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  • Recorded live from BigSummit, Phillip and Brian join John Affourtit (Senior Director of Strategic Sales at Attentive) and Melissa Dixon (Senior Director of Content Marketing at BigCommerce) to share expert insights on the future of consumer behavior. Dig into the newest Future Commerce & BigCommerce report: New Modes, Redefining Personalization In the Age of AI and learn how brands can stay ahead of ecommerce’s rapidly evolving landscape – from the rise of “omnimodal” shopping to AI’s growing role in personalization. Listen now!

    The New Consumer Journey

    Key takeaways:

    {00:09:30} "Consumers are shifting from an omnichannel shopping journey to an omnimodal shopping journey." – Phillip Jackson{00:17:30} “One of the things that we found that was super interesting is that the scroll set, which is the youngest generation, is that their mode of shopping is highly influenced by how they feel. And this is a challenge because right now, context is collapsing.” – Brian Lange{00:19:15} "If a brand’s website is hard to use, they think less of the brand itself." – Brian Lange{00:28:45} "What I'm most excited about is kind of realizing some of the promises of personalization that we've heard about for so long, specific to things like segmentation and identity and all of the promise of 1-1 communications. AI actually enables us to do that, which is pretty spectacular.” – John AffourtitAssociated Links:Read our latest report, New Modes: Redefining Personalization in the Age of AI.Learn more about our partners BigCommerce at bigcommerce.com. Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

    Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

  • “Get it in their hands” is Kristin Flor Perret’s (Sur La Table, Saucy) secret sauce to blending cutting-edge tech with genuine human connection. Learn how Sur La Table is futureproofing their business and blending education and connection with in-store and digital commerce on Amazon and beyond. Listen now!

    Dishing on Commerce and Connection

    Key takeaways:

    As automation increases, businesses will need to focus on offering unique, human-centric experiences that machines can’t replicateLeaders need to manage immediate operational tasks while also allocating time for strategic long-term planning to ensure future successLeaders today need to be adaptable and ready to handle change, balancing immediate business needs with long-term strategic thinking.{00:02:46} "To be a really good marketer, you have to want to understand people and why we do what we do." – Kristin Perret {00:06:17} "AI can help shortcut research, but it’s still the responsibility of humans to understand the why behind the data." – Kristin Perret {00:07:04} "We cannot replace humans with technology, and we cannot replace technology with humans." – Kristin PerretAssociated Links:Learn more about Kristin Perret, Saucy, and Sur La TableCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

    Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

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  • What an incredible eight years it has been here at Future Commerce, but wait until you see what’s coming next. There is a lot ahead that you won’t want to miss. In this episode Phillip gives you a little taste of what is to come and how you can make sure you stay in the know (because you’re really going to want to stay in the know).

    Buckle Up

    Key takeaways:

    [00:03:52]: "We have a quiz on archetypesjournal.com where you could find out what your archetype is. But it's about shaping or adopting a specific voice in your role within an ecosystem. Your perception and someone else's perception of you could be markedly different. And that's really powerful stuff when you think about it because we are all part of a story.” - Phillip[00:06:08}: This Fall, we're bringing in a new set of editorial voices and some new programming to Future Commerce, including Maya Knights, Mike Millazo, and Sammy Cole. You won’t want to miss their incredible insights![00:10:30]: “We have three new reports coming up, and the first up is called New Modes, Redefining Personalization, the Age of AI. Yes. Another AI report. But this one has a totally different perspective, one you should be paying attention to because we did this deep consumer research, and the insights are really fascinating.” - Phillip[00:13:54]: On September 17th, we're dropping a report on how businesses choose software. And we're specifically asking the question, is the RFP dead? You're gonna have to read it to find out.[00:16:06]: “We will be at the Edge Summit at the beginning of October. So if you are a leader in adopting AI or putting AI to work in your business, if you're an operator that's trying to make use of tools that have built-in AI functionalities, this could be a really great opportunity for you.” - Phillip[00:18:27]: October 10th, Los Angeles for VISIONS Summit LA. Tickets are already on sale. This is the crown jewel of our Fall calendar, October 10th, VISIONS Summit LA, and you can get an early bird ticket right now if you're listening to this over the Labor Day weekend. Associated Links:Learn more about Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

    Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

  • feat. Justin Breton, Head of Brand Marketing and Innovation at Walmart

    How does an early adopter become a leader and consistently one of the most adaptive brands in the market? Listen now as Justin Breton shares the story of innovation Walmart is telling and how they are creating new worlds within the commerce landscape.

    The New Familiar of the Future

    Key takeaways:

    [00:12:26]: "We are a part of our customers' lives in the real world. How do we become a part of their lives in the virtual and digital ecosystem? We rode the wave of the metaverse, but quickly tested, learned, and optimized into our own strategy, which is effectively what you see in market today.” - Justin[00:15:32}: “I would imagine that there's some fatigue around influencer-promoted products. However, there is so much newness and opportunity around influencer-promoted experiences. And so when they can create an experience that feels like an extension to their social persona and is immersive and is also commerce-enabled and features all of the products that they like and is displayed to the fan or the follower in an unexpected way, that is new, and that is different.” - Justin[00:23:04]: “Leveraging this new technology and these emerging platforms to engage with that next generation and position us as a retailer that doesn't just have everything but has your thing is setting us up for the success in the future.” - Justin[00:35:42]: “That's what the opportunity here is. Through these more immersive digital experiences you give people something to engage with and then talk about as well.” - Brian[00:47:25]: “We want to add value. So wherever we're showing up, it's really important that we're adding value, and it has to add value for that platform and that community.” - JustinAssociated Links:Learn more about Justin Breton and Walmart RealmCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

    Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

  • Get ad-free episodes and bonus content, including the full recording of this podcast, by joining Future Commerce+ at futurecommerce.com/plus

    Save 20% on Future Commerce print journals and merchPrivate GPT access with Alani™ from BundleIQExclusive invites to physical events, dinners, and priority invites to industry events (SXSW, Art Basel, VISIONS)Ad-free episodes and bonus content!
  • In this episode we speak with special guest Lee Glandorf, author of The Sweat Lookbook substack about the intersection of sports, fashion, and culture. Lee, a long-time friend of the podcast and former Director of Marketing at Tracksmith, shares her unique insights on how running culture, women's sports, and performance fashion are evolving. Listen now!

  • feat. Alexa Lombardo and Candace Stewart

    Alexa Lombardo and Candace Stewart co-host this week breaking down the intersection of female athletes, beauty, and commerce. Learn how female athletes are revolutionizing both the sports and beauty industries through authentic storytelling and strategic brand partnerships. Listen now!

    Tunnel Fits: The Court is the new Catwalk

    Key takeaways:

    Female athletes are leading the charge in authentic storytelling, making them ideal partners for beauty brands.Collaborations between beauty brands and female athletes are reshaping traditional beauty standards and enhancing product credibility.Investment in emerging sports like rugby can yield significant returns as these sports grow in popularity.Thoughtful and authentic brand partnerships, like SKIMS by Kim Kardashian, can effectively support and promote female athletes.Brands can benefit from aligning with athletes' lifestyles, creating authentic and relatable connections with their audience.[00:10:11]: "Female athletes are just really better storytellers, versus their male counterparts." - Alexa Lombardo[00:39:54]: "SKIMS by Kim Kardashian... She's done it right. She's included the athletes. The athletes are centered in that." - Candace Stewart[00:42:29]: "Sports are part of a lifestyle, and brands thinking about how they can fit into the lives of these athletes can create really natural and impactful partnerships." - Alexa LombardoAssociated Links:Learn more about Alexa Lombardo and Candace StewartRead Game Face: How Beauty Brands Are Scoring Big with Women's SportsCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

    Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

  • Feat. Aaron Sheehan

    In this rewind episode, we discuss a key topic: the analyst ecosystem and the influence of reports like Gartner's Magic Quadrant on the eCommerce industry. We explore how these reports are created, who they benefit, and their role in shaping market perceptions. Aaron sheds light on the complexities behind the rankings, the criteria used, and the nuances often overlooked in the widely shared 2x2 graphics. Whether you're a seasoned industry professional or new to the world of eCommerce, tune into this conversation of how market analysis shapes strategic decisions and what it means for the future of commerce!

