Articles & Podcast Episodes

Nicole Goldberg

SIMKHAI is Bridging the Digital-Physical Gap in Luxury Fashion

The Evolution of a Luxury Powerhouse

When I sat down with Nicole Goldberg, Director of E-commerce at SIMKHAI, and Madeleine Anderson, Partner Manager at Endear, for our special eTail West edition of Talk Commerce, I was immediately struck by the brand’s remarkable journey. From its humble beginnings as a wholesale business 15 years ago to its current status as a digital-forward luxury fashion house, SIMKHAI’s evolution reflects the changing landscape of luxury retail.

Building a Digital Presence While Maintaining Personal Touch

“Our clothes really grow and fit with your different times in life,” Nicole shared during our conversation. What fascinates me about SIMKHAI’s approach is their ability to cater to a remarkably broad demographic, serving customers from 20 to 65 years old. This diversity presents unique challenges in the digital space, particularly when it comes to maintaining the personal touch that luxury shoppers expect.

The Technology Revolution at SIMKHAI

During our discussion, Nicole revealed several exciting technological initiatives that are reshaping the SIMKHAI shopping experience:

  1. AI-Powered Fitting Technology: The brand is partnering with Laws of Motion to launch an innovative fit tool later this year, addressing one of online luxury fashion’s biggest challenges.
  2. Smart Merchandising: Implementing AI solutions to enhance search functionality and personalization while maintaining the human element crucial to luxury service.
  3. Video Integration: Showcasing the craftsmanship and movement of garments through sophisticated video content throughout the digital experience.

Clienteling in the Digital Age

A significant part of our conversation centered around clienteling, with valuable insights from both Nicole and Madeleine. SIMKHAI currently utilizes Endear’s platform for their retail store clienteling, enabling direct communication with customers. As Madeleine pointed out during our discussion, the challenge lies in extending this personal touch to online-only shoppers. This collaboration between SIMKHAI and Endear exemplifies how luxury brands can leverage technology to maintain intimate customer relationships across all channels.

Balancing AI and Human Touch

What really impressed me during our conversation was SIMKHAI’s thoughtful approach to technology integration. As Nicole explained, they’re careful to maintain that crucial balance between convenience and personal service. “A sixty-year-old woman isn’t going to want an AI bot telling her what to wear,” Nicole noted, highlighting the brand’s understanding of their diverse customer base.

The Future of Luxury Digital Retail

SIMKHAI’s expansion into new territories – including menswear and accessories – while maintaining their commitment to personalized service showcases their forward-thinking approach. Their success in bridging the gap between wholesale and D2C, while building a robust digital presence, serves as a blueprint for luxury brands in the digital age.

Looking Ahead

As our conversation wrapped up, Nicole’s excitement about SIMKHAI’s Spring collection was palpable. The brand’s continued innovation in both fashion and technology promises an exciting future for luxury retail.

From my perspective as host of Talk Commerce, SIMKHAI’s journey represents a masterclass in digital transformation while maintaining the essence of luxury service. Their approach to integrating technology without losing the personal touch that luxury customers expect is something all retailers can learn from.

Visit SIMKHAI.com to explore their latest collections, including their stunning Spring lineup featuring the new Gingham collection and much-anticipated Pliissé collection.

Want to hear more insights from Nicole and other industry leaders? Subscribe to Talk Commerce wherever you get your podcasts.

Learn more about what merchants are focusing on here.

Jogology Elevates Sustainable Running With New Crew Length Performance Socks

Jogology introduces new Crew Length Performance Running Socks, combining advanced technical features with sustainable materials for environmentally conscious runners seeking premium performance wear.

Wix is Transforming E-commerce Through AI and Innovation: Insights from eTail West

As host of Talk Commerce, I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Oren Inditzky, who leads the online store business at Wix, during a special eTail West episode. Our conversation revealed fascinating insights into how Wix is revolutionizing e-commerce through AI innovation and global expansion. Here’s what we learned about the platform that now powers over three million commerce sites.

The Evolution of Wix: From DIY to Enterprise Solutions

During our discussion, Oren highlighted how Wix has evolved beyond its well-known DIY website builder roots. The company now operates under two distinct brands:

  • Traditional Wix: The user-friendly platform for individual entrepreneurs
  • Wix Studio: A sophisticated solution launched last year for agencies and complex merchants

AI Innovation: The Game-Changer in E-commerce

Generative AI Capabilities

Oren shared several impressive AI features that merchants can immediately leverage:

  • Business establishment tools (name generation, domain checking, logo creation)
  • Automated product descriptions optimized for conversion and SEO
  • AI-powered SEO recommendations
  • Professional imagery generation and pack shot creation

Machine Learning Applications

What really caught my attention was how Wix is democratizing enterprise-level features:

