Retail Media Networks Confront Build-vs-Buy Decision by 2026

The choice in retail media ad tech stack deployment is no longer a simple engineering budget question, but a strategic survival imperative for RMNs facing increased scrutiny and consolidation. With IAB's 2026 mandate emphasizing differentiation, RMNs must make informed decisions on their tech infrastructure to avoid being marginalized. The shift towards hybrid models underscores the complexity of balancing speed-to-market, cost efficiency, and proprietary data control, pointing to a future where strategic alliances and modular integration will be key competitive advantages. Operators should closely monitor the adoption rates and performance of hybrid solutions as benchmarks for future investment and development in this evolving landscape.

The retail media build-vs-buy debate continues to intensify as the market surpasses $100 billion. Mirakl’s Clément Cosso highlighted in June 2025 that retailers are increasingly opting for in-house builds for control and customization, but rapid market evolution demands speed, scale, and sustained innovation that dedicated tech partners can provide. Mirakl emphasizes that building a full-featured platform can take years, referencing Amazon’s 2012 launch not becoming a true growth engine until 2018.

Kevel, in an April 2026 update, also noted that while building from scratch offers maximum control, it requires significant resources. They propose a third option: in-housing with API-first solutions to gain customization without extended build times. Kevel claims their Retail Media Cloud can enable brands to launch differentiated networks in as little as 14 days, emphasizing data ownership and eliminating third-party fees.

Nicole Guess of Perion (January 2026, The Drum) suggests retailers should own what is uniquely theirs—shopper intent, purchase signals, owned environments—and connect with partners for reach, identity, and standardized measurement. She argues that a hybrid approach is not hedging, but a strategic reality for modern commerce media, especially as AI accelerates the value of connection.

Echoing this, Retail Media Breakfast Club’s Kiri Masters, in May 2026, discussed Dollar General Media Network's expansion into AI-powered in-store audio and unified on-site/off-site offerings with Kevel and The Trade Desk. Masters suggests RMNs should prioritize high-margin ad products on owned and operated platforms first, then integrate off-site, as it makes economic sense only once a national-scale audience is established and a full-funnel story can be sold to agencies.