With grocery prices on the rise, are private-label products the answer for cost-conscious consumers? Today, we’ll explore how big-name retailers are shaping the future of affordable shopping through proprietary brands.In this episode of Commerce Experience, Roxy and Elena dish their thoughts about Walmart's latest private label launch, Bettergoods, chat about their personal favorites — like Target’s 50+ private labels — and explore how these products offer quality to consumers at a lower cost to brands, as well as increased personalization, improved customer loyalty, and more.

TLDR

• The rise of private-label brands and notable examples in the grocery industry and beyond
• The role of consumer data in creating personalization for successful private-label products
• Walmart’s launch of Bettergoods and the strategy behind the company’s first private brand food launch in 20 years

In order to unlock AI’s highest potential in shopping experiences, we need to understand how AI understands us: our language, our buying patterns, and our search preferences.

Joining co-hosts Elena and Roxy on this week’s episode is Xun Wang, CTO at Bloomreach, who gives the 411 on how AI and large language models (LLMs) are revolutionizing the way consumers search online. When the customer is granted a more personalized and relevant shopping experience, it’s better for both the customer and the brand — Xun breaks down exactly how AI can assist commerce professionals in achieving that goal.

TLDR

• How LLMs and vector technologies help search accuracy and personalization
• Why intent, product performance, and sophisticated algorithms improve ecomm search
• The ways merchandisers can tap into AI to make product discovery a better experience 

Ecommerce continues to evolve at a pace that is hard to fathom — let alone keep up with. In this episode of the Commerce Experience, which was recorded live at Shoptalk Spring in Las, Vegas, Elena sits down with Jennifer Peters, Senior Manager of ECommerce at OLLY PBC, and Phillip Jackson, Co-Founder of Future Commerce, to look at how e-commerce is prioritizing  simplicity over complexity with the democratization of platforms and staying agile and attentive to customers' expectations.

Join us as we discuss: 

• The importance of omnichannel for the modern consumer and how to consider it in your planning
• The evolution of ecommerce tech stacks and the crucial nature of integrations in the age of simplicity 
• The role of cultural relevance in marketing for all generations and the need for brands to adapt quickly to their desires

In 2023, there was a spike in experience, or experiential, retail. But what is experience retail? It’s a strategy that focuses on creating unique, immersive, and memorable experiences for customers — both online and in store. For example, the widespread excitement around pop culture-related events, like the Barbie movie or the Taylor Swift Eras tour, helped immerse consumers wholly into a particular experience — while also driving related purchases for themed outfits, accessories, costumes, and so on.

With experiential marketing continuing to refine itself, we’ll see a brand’s ability to adapt get a lot quicker, allowing them to gauge important insights, shift merchandising strategies, and capitalize on pop culture trends. In today’s episode, which was recorded during Bloomreach's Commerce Experience Summit, Elena sits down with Christy Augustine, COO at Bloomreach, and Stefani Rosenberg, the former Senior Director of Marketing Product and Process at Macy’s, to explore the dynamic intersection of AI, experiential marketing, and ecommerce.

Join us as we discuss: 

• Adapting merchandising strategies to incorporate cultural trends and experiences
• Leveraging live shopping and partnerships for emotional buy-in
• Evolving consumer expectations in retail and what it means to your brand

In the current economic environment, the directive to "do more with less" has become an inescapable reality for marketers. Tasked with driving ambitious results on a shoestring budget and a lean team, the challenge is not merely to keep pace but to stand out and thrive. 

Into this challenging scenario, Natalie Marcotullio, Head of Growth and Operations at Navattic, brings to the table a unique framework designed to empower small marketing teams. Joining Elena in an eye-opening conversation, Natalie shares how embracing innovative strategies can transform limitations into strengths, ensuring your brand not only resonates in a crowded market but shines distinctly.

Discussed in this episode: 

• Managing a marketer’s workload without burnout 
• Outsourcing tasks for productivity enhancement
• Finding the best time to pitch ideas to leadership

Marketing teams run a million miles a minute, but one central focus fuels those that win — impenetrable teamwork and a customer-centric approach that focuses on curating the shopping experiences that make sense to them. This unwavering dedication to understanding and meeting the ever-changing needs of their customers sets the stage for groundbreaking strategies and unparalleled business success.

