The rapid evolution of retail media networks (RMNs) has transformed the grocery and retail landscape, unlocking new, high-margin revenue streams and revolutionizing how brands engage with customers. But the principles and technologies behind these networks are not limited to traditional retail. Today, forward-thinking organizations in hospitality, financial services, and automotive are adapting RMN strategies to harness their own rich customer data and unique touchpoints—creating powerful new opportunities for advertising, data monetization, and customer engagement.
As third-party cookies disappear and privacy regulations tighten, first-party data has become a strategic asset across industries. Hotels, banks, and automotive companies interact with millions of customers through loyalty programs, digital platforms, and physical locations. These interactions generate vast amounts of high-fidelity, consented data—data that, when activated through RMN principles, can drive new revenue, deepen customer relationships, and offer advertisers access to premium, addressable audiences.
Hotels and hospitality brands have long invested in loyalty programs and guest experience platforms. By leveraging these assets, they can create closed-loop media networks that connect advertisers with travelers at key decision points—before, during, and after their stay. For example, a hotel group can use guest profile data to deliver personalized offers for local attractions, dining, or transportation, both on-property (via in-room screens or mobile apps) and off-property (through email or app notifications). This not only enhances the guest experience but also creates a new revenue stream by enabling partners to reach high-intent travelers with relevant, timely offers.
To maximize impact, hospitality brands should:
Banks and financial institutions possess some of the most valuable first-party data in the world—transaction histories, spending patterns, and life-stage indicators. By applying RMN strategies, these organizations can create highly targeted advertising opportunities within their owned digital channels (such as mobile apps and online banking portals), as well as through partnerships with merchants and fintechs.
For example, a bank could enable advertisers to reach customers who have recently made travel-related purchases, offering them relevant insurance products or travel deals. With robust data governance and privacy controls, financial institutions can provide advertisers with high-fidelity audiences while maintaining customer trust.
Key strategies for financial services include:
Automotive companies interact with customers at multiple stages—from research and purchase to ownership and service. Connected vehicles, dealership visits, and digital service platforms generate a wealth of data that can be activated for media and partnership opportunities. For instance, an automaker could use telematics data to offer targeted promotions for maintenance, accessories, or insurance, delivered via in-car infotainment systems or mobile apps.
By creating a media network that spans both digital and physical touchpoints, automotive brands can:
Organizations in hospitality, financial services, and automotive can accelerate their RMN journey by focusing on several foundational pillars:
The success of RMNs in grocery and retail offers a blueprint for other sectors. Leading grocers have achieved:
By adapting these principles, non-retail sectors can unlock similar value—transforming customer data and engagement into scalable, high-margin revenue streams.
With deep expertise in data monetization, digital transformation, and customer experience, Publicis Sapient partners with organizations across industries to design, build, and operate bespoke media networks. Our end-to-end approach—spanning strategy, technology, data, and operations—ensures every solution is tailored to your unique business, regulatory, and customer needs.
Ready to explore how your organization can lead the next wave of media network innovation? Connect with Publicis Sapient to unlock new revenue, deepen customer engagement, and future-proof your business in the digital age.