Articles & Podcast Episodes

eTail Boston 2024

eTail Boston 2024: Revolutionizing Retail with AI, Future Tech, and “Storyselling”

eTail Boston 2024, set for August 12-15, promises to revolutionize retail with a focus on AI, future tech, and “storyselling.” Featuring 100+ industry leaders and innovative pop-up experiences, this conference is a must-attend for eCommerce professionals.

Talk Commerce Kristin Schoenstein

Navigating the Future of Retail: Inside eTail Boston with Kristin Schoenstein

In this illuminating episode of Talk Commerce, we sit down with Kristin Schoenstein, Portfolio Director for eTail US shows. Kristin provides an insider’s look into the upcoming eTail Boston event, offering valuable insights into the world of e-commerce and digital marketing.

The Essence of eTail Boston

eTail Boston stands out as a premier event in the retail industry calendar. Kristin reveals that it’s more than just a conference; it’s a year-round endeavor involving extensive research, trend analysis, and collaboration with industry leaders. The event offers a unique blend of educational content, networking opportunities, and innovative showcases, making it a must-attend for retailers, brands, and solution providers alike.

Exploring the eTail Experience

One of the key aspects Kristin highlights is the event’s structure. eTail Boston kicks off with a Summit Day, featuring three concurrent summits that allow retailers to dive deep into specific topics like search and performance marketing, customer retention, and the future customer journey. The subsequent days offer a mix of general sessions, breakout tracks, and retailer-only activities, ensuring a comprehensive and tailored experience for all attendees.

The Impact of eTail on the Retail Landscape

Kristin emphasizes how eTail Boston serves as a catalyst for industry growth and innovation. The event not only showcases the latest trends and technologies but also facilitates crucial conversations about sustainable growth, AI applications, and evolving consumer behaviors. By bringing together diverse perspectives from established retailers, emerging brands, and cutting-edge solution providers, eTail Boston plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of retail.

Listener Questions and Insights

Q: How can attendees make the most of their eTail experience?

A: Kristin advises attendees to plan ahead using the event app, prioritize must-attend sessions, and consider bringing a team to divide and conquer. She also highlights the importance of balancing scheduled meetings with spontaneous networking opportunities and expo floor exploration.

Q: What sets eTail apart from other retail conferences?

A: According to Kristin, it’s the sense of community that truly distinguishes eTail. The event has cultivated a strong, established network of professionals who return year after year, creating an unparalleled atmosphere of collaboration and shared learning.

Retail Revelations: Where Innovation Meets Community

eTail Boston emerges as more than just a conference; it’s a dynamic ecosystem where retail innovation thrives and lasting connections are forged. As Kristin aptly puts it, there’s “something special” about eTail that resonates with attendees, speakers, and sponsors alike, making it an indispensable event for anyone looking to stay at the forefront of retail evolution.

Key Takeaways from eTail Boston

Kristin shared several key aspects that make eTail Boston a standout event:

  1. Diverse Content: From AI and sustainable growth to Gen Z marketing and holiday prep, the event covers a wide range of crucial topics.
  2. Networking Opportunities: Beyond formal sessions, eTail Boston offers numerous chances to connect, including themed networking breaks, cocktail receptions, and private lunches.
  3. Retailer-Focused: With retailer-only tracks and activities, the event ensures that retail professionals get targeted, relevant insights.
  4. Interactive Format: The inclusion of roundtable discussions and summit days promotes active participation and peer-to-peer learning.
  5. Innovation Showcase: The expo floor and new retailer pop-up shops provide a firsthand look at cutting-edge retail technologies and strategies.

Planning Your eTail Boston Experience

To make the most of the event, Kristin recommends:

  • Use the App: The eTail Boston app is your go-to resource for scheduling and updates.
  • Divide and Conquer: If attending with a team, split up to cover more ground.
  • Balance Your Schedule: Mix content sessions with networking and expo exploration.
  • Engage in Evening Events: Don’t miss out on the after-hours networking and sponsored events.
  • Stay Wellness-Minded: Consider joining morning activities like group runs to balance the intense schedule.

Looking Ahead: eTail Palm Springs

While the focus is on eTail Boston, Kristin also gave a sneak peek into eTail Palm Springs, scheduled for February 24-27, 2024. This West Coast counterpart offers another opportunity to engage with the eTail community and gain valuable insights.