Today, Elena sits down with Mark Frenette, the B2B Digital Commerce Manager at Hershey, to discuss B2B digital transformation, the B2C comparisons that plague B2B, and the power of creative consistency and digital strategy. Mark shares his vast marketing wisdom and underscores the need to push beyond limits to achieve true success.

Discussed in this episode:

• Why B2B companies often lag behind B2C companies in digital transformation despite the need to meet customer expectations
• “Consistency,” “patience,” and “thinking creatively” as the core values to B2B (and B2C) digital transformation and overcoming internal resistance we feel as humans
• The importance of aligning technology with your strategy and goals as an organization

How well do you know your customers?


Yes, yes, you “know them.” You know their purchasing habits, their demographics, and the various styles trending. But how deep down the rabbit hole are you going as a retailer in trying to truly understand and connect with them on a personal level?

In today’s episode of Commerce Experience, Jillian Borde, Marketing Director at Double Stitch by Bedsure, talks about radical customer engagement for the 76% of consumers who think companies should know and anticipate their needs, underscoring the necessity for nuanced and targeted marketing approaches that are more experience-driven than anything else.

Join us as we discuss:

• How AI can play a role in shaping unique customer experiences
• The art of leveraging customer data
• The most thoughtful examples of brands interacting with customers

Elena links up with Desiree Natali, the innovative Director of Social Media at The Honey Pot Company, for a chat about community marketing, grassroots efforts, experimentation and testing, and much more.

In marketing, one fundamental lesson remains true: embracing change and being open to trying new things is key. In this episode of the Commerce Experience, Desiree Natali, the Director of Social Media and Community at The Honey Pot Company, shares her invaluable experience and marketing wisdom that underscores the essence of adaptability and innovation.
The Honey Pot Company, a pioneer in feminine hygiene and wellness, has blazed a trail marked by its unwavering commitment to experimentation and a profound connection with its community. This journey has led the company to uncharted territories, defying convention and setting new standards for authenticity and storytelling in modern marketing — and isn’t that what all marketers ultimately aspire to do?

On this episode:

• The unlikely, and yet obvious mascot that’s helped bring The Honey Pot vast success
• Why engaging with potential customers in meaningful ways means everything
• How experimentation, grassroots efforts, and AI can bring you serious success
• All things social media and when is the right moment to embrace new trends

AI is the new hire you’ve always dreamed of. But the onboarding process is going to take some time. For the time being, your team’s knowledge and skillset will be the secret sauce to reaping the benefits of the AI technology that’s evolving in front of our eyes by the minute.

Joining Elena on the Commerce Experience to talk about using AI in e-commerce, marketing, and more are two of Bloomreach’s most seasoned ambassadors, Lasse Pedersen, Lead Architect at Nexus Ambition, and Rita Sousa, Head of CRM at Lounge. The conversation is sure to leave you pondering about how you’re using AI in your daily workflow, yet, with some of the tips discussed here, you’ll be eager to dive into that next big project.

Discussed in this episode:

• Various AI use cases and the importance of prompting correctly
• The recent boom of AI adoption and how it will change the ways we work
• The impact of AI on professional and personal growth

What are the traits of a limitless leader, and how would you transform in 2024 if you tapped into this wisdom?

Today, Elena is joined by Dr. Mary Hemphill, a leadership expert and development coach, author, and highly regarded communicator. She holds a PhD in Leadership Studies and has impacted nearly 50,000 leaders around the world with her transformational and innovative development strategies. Mary is the proud CEO and founder of The Limitless Leader LLC™, an organization that helps people ignite the leader in themselves.

Discussed in this episode:

• Mindset shifts necessary to operate as a limitless leader
• Explore the importance of creating conditions for creativity in the workplace
• Understanding the impact of technology on leadership and the need for ethical considerations in AI and beyond

Join host Elena Kacan in her debut episode of Commerce Experience, as she sits down with Roxy Couse (Head of Strategy at Bloomreach) and Phillip Jackson (Co-founder of Future Commerce) to discuss the intersection of pop culture and online shopping. From Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce trends to the grandma chic aesthetic, this conversation unpacks how what's hot right now can make or break your online store. Don’t miss this discussion packed full of insider tips and laughs as they reveal how to navigate the fast-changing world of digital merchandising.

