digital transformation Archives

Platter CEO, Ben Sharf, Reveals Their Approach to Shopify Store Management

May 27, 2025 Brent W. Peterson

In this insightful episode of Talk Commerce, host Brent Peterson sits down with Ben Sharf, CEO and co-founder of Platter, to explore how their innovative approach is reshaping the Shopify ecosystem. Ben dives deep into the challenges facing modern e-commerce brands and presents a compelling solution for streamlining operations while boosting profitability.

Key Takeaways

Consolidation of multiple Shopify apps into one comprehensive solution
Significant cost savings through reduced technical complexity
Focus on operational efficiency and increased profitability
Importance of questioning established e-commerce practices
Strategic approach to storefront management for scaling businesses

About Ben Sharf

Ben Sharf brings a unique perspective to e-commerce, combining his experience as a Division I ice hockey player at Colgate University with his entrepreneurial vision. Before founding Platter, he worked at GoPuff, where he developed instant delivery solutions for e-commerce websites. This experience led him to identify critical gaps in the Shopify ecosystem, ultimately inspiring the creation of Platter. His background in athletics has shaped his leadership style, emphasizing both physical and mental challenges in business growth.

The conversation begins with Ben sharing Platter’s origin story, born from his observations while working at GoPuff. He noticed that even successful brands generating $50 million+ in revenue struggled with website management and optimization. This insight led to the development of Platter’s unified solution.

Platter’s approach differs significantly from traditional methods. Instead of relying on numerous individual apps or expensive custom development, they’ve created a comprehensive suite that includes both a Shopify theme and app. This solution particularly benefits mid-market brands dealing with complex catalogs and medium-priced items.

A striking example of Platter’s impact comes from their work with Wild Earth, where they achieved $720,000 in annual operating expense reductions by transitioning the brand from a headless storefront to their integrated solution.

Personal Commentary and Analysis

The episode reveals a crucial shift in e-commerce technology strategy. While the Shopify ecosystem’s flexibility has been a strength, it’s also created a complex web of dependencies that can hinder growth. Platter’s approach of consolidating essential features into a unified platform represents a mature evolution in e-commerce infrastructure.

Memorable Quotes

“You don’t need to pay $6 a month for a color swatch app. That should just be a feature that’s built into the theme.” – Ben Sharf

“Less is more in a lot of instances… why is it this complicated? It doesn’t need to be.” – Ben Sharf

Engaging the Audience

For e-commerce brands interested in optimizing their operations, Platter offers pro bono audits of conversion funnels. This presents an excellent opportunity for businesses to receive expert insights into their current setup and potential improvements.

Final Thoughts

The future of e-commerce lies not in accumulating more tools but in intelligent consolidation and efficiency. As we move into 2025, brands must embrace technological innovations while questioning established practices to maintain competitive advantages.

Listen to more conversations about the latest in digital innovation here

AI and AR Drive Beauty Tech Innovation at Perfect Corp With Wayne Liu at Shop Talk

April 24, 2025 Brent W. Peterson

In a compelling episode of Talk Commerce recorded live from Shop Talk, host Brent Peterson sits down with Wayne Liu, co-founder and chief growth officer of Perfect Corp. This milestone conversation coincides with Perfect Corp’s 10th anniversary, offering listeners an insider’s perspective on how artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) are transforming the beauty and fashion industries.

Key Takeaways

Perfect Corp has developed sophisticated AI and AR solutions used by over 700 major brands and retailers
The company’s skin analysis technology can evaluate 14 different skin concerns in just five seconds
Their technology solutions work across both e-commerce (70% of customers) and in-store retail environments
Perfect Corp maintains a vast color library of 800,000 different SKUs for precise virtual try-ons
The company’s AI approach combines both analytical and generative AI technologies
AR implementation works best for standardized products with multiple variations

About Wayne Liu

Wayne Liu co-founded Perfect Corp ten years ago and serves as the company’s Chief Growth Officer. With a deep understanding of both technology and beauty industries, Liu has been instrumental in developing Perfect Corp’s AI and AR solutions that bridge the gap between virtual and physical retail experiences. His expertise spans machine learning, computer vision, and enterprise software development, making him a leading voice in beauty tech innovation.

Detailed Episode Summary

Our conversation begins with Liu explaining Perfect Corp’s core technology offerings, focusing on their virtual try-on solutions for makeup, skincare, and fashion products. The company’s technology stack includes both AR capabilities for virtual product testing and AI-powered skin analysis tools that can provide detailed assessments within seconds.

Liu delves into the technical aspects of their AI development, explaining how they’ve built their systems using convolutional neural networks and machine learning. He emphasizes that while ChatGPT has brought AI into the spotlight, Perfect Corp has been developing and refining their AI capabilities for the past decade.