The eTail Advantage

eTail Boston isn’t just an event; it’s an experience that shapes the future of retail. With its unique blend of educational content, networking opportunities, and community spirit, it stands out as an essential gathering for anyone serious about thriving in the ever-evolving world of retail and e-commerce.

Whether you’re a seasoned retail executive or a rising star in the industry, eTail Boston offers the insights, connections, and inspiration needed to drive your business forward. As Kristin emphasizes, it’s more than just a conference – it’s a catalyst for growth, innovation, and lasting professional relationships.
Don’t miss out on this transformative event.

Mark your calendars for eTail Boston and prepare to be part of the retail revolution!

Read more about it here

Navigating the Future of Ecommerce with Jisse Reitsma

Welcome to another engaging episode of “Talk Commerce,” where we delve deep into the heart of ecommerce, technology, and entrepreneurship. In this special edition, we had the pleasure of hosting Jisse Reitsma, a prominent figure from the Netherlands and the visionary behind Yireo. Jisse brings a wealth of knowledge and a refreshing perspective on the evolving ecommerce landscape. Today, we will unwrap the essential insights from our enriching discussion centered around the latest trends in ecommerce for 2024.

The Essence of Ecommerce Trends in 2024
Our conversation with Jisse began by diving into the crucial ecommerce trends that are shaping the industry in 2024. We explored how building long-term customer relationships has become paramount for businesses aiming for sustainable success. The focus has dramatically shifted from merely acquiring customers to nurturing lasting relationships, emphasizing loyalty and customer satisfaction.

Exploring Technological Advancements in Ecommerce
A significant part of our discussion revolved around how technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are transforming online shopping experiences. Jisse highlighted the role of these immersive technologies in making online shopping more interactive and engaging. Moreover, the rise of voice search and the importance of personalizing the shopping experience were pivotal points that underscored the necessity for businesses to leverage data insights effectively.

The Impact of AI on Ecommerce
Jisse extensively shared his views on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the ecommerce sector. From understanding customer behaviors to optimizing conversions, AI stands out as a game-changer. He offered insightful anecdotes on how AI-driven tools like chatbots enhance customer service by providing instant support, thus significantly improving the customer experience.

Listener Questions and Insights
We had the opportunity to incorporate a few listener questions in our discussion. One notable query was about the integration of flexible payment options and how they cater to diverse customer needs. Jisse explained that offering various payment methods not only enhances customer satisfaction but also reduces cart abandonment rates. Another interesting question was about the growing trend of social commerce. Jisse elaborated on how consumers are increasingly making purchases directly through social media platforms, making it a critical aspect of modern ecommerce strategies.

Ecommerce Trends Revolutionizing Business
In closing, Jisse left us with a thought-provoking statement: “The future of ecommerce is not just about technology but about how we utilize it to create meaningful connections and sustainable practices in business.” This encapsulates the core message of our discussion – the harmonious blend of technology, customer engagement, and sustainability is indeed the key to thriving in the dynamic world of ecommerce.

See More Episodes about the future of E-Commerce

Simon Jones

Can Agencies and Tech Vendors Collaborate for Greater Success? With Simon Jones

In a recent episode of Talk Commerce, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Simon Jones, founder of CodeXtensions—a platform designed to bridge the gap between tech vendors and ecommerce agencies. Simon shared compelling insights into how agencies can leverage tech partnerships to enhance their service offerings and stay ahead of the competition. Whether you’re running a small agency or managing a large one, there are invaluable lessons here that could help your business thrive.

The Power of Collaboration in Tech Partnership Programs

One of the standout topics we discussed during the episode was the importance of collaboration between tech vendors and agencies. Simon emphasized that many agencies are proactive in seeking out new technologies to suggest to their clients, a strategy that can help them deliver better results and generate more work.

“When agencies discover and recommend new technologies to their clients, everybody wins—the merchant gets new functionality, the agency builds stronger client relationships, and the vendor gains a new advocate,” said Simon.

As agencies, this proactive approach not only helps in securing ongoing projects but also in keeping agency portfolios dynamic and relevant in a rapidly evolving market. Building these relationships can be crucial in differentiating your agency from competitors, especially in a crowded marketplace like Shopify.

Leveraging LinkedIn and Slack for Building Communities

Simon also highlighted the tools he uses to foster these collaborations, particularly LinkedIn and Slack. These platforms allow him to connect with a variety of stakeholders—from agency founders to solutions experts, and even tech vendors—creating opportunities for meaningful partnerships.