Discussed in this episode:

• Learn how to ride the wave of the latest TikTok trends and turn them into sales
• Tailoring your online experience to fit the needs and desires of your target audience, just like Taylor Swift does with her music
• How Beyonce and Taylor Swift are not just icons but marketing geniuses, and key takeaways for your brand

Welcome to the all-new, Commerce Experience podcast. We're still bringing you must-hear insights, but now with a new host, Elena Kacan!

Elena is a dynamic marketing strategist and community marketing manager with a passion for empowering data-driven creators and optimizers who are looking to take their game to the next level.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, we're on a mission to highlight those doing things a bit differently in the world of e-commerce.

You can expect Elena & her guests to bring a fresh & unique perspective on trends, strategies, and tech stacks all while giving you the insights you need to stay a few steps ahead in this ever-evolving industry.

To connect with Elena, https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenakacan/.

And be sure to follow Commerce Experience so you never miss an episode.

The combination of AI and personalization is shifting customer expectations for shopping experiences at an astonishing pace.

In today’s episode, we’ll get a first-hand look at the real-world application of AI to create personalized customer experiences at scale, with the Head of Digital and Ecommerce at Miele, Sergei Moiseev-Liberman.  

As a high-end German manufacturer of premium home appliances and commercial equipment, personalization is crucial for Moiseev-Liberman’s team at Miele. With Elena, the two explore how integrating AI-driven personalization engines into marketing strategies and creating seamless "phygital" (physical and digital) experiences are now essential focuses for ecommerce companies.

TLDR:

• Leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences and streamline workflows
• How to bridge the gap between online-offline journeys
• Improving brand loyalty a customer-centric approach that measures delight

In this episode, we’re delving into the economic growth opportunities and challenges faced by retailers across North America, with a special focus on Canada. From the influx of immigrants to the transformation of skill sets and technology investment, we explore the evolving landscape of the retail industry.

We’re joined by Michael LeBlanc, Michael is the Founder and president of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc. and a Senior Advisor to the Retail Council of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing and e-commerce leadership experience and has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael is also the producer and host of a network of leading industry trade podcasts, including Canada’s top retail industry podcast, The Voice of Retail.

Join us as we discuss:

• The influence of immigration on Canada's economy and its implications for retailers
• The strategic approach Canadian retailers are taking toward technology investment and the delicate balance between customer focus and channel focus
• The changing dynamics of cross-border commerce between the United States and Canada, and its impact on businesses and consumer behavior

In August industry leaders gathered in Napa Valley to discuss the exciting fusion of AI and e-commerce with a particular focus on the challenges and potential solutions within the online shopping journey.

With visionary keynotes and sessions focused on new and emerging applications of AI, the Edge Summit shapes a new future for online shopping — from marketing to site search and beyond.

In today's episode, we're highlighting some of the best moments from the livestream, insightful interviews, recorded from the Bell Suite on-site in Napa.

For more Edge Summit content visit: theedgesummit.com/

In August industry leaders gathered in Napa Valley to discuss the exciting fusion of AI and e-commerce with a particular focus on the challenges and potential solutions within the online shopping journey.

With visionary keynotes and sessions focused on new and emerging applications of AI, the Edge Summit shapes a new future for online shopping — from marketing to site search and beyond.

In today's episode, we're highlighting some of the best moments from the Edge Summit Main Stage.

For more Edge Summit content visit: theedgesummit.com/

The pursuit of simplicity often leads practitioners to oversimplify problems within the business. Today we explore how data can be leveraged more effectively to offer exceptional customer service.
In this episode, Brian is joined by Eric Best, Founder & CEO of SoundCommerce, a commerce data solution provider that helps brands realize profitable e-commerce business outcomes. Join us as we discuss:

• The common data mistakes e-commerce companies make
• The changing landscape of data analytics
• How businesses can leverage data as a competitive advantage beyond marketing

Generative AI has been all the talk this year, and the speed at which things continue to evolve and the implications for commerce as a whole are fascinating.

In this episode, together with a handful of guests, we are going to look at questions about how this AI evolution is being experienced by marketers today and what that may look like in the future.

Special Thanks to our guests, Daniel Edelman CEO of Runic, Keval Baxi CEO of Codal, and Paul Blankley CTO at Zenlytic.

“I admire speed and companies that are able to execute fast because they will make a difference.” - Christian Maaß

In this episode, we delve into the world of music, art, and digital commerce with Christian Maaß, CDO & MD at Thomann Music. Brian and Christian dive into the impact of the pandemic on creative pursuits, the challenges of entering new markets, and uncover key insights for better differentiation.