  • Smart product ordering systems that adapt to user behavior
  • 24/7 AI shopping assistants that can be trained on your product catalog
  • Dynamic pricing optimization
  • Inventory management automation

The Future of Store Management

One of the most exciting revelations from our conversation was about upcoming features. Oren shared that soon, merchants will be able to:

  • Manage their entire store through voice commands or chat
  • Experience AI-optimized content that automatically adjusts based on performance
  • Utilize merged machine learning and GenAI capabilities for enhanced store optimization

Breaking Down Global Barriers

Perhaps the most compelling announcement was Wix’s partnership with Globally, enabling truly borderless e-commerce. As Oren emphasized, merchants can now:

  • Expand to new markets with a simple click
  • Handle international taxes and fulfillment automatically
  • Manage translations and currency conversions seamlessly
  • Customize products and pricing for different regions

My Take as a Commerce Expert

Having hosted numerous conversations about e-commerce platforms, what stands out about Wix’s approach is their focus on democratizing enterprise-level features. The no-code checkout customization and open API architecture are particularly impressive, as they allow merchants of any size to create sophisticated shopping experiences without technical expertise.

Looking Ahead

The future of e-commerce through Wix’s lens looks incredibly promising. With their commitment to quality, continued AI innovation, and focus on no-code solutions, they’re positioning themselves as a serious contender in the e-commerce platform space.

Want to hear more insights from Oren and learn about Wix’s latest innovations? Listen to the full episode of Talk Commerce for an in-depth discussion about the future of e-commerce and how Wix is shaping it.

Learn about what Wix is doing with their Donations Platform

Resulticks SHOP Platform Bridges Digital-Physical Retail Divide with AI-Powered Innovation

Resulticks introduces SHOP, an AI-powered platform that unifies physical and digital retail experiences, enabling personalized customer engagement and improved attribution across all shopping channels.

Constructor Revolutionizes Retail Media with AI-Powered Sponsored Listings Platform

Constructor unveils its innovative Retail Media Suite, featuring AI-powered Sponsored Listings that revolutionize how retailers deliver personalized advertising experiences while maximizing revenue potential.

AI in Marketing: Finding the Balance Between Automation and Human Connection

In this enlightening episode of Talk Commerce, I sat down with sisters Kelly Evans and Courtney Hurley, who shared their expert insights on the evolving role of AI in marketing and the critical importance of maintaining human connection in business. Their unique approach to combining technological efficiency with authentic human interaction offers valuable lessons for businesses of all sizes.

The True Value of AI in Marketing Automation

One of the most striking insights from our conversation was how businesses often misuse AI tools. As Kelly pointed out, while many companies focus on using AI for content generation, its real power lies in backend operations and data analysis. “Use AI as your intelligence tool, which is what it’s supposed to be doing – not artificial content creation,” Kelly emphasized.

Courtney shared a compelling example of how proper AI implementation increased one client’s ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) by 850% over a year – and this was for a company spending $2 million annually on Google Ads alone. The key wasn’t just in deploying AI, but in using it strategically to analyze and optimize lead scoring data.

The Human Element: A Competitive Advantage

Perhaps the most powerful insight from our discussion was about the growing importance of human interaction in business. Courtney revealed how their simple shift from automated marketing emails to personalized communications resulted in dramatic improvements:

  • Open rates increased from 23% to 58%
  • Click-through rates jumped from 0.5% to 27%

“People are starting to crave more and more of that human connection,” Courtney noted, highlighting how this desire for authentic interaction is becoming a key differentiator in the marketplace.

Smart Tool Integration: Less is More

One of the most practical takeaways from our conversation was Kelly’s “three-tool rule.” She advises businesses to:

  1. Maintain one central database system
  2. Focus on a single primary marketing channel
  3. Add only one additional tool specific to your business needs

As your host, I’ve seen countless businesses struggle with tool overload, and this streamlined approach makes perfect sense for maintaining efficiency while reducing costs and complexity.

The Future of Marketing: Balancing AI and Human Touch

Looking ahead, both Kelly and Courtney emphasized that successful businesses will be those that effectively combine AI’s analytical power with meaningful human interactions. They’re seeing a shift away from fully automated systems toward solutions that facilitate real human connections while using AI to handle backend processes efficiently.

In my years of hosting Talk Commerce, this conversation stands out for its practical insights into how businesses can harness AI’s power while maintaining their human essence. As Kelly aptly put it, “Marketing needs to do its job and then inform you effectively and not become your job.”

Want to learn more about balancing AI and human elements in your marketing strategy? Listen to the full episode with Kelly and Courtney, and visit MarketLikeACMO.com to connect with these insightful marketing experts.

The world of ecommerce and marketing continues to evolve, but one thing remains constant: the need for authentic human connection. As we navigate these changes together, let’s remember that technology should enhance, not replace, the human element in business.