While Slack is often used for more direct communications with existing partners, Simon swears by LinkedIn for broader outreach and community building:

“LinkedIn is far more powerful when it comes to posting and engaging with a wider audience. Whether you’re sharing a case study, tagging partners, or announcing a new collaboration, the reach is unmatched,” he explained.

I couldn’t agree more with Simon’s approach. With so many communication channels available, it’s crucial to focus on those that offer the most value and engagement, especially when trying to build a community around your business.

Case Studies and Reviews: The Backbone of Trust

Another important area we touched on was the role of case studies and reviews in building trust between agencies and tech vendors. CodeXtensions offers a unique platform where agencies, not just merchants, can leave reviews for tech vendors—something that sets it apart from the Shopify App Store.

“We provide a space where agencies can share their experiences working with various tech vendors. This peer-to-peer feedback helps other agencies make informed decisions and also aids vendors in building credibility,” Simon pointed out.

From my perspective, reviews and case studies are the backbone of trust in any partnership. Agencies that demonstrate success with specific vendors can use those case studies not just to attract new clients but also to establish themselves as thought leaders.

Expanding Beyond Shopify

Though Simon’s focus has been largely on Shopify to date, he has ambitions to expand into other platforms in the future, including mobile development. This potential for growth is something that can benefit agencies working across different ecommerce environments.

“I’m not limiting CodeXtensions to Shopify. While my current focus is on ecommerce, the platform can adapt to other digital spaces, making it a versatile tool for a range of development needs,” said Simon.

This is definitely a space worth watching as Simon continues to grow CodeXtensions into a multi-platform resource.

Final Thoughts

Talking with Simon reminded me just how vital tech partnerships are in the ecommerce landscape. Whether you’re an agency looking to expand your service offerings or a vendor aiming to reach more partners, the insights shared in our conversation offer a roadmap for success.

So, if you’re interested in learning more about how to strengthen your agency through strategic tech partnerships, I highly encourage you to reach out to Simon Jones on LinkedIn or explore what CodeXtensions has to offer. It’s a conversation that can lead to real, impactful change in your business.

And, as always, don’t forget to tune into the full episode for even more insights!

Feel free to drop any thoughts or questions you might have in the comments below, or connect with me directly—let’s keep the conversation going! 

For more episodes about tech partnerships and collaboration

Vayu Robotics AI-powered delivery robot autonomously navigating a city street

Vayu Robotics Unveils AI-Powered Delivery Robot, Reshaping E-Commerce Logistics

Vayu Robotics unveils the world’s first on-road Delivery Robot powered by AI foundation models, combining cutting-edge artificial intelligence with cost-effective sensing technology to revolutionize e-commerce logistics and address high delivery costs.

Sustainable fashion shopping district in Dubai, showcasing eco-friendly retail practices and modern architecture

Global Sustainable Fashion Landscape: UAE Leads the Charge

A groundbreaking study by Public Desire reveals the United Arab Emirates as the global leader in sustainable fashion, with 47% of its apparel market dedicated to slow fashion. Explore how countries worldwide are balancing fast and slow fashion trends.

Revolutionizing E-commerce: The Power of AI-Driven Product Information Management

In this enlightening episode of Talk Commerce, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lori Schafer, CEO of Digital Wave Technology. Our conversation delved deep into the transformative world of AI-driven product information management and its profound impact on e-commerce. Lori’s expertise shed light on how cutting-edge technology is reshaping the way brands and retailers bring products to market.

The Essence of AI-Driven Product Information Management

Lori introduced us to the concept of “all things product,” emphasizing how Digital Wave Technology combines master data about products with AI and generative AI content. She highlighted the importance of full automation in e-commerce, explaining how their AI-native platform on an analytical database can process high volumes of data rapidly. This approach enables businesses to bring products to market quickly and incorporate consumer data seamlessly into the e-commerce process.

Exploring the Automation of Mundane Tasks

One of the key insights Lori shared was the role of AI in automating mundane tasks, allowing e-commerce teams to focus on more creative and strategic aspects of their work. She provided several examples of how AI is being practically applied in the industry:

  1. Generating product content in brand voice
  2. Automatic attribution of product features
  3. SEO optimization through AI-suggested attributes
  4. Summarizing and incorporating customer reviews into product descriptions
  5. Creating advertising content, including images and taglines

The Impact of AI-Driven Product Information Management on E-commerce

Lori emphasized how this technology is changing the e-commerce landscape. By automating time-consuming tasks, businesses can significantly improve their efficiency and speed to market. Moreover, the integration of consumer data and AI-driven insights allows for more personalized shopping experiences and targeted marketing efforts. This shift is not just about efficiency; it’s about creating a more engaging and relevant shopping experience for consumers.

