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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryRetail Media & CommerceCross-Selling

Retail Media & Commerce

Cross-Selling

Recommending complementary products to a shopper, such as a case with a phone, to increase order size.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

Cross-selling is the practice of recommending complementary products to a shopper, such as a case with a phone, to increase order size. It appears in product pages, carts, checkout, and post-purchase emails, often driven by recommendation algorithms. Effective cross-selling feels relevant and helpful rather than pushy.