Find more episodes about marketing strategy here.

True Classic Combines AI Innovation with the Human Touch in Customer Experience

In this engaging episode of Talk Commerce, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jordan Gesky, Senior Customer Experience Manager at True Classic. With her extensive experience overseeing customer service operations and the entire customer journey, Jordan offered valuable insights into how this growing men’s apparel brand is embracing technology while maintaining authentic customer connections.

The Evolution of Customer Experience in E-commerce

Jordan shared how True Classic has transformed their post-purchase journey into a revenue-generating opportunity. Through their partnership with Parcel Labs, they’ve created customized landing pages that showcase new products and membership benefits to customers tracking their orders. It’s a smart approach that turns a routine tracking check into a potential sales opportunity.

Embracing AI While Maintaining the Human Element

One of the most fascinating aspects of our discussion was True Classic’s approach to AI integration. As Jordan pointed out, AI isn’t about replacing human agents but rather enhancing their capabilities. Their chatbot, cleverly named “Crew” (a play on crew neck t-shirts), handles basic queries while allowing human agents to focus on more complex customer needs.

True Classic’s Growth Journey and Future Vision

Having been one of the first ten employees at True Classic, Jordan offered a unique perspective on the company’s growth. What started as a focused men’s apparel brand has now expanded to multiple retail locations across Chicago, Arizona, and Florida. The brand is eyeing expansion into women’s and children’s wear, driven by consistent customer demand.

Multichannel Presence and Future Opportunities

True Classic has established a strong presence across various channels, including:

  • Physical retail stores in major cities
  • Online presence through their website
  • Partnerships with major retailers like Target
  • Sam’s Club and Walmart online presence
  • Upcoming expansion into TikTok Shop for 2025

Wrapping Up

As we wrapped up our conversation, it became clear that True Classic’s success stems from their ability to balance technological innovation with genuine customer connection. Jordan’s insights demonstrate how modern e-commerce brands can leverage AI while maintaining the personal touch that customers value.

Want to hear more about True Classic’s journey and Jordan’s insights? Listen to the full episode of Talk Commerce for more detailed discussions about e-commerce innovation and customer experience strategies.

Find more episodes about customer experience here

Hey Bamboo: Revolutionizing Sustainable Paper Products with Joslyn Faust

The pandemic sparked countless entrepreneurial journeys, but few are as unique as Joslyn Faust‘s transition from tech marketing executive to sustainable paper products innovator. In my recent Talk Commerce podcast episode, I sat down with Joslyn, the founder of Hey Bamboo, to discuss how she’s revolutionizing an industry that affects everyone’s daily life.

The Pandemic Paper Problem

During our conversation, Joslyn shared how the toilet paper shortage of 2020 opened her eyes to some shocking statistics. “27,000 trees are cut down every day just for toilet paper,” she revealed. This revelation, combined with her teenagers’ brutally honest feedback about existing sustainable alternatives, inspired her to create something better.

Why Bamboo Makes Perfect Sense

One of the most fascinating parts of our discussion was learning about bamboo’s superiority as a raw material. As Joslyn explained, “Bamboo can grow up to three feet a day, and it’s ready to harvest in just 45 days.” What really caught my attention was learning that bamboo is actually stronger than steel and more absorbent than wood, making it an ideal material for paper products.

Innovation in Sustainability

Hey Bamboo isn’t just about the product – it’s about rethinking the entire approach to sustainable paper goods. Joslyn’s commitment to sustainability extends to every aspect of the business:

  • Zero-waste packaging using thin paper wrap
  • Soy-based inks for recyclability
  • Bamboo cores in every roll
  • Unbleached paper products (because who needs bleached toilet paper?)

Breaking Into the Market

What impressed me most about Joslyn’s approach was her keen understanding of her market. Rather than focusing solely on environmental messaging, she recognized that customers wanted both sustainability AND quality. “People don’t really want to give up the quality they’re used to,” she noted during our chat.

The Future of Hey Bamboo

The brand is already making waves on Amazon and is expanding into paper towels and facial tissues. Joslyn’s vision for retail presence, particularly in natural grocery stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts, shows promising potential for growth.

Final Thoughts

As someone who’s interviewed countless entrepreneurs, what stands out about Joslyn’s story is how she’s taken something as ordinary as toilet paper and transformed it into an opportunity for meaningful environmental impact. Hey Bamboo demonstrates that sustainability doesn’t have to mean sacrifice – sometimes it can actually mean improvement.

Find more conversations for and about merchants here

Where Human Touch Meets Digital Innovation with January Digital

In a recent Talk Commerce episode at E-Tail West, I had the pleasure of sitting down with two distinguished guests from January Digital: Sarah Engel, President, and JB Brokaw, Chief Operating Officer. Their insights into digital brand innovation in retail proved both timely and enlightening.