Join us as we discuss:

• Thomann's unique approach to customer experience
• The challenges and considerations of expanding into new markets
• The power of personalization at scale

Composability is redefining technology, commerce, and user experiences, today we explore this fundamental shift and the innovation it unlocks.
Today on Commerce Experience Brian is joined by Michael Harvey, Chief Technology Officer at Corra.
Join us as we discuss:

• Headless architecture: decoupling front end and back end
• Composable solutions for enhanced user experiences
• The future of commerce and how to navigate it

Step into the future as we explore the dance between artificial intelligence and commerce unveiling paths toward transformation and superior personalization.
Today on Commerce Experience Brian is joined by Sergei Ostapenko, President and CEO of Mira Commerce.
Join us as we discuss:

• The Future of commerce with AI
• The human side of digital transformation
• Defining effective composable commerce
• The war in Ukraine and Sergei’s experience as an American Ukrainian

Generative AI may be the most significant technology innovation to impact human culture and commerce since the iPhone launched in 2007, or for that matter, maybe the Internet itself.

In this special narrative episode, Brian looks at the future of digital commerce and the ever-growing role that generative AI will play in the shopping experience. How’d we get here? How can we utilize these tools today? And what can we do to stand out from the competition for years to come?

Special thanks to our guests on this episode: Raj De Datta (Co-Founder and CEO at Bloomreach), Anirban Bardalaye (Chief Product Officer at Bloomreach), and Paul Edwards (Technical Product Strategist at Bloomreach).

For more on The Edge Summit, https://theedgesummit.com/.

How can businesses effectively leverage Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) to gain a competitive edge in the e-commerce industry?

Today, two customer data experts, Amanda Elam (CMO at Bloomreach) and Cindy Marshall (CEO of SHINE Strategy) discuss the Customer Data Platform (CDP) space and its relevance and power within e-commerce.

Join us as we discuss:

• Quality components of CDPs
• The power of front-end segmentation
• Finding the right technology solution for your business

Too many conversations about AI in commerce fail to account for the legitimate questions and concerns of retailers that are being asked to take a huge leap of faith into a new world. Without clear guidance from trusted sources, the gap between technological advancements promoted by AI providers and the readiness of retailers to adopt these technologies will only continue to widen.

This week, Elena speaks with Andrew Laudato, COO at The Vitamin Shoppe, the Chairman and Co-Founder of the Retail AI Council, and Josh Baumrind, Chief Partnership Officer at the Retail AI Council. Andrew and Josh are committed to educating commerce professionals about the potential of AI and bridging the gap between partners and retailers — meaning, there’s no one better equipped to provide a trusted overview of the opportunities, challenges, and concerns presented by artificial intelligence.

TLDR;

• Why AI can enhance customers’ shopping experiences with relevant information 
• What you should do to maintain realistic discussions about AI commerce solutions
• How to address the latest ethical and legal considerations of AI in retail

Are you tired of wondering what your customers really want? Do you wish you had the key to unlocking their buying behavior?

Today, Brain is joined by Monica Sharma-Patnekar, an accomplished brand, marketing, and strategy leader with over 17 years of global experience building brands. Monica is here to share her expertise on the psychology of customers in e-commerce and how to truly connect with them.

Discussed in this episode:

• How to differentiate between real and ideal customers
• The challenges of customer research
• Executing personalization at scale

So, whether you're a seasoned e-commerce pro or just starting out, this episode is a must-listen.

Straight from ShopTalk, it’s Commerce Experience!

In this episode, Brian sits down with Pete Franco, President of livingapaces.com, live from the showroom floor at ShopTalk to discuss the best practices for procuring the right technology solutions. As someone with over 30-40 solution partners, Pete shares some of the lessons he's learned along the way and offers guidance for others looking to select the right vendors.

Discussed in this episode:

• Takeaways from the ShopTalk conference
• How to procure the best technology solutions
• How brick-and-mortar and online retail complement each other

For years Amazon has been an unstoppable e-commerce juggernaut with innovation mojo and an investment thesis that gave them license to spin Bezos’ legendary flywheel so fast that no one could keep up.

But now? That mojo has turned to mush.

Today, Brain explores the complex trap that sets Amazon up for a painful awakening.
Join Brian as he walks us through:

• Amazon’s private label programs, politics, and antitrust pressure
• The state of offshore third-party marketplace sellers
• The evidence for and against having reached “peak Amazon”

March is Women's History Month, and what better way to celebrate than by highlighting the achievements of women in retail and e-commerce?