    "Insights from the eCommerce Battlefield"

    Key takeaways:

    Analyst reports like Gartner's Magic Quadrant use specific methodologies to evaluate platforms, focusing on business viability and innovation, not just the technology stack.Engaging with analysts can be crucial for eCommerce platforms, but it’s not mandatory. Those who opt out may still be evaluated based on publicly available data, which could impact their positioning.Platforms can fall off these reports not only by going out of business but also by de-emphasizing certain product lines or failing to grow in line with market expectations.[00:10:06] "It's not pay-to-play. The analysts have a methodology around evaluating solutions... It’s about the business, not just the technology." - Aaron Sheehan[00:29:52] "Why wouldn’t you just build the things that are required to perform well on the platform... What are the forces that keep you from performing really well?" - Phillip[01:06:52] "It's one thing to have a well-built eCommerce platform. It's another thing to be successful with it, which is like getting people to that platform to buy." - Phillip[01:10:15] "The Magic Quadrant isn't just a chart—it's a signal to the market about who’s driving innovation and who's falling behind." - Aaron SheehanAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

    Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

  • In this episode of Future Commerce Rewind, our summer series where we compare today's news against episodes from the archives, we are revisiting Episode 341 with friend of the pod and cultural theorist, Matt Klein, to discuss the findings from his annual META Trends Report. Today, we're not just talking about trends and data. We're talking about a deep human need that's driving patterns and how businesses can begin to sense those patterns and tap into and address the core desires and anxiety of people, and that's what it's all about.

    “Going Airplane Mode”

    Key takeaways:

    - A key takeaway from analyzing over one hundred trend reports spanning several years: many of the reported trends remain unchanged year after year after year.

    - Language used to describe disruptive changes often relies on established nomenclature instead of introducing new terminology.

    - There is an opportunity to hack trend reports by strategically seeding ideas and language that can shape future trends.

    - The ranking of meta-trends in reports can differ between what is frequently mentioned and what exists in cultural data, creating a discrepancy and an opportunity for manipulation.

    - Understanding the deeper human needs beneath trend manifestations is key for organizations to find success in addressing cultural shifts.

    {00:04:50} - “It's quite cliche, but it's a call to action for a little bit of bravery of not what's already being reported and said and what's comfortable, but what do we want to see, what does not yet exist, and how do we put our neck out there and really speak about the things that are uncomfortable, fringy, edgy, and strange because after all that is where change emanates from.” - Matt{00:12:57} - “The problem is the scant few people that are actually doing this type of work and research and will put the quantifiable and qualitative mind to analyzing trends is a small group of people that are all highly self-referential because they're all analyzing the same cohort of data because they're all kind of tapped into the same algorithm.” - Phillip{00:19:47} - “The meta trends act as trailheads for understanding all else within culture. When you acknowledge what's trying to be desired here… you understand beneath the surface what people actually need, that's where organizations find success.” - Matt{00:26:59} - “There's certainly importance and maybe I'm saying that because there's a livelihood or a career anchored or tethered to it, but I would say there are some implications and serious business consequences that come from this, but it is also fun. It is entertaining to be talking about these things and to be dissecting and analyzing.” - Matt{00:30:39} - “It's all from fear. No one wants to be disrupted. No one wants to be the disruptor either. That goes back to this idea of bravery, being the first to say something or sticking their neck out or reporting on the thing that no one else has reported. So you operate from a sense of, "Well, we wanna be the first to be second."’ - Matt{00:39:42} - “Every business is unique, everyone has their different challenges, everyone has their different audiences, and those audiences or those products interpret each of the meta trends uniquely. So what this really is is the starting point, not the answer key.” - MattAssociated Links:Learn more about Matt KleinRead the 2024 Meta Trends ReportCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printThe MUSES Journal is here! Grab your copy of our latest annual journal today at musesjournal.comHave you checked out our YouTube channel yet?Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

    Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

  • Parasocial Relationships Will Change Retail Forever

    Welcome to Future Commerce Rewind, our summer series where we compare today's news against episodes from the archives. Today, we revisit our historic 300th episode from 2023, where we explored the future of commerce shopping experiences through parasocial relationships. We also cover how the chat interface, a UI prediction we made just a year ago, is influencing commerce today. Listen now!

    Unlocking Tomorrow

    Key takeaways:

    [00:02:07] Phillip: "In London, print reading is still a cultural staple and independent eyeglass retailers are thriving. It's a fascinating blend of old-world charm and modern retail innovation."[00:05:19] Phillip: "Imagine shopping with JFK Jr. as your style advisor – that's the future we're heading towards with parasocial relationships and AI."[00:24:51] Brian: "Livestream shopping in the West is a tough sell because our attention spans can't handle the mundane. But if you can make it entertaining, you've got a shot."[00:47:04] Phillip: "We're on the cusp of a new shopping experience where your favorite celebrity or even a virtual influencer can guide your purchases, creating a deeper, ongoing relationship."London maintains a strong print culture while simultaneously seeing a boom in independent eyeglass retailers, highlighting a unique intersection of old and new retail practices.AI-powered interactions with celebrity personas, like JFK Jr., are emerging as a new trend in shopping, blending entertainment with personalized recommendations.AI and parasocial relationships are creating more personalized shopping experiences, fostering deeper consumer connections with brands and influencers.Associated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

    Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

  • We’re back exploring the intersection of technology, payments, and consumer behavior with guests Michaela Weber from BigCommerce and Sanjeev Gill from Stripe Live from VISIONS Summit: NYC. The conversation covers how modern ecommerce platforms and payment solutions are transforming the retail landscape. Join us to discuss the shift from traditional retail hours to 24/7 online shopping, the importance of seamless checkout experiences, and the role of personalization in driving consumer engagement. Listen now!

    Tech-Driven Shopping: Fast, Global, and Personalized

    Key takeaways:

    [03:26] Mikaela Weber: "Shopping is everywhere. Shopping is 24/7."[07:10] Michaela Weber: "There's a monoculture in the sense that if we are from similar demographic groups, we probably see similar pushed ads."Consumers now shop anytime, anywhere, increasing the pressure on brands to be present across multiple channels.While algorithms create personalized experiences, there is still a collective aspect driven by shared demographics and interests.Technologies like AB testing in checkout experiences enable brands to optimize payment methods and enhance the user experience.Associated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

    Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

  • These show notes were written at a time before LLMs were available to the public, if that's any indication of

    In this episode from 2017, we covered:

    WILL WALMART BE COOL AGAIN?Lord and Taylor started selling on walmart.com with their own special homepage.Also, remember how Walmart acquired Bonobos and Modcloth? The world has changed, people.THE DIGITAL DIVIDE:Walmart's upmarket aspirations clashed with the working-class market. Perhaps this is still true?Brian's unfailing optimism about the future of technology and the working class, with technology enabling efficiency and providing better products and better services.Robby Berman posits that AI will serve and make life better for humans, but only the top 1% of humans.A Princeton study on bias in bots explores how AI has the problematic ability to target people for committing potential crimes based off the bias and prejudice of the bot creators.AI ENABLING JOB ELIMINATION?Chris Gardner from Forrester predicts that automation will eliminate 9% of jobs in 2018."These jobs are not low-end jobs, they're white-collar jobs being replaced."Brian is again optimistic: a whole new host of jobs will be created for creating and servicing AI.Reuters reported that a son used data to recreate his dad as a chatbot.
  • In this episode, we explore the dynamic interplay between traditional and new media with insights from retail analyst Heetha Herzog and culture writer Kate Lindsay live from VISIONS Summit: NYC. Moderated by Phillip, this conversation covers how media consumption shapes our reality, the influence of monocultural events, and the generational shifts in media platforms. We examine the evolving roles of traditional and new media, the impact of AI on marketing, and the rising significance of authenticity and community in consumer behavior. Listen now!

