Welcome to Commerce Experience featuring Elena Kacan — a space for a fresh and unique perspective on commerce trends, strategies, and tech stacks designed to give you the insights you need to stay a few steps ahead in this ever-evolving industry. About Your Host: Elena is an award-winning marketing strategist with nine years of experience growing brands and building communities. She works as the Community Marketing Manager at Bloomreach and takes pride in creating engaging content and memora ...
…
continue reading
1
OLLY on ECommerce’s Future: Simplicity Over Complexity
37:38
37:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:38
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…
…
continue reading
1
What’s All the Hype With Experiential Retail?
31:04
31:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:04
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 tou…
…
continue reading
1
Do More with Less: Crush Goals with a Small Team
21:01
21:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:01
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 Operati…
…
continue reading
1
Using Hershey's Approach to Unlock Digital Commerce Success
22:30
22:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:30
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 groundbreaki…
…
continue reading
1
Retail Reimagined: Selling “Experiences” in the AI Era
33:28
33:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:28
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, Market…
…
continue reading
1
Community and Commerce: Customer Engagement’s Two-Way Street
34:24
34:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:24
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 Ex…
…
continue reading
1
Upskilling in AI: Insider Tips From Bloomreach Ambassadors
28:30
28:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:30
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-comm…
…
continue reading
1
The Secrets to Becoming a Limitless Leader
39:56
39:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:56
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 transf…
…
continue reading
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 ho…
…
continue reading
1
TRAILER: A New Era for the Commerce Experience Podcast
2:20
2:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:20
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 seaso…
…
continue reading
1
Shifting Trends in Retail And A Look at Canadian Retail, with Michael LeBlanc
35:31
35:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:31
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 …
…
continue reading
1
The Future of Retail And AI: Highlights from The Edge Summit Pt. 2
43:47
43:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:47
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 — fr…
…
continue reading
1
The Future of Retai And AI: Highlights from The Edge Summit Pt. 1
42:56
42:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:56
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 — fr…
…
continue reading
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-c…
…
continue reading
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 fut…
…
continue reading
1
Conquering New Markets And Navigating International Expansion
37:53
37:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:53
“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 …
…
continue reading
1
Navigating the Path to Composable Commerce
45:25
45:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:25
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 enh…
…
continue reading
1
Navigating Transformation: For AI and Humanity with Sergei Ostapenko
53:04
53:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:04
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 transforma…
…
continue reading
1
Generative AI: Redefining Digital Commerce as We Know It
17:46
17:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:46
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…
…
continue reading
1
Considering the CDP: Maximizing Customer Insights and Driving Growth With Data
20:03
20:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:03
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…
…
continue reading
1
Unlock the Psychology of Your Customers with Monica Sharma-Patnekar
37:50
37:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:50
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 custom…
…
continue reading
1
Live From ShopTalk With Pete Franco, President of livingspaces.com
25:37
25:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:37
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 …
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
1
Women in Retail: Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce That Succeeds
19:26
19:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:26
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, Wal…
…
continue reading
1
Striving For Gender Equity and Representation in the Digital Age
27:23
27:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:23
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 t…
…
continue reading
1
Decoding Delight and Delivering Amazing Customer Experiences
47:47
47:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:47
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 …
…
continue reading
1
Marketing to the Future: How to Sell to Gen Z
19:15
19:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:15
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 …
…
continue reading
1
Tools for Digital Transformation - with Google’s Amy Eschliman
39:14
39:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:14
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…
…
continue reading
1
The Power of a Loyalty Program, with Zsuzsa Kecsmar
45:02
45:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:02
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 …
…
continue reading
1
Digital Transformation In Uncertain Economic Times, with Nils Weber
33:10
33:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:10
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 wit…
…
continue reading
1
How the MACH Alliance Can Transform Your Innovation Roadmap
