McDonald's Joins Walmart and Amazon in Building Advertising Business

McDonald's is moving into the advertising business, following the lead of retail giants Walmart and Amazon as it launches its own media network, according to a CNBC report.

The fast-food chain joins a growing list of major consumer-facing companies that have built advertising arms in recent years, seeking to capitalize on the vast troves of customer data and engagement generated through their platforms.

Retail media networks have become an increasingly significant revenue stream for large retailers, allowing them to sell advertising space to brands seeking to reach customers at the point of purchase or through loyalty apps and digital platforms.

The report did not detail the specific scale or structure of McDonald's new advertising venture, or a timeline for its rollout.

A growing trend among consumer brands

Walmart and Amazon have both built substantial advertising businesses by leveraging their retail platforms and customer data, a model that other consumer companies, including McDonald's, appear eager to replicate as they look for new sources of revenue beyond their core operations.