    “Media Matters”

    Key takeaways:

    [03:03] Kate Lindsay: "The barometer for when something has hit monoculture is when Twitter is just unusable if it's something you don't want to talk about."[05:00] Heetha Herzog: "There's a whole part of the population that still watches nightly news. They might be older, but they still consume that and watch it."[11:08] Phillip: "You also don't need someone's permission to post a TikTok, but there's still some prestige around the permission-gate kept media."[19:55] Kate Lindsay: "With tools like TikTok and Substack and Twitter, where you're seeing everyone talking at once, trends are really more what these gatekeepers pick up on and decide to elevate."Events like the Trump trial and Taylor Swift's album release dominate media, creating unavoidable online conversations.Younger generations gravitate towards platforms like TikTok, while older generations remain loyal to traditional media, indicating a shift in how content is consumed and trusted.The desire for luxury items and the rise of "dupe culture" reflect deeper psychological needs for identity and community, influencing consumer behavior.The prestige of traditional media is challenged by the authenticity of new media influencers, reshaping how trust is built and maintained in the digital age.Associated Links:

    Links & Resources:

    Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

    Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

  • Live from the Retail Innovation Conference and Expo, feat. Dan Murphy, SVP of Marketing at Liquid Death

    In this episode, Phillip has a conversation with Dan Murphy, SVP of Marketing at Liquid Death, at the Retail Innovation Conference and Expo back in June about how the Liquid Death team does more with less by infusing comedy and incredible creative and employing nontraditional marketers and nontraditional marketing techniques to get earned media in their business. Dan shares how this allows them to have massive impact with very little spend. He says any brand can do this. Listen now and let us know if you think he’s right…

    More Science in the Art and Science Mix

    Key takeaways:

    {00:04:46} - “if you're idling. You're inefficient. You're in the red line, you're burning the engine up, but actually that proper torque curve is somewhere a lot closer to red line than you think. And I think most organizations are kind of chugging along close to idle. So there's a bit of the, dare I say, chaos or intensity is probably the better word, that really helps us. It helps us go that extra 10% from the 90% idea to the thing that, like, "Oh, yeah. They're going to write about this.’" - Dan Murphy{00:13:16} - “Our litmus test for it to go out, again, our lane is comedy, did it make us laugh? If it makes us laugh, if it holds true to our brand values, our weird comedy, SNL world, we push it out…” - Dan Murphy{00:19:46} - “I've had a marketing career with a lot of major brands, and it's, "We'll just hire so and so celebrity," who is probably super saturated that does 100 deals. Pay a ton of money, expensive director, do all this stuff, it goes out, and the reality is it probably didn't move the needle with those millions of dollars. Meanwhile, 30 grand divided by a million equals a lot of different small bets.” - Dan Murphy{00:30:00} - “We view the people that are part of this brand and their time as precious. We don't waste it for a minute. Every email we send should be funny, laugh-out-loud funny. - Dan MurphyAssociated Links:Learn more about Dan Murphy and Liquid DeathCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

    Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

  • Recorded live at VISIONS Summit: NYC 2024, join Alicia Esposito for her sitdown with Seb Reetz, Bloomreach’s Solutions Consulting Lead of the Americas. They dive into the fascinating intersection of AI and art, exploring how AI is transforming both the creation and consumption of art discussing the ethical considerations, creative opportunities, and practical applications of AI in the artistic process. Seb shares insights from his current projects, including a thought-provoking video game that leverages AI for ideation and voice generation.

