Articles & Podcast Episodes

Koloa Rum 'Iolani Palace

Koloa Rum Debuts Limited Heritage Collection for ‘Iolani Palace

Koloa Rum Company introduces The Hawaii Heritage Collection with a limited edition 6-year aged rum, supporting The Friends of ‘Iolani Palace while celebrating Hawaiian cultural legacy.

Paul Byrne

How Tech and AI Are Evolving with Razoyo’s Paul Byrne

As host of Talk Commerce, I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Paul Byrne, founder and president of Razoyo, for an enlightening discussion about the evolving landscape of e-commerce, custom application development, and artificial intelligence. Paul’s journey from marketing executive to tech entrepreneur offers valuable insights into how the industry has transformed over the past 15 years.

From Marketing Maven to Tech Pioneer

Paul’s background is fascinating – starting as a chief marketing officer and working with major brands like PepsiCo, he eventually found his way into technology through becoming an e-commerce merchant. What began as consulting for ProStores merchants evolved into Razoyo, a company that now serves about 40 different customers across e-commerce and custom application development.

The DeepSeek Debate and AI Implications

One of the most compelling parts of our conversation centered on the recent DeepSeek controversy. Paul shared critical insights about this Chinese AI model that made headlines and temporarily impacted Nvidia’s stock price. He raised important concerns about:

  • The model’s apparent bias and information filtering
  • Questions about the claimed $6 million development cost
  • The reliability of training data and development timeline
  • Privacy and security implications for Western companies

Open Source Models and Local Computing

As we discussed the technical aspects, Paul demonstrated impressive knowledge about running AI models locally. He explained how tools like Llama allow users to run these models on their own machines without sending data back to external servers – a crucial consideration for privacy-conscious users and businesses.

The Future of AI Monetization

Looking ahead to the rest of 2024 and beyond, Paul shared his prediction that we’re entering the era of AI monetization. While current large language models (LLMs) still have limitations, particularly in programming applications, he believes we’ll see more practical and profitable applications emerging. As he puts it, “2025 is going to be the year of monetization of AI and it’s going to be explosive over the next two or three years.”

Razoyo’s Innovative Solutions

One of Razoyo’s notable contributions to the e-commerce space is their Automatic FFL service, a SaaS solution for online firearm merchants. This kind of specialized tool demonstrates how custom solutions can solve complex industry-specific challenges while maintaining compliance with regulations.

Final Thoughts

My conversation with Paul Byrne highlighted the rapid pace of change in our industry and the importance of staying adaptable. From his evolution as a marketing executive to a tech company founder, to his current role in steering Razoyo through the AI revolution, Paul’s insights remind us that success in tech requires constant learning and evolution.

Want to hear more? Listen to the full episode of Talk Commerce to get all the details about Paul’s journey, his thoughts on AI development, and his predictions for the future of tech. You can also connect with Paul directly on LinkedIn at /PWBYRNE or visit Razoyo.com to learn more about their services.

Listen to more conversations about the latest AI trends here

Mitsunaga Kikuchi and Rocco Baldasarre

Revolutionizing Digital Advertising Through Shirofune Automation at eTail Palm Springs

Let me start by saying how excited I am to share the insights from my recent conversation at eTail Palm Springs with two remarkable leaders in the digital advertising space. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mitsunaga Kikuchi, CEO, and Rocco Baldasarre from Shirofune, a company that’s making waves in the advertising automation industry.

The Genesis of Shirofune: Solving Real-World Marketing Challenges

One of the most fascinating aspects of our discussion was learning about how Shirofune came to be. As your host, I’ve seen many advertising solutions come and go, but what struck me about Shirofune’s approach was their laser focus on solving real pain points in digital advertising management.

Breaking Down the Automation Revolution

During our conversation, Mitsu shared valuable insights about how Shirofune’s platform is transforming the way businesses handle their digital advertising. The automated system they’ve developed doesn’t just save time – it’s fundamentally changing how marketers approach their campaigns.

The Global Impact: From Japan to International Markets

Rocco Baldasarra offered fascinating perspectives on Shirofune’s expansion from its Japanese roots to the global market. As someone who’s been in the ecommerce space for years, I was particularly impressed by their strategic approach to international growth while maintaining the core values that made them successful in Japan.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Automated Advertising

Let me share one of my key takeaways from this enlightening discussion: the future of digital advertising lies in intelligent automation. Both Mitsu and Rocco emphasized how Shirofune is positioning itself at the forefront of this evolution, and I couldn’t agree more with their vision.

