Behind the Numbers: an EMARKETER Podcast artwork

Touch Grass Marketing: How Digital Brands Go IRL | Behind the Numbers

Behind the Numbers: an EMARKETER Podcast · with Suzy Davidkhanian, Paola Flores-Marquez, Gadjo Sevilla · June 5, 2026 · 29 min

Summary

To connect with modern consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, e-commerce brands must embrace "Touch Grass Marketing" by creating authentic, real-world experiences that complement their digital presence. This episode unpacks the data behind the cultural shift away from constant screen time and provides actionable strategies for digital-native brands to expand into the physical realm, fostering deeper customer engagement and brand loyalty.

Key takeaways

Themes

brand & contentretail & omnichanneldtc strategy

Topics covered

irl marketingexperiential marketinggen z consumer behaviormillennial consumer behaviordigital detoxomnichannel marketing

Episode description

In today’s podcast episode, we discuss what the data says about young people actually going out and touching grass, what “logging off” really looks like, whether this trend is a temporary backlash or the beginning of a long-term cultural shift away from screens, and some of the best examples of brands taking note of this trend by creating real-world experiences. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Vice President of Content Suzy Davidkhanian, Analyst Paola Flores-Marquez, and Senior Analyst Gadjo Sevilla. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube or Spotify. Get more insights like these with our free, industry-leading newsletters covering advertising, marketing, and commerce. Sign up at emarketer.com/newslettersFollow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/emarketer/For sponsorship opportunities contact us: advertising@emarketer.comFor more information visit: https://www.emarketer.com/advertise/Have questions or just want to say hi? Drop us a line at podcast@emarketer.com For a transcript of this episode click here:https://www.emarketer.com/content/podcast-touch-grass-marketing-how-digital-brands-go-irl-behind-numbers© 2026 EMARKETER Rokt is the global leader in ecommerce, unlocking real-time relevance in the Transaction Moment. Rokt's AI Brain and Ecommerce Network help the world’s leading companies deliver more relevant customer experiences and unlock incremental value from every transaction. Learn more at rokt.com.

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Frequently asked about this episode

What does this episode say about brand & content?
Analyze consumer data to understand specific desires for offline engagement within your target demographic, identifying where and how they "log off."
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Develop and execute "IRL" marketing campaigns such as pop-up shops, experiential events, or brand activations that provide tangible, immersive experiences.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Bridge the gap between digital and physical by integrating online calls to action with offline experiences, and vice-versa, to create a seamless omnichannel customer journey.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Focus on authenticity and community building in your offline initiatives, as consumers are seeking genuine connections and shared experiences beyond the screen.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Measure the ROI of IRL marketing efforts by tracking consumer sentiment, engagement rates, and long-term brand loyalty to continually refine your strategy.

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