47:03
47:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:03
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 t…
…
continue reading
1
How Brands Can Adapt Their Creative Strategies for Rising Platforms
36:29
36:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:29
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 Owne…
…
continue reading
1
How Innovative Performance Marketing Can Transform Your KPI Focus
49:42
49:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:42
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 …
…
continue reading
1
Scaling Operations and Securing Financial Health in E-Commerce — A CFO’s Perspective
37:48
37:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:48
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 t…
…
continue reading
1
Complexities in Cross-Border E-Commerce with Evan Wright
37:36
37:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:36
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 impac…
…
continue reading
1
Conversational Commerce with Michael Ricci
49:25
49:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:25
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. …
…
continue reading
1
Mobile App Success in Digital Commerce with Matt Hudson
45:56
45:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:56
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 …
…
continue reading
1
The "Meh-taverse" Pt. 2: Tactical Insights For Brands Turning to Virtual Spaces
46:13
46:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:13
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 h…
…
continue reading
1
The “Meh-taverse” and What It Means For E-Commerce
28:27
28:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:27
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 …
…
continue reading
1
2022 CommX Research — Risks, Trends and Investment Priorities Among Digital Commerce Leaders
36:15
36:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:15
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 challe…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 42: Ukrainian Crisis In Focus with Igor Gorin, Founder & Global CSO of Astound Commerce
1:07:35
1:07:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:35
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 Bulg…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 40: Take 10: Holiday 2021, What Should We Expect?
10:41
10:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:41
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 on…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 39: Navigating Digital Transformation, with Howard Tiersky
48:37
48:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:37
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…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 38: Composable Commerce, with Jamus Driscoll
46:04
46:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:04
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…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 37: Evolving the Agency for a Digital Native Era, with Steve Soechtig of Ogilvy
56:04
56:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:04
It’s not only digital technology that’s advancing at warp speed — customer expectations have grown exponentially in recent years too. And when brands can’t keep up, customers simply move on. So how can businesses build loyalty in this challenging digital environment? To get first-hand insight into how brands need to be engaging with today’s consume…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 36: The European E-Commerce Climate, with Victor Terpstra
37:48
37:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:48
Though the impacts of the pandemic have been seen across the globe, it is clear that, while widespread, those impacts were not necessarily equal. One area where this is evident is in the disparity between US and EU/UK e-commerce growth, where increases in the EU and UK lag far behind that of the US. To learn more about the trends and business leade…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 35: Evolving Education for Digital Commerce, with Dr. Kirthi Kalyanam
1:00:15
1:00:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:15
Digital has changed the landscape of retail, and colleges and universities are beginning to find innovative ways to reflect that in their curriculum. Brian Walker speaks to Professor Kirthi Kalyanam of Santa Clara University, a leading academic with research and expertise in retailing, internet, and multi-channel marketing, to learn how classrooms …
…
continue reading
1
Episode 34: Bringing E-Commerce Thinking into Transportation with Ari Greenberg
44:28
44:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:28
How can industries that operate in physical experiences, many of which were hit hard by the pandemic, drive greater success by thinking like an e-commerce company? This is what Brian Walker and Ari Greenberg - Chief Commercial Officer at Brightline Trains, dig into in this episode of ‘The State of Commerce Experience'. Brightline Trains is the firs…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 33: The 2021 State of Commerce Experience Report with Sucharita Kodali
53:43
53:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:43
To stay ahead of the latest retail trends and keep pace with ever-changing consumer behaviors, you need data gathered from the front lines of commerce. And that’s where today’s guest has spent her entire career. In this episode, Brian Walker speaks with Sucharita Kodali, Vice President and Principal Analyst at Forrester Research, and leader of the …
…
continue reading
1
Episode 32: The Digital Seeker Part 2 with Raj De Datta, CEO and Co-Founder at Bloomreach
38:41
38:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:41
In part one, Brian spoke to Bloomreach CEO Raj De Datta about his entrepreneurial journey and his role in evolving the company into the industry leader for eCommerce experiences. In this, the second half of their conversation, Brian speaks with Raj about his new book ‘The Digital Seeker,’ a how-to guide for digital teams to build winning digital ex…
…
continue reading