My Personal Take

As your host, I’ve seen countless advertising solutions, but what makes Shirofune stand out is their commitment to solving real problems that marketers face daily. The insights shared by Mitsu and Rocco during our conversation highlighted how automation, when done right, can truly transform business operations.

This conversation with Mitsu Kikuchi and Rocco Baldasarra was truly eye-opening, offering valuable insights into the future of digital advertising automation. If you found these insights valuable, I encourage you to listen to the full episode of Talk Commerce for even more detailed discussion about Shirofune’s innovative approach to digital advertising automation.

Want to learn more? Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to Talk Commerce for more engaging conversations about the future of ecommerce and digital marketing.

Marianela Nanninga

Revolutionizing Retail: How Commercial Robotics is Reshaping Customer Service with ToDo Robotics

Hey there, Brent Peterson here! On this exciting episode of Talk Commerce, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Marianela Nanninga, the innovative founder and CEO of ToDo Robotics. Her journey from spotting a simple serving robot in South Korea to deploying over 250 commercial robots across America is nothing short of remarkable.

The Entrepreneurial Spark

When Marianela shared her story of discovering that first robot in a South Korean restaurant, I couldn’t help but smile. It reminded me of how transformative moments in technology often start with a simple observation. She saw beyond the novelty of a slow-moving serving robot to envision a future where commercial robotics would revolutionize multiple industries.

Breaking Through Corporate Barriers

What struck me most about Marianela’s journey was her persistence. After developing a successful robotics program within a larger company, she faced rejection from the board. Instead of giving up, she recognized her unique position – she was the only one with the knowledge, experience, and vision to make it happen. This led to her founding ToDo Robotics, a decision that has proven transformative for the industry.

Real-World Applications

During our conversation, Marianela highlighted several key applications:

  • Restaurant Service: The Bellabot serves as a reliable food runner, supporting (not replacing) wait staff
  • Commercial Cleaning: Industrial-scale robots handling 20,000 square feet per hour
  • Cooking Systems: Automated woks ensuring consistency in institutional kitchens
  • Senior Living Support: Robots facilitating telemedicine and resident check-ins

The Human Element

One aspect I particularly appreciated was Marianela’s emphasis on workforce development. As she explained, “We’re not replacing workers; we’re upgrading their skills.” The story of a housekeeper proudly becoming a robot operator perfectly illustrates this transformation.

Looking Ahead

The future of commercial robotics is bright but measured. Marianela’s practical approach to AI integration – preferring simplified language models over complex chatty systems – shows a deep understanding of what businesses and customers actually need.

Personal Takeaway

As someone who’s witnessed numerous technological transitions in commerce, I find Marianela’s approach refreshingly practical. It’s not about robots taking over; it’s about making businesses more efficient and jobs more sustainable.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Talk Commerce reinforced my belief that the future of retail and service industries lies in finding the right balance between human touch and technological efficiency. Marianela’s vision of robots as assistants rather than replacements sets a positive trajectory for the industry.

Find more conversations about innovations in commerce here

Ben Dutter

AI and Analytics: Transforming the Future of eCommerce with Ben Dutter at eTail Palm Springs

On a special episode of Talk Commerce from E-Tail West, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ben Dutter, Chief Strategy Officer at Power Digital. Ben, whose name he explains is “like butter with a D,” brings extensive experience in helping over 600 brands grow through strategy, marketing, and data measurement.

The Democratization of Analytics Through AI

One of the most striking insights from our conversation was how AI is revolutionizing access to analytics. Ben highlighted that what once required hours of analysis by skilled professionals can now be accomplished in minutes by anyone with access to AI tools. “The interface reducing the friction of accessing that data has been the biggest boon in the last couple of years,” Ben explained.

As someone who’s seen the evolution of ecommerce analytics firsthand, I was particularly intrigued by Power Digital’s internal tool that allows clients to query their data through a chat-based interface. This democratization of data access represents a significant shift in how businesses can make informed decisions.

The Current State of AI: Challenges and Opportunities

During our discussion, Ben candidly addressed the elephant in the room – AI hallucinations. While the technology has made remarkable strides, he advised caution when using AI for major business decisions. “It’s still about 10 to 15 percent things that completely just don’t exist,” he noted regarding AI-generated research, emphasizing the continued need for human verification.

The Future of Shopping: AI Agents and Commerce

Perhaps the most fascinating part of our conversation centered on the future of AI shopping agents. Ben shared his vision of tools like Perplexity evolving into full-service shopping assistants capable of completing transactions. This led to an interesting discussion about how merchants need to prepare their infrastructure for this emerging technology.

