Dollar Tree vs Equativ

Dollar stores gain as Americans stretch budgets

Dollar General and Dollar Tree reported stronger second-quarter results as value-seeking consumers boosted traffic and average transaction amounts. Dollar General posted Q2 net sales of $11.3 billion (up 5.2% YoY) with same-store sales up 3.5% driven by a 2% traffic increase and 1.5% higher average transaction. Dollar Tree reported $4.9 billion in Q2 sales (up 7% YoY) and same-store sales up 3.7, lifted by a 3.3% ticket increase and modest traffic growth. Analysts cited elevated gas prices and merchandising/store execution as drivers; tariff refunds also materially affected reported earnings and guidance for Dollar Tree. Dollar General raised its full-year outlook, while Dollar Tree issued Q3 and full-year sales guidance reflecting the tariff refund dynamics.

• Dollar General Q2 net sales rose 5.2% year-over-year to $11.3 billion.
• Dollar General same-store sales increased 3.5%, driven by a 2% traffic rise and a 1.5% increase in average transaction amount.
• Dollar Tree Q2 total sales grew 7% year-over-year to $4.9 billion; same-store sales increased 3.7% (ticket +3.3%, traffic +0.4%).

Equativ brings contextual expertise to ChatGPT Ads

Equativ, an adtech provider, has joined OpenAI's partner network for ChatGPT Ads, leveraging its expertise in contextual and native advertising. The company has developed its own campaign tool called Ad Studio, which advises advertisers on adapting messages and creatives to different stages of the purchase decision. A first campaign with BNP Paribas, its direct bank Hello Bank, and agency Havas Media France was implemented, targeting students and their families. OpenAI expanded ChatGPT Ads to 31 European markets in August and has been building a network of technology partners, including Criteo, StackAdapt, and Adform. Equativ's partnership focuses on campaign planning and design, while ad delivery remains with OpenAI, which decides which ads appear based on signals and bids. The partnership covers markets including Germany, France, the UK, and the US.

• Equativ has become a technology partner for ChatGPT Ads as part of OpenAI's partner network.
• Equativ developed its own campaign tool called Ad Studio for ChatGPT Ads.
• Equativ emphasizes its expertise in contextual and native advertising for ChatGPT Ads.

ChatGPT Ads Expands Partnerships; McDonald's Tests Drive-Thru Ads

This article from AdExchanger's daily roundup covers multiple advertising technology developments. Key points include the expansion of ChatGPT Ads' partner ecosystem with Equativ and Quartile joining the technology partner program, Adform partnering to sell ChatGPT's agentic conversation ads in Europe, and Amazon Ads beta testing ads in ChatGPT. Additionally, McDonald's is testing ads on digital menu boards at drive-thru windows, leveraging first-party customer data to create a new revenue stream. The article also mentions YouTube's new features announced at Made on YouTube event, including TV-focused enhancements and a Coachella streaming rights deal through 2030. Other news includes Scope3 rebranding to Apostra, Disney raising streaming prices, and Pluto TV launching a new ad campaign.

• Equativ and Quartile joined ChatGPT Ads' technology partner program.
• Adform signed on to sell ChatGPT's agentic conversation ads in Europe.
• Amazon Ads is beta testing ads in ChatGPT.

Equativ Brings ChatGPT Ads to Brands as Advertising Partner

Equativ announces partnership with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT ads to brands, as highlighted in the latest press release on September 22, 2026.