In this episode, we’re joined by a special guest guide, Amanda Elam, Chief Marketing Officer at Bloomreach, as she speaks with Vickie Bond Mrva — a marketing leader for some of the most notable brands (Apple, Walmart.com, Clorox, and Lululemon to name a few) in the world and the newest board member of Bloomreach.
Join us as we discuss:

• How representation can drive better outcomes
• The importance of data in building brands consumers love
• Ways that uncertainty and constraint can drive focus and innovation

E-commerce technology is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. With its rapid growth, the industry has also faced a number of challenges pertaining to gender diversity and inclusion — and these challenges are ones faced by nearly every business today.

In this episode, Brian discusses gender equity, representation, and inclusion with the Chief Marketing Officer of Bloomreach, Amanda Elam.
Join us as we discuss:

• The barriers that women and other underrepresented groups face across industries
• How you can craft a more equitable and balanced workplace
• The positive impacts of having a diverse workforce, both for the individual and the company

Some people view the grocery industry as a commodity, but at Lowes Foods a sense of fun, entertainment, and strong customer engagement has been fostered, differentiating the experience of shopping for groceries along the way. Today, we’re discussing the importance of creating customer experiences that surprise and delight with Tim Lowe. Tim is the CEO and President of Lowes Foods — a leading regional grocery store chain known for its commitment to creating a fun and engaging shopping experience for customers, both in-store and online. Join us as we discuss: Creating synergy between an online and in-store experience Developing strong customer engagement How to be a disruptor in any industry

What does it take to market to and serve Gen Z effectively? What motivates them? What channels do they use? And how do they engage with brands? Join us as we explore the future of marketing and how to connect with the next generation of consumers. Tune into this special episode for discussions around: - Gen Z and Social Media - Pulling the Curtain Back on Influencer Marketing - The Need for Sustainable Business Practices Special thanks to our guests on this episode: Daniella Avila, Writer & Editorial Assistant at People Magazine William Lynch, Marketing Strategist at We Make Websites Johnny Rodriguez, Director of Innovation at Fresh Labs

The impact of digital transformation on retailers cannot be overstated. With tackling commerce in the digital age, there are countless priorities, but what must be prioritized to see success in 2023 and beyond? Today, Brian speaks with Amy Eschliman, Managing Director of Cloud Retail Industry Solutions at Google. Join Amy and Brian and they discuss: - The pace of e-commerce modernization - Tools for digital transformation - Questions to assess cloud technologies

According to the 2022 Global Customer Loyalty Report, 67% of companies want to increase their investment in customer retention, but what’s the top way to achieve this? Loyalty programs. Today, we’re discussing the current state of loyalty programs and how to get the most from your own with Zsuzsa Kecsmar. Zsuza is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Antavo, a leading Loyalty Managment solution — and is listed as one of the top 100 European leaders in technology by Forbes. Join Brian and Zsuzsa as they discuss: - The recurring loyalty program mistakes to avoid - How the current economic climate is impacting investment in loyalty programs - Loyalty programs as a fantastic source for first-party data collection

In these uncertain times, it’s crucial to see the digital commerce landscape with clear eyes in order to choose the right path forward. Today, we’re discussing e-commerce in Central Europe and the evolving trends in digital commerce with Nils Weber. Nils is the Founder & Managing Director at Valantic CX, a digital transformation consulting firm with over 3,000 people based in Germany. We discuss: - The state of e-commerce and digital transformation in this uncertain economic climate - The migration to customer-driven, real-time technology solutions away from legacy software and processes - The importance of prioritizing data and brand simultaneously We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode, as well as any recommendations for future guests, so please contact us at www.bloomreach.com/en/about/contact-us. Get to know Nils better through his LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nils-weber-6b81b276/ And learn more about Valantic: https://www.valantic.com/

Crafting a buzzworthy launch is truly an art form, especially in a crowded market — like beauty — where it can be tough to stand out.

Today, we’re joined by Cherene Aubert, VP of Digital & Commerce at ILIA Beauty, who has a proven track record of disrupting industries with her innovative ideas around product launches. She and Elena delve into the realities of omnichannel marketing, how creativity can be empowered by AI, and the evolution of personalization and brand in the age of data privacy. 