Listener Questions and Insights

Q: How important is the analytical part of AI compared to generative AI in e-commerce?

A: Lori stressed the importance of combining both generative and numerical AI for optimal results. While generative AI handles text and voice, analytical AI is crucial for tasks like price optimization, inventory management, and demand forecasting. The integration of these two aspects is essential for providing the best answers and experiences for individual consumers.

Q: What new technologies, besides AI, will impact how shoppers behave?

A: Lori highlighted several emerging technologies:

  • Blockchain for product traceability and sustainability tracking
  • Advanced voice technology for website interactions
  • Augmented and virtual reality for try-on experiences and product visualization

From Bits to Benefits: Harnessing AI for E-commerce Excellence

As we concluded our discussion, it became clear that AI-driven product information management is not just a technological advancement; it’s a paradigm shift in how businesses approach e-commerce. By leveraging these tools, companies can create more efficient operations, deliver more personalized experiences, and ultimately drive growth in an increasingly competitive digital marketplace.

WordPress Tags: AI in e-commerce, product information management, digital retail, automation, personalization, blockchain, voice technology, augmented reality, virtual reality

Personalization Strategies for Boosting E-commerce Sales

Did you know eCommerce personalization can significantly boost your online store’s sales? You can engage customers and drive revenue by tailoring your site’s user experience (UX). Personalized messages and offers make visitors more likely to click, browse, and buy. According to McKinsey & Company’s Report, 76% of consumers are likelier …

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Transforming Excess into Impact: A Conversation with Diz Petit of LiquiDonate

As the host of Talk Commerce, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with many innovators in the e-commerce space. Recently, I sat down with Disney Petit, the co-founder and CEO of LiquiDonate, for a fascinating discussion about sustainable social impact and the innovative ways her company is addressing excess inventory challenges.

From Postmates to Purpose-Driven Innovation

Disney’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Before founding LiquiDonate, she was an early employee at Postmates, where she wore many hats – from customer service to sales to product management. What stood out to me was her commitment to creating products that truly served the needs of users, whether they were restaurant staff or customers.

One of Disney’s most impactful projects at Postmates was the development of food security products. She shared, “We leveraged our existing infrastructure, which was third-party food delivery, to build food security products that made a difference for people in the communities in which we lived and worked.”

This experience laid the foundation for what would become LiquiDonate, expanding the concept of matching excess resources with those in need beyond just food.

LiquiDonate: A New Approach to Excess Inventory

What struck me most about LiquiDonate’s model is its elegant simplicity in solving a complex problem. Disney explained, “We’ve built this matching software that’s able to say, okay, you want to do this return, set a pickup window for the time that you’re available to pick it up. And then our software will automatically schedule a pickup from a third-party courier service who’s able to accommodate the size of this item and deliver it directly to a nonprofit from our database.”

This approach not only benefits retailers by reducing reverse logistics costs but also ensures that usable items find their way to those who need them most, rather than ending up in landfills.

The Impact of Thoughtful Donations

During our conversation, I was particularly moved by Disney’s insights into the types of donations that make the most significant impact. She highlighted three categories:

  1. Consumer packaged goods (CPG)
  2. Furniture
  3. Shoes

As someone who has been involved in charitable work, I could immediately see the value in these categories. Disney shared a touching example: “To just see that somebody who has maybe been experiencing a difficult time in life for, you know, years to see them get their first apartment and have it furnished with furniture from Room and Board that was all donated. It’s super high-quality furniture that is going to last a long time and really provides a lot of dignity and respect for these folks to step into this new life that they have.”

Challenges and Future Goals

One of the most interesting parts of our discussion was when I asked Disney about her frustrations. She highlighted the disconnect between executive teams and warehouse managers in larger companies. This disconnect often leads to a lack of recognition of the real issues surrounding returns and excess inventory.

Looking to the future, Disney shared an ambitious goal: “We want to like be responsible for a landfill closing.” This vision of diverting so much waste that a landfill becomes unnecessary is both bold and inspiring.

The Power of Unrestricted Grants

As we wrapped up our conversation, Disney made a passionate plea for unrestricted grants to nonprofits. This resonated with me, as I’ve seen firsthand through my work with Mile in My Shoes how crucial flexibility can be for organizations doing impactful work.

