Digital Innovation Archives

Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace Digital Transformation Success Story

June 24, 2025 Brent W. Peterson

In this episode of Talk Commerce, host Brent Peterson interviews Melissa Morris, the dynamic manager of marketing and new business development at Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace in West Hempstead, New York. The conversation unveils the transformation of a traditional family-owned Caribbean grocery store into a modern digital retail powerhouse.

Key Takeaways

Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace has successfully operated for 33 years, transitioning from a brick-and-mortar store to an omnichannel retailer
The business implemented Shopify to modernize their e-commerce presence, managing over 1,000 products
They’ve developed an innovative door-to-door delivery service extending to Jamaica
Video content and improved imagery have significantly increased customer engagement and time spent on site
The business maintains strong cultural connections while embracing modern retail technologies

About Melissa Morris

Melissa Morris brings a unique perspective to Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace, having grown up in the family business since age seven. Now 28, she combines her roles as marketing manager, adjunct professor, and healthcare marketing professional with her passion for art, fitness, and music. Her early exposure to business operations has shaped her professional approach and work ethic.

Detailed Episode Summary

The discussion begins with Morris sharing her journey from stocking shelves at age 14 to managing the company’s digital transformation. She describes the challenging process of modernizing their website, transitioning from an outdated platform to Shopify, which now handles their extensive product catalog more efficiently.

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the business’s innovative approach to serving their community. The company has expanded beyond traditional retail by introducing Sam’s Bread and Butter Express, a service allowing customers worldwide to send groceries to relatives in Jamaica.

Morris emphasizes the importance of digital content in their marketing strategy. Their website now features high-quality product images and engaging videos, resulting in increased user engagement and higher conversion rates. The business has successfully maintained its cultural authenticity while embracing modern retail practices.

Personal Commentary and Analysis

The transformation of Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace represents a masterclass in digital adaptation while preserving cultural identity. Their success demonstrates how traditional family businesses can evolve without losing their core values and community connections.

Memorable Quotes

“Working in the business as a teenager made me more professional now as an adult because I know how to handle certain situations that maybe even some of my peers might struggle with.” – Melissa Morris

“We wanted to expand to Jamaica because we noticed that customers were asking about it… Caribbean people here, they send either money or goods down to their relatives back home. So why don’t we help facilitate that?” – Melissa Morris

Engaging the Audience

To experience the authentic taste of Jamaica and explore their extensive product selection, visit www.sams247.com. Connect with Melissa Morris on LinkedIn for business insights and updates about Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace.

Final Thoughts

Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace exemplifies how family businesses can successfully navigate the digital transformation while maintaining their cultural heritage and community connections. Their journey from a local store to an international e-commerce platform proves that tradition and innovation can coexist harmoniously in modern retail.

Listen to more conversations about digital transformation here

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

March 20, 2025 Brent W. Peterson

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

Adventure Racing to E-commerce: Insights from Magento Master Kuba Zwolinski

August 21, 2024August 16, 2024 Brent W. Peterson

In this special episode of Talk Commerce, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kuba Zwolinski, a true Magento community veteran and the mastermind behind Meet Magento Poland. Kuba’s journey in the e-commerce world is as adventurous as his passion for outdoor activities. From introducing Magento to Poland in 2009 to running a successful commerce support agency, Snowdog, Kuba’s insights are as refreshing as a swim in a mountain lake during a swimrun event.

The Birth of Magento in Poland

Kuba’s story with Magento begins in 2009 when he single-handedly introduced the platform to Poland. He recalls, “I did the first translation to Polish language, so made it more useful for the market.” This initiative kickstarted a journey that would see him become a four-time Magento Master and a pivotal figure in the Polish e-commerce landscape.

As someone who’s witnessed the evolution of Magento firsthand, I can attest to the impact of such grassroots efforts in shaping our community. It’s these passionate individuals who truly drive innovation and adoption in our ecosystem.

Meet Magento Poland: A Decade of Community Building

One of Kuba’s proudest achievements is organizing ten editions of Meet Magento Poland. “We had guests from all over the world, from so many continents,” he shared enthusiastically. The event has become a cornerstone of the Magento community calendar, known for its innovative formats and international flair.

I’ve had the privilege of attending Meet Magento Poland, and I can vouch for its status as a premier event. Kuba’s attention to detail extends beyond the conference halls, creating memorable experiences that showcase the best of Poland alongside cutting-edge e-commerce discussions.

The Return of Meet Magento Poland

After a two-year hiatus, Kuba announced the comeback of Meet Magento Poland, scheduled for September 30th and October 1st in Pozna?. The event promises a fresh format with two distinct focuses:

Day One: Business case studies featuring merchants on stage
Day Two: Community ecosystem discussions and panels

What excites me most about this format is the emphasis on real-world merchant experiences. As Kuba puts it, “That should make it a little bit more, you know, realistic.” It’s this kind of practical insight that can truly elevate our understanding of e-commerce challenges and solutions.

Meet Commerce: Broadening the Horizon

Recognizing the need for a more inclusive platform, Kuba introduced Meet Commerce, an event that goes beyond Magento to explore the broader e-commerce landscape. “It’s challenging because of course every platform is competing. So when we put them all on stage, it’s really hard to make it a peaceful conversation,” Kuba admitted.

As someone who’s always advocated for cross-platform learning, I find this initiative particularly valuable. It reminds me of the importance of staying open to new ideas and solutions, regardless of our primary platform allegiance.

The Importance of Community Support

Our conversation naturally led to the role of the Magento Association. Kuba emphasized the need for an independent organization to support the open-source ecosystem: “Every open source needs an independent organization that will take care of it because Magento is right now a product of Adobe, but company has its own goals and open source should have some independent support.”

I couldn’t agree more. The strength of our community lies in its ability to self-organize and advocate for the platform’s future. It’s why I’ve been involved with the Magento Association and why I encourage everyone in our ecosystem to consider joining.

Adventure Racing: The Other Side of Kuba

What truly sets Kuba apart is his passion for adventure racing. “I’m practicing a niche sport called adventure racing, which basically means running with compass and biking and paddling somewhere in the wild,” he explained. This spirit of adventure seems to infuse his approach to business and community building as well.

Kuba’s introduction of swimrun to me is a perfect example of how our community extends beyond just e-commerce. It’s these personal connections and shared experiences that make the Magento ecosystem so unique and vibrant.

As our conversation wrapped up, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by Kuba’s multifaceted approach to life and business. From organizing world-class e-commerce events to volunteering in mountain rescue services, Kuba Zwolinski embodies the spirit of adventure and community that makes the Magento ecosystem so special.

Whether you’re a seasoned Magento developer or new to the world of e-commerce, there’s something to learn from Kuba’s journey. And if you’re looking to expand your horizons, both professionally and personally, keep an eye out for the upcoming Meet Magento Poland and Meet Commerce events. Who knows, you might find yourself discussing the future of e-commerce one day and planning an adventure race the next!

Remember, in the world of e-commerce and open-source communities, the adventure never really ends. It just takes on new forms, much like Kuba’s journey from mountain trails to digital marketplaces.

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