TL;DR:

• Discover how to create a big splash with your product launch and maintain momentum with smart marketing strategies 
• Learn to balance data-driven decisions with human creativity in e-commerce
• Explore the challenges and approaches for delivering personalized experiences amidst data privacy concerns

While the all-in-one enterprise suite has become increasingly popular, it doesn’t come without its pitfalls. There are complicated update processes that can be expensive and time-consuming, they lack needed flexibility, and often companies are forced to choose between using outdated technology or accepting an update that may change the entire way that software is used. What alternatives are available to leaders that no longer want to deal with the headache of all-in-one suites? Kelly Goetsch, Co-Founder and Chairman of the MACH Alliance, joins the show to share about his work with the MACH Alliance (Microservices, API-first, Cloud-Native SaaS, Headless), why the alliance was formed, and how MACH can totally transform your organization’s innovation roadmap, affording you greater agility, flexibility, and composability. In this episode, Brian and Kelly discuss: Why the MACH Alliance was formed The challenges of all-in-one enterprise suites How business leaders should be thinking about cloud technology, SaaS, and modernizing their tech stack How the MACH Alliance balances market competition with mutual interests Why an enterprise tech ecosystem leads to greater agility, interoperability, and flexibility Why MACH also improved speed-to-market through faster iterative processes

While Facebook and Instagram still dominate much of the paid social marketing space, competitors like TikTok and YouTube are gaining more and more real estate. The constantly-changing trends, platforms, and audiences make it seemingly impossible to nail down a creative strategy that can actually work. Lauren Schwartz, a Creative Strategist and Owner of The Loft 325, a creative studio that specializes in paid social, joins the show to break down how brands can find success with their creative strategies on any platform, or how to pivot existing strategy so that it can be successful. Join us as we discuss: What brands should consider when selecting a creative agency or studio The “myth” of guaranteed virality in a creative strategy How understanding your ideal customer is a key to success on any platform Why brands need to throw their brand book out the window to balance “polished” advertising with embracing more organic content What else needs to be in place in the customer journey for any marketing campaign to be successful The importance of testing and iteration in creating successful campaigns.

As the economy continues to shift, brands are frantically planning and strategizing for a potential downturn. Unfortunately, many companies are making cuts in the wrong areas, or basing their decisions on KPIs that don’t provide the correct information. So, where should brands be focusing with their marketing and content strategies, and how should they go about executing and measuring their performance? Joe Yakuel is joining the show to answer that question and more. Joe is the Founder and CEO at Within, a performance marketing company that helps consumer brands scale through media and content across digital marketing platforms. Here's what we cover: -How brands should think differently about performance marketing -What KPIs brands should be focusing on -How brands should adapt their content and media strategies -Why most brands are wrong about how they prioritize content

Without fulfillment, there is no product for the customer, no experience with your product awaiting them, and ultimately, no reason to sell a product. In this episode, we are exploring both domestic and international fulfillment and logistics with Brittany Smith, CFO at ShipBob, an international tech company that helps D2C e-commerce brands scale their fulfillment experience. Join us as Brian and Brittany discuss: -What to look for in 3PL and potential fulfillment partners -How fulfillment can be a brand’s differentiator for customer experience -How to approach taking fulfillment in-house vs. finding a partner -Challenges companies face when scaling fulfillment internationally -How to differentiate when facing financial constraints

The process of scaling an e-commerce business internationally is tumultuous. Whether it’s tax and financial transparency regulations that vary from country to country or how you display pricing so that customers can make fully-informed buying decisions, there are a lot of potential pitfalls that companies can fall into that can have a seismic impact. Evan Wright, Senior Director of Cross-Border Growth at Avalara, joins the show to discuss what you need to know about successfully scale an e-commerce brand internationally and how you can best serve international buyers. Join us as Brian and Evan discuss: - How to navigate the complexities of cross-border tax compliance - Best practices for scaling internationally - The cost considerations brands need to account for before and as they scale - Examples of varying regulations from country to country

Conversational Commerce may be on the rise in the US, but in many parts of the world, it’s already a normal part of everyday life. Across the globe, brands are engaging directly with their customers through text, WhatsApp, and other text-based apps, guiding them through the buying journey for everything from ordering a pizza to buying new clothes. Michael Ricci, Senior VP of Strategy at Sinch, joins us to talk about how companies are utilizing conversational commerce to elevate the customer experience and connect directly to their customers. Join us as Brian and Michael discuss: How conversational commerce is currently being utilized around the world The role of AI and Machine Learning in conversational commerce Why consumers are seeking personalized digital shopping experiences How companies can integrate conversational commerce into their commerce experience flow

