Afleveringen
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81% of working adults believe employers should prioritize employee mental health, yet 77% feel it's not discussed enough.
In this episode, Roxy and Elena dive into the critical intersection of mental health and workplace culture in the high-pressure world of ecommerce. They explore how to navigate the chaos of Black Friday, create a culture of openness and flexibility, and take actionable steps to prevent burnout — all while ensuring long-term success for your brand.
TL;DR:
Strategies to combat burnout in ecommerceThe mental health impact of unrelenting consumer demandHow employee wellbeing drives long-term customer satisfaction -
Subscriptions are everywhere, from streaming services to pet supplies delivery — and they’re changing the ecommerce industry in ways we couldn’t have imagined even 20 years ago.
In today’s episode of Commerce Experience, Roxy and Elena examine the world of subscription models and how brands are building loyal customers (and recurring revenue streams) with convenience and predictability. But as competition grows, so do the challenges of standing out and keeping subscribers engaged and interested in your services.
Is there a secret behind successful subscriptions? And what does it take to win over the notoriously fickle modern customer long term?
TL;DR:How subscription models have transitioned from novelty to a cornerstone of modern ecommerceThe balance between predictable revenue benefits and the challenges of churn and customer fatigueProven strategies to attract, engage, and retain loyal subscribers through personalization and consistent value -
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With one-click orders and two-day shipping becoming the norm, how can companies align with these consumer expectations while embracing sustainability? In today's episode of Commerce Experience, Roxy and Elena chat about the sustainability landscape in ecommerce. They highlight cost-saving and eco-friendly strategies while discussing how brands, like Patagonia and IKEA, are embracing sustainability through initiatives such as buyback programs.
TLDR
Exploring the balance between rapid delivery and eco-conscious strategiesUnpacking how leading brands weave sustainability into their DNAHow AI innovations are revolutionizing green business practices -
Online payments are rapidly becoming more seamless, and the question is: Is your brand keeping up? As consumers increasingly demand convenience, simplified payment options are not just a preference; they're reshaping the future of ecommerce transactions.
In this episode of Commerce Experience, Roxy and Elena discuss the evolving landscape of online checkouts, from one-click purchasing to MasterCard's bold initiative to eliminate manual card entry by 2030. The two also explore how these advancements are transforming shopping experiences on a large scale, making it easier and faster for consumers to complete their purchases (perhaps, too easy!).
TLDR
MasterCard's initiative to phase out manual card entry by 2030 and its impactHow innovations like digital wallets and one-click shopping are streamlining consumer transactionsThe effects of streamlined checkouts on consumer behavior and retail strategies -
Brands and retailers are experiencing a shake-up unlike any before, driven not by tech but by the growing use of weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. With millions of Americans turning to these GLP-1 medications, supplement stores, including GNC and Vitamin Shoppe, are just a small fraction of businesses, racing to tap into the trend.
In this episode, Roxy and Elena explore how retailers are adapting their strategies, from redesigning store layouts to targeting new customer segments. They’ll explore the ripple effects these medications have on consumer behavior, the challenges and opportunities, and what they mean for the future of industries, such as health and wellness, food and beverage, and beyond.
TL;DRHow GNC and Vitamin Shoppe are rethinking their store layouts to appeal to GLP-1 usersThe wider industry reaction — from Walmart to Nestlé — to shifting consumer habitsThe market potential and concerns around GLP-1 medications and their influence on retail strategies -
Virtual concerts on Roblox gained massive popularity during the pandemic, but did you know brands are now using the game to leverage immersive marketing tactics to connect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha?
In this episode, Roxy and Elena explore the growing appeal of Roblox as a marketing channel, where major brands like Nike, Hilton, and Paramount are crafting virtual experiences to build brand awareness among younger audiences. With marketers feeling the pressure to be everywhere at once, our co-hosts ask the critical question: Is it truly effective to be on every, single marketing channel?
TL;DR
Roblox’s emergence as a key platform for brand engagement, driven by the growing demand for experiencesTips for experimenting with, navigating, and optimizing your chosen marketing channelsData’s role in understanding your audience and making impactful, personalized marketing decisions -
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 beyondThe role of consumer data in creating personalization for successful private-label productsWalmart’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 personalizationWhy intent, product performance, and sophisticated algorithms improve ecomm searchThe ways merchandisers can tap into AI to make product discovery a better experience -
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 workflowsHow to bridge the gap between online-offline journeysImproving brand loyalty a customer-centric approach that measures delight -
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 solutionsHow to address the latest ethical and legal considerations of AI in retail -
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-commerceExplore the challenges and approaches for delivering personalized experiences amidst data privacy concerns -
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. -
Discover how loyalty programs can transform customer relationships. From Sephora to Kohl's and Elf, brands are evolving to incentivize and gamify the customer journey, creating extraordinary experiences that go beyond “just perks.”
In this episode, Elena and Roxy delve into the distinctions between loyalty and rewards programs and explore how to tailor the best approach for your e-commerce business.
TLDR;
The critical role of loyalty programs in customer retentionGamifying the customer journeyDesigning exclusive and personalized experiences -
Generative AI (GenAI) is rapidly transforming the e-commerce industry, urging forward-thinking businesses to dream bigger than ever before. Among the burgeoning areas of innovation is conversational commerce, which is increasingly becoming a dedicated budget item for marketers and merchandisers.
For deeper insights into this evolving field, Elena got together with Vikas Jha, VP of Engineering, Conversational Commerce at Bloomreach. With an impressive track record, including stints at Google and as the Founder/CEO of Radiance Commerce (acquired by Bloomreach in 2023), Vikas offers a rich perspective on the subject.
TLDR;The explosive rise of GenAI that has refined conversational commerce technologies over the last 24 monthsExciting ways AI-powered shopping assistants are set to revolutionize both marketing and merchandising Tips and tricks for getting the green light and budget to dive into the world of conversational commerce -
A large market shift is happening in luxury ecommerce. Millennials and Zoomers alike are prioritizing value over brands, and with dupe culture being extremely popular amongst the younger demographic, luxury ecommerce needs help to stay relevant. Even big media outlets, like The New York Times, are noticing the change in its recent article, “Has the Luxury E-Commerce Bubble Burst?”
Today, Elena and Roxy Couse, Director, Customer Experience Group, sit down at Bloomreach’s Charlotte, North Carolina office to break down the nuances behind the current market trends and discuss strategies to navigate the changing tides in luxury e-commerce. They'll examine how these preferences for value and authenticity over mere brand names are reshaping consumer behavior and what this means for luxury retailers.
TLDR;
Shift in consumer preferences toward value over brand namesThe rise of dupe culture and its impact on luxury ecommerceStrategies for luxury brands to adapt and stay competitive in the changing market -
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 - Laat meer zien