The Renaissance of Physical Retail

Sarah Engel shared an interesting observation about the current state of retail: “Stores are back.” After the lessons learned during COVID, there’s a renewed appreciation for physical touchpoints in the customer journey. For omnichannel retailers, brick-and-mortar locations continue to drive significant revenue, highlighting the importance of creating meaningful in-person experiences.

Navigating Brand Identity in a Crowded Market

“The barrier to entry to launch something is next to nothing at this point,” JB Brokaw pointed out during our discussion. This reality has created an interesting challenge for established brands: how to maintain relevance and foster loyalty in an increasingly crowded marketplace. The key, according to both guests, lies in standing for something meaningful rather than competing solely on price.

The AI Shopping Revolution

One of the most intriguing parts of our conversation centered around the concept of “agentic” AI and its potential impact on shopping behaviors. Sarah shared how AI shopping agents could transform routine purchases, particularly in low-risk categories like grocery shopping. However, she emphasized that this technology’s adoption would be gradual, starting with simple replenishment tasks before moving to more considered purchases.

The Creative Comeback

Perhaps the most surprising insight from our discussion was the industry’s return to creative focus. As Sarah explained, “Creative is the algorithm. Creative is what is actually driving things forward.” This shift represents an exciting evolution from the big data era – not abandoning data, but rather using it to fuel more authentic and compelling creative content.

Measuring What Matters

A significant challenge brands face today is balancing immediate sales metrics with long-term brand building. Sarah highlighted how January Digital helps organizations develop new KPIs and train C-level employees to look beyond just comparative sales numbers, creating a more holistic approach to measuring success.

Looking Ahead

The conversation with Sarah and JB revealed that we’re at an interesting crossroads in digital commerce. While AI and automation are becoming more prevalent, the human elements of brand building – creativity, authenticity, and physical connections – are more important than ever.

As I reflect on our discussion, it’s clear that success in today’s digital commerce landscape requires a delicate balance between embracing technological innovation and maintaining authentic human connections. Brands that can master this balance while staying true to their core values will be best positioned for future success.

Want to hear more insights from Sarah Engel and JB Brokaw? Listen to the full Talk Commerce episode for deeper discussions on digital transformation, brand building, and the future of retail.

For more Conversation with Sarah Engel listen here

Beyond USPs: How to Create Real Emotional Connections with Your Customers

It’s fascinating how many businesses still rely on generic unique selling propositions (USPs) that aren’t actually unique at all. In my recent Talk Commerce conversation with Chantal Cornelius, founder of Apple Tree Marketing, we dove deep into this challenge and explored a fresh perspective on standout marketing strategies for today’s crowded market.

The Journey to Standout Marketing Strategies

After 25 years in marketing, Chantal noticed a pattern: coaches and consultants were all using the same language to describe their services. “I help you get from where you are to where you want to be” became a universal, yet ineffective message. This observation led her on a nine-year research journey, culminating in her new book “Standout Strategies.”

The Five Emotional Strategies That Make Businesses Stand Out

During our discussion, Chantal revealed the five core strategies she’s identified:

1. Certainty

This strategy focuses on being a safe pair of hands. Businesses using this approach emphasize reliability and consistency – think McDonald’s, where customers expect the same experience every time.

2. Connection

This strategy builds on creating a sense of belonging. It’s particularly effective for networking organizations where members want to feel part of something bigger than themselves.

3. Contribution

Perfect for charities and purpose-driven organizations, this strategy helps customers feel they’re making a difference in the world.

4. Growth

This approach appeals to clients seeking personal and professional development, emphasizing excitement, empowerment, and freedom.

5. Significance

This strategy caters to those wanting to be heard and respected, focusing on helping clients make a bigger impact.

Finding Your Strategy: A Personal Insight

What struck me most during our conversation was Chantal’s candid admission about her own business. She initially thought growth was her strategy, but customer feedback revealed they valued her as a “safe pair of hands” – certainty was her true strength. This highlights an important lesson: sometimes our perception of our business differs from what our customers truly value.

The AI Factor in Modern Marketing

We also discussed the role of AI in marketing, and Chantal shared an interesting perspective on using AI tools while maintaining authentic human connection. She emphasized that while AI can help create content, it’s crucial to maintain your unique voice and emotional connection with your audience.

Takeaways

The insights Chantal shared remind us that successful marketing isn’t just about what we do, but how we make our customers feel. Whether you’re a solopreneur or running a larger organization, understanding your emotional strategy can be the key to truly standing out in your market.

Want to learn more? You can find Chantal’s book “Standout Strategies” on Amazon or visit appletreeuk.com to take the free strategy assessment test.

Listen to other episodes about marketing strategy here

Listen to another episode with Chantal here

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