The discussion shifts to the practical applications of their technology, with Liu highlighting how their solutions help reduce product returns and improve conversion rates for retailers. He explains that their technology can be integrated via API or SDK, making it accessible for both online and in-store implementations.

Personal Commentary and Analysis

This episode reveals the significant strides made in beauty tech over the past decade. What’s particularly impressive is Perfect Corp’s focus on solving real business problems rather than just creating novelty experiences. Their approach to combining analytical AI with generative AI capabilities shows a sophisticated understanding of how to leverage different technologies for maximum impact.

Engaging the Audience

To experience Perfect Corp’s innovative solutions firsthand, listeners can visit www.perfectcorp.com and try their demo products. The company regularly releases new features and technologies, making it worth following their developments through their website and LinkedIn presence.

Final Thoughts

The intersection of AI, AR, and beauty tech represents a fascinating frontier in retail innovation. Perfect Corp’s decade-long journey demonstrates how persistent innovation and focus on practical applications can create transformative solutions for both retailers and consumers.

Listen to more episodes about the latest in retail innovation here

Transforming B2B Commerce Through 3M’s Digital Shelf Revolution with Xavier Rio

March 17, 2025March 4, 2025 Brent W. Peterson

In this enlightening episode of Talk Commerce, host Brent Peterson sits down with Xavier Rio, Global B2B E-commerce Manager for 3M‘s Safety and Industrial Business Group. Based near Paris, France, Xavier brings his extensive experience in digital transformation and unique perspective on global e-commerce strategies. The conversation explores how 3M, a global science and technology powerhouse, is revolutionizing B2B commerce through innovative digital solutions.

Key Takeaways

3M’s indirect e-commerce strategy operates primarily through partner platforms and marketplaces served by distributors
The company’s digital shelf enhancement program empowers product experiences through web crawler insights and an always-on model
Sustainability initiatives are driving innovation, exemplified by the new solar-powered safety communication helmet
B2B commerce is evolving rapidly with the influence of younger generations in decision-making roles
AI implementation focuses on practical applications that solve specific business challenges
Personalization in B2B requires multiple layers of customization across segments, personas, and individuals

About Xavier Rio

Xavier Rio serves as the Global E-commerce Manager in 3M’s Safety and Industrial Business Group, where he leads various global e-commerce projects and programs across multiple regions including the US, Europe, Asia, GCE, and Latin America. His role focuses on generating incremental sales through e-commerce partner platforms. A former rugby player, Xavier brings the collaborative and team-oriented principles from his sporting background into his professional work, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in digital transformation initiatives.

Detailed Episode Summary

The conversation begins with Xavier outlining 3M’s position as a global science and technology company operating through three main business groups: safety industrial, transportation electronics, and consumer. He explains that 3M’s e-commerce strategy primarily relies on channel partners, creating an indirect go-to-market approach through established platforms and marketplaces.

A significant focus of the discussion centers on 3M’s digital shelf concept, which Xavier describes as an end-to-end process leveraging product content insights from web crawlers to optimize content delivery and enhance product discoverability. This system enables better product experiences through their Product Experience Management (PXM) system.

The conversation shifts to the evolution of B2B commerce, with Xavier highlighting how younger generations are driving rapid change in business practices. He emphasizes that B2B transactions now require understanding multiple roles within organizations and how different age groups interact with digital platforms.

Innovation remains at the forefront of 3M’s strategy, as evidenced by their recent launch of a solar-powered safety communication helmet – the first of its kind globally. This product exemplifies 3M’s commitment to combining sustainability with practical innovation.

Personal Commentary and Analysis

The interview reveals a fascinating glimpse into how traditional manufacturing giants like 3M are adapting to the digital age. The company’s approach to digital transformation is particularly noteworthy for its balanced consideration of technology, people, and processes. Rather than pursuing technology for its own sake, 3M’s strategy focuses on solving specific business challenges and enhancing customer experience.

Memorable Quotes

“Innovation is equal to invention and commercialization. We could have great invention, but if we are not able to commercialize, it won’t be an innovation.” – Xavier Rio

“E-commerce is not the end state. Really the end state is omni-channel contract commerce.” – Xavier Rio

“We need to make AI right, efficiently… every time we first raise the question, not raise the AI for AI, but what is really the problem that we want to solve?” – Xavier Rio

Engaging the Audience

To learn more about 3M’s innovative approach to B2B e-commerce and digital transformation, listeners can tune in to the full episode of Talk Commerce. The conversation offers valuable insights for professionals interested in digital commerce, technology integration, and global business strategies. Follow Talk Commerce on your preferred podcast platform to stay updated on the latest developments in e-commerce and digital transformation.

Final Thoughts: The discussion with Xavier Rio illuminates how 3M is navigating the complex landscape of global B2B e-commerce while maintaining its commitment to innovation and sustainability. As digital transformation continues to reshape business operations, 3M’s strategic approach to the