While everyone is looking at how the metaverse will impact the future, mobile apps are still king of the hill for creating omnichannel customer experiences and assisting consumers through their buying journeys. How can mobile apps help businesses succeed in 2022 and what new and innovative features are just around the corner? Matt Hudson joins the show to answer that and more. Matt is an experienced app developer with a focus on retail, including the development of the app for Belk, a US-based retail chain with over 300 locations. He is an expert who understands how mobile impacts the retail experience and customer journeys and how brands should approach mobile app development in order to make it sustainable and profitable. Join us as Brian and Matt discuss: Innovative ways retailers are using mobile apps How mobile apps as an omnichannel approach are a huge win for customers and retailers How businesses can determine if a mobile app is right for them How apps can be transformative for customers How to get customers to gravitate toward your app

In this episode, we are continuing the discussion we started in our last episode on the Metaverse. In that episode, we looked at a high-level view of the Metaverse’s impact on digital commerce. In this episode, Johnny Rodriguez, Director of Strategic Innovation at Fresh Consulting and thought leader in the Metaverse space, joins the show to share his experience with the Metaverse and how it is impacting brands today. We discuss: -The many definitions and facets of the Metaverse -How brands have utilized the Metaverse for digital and physical commerce -The roadblocks for building and sustaining Metaverse initiatives in the current landscape -The pros and cons of embracing Metaverse technology

In our ongoing “Take 10” series, Brian takes (at least) 10 minutes to share some perspective on current events, hot topics, and controversial issues within the commerce landscape. The metaverse fits in all three of those boxes, with gaming, NFTs, and AR and VR technology making waves seemingly day after day, it’s important for companies to measure how they should engage with the metaverse, how much they should prioritize it, and what’s at risk if they do or don’t. In this episode, Brian discusses: The Metaverse definition How companies are prioritizing the Metaverse The pros and cons of being an early investor in the Metaverse How many consumers are actually engaging with the Metaverse How NFTs and gaming within the Metaverse are being embraced by consumers Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Commerce Experience in your favorite podcast player.

In 2022, companies are being pressed to find new, more effective ways to find and keep customers. The 2022 Digital Trends & Investment Priorities Report, co-published by Comm-X and CommerceNext, found that companies are still concerned with ongoing supply chain problems, rising customer acquisition costs, data privacy, and more. Facing these challenges, how are companies positioning themselves to find success this year? Hear our conversation with Scott Silverman, Co-Founder at CommerceNext, and Chris Hardisty, VP of Commerce at K-Swiss covering: How companies are forecasting growth for 2022 How rising customer acquisition costs could be a good thing for both brands and consumers The increasing importance of first-data The ripple effect from tragedies around the world on commerce supply chains How site personalization and experience investments are leading the way in building customer loyalty More information about Scott Silverman, Chris Hardisty, and today’s topics: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottrsilverman/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hardisty-499b4b4/ Other Relevant Links: https://commercenext.com/2022-digital-trends-investment-priorities/ Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Commerce Experience in your favorite podcast player.

How are AI and data science transforming data teams’ workflows, business strategy, and the overall customer experience? 

Prakash Hariharabalan, Senior Director of Marketing Analytics at Signet Jewelers — an overarching umbrella company that houses Jareds, Zales, Kay Jewelers, and more — stops by the show to break down the secrets of truly leveraging data in ecommerce. He and Elena delve into data privacy, ethics, and the importance of cultivating a data-driven culture in retail.