    AI: The Artist’s New Muse

    Key takeaways:

    AI tools aid in ideation and proof of concept, helping artists and writers like Seb generate and refine ideas.AI has the potential to revolutionize customer experience through personalized, cross-channel interactions.[00:30] Seb: "I sell AI on a day-to-day basis. I also am a writer for video games. So I definitely think about AI and the sort of ethics around it."[10:00] Seb: "AI is a really powerful tool to help with that. So again, I go back to the you're the air traffic controller as the marketer."Associated Links:Bloomreach11 LabsPrague Arts FestivalCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

    Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

  • Recorded live at VISIONS Summit: NYC 2024, join Paul Canetti as he sits down with Reggie James and Ruby Thelot. We explore the concept of being "too online" and whether the dichotomy between digital and physical worlds is still relevant. Ruby and Reggie share their thoughts on the cultural shifts driven by our online presence, the importance of physical spaces, and the impact of digital status-seeking on our everyday lives. Listen now!

    From Avatars to AI

    Key takeaways:

    The line between digital and physical worlds is increasingly blurred. While there's a fascination with the physical realm, the digital world offers unparalleled opportunities for status and connection.The pursuit of online status can drive people to act differently in the physical world, often using public spaces as stages for digital content creation.As technology evolves, so do our cultural norms. The value of images and digital content is changing, prompting a re-evaluation of what we consider real or trustworthy.Looking ahead, there's potential for more personalized, artisanal digital experiences. This shift might move us away from mass-produced technology toward bespoke digital solutions.The future of software and digital experiences may lie in highly personalized, artisanal creations rather than scaled, mass-market solutions.[00:02:30] Reggie James: "We tend to hit these just accelerated, you know, Internet superhighway vibes mentally, and then you step outside and you realize, actually, the pace of this environment is significantly slower."[00:03:30] Ruby Thelot: "There is certainly this fascination that we now have for the physical realm. As soon as we're allowed to go online, suddenly we're like, oh, no, wait. It's gotta be analog or it's gotta be we wanna go back to the physical."[00:05:30] Reggie James: "Utilizing public space as a playground for digital status creates this weird, just using up of this previously shared social resource."[00:09:00] Ruby Thelot: "Once we are able to generate images that have the semblance of reality, the value socially of images erodes. We can think of it even in a judiciary context where we start to question the veracity of the images that are presented."[00:27:00] Paul Canetti: "It might be that when it's all said and done, there was this 50-ish year period of humanity where we spent a lot of effort creating these kinds of interfaces and these new ways to accomplish things. And then in the end, we'll come back to something that looks a lot like it did pre-computer.”Associated Links:

    Links & Resources:

    Ruby Thelot's new book on design and beauty theoryNathan Jurgenson's essay "The IRL Fetish"Eugene Wei's insights on online status optimizationMartin Guerre (movie) featuring Gérard DepardieuMaggie Appleton's discussions on home-cooked softwareWilliam Morris and the Arts and Crafts MovementCheck out Future Commerce on YouTube‍Check out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and print‍Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

    Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

  • Welcome to a special episode of Future Commerce, recorded live from the Outdoor Retailer conference held at the beautiful Tracy Aviary. In this episode, Brian sits down with industry leaders to discuss the future of omnichannel retail in the outdoor industry. Discover insights into enhancing the customer journey, reducing checkout friction, and optimizing operations to create seamless, memorable experiences for both B2B and B2C markets.

