Catalina

Legacy leader in purchase-based shopper targeting with one of the largest CPG purchase data assets, transitioning to omnichannel retail media

Catalina is a pioneer in shopper-based marketing, leveraging decades of purchase history data from over 170 million shoppers across thousands of retail locations to deliver highly targeted, personalized promotions and media. The company operates at the intersection of retail data, digital media, and consumer packaged goods (CPG) marketing, enabling brands to reach the right shoppers with the right message at the right moment — whether in-store, online, or via mobile. Catalina's network spans grocery, drug, and mass merchandise retailers, giving it one of the largest and most granular purchase-based audience datasets in the industry. Catalina's core offerings include targeted digital media campaigns, in-store print promotions, and advanced shopper analytics. Its platform allows CPG brands to activate campaigns based on actual purchase behavior rather than demographic proxies, resulting in measurably higher ROI compared to traditional media. The company also provides retailers with loyalty and shopper marketing solutions that drive basket size and visit frequency. Catalina's data assets are particularly valued for their depth — tracking individual-level purchase histories over time — which enables precise audience segmentation and campaign measurement. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, Catalina has undergone significant ownership changes over the years, including a leveraged buyout and subsequent financial restructuring. Despite these challenges, the company remains a significant player in the CPG and retail media ecosystem, competing with emerging retail media networks and data clean room solutions. Catalina has been investing in modernizing its platform to support omnichannel activation, programmatic media buying, and privacy-compliant data partnerships.