SEO Evolution in an AI-Driven World

The impact of AI on SEO cannot be overlooked. Ben referenced HubSpot’s recent experience with traffic loss due to chat bots, highlighting how traditional search patterns are shifting. This brings up crucial considerations for merchants planning their digital strategies.

Strategic Planning for Peak Shopping Seasons

When it comes to preparing for major shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Ben emphasized the importance of long-term planning. “Black Friday starts January 1st,” he noted, stressing the significance of building mental availability and brand awareness throughout the year.

The Future of Retail: Online vs. Physical Presence

Our conversation concluded with an insightful discussion about the balance between online and physical retail. Ben shared the striking statistic that approximately 80% of all transactions (excluding gas and grocery) still occur in physical stores, providing valuable context for merchants considering their omnichannel strategies.

As we wrapped up our conversation, Ben introduced FusePoint, Power Digital’s new sub-agency focused on pre and post-marketing strategy. This new venture aims to help brands develop effective go-to-market strategies while ensuring measurable results.

For those interested in connecting with Ben or learning more about Power Digital’s work, you can find him on LinkedIn – he’s the only Ben Dutter in the world, as he proudly notes.

This conversation with Ben highlighted the rapid evolution of ecommerce and the critical role AI plays in shaping its future. As we continue to navigate these changes, it’s clear that staying informed and adaptable will be key to success in the digital commerce landscape.

Want to hear more insights from Ben Dutter? Listen to the full Talk Commerce episode for a deeper dive into these topics and more.

Wendy Wildfeuer

Social Commerce Evolution: How Motom is Bridging the Creator-Brand Gap

Motom’s innovative platform bridges the gap between brands and creators, revolutionizing social commerce with data-driven solutions

Jay Neyer

Building E-commerce Success: Insights from Lantern Sol Founder Jay Neyer

As the host of Talk Commerce, I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Jay Neyer, founder of Lantern Sol and a true e-commerce success story. From his humble beginnings as an accounting student to building and selling a $25 million e-commerce business, Jay’s journey offers valuable insights for anyone in the digital commerce space.

From Philosophy to Profit: An Entrepreneur’s Journey

Jay’s story begins unusually – with a degree in accounting and philosophy. After realizing corporate life wasn’t his calling (literally crying on his drive home from work), he made a pivotal decision to learn coding and web development. This led him into the Shopify ecosystem, where he’s now helped build over 500 websites generating more than $113 million in online sales.

The Power of Persistence in E-commerce

One of the most striking insights from my conversation with Jay was his emphasis on persistence. “As long as you have that stubborn bullheaded mentality of just running through wall after wall after wall, it’s impossible to fail,” he shared. His first venture saw zero sales initially, but this experience laid the groundwork for his later success – building a fitness product company from zero to $25 million over seven years.

The Age of Influencers: A New Marketing Paradigm

Let me share something fascinating that Jay revealed about current e-commerce trends. While everyone’s talking about AI, Jay emphasized we’re in “the age of influencers.” His agency has found remarkable success with what he calls “whitelisting” – running the same ad content through both brand pages and influencer accounts. The key insight? Even micro-influencers with just 1,000-2,000 followers can drive significant results.

Landing Page Innovation: The Future of Conversion

One strategy that particularly caught my attention was Jay’s approach to landing pages. His team creates hyper-specific pages that maintain consistency between ad content and landing page experience, especially when working with influencers. This attention to detail in the customer journey has proven to be a game-changer for their clients.

Authenticity: The Ultimate Differentiator

Perhaps the most valuable takeaway from our conversation was Jay’s emphasis on authentic branding. In a space where many are tempted to simply copy successful competitors, Jay advocates for finding and maintaining your true authentic voice. This philosophy has not only shaped his client work but also his personal approach to business, combining his diverse interests in languages, music, and entrepreneurship.


As someone who’s been in the e-commerce space for years, I found Jay’s insights both refreshing and practical. His journey from an accounting student to a successful e-commerce entrepreneur and agency founder demonstrates that success in this field isn’t just about technical knowledge – it’s about persistence, authenticity, and the ability to evolve with the changing digital landscape.

Want to hear more of Jay’s insights? Listen to the full episode of Talk Commerce to dive deeper into his strategies for e-commerce success.

Listen to more episodes about digital transformation here

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

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.

Oren Inditzky

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

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