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

GlossaryRetail Media & CommercePath to Purchase

Retail Media & Commerce

Path to Purchase

The sequence of touchpoints and decisions a shopper moves through, online and in store, from need recognition to buying a product.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

The path to purchase is the sequence of touchpoints and decisions a shopper moves through, from recognizing a need to buying a product. It spans online and in-store moments such as research, comparison, reviews, and the shelf itself. Marketers map it to decide where advertising, content, and promotions will most influence the final choice.