    Key Takeaways[00:02:30] - Elcee Vargas: "The prevailing research right now is that 70% of carts are abandoned, which is an overwhelmingly large number."[00:07:00] - Jordan: "We do a ton of A/B testing to create the quickest checkout experience. Taking a 120-second checkout process down to 6 seconds makes a huge difference."[00:21:30] - Travis: "With payments being the lifeblood of your company, you can't disrupt the revenue coming in and where it's going."[00:36:00] - Ken: "The closer you are to the top of search results, the more opportunities you have to make sales. Shipping plays a huge part in this."[00:39:00] - Carl: "Making sure you've got something that feeds these different channels is crucial for scalability and success."Maintaining customer relationships during off-seasons helps keep the brand top-of-mind, ensuring readiness to purchase when the season returns.Ensuring that your technology stack is cohesive and scalable is essential for seamless operations across B2B and B2C channels.Automating processes and having real-time visibility into inventory and sales trends can help manage tax implications and optimize inventory management.Continual A/B testing and optimization of the customer experience, especially at checkout, can lead to significant improvements in efficiency and customer satisfaction.Associated Links:

    Links & Resources:

    Learn more about Klaviyo, Stripe, Avalara, ShipStation, NetSuite, BigCommerceCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

    Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

  • Feat. Nilla Ali, CEO of GAAN Creative

    Join us as we explore the impact of algorithms on content creation, the challenges of scaling media businesses, and the rise of creators as the new media moguls. Our special guest, Nilla Ali, formerly of BuzzFeed and CEO of GAAN Creative, shares her journey from leading BuzzFeed's commerce business to building a content network for premium creators. We discuss the future of media, the role of AI, and the importance of quality content in an ever-changing digital landscape. Listen now!

    It’s all a Volume Game

    Key takeaways:

    [07:35] "Commerce through content really evolved. Initially, it was just links in content." - Nilla Ali[17:00] "Creators are winning because the quality of their content is much higher than publishers." - Nilla Ali[27:30] "The benefit and pitfall of the Internet is everyone can see what's working, and they can replicate it easily." - Nilla Ali[36:30] "AI generated content will have a cliff where it stops being relevant." - Nilla AliAI has the potential to generate large volumes of content, but there's a risk of declining quality over time as AI-generated content relies on existing human-created content. For creators to sustain their businesses, they need diversified revenue models that include subscriptions, brand partnerships, and affiliate marketing, rather than relying solely on social media platforms.As AI becomes more prevalent in content creation, there is a need for regulation to ensure quality and prevent the spread of low-quality content. This could help maintain the integrity of media and content industries.Associated Links:Learn more about GAAN Creative and Nilla AliCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

    Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

  • LIVE from Outdoor Retailer 2024

    In this episode, we explore the transformative trends shaping the outdoor retail industry LIVE from the Big Commerce Summer Camp during Outdoor Retailer. From the rise of resale markets, to the importance of real-time inventory data, we uncover how technology and cultural shifts are driving the future of outdoor retail.

    AI and Automation: A Double-Edged Sword

    Key takeaways:

    Walmart's strategy emphasizes creating a personalized, branded experience to engage Gen Z and Millennial shoppers, showcasing the importance of knowing your customer.Deck Commerce's focus on sustainable practices aligns with Gen Z's values, proving that eco-friendly initiatives can foster long-term customer loyalty.Feedonomics discusses the critical role of real-time inventory data in omnichannel retail, enabling instant commerce and enhancing the shopping experience.Walmart's restored program exemplifies how resale markets are gaining traction, driven by consumers' desire for sustainability and cost savings.The panel stresses the importance of modern, flexible technology stacks to meet the demands of the upcoming Gen Alpha shoppers, who expect seamless, immersive experiences.Bridging the gap between online and in-store shopping, brands must create emotionally engaging digital experiences that replicate the tactile feel of physical products.Me & the Bees Lemonade shows that having a strong, purposeful mission can create deep emotional connections and lasting customer loyalty.Associated Links:

    Links & Resources:

    Learn more about Walmart Marketplace, Deck Commerce, Feedonomics, Me & the Bees Lemonade, and BigCommerceCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

    Have any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

  • London PayPal Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/london-paypal-meetup-group/events/301151281/

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