Disney emphasized, “If you are considering doing a philanthropic donation of cash to a nonprofit organization, please consider doing it unrestricted because it’s really important that the people who are working at these places doing this life-changing work have access to spend the money the way that they see fit.”

What next?

My conversation with Disney Petit was a reminder of the incredible potential for technology to solve real-world problems. LiquiDonate’s innovative approach to matching excess inventory with nonprofits in need is not just good for business – it’s good for our communities and our planet.

As we continue to grapple with issues of waste and resource allocation in the e-commerce world, leaders like Disney offer a hopeful vision for the future. Her work demonstrates that with creativity, compassion, and the right technology, we can transform excess into impact.

I encourage you to listen to the full podcast episode to hear more about Disney’s journey and the inspiring work of LiquiDonate. And remember, whether you’re a business leader or an individual looking to make a difference, consider how you can support organizations like LiquiDonate in their mission to create a more sustainable and equitable world.

Find more episodes of retail innovations here.

Talk Commerce Linda Xu

Revolutionizing E-commerce Payments: Insights from Skipify’s Linda Xu

Welcome to another exciting episode of Talk Commerce! I’m your host, Brent Peterson, and today we’re diving deep into the world of e-commerce payments with Linda Xu, the Chief Commercial Officer at Skipify. Linda’s journey from finance to co-founding Cart.com, and now leading innovation at Skipify, offers a wealth of insights for anyone in the e-commerce space. Let’s explore how Skipify is changing the game in online transactions.

The Evolution of Connected Wallets

Linda introduced us to Skipify’s groundbreaking “connected wallet” concept. Unlike traditional digital wallets, Skipify’s solution allows customers to access their payment information using just their email address. This streamlined approach significantly reduces friction in the checkout process, potentially boosting conversion rates for merchants.

As someone who’s been in the e-commerce industry for years, I find this innovation particularly exciting. It addresses a long-standing pain point in online shopping – the tedious process of entering payment information, especially on mobile devices.

Boosting Conversion Rates Through Better Authorization

One of the most striking insights Linda shared was about improving authorization rates. Skipify’s technology has shown to increase these rates by 4-6%, which directly impacts conversion rates. Linda explained how this improvement comes from reducing common decline reasons, such as incorrect billing information.

This resonates with my experience working with merchants. Even a small increase in authorization rates can have a significant impact on a business’s bottom line. It’s a prime example of how focusing on the technical aspects of payments can yield tangible business results.

The Future of E-commerce Platforms

We had an interesting discussion about the future of e-commerce platforms. Linda emphasized Skipify’s platform-agnostic approach, which I believe is crucial in today’s diverse e-commerce landscape. As someone who’s worked with various platforms, I appreciate solutions that can adapt to different ecosystems.

Linda’s insights into the evolving merchant needs and the importance of flexibility in technology solutions were spot-on. It’s clear that the future of e-commerce will require adaptable, user-centric solutions.

Personalization in Online Payments

Another fascinating aspect of our conversation was about personalization in payments. Linda explained how Skipify aims to surface the payment methods that individual shoppers prefer. This level of personalization not only enhances the user experience but also aligns with the broader trend of tailored shopping experiences in e-commerce.

From my perspective, this focus on personalization is key to staying competitive in today’s market. It’s no longer just about offering a product; it’s about creating a seamless, personalized journey from browsing to checkout.

Security and Trust in Digital Transactions

We couldn’t discuss online payments without addressing security concerns. Linda detailed Skipify’s approach to ensuring secure transactions, including real-time verification and partnerships with trusted financial institutions.

Having seen the evolution of payment security in e-commerce, from the early days of unencrypted credit card storage to today’s sophisticated systems, I’m impressed by Skipify’s commitment to security. It’s reassuring to see companies prioritizing this crucial aspect of online commerce.

Embracing Innovation in E-commerce

My conversation with Linda Xu was enlightening and inspiring. It’s clear that Skipify is at the forefront of revolutionizing how we think about and implement online payments. From connected wallets to improved authorization rates and personalized experiences, the future of e-commerce payments looks exciting.

For merchants and e-commerce professionals, staying informed about these innovations is crucial. I encourage you to listen to the full episode to gain more insights into leveraging these advancements in your business.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Talk Commerce. Don’t forget to subscribe for more discussions on the latest trends and innovations in e-commerce. Until next time, keep innovating and growing your online business!

You can learn more about Linda Xu and Skipify Here.

Talk Commerce
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