Commerce Experience

With the increasingly crowded ecommerce landscape of 2024 and beyond, carving out your brand's unique online merchandising strategy is paramount. But how do you get started?In today's episode, Elena is joined by Salee Suwansawad, the trailblazing Digital Site Merchandising Leader at VF Corporation, which is home to brands like Vans, Timberland, Northface, and more. With a wealth of experience in the space, Salee unveils the blueprint for constructing a commerce empire that stands the test of time.Discussed in this episode:Merchandising tactics tailored for both online and brick and mortarThe secrets behind effective marketing strategies and mastering the art of brand managementNavigating the evolving retail landscape with insights on trends, personalized consumer experiences, and technology adoption

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 planningThe 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 experiencesLeveraging live shopping and partnerships for emotional buy-inEvolving 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 enhancementFinding 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 humansThe 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 experiencesThe 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 successWhy engaging with potential customers in meaningful ways means everythingHow experimentation, grassroots efforts, and AI can bring you serious successAll 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 correctlyThe recent boom of AI adoption and how it will change the ways we workThe 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 leaderExplore the importance of creating conditions for creativity in the workplaceUnderstanding 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 salesTailoring your online experience to fit the needs and desires of your target audience, just like Taylor Swift does with her musicHow 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, click here.And be sure to follow Commerce Experience so you never miss an episode.

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 focusThe 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 makeThe changing landscape of data analyticsHow 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 MaaßIn 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 experienceThe challenges and considerations of expanding into new marketsThe 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 endComposable solutions for enhanced user experiencesThe 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 AIThe human side of digital transformationDefining effective composable commerceThe 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, click here.