In this special episode of The State of Commerce Experience, host Brian Walker speaks with Igor Gorin, Founder & Global Chief Strategy Officer of Astound Commerce, who grew up in Ukraine. Astound is a commerce technology services business with a significant business presence in North America, UK, Europe and with software development centers in Bulgaria, Colombia, Slovakia, Turkey, and four locations in Ukraine, including Kiev. In this episode, Igor speaks to his personal journey growing up in Ukraine, his career journey as he immigrated to the US, his perspective on the ongoing war in Ukraine, what people can do to help, and more. To support any of the organizations mentioned in this episode, visit the links below: International Medical Corps: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/astound-commerce-imc Nova Ukraine: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/astound-commerce-nova-ukraine Save the Children: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/astound-commerce-save-the-children Kto pomôže Ukrajine (Who’ll help Ukraine): https://www.donio.sk/kto-pomoze-ukrajine?fbclid=IwAR0hr8vPAnnBgr08Xa-0Ee95g7Fq7vCa3KLWrzm9iowiC7wZpOTcS2lbPKU Člověk v tísni (People in need Czech Republic): https://www.clovekvtisni.cz/darujte/jednorazove?amount=1000&accountId=7

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and retailers are in store for one of the most challenging seasons in recent memory. With low inventories related to supply chain and logistics, labor challenges, and drops in consumer confidence, retailers are preparing themselves for an interesting few weeks to come. To highlight the factors impacting online shopping this holiday, as well as how retailers are responding, Brian Walker hosts a special 10-minute, solo episode of ‘The State of Commerce Experience.’ He discusses a range of topics, including: · His holiday season forecast made weeks prior, and how that forecast has evolved as we’ve gotten deeper into the holiday season. · The challenges facing retailers right now, from supply chain and logistics to waning consumer confidence. · And the changes in strategy retailers are adopting in order to navigate the complexities of this holiday season. This episode is packed with fascinating insights about the build up to the holiday shopping season, where we are now, and where Brian sees us heading in the weeks to come. You won’t want to miss it. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode, as well as any recommendations for future guests, so please get in touch at https://www.bloomreach.com/en/about/contact-us. Hear more insights from Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankwalker/

With customers now expecting unified digital experiences wherever they shop, the need for digital transformation has never been more urgent to businesses. But there’s a huge difference between identifying what needs to change and making transformation happen. To learn more about what digital transformation really means, and to help you navigate the process within your company, host Brian Walker speaks to Howard Tiersky, CEO at FROM, The Digital Transformation Agency, and author of Winning Digital Customers: The Antidote to Irrelevance. Together, they discuss why digital transformation is so hard to do, yet so important, and why it’s crucial to get inside the heads of your consumers from the outset to understand what really matters to them. They cover a range of topics in this conversation, including: • The tools and techniques you can use to define what needs to change in your digital customer experience. • How to articulate the need for digital transformation to your senior leadership team, especially when they haven’t got an appetite for change. • And what risk factors you need to look out for once your transformation project has been given the green light. This episode is packed with practical advice on how to manage the technology, the people and the politics involved in any big digital transformation project, and the key things you need to consider when it’s time to instigate change. Whether you’re just building the business case, or you’re already underway and facing some challenges, Howard shares some brilliant insights that can guide you towards success. You won’t want to miss it. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode, as well as any recommendations for future guests, so please get in touch at https://www.bloomreach.com/en/about/contact-us. Get to know Howard a little better by checking out his LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiersky/ Order Howard’s book, Winning Digital Customers: The Antidote to Irrelevance https://winningdigitalcustomers.com/freechapter And find out more about FROM: https://www.from.digital/

Every e-commerce leader has a vision for how their brand is going to stand out online. But forcing off-the-shelf commerce functionality into their digital architecture makes it difficult to bring that exact vision to life. To learn more about how composable commerce empowers digital teams to realise their visions of taking complete control of their digital commerce strategy, Brian Walker speaks to Jamus Driscoll, CEO at headless commerce platform, Elastic Path. Together, they discuss the concept of composable commerce versus headless commerce, the importance of investing in new digital capabilities, and what the next 12 to 24 months holds for e-commerce, including: · When it’s time for e-commerce businesses to start moving towards more flexible digital platforms that allow them to adapt to customer needs as they change. · How to get your leadership team on-board with digital architecture changes by asking “is the business living up to its digital aspirations?” · And how we’re technologically not far away from commerce being so embedded in our lives, that we’ll be able to use our televisions to order products. This episode is packed with insights on the technology and business benefits of composable commerce, including the ways future-thinking brands are already using composable commerce to create tailored customer experiences. If this is something your company is thinking about, or you’re just keen to know what the future of digital commerce architecture looks like, Jamus shares some brilliant insights in this episode that you won’t want to miss. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode, as well as any recommendations for future guests, so please contact us at https://www.bloomreach.com/en/about/contact-us. Get to know Jamus a little better through his LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamusdriscoll/ And learn more about Elastic Path: https://www.elasticpath.com/