised to lead the next wave of media network innovation. With the right partner, the journey from concept to revenue can be measured in weeks, not years.
Ready to unlock the full potential of your first-party data? Connect with Publicis Sapient to explore how our Media Network Accelerator can help your organization build, scale, and monetize a media network—turning data into growth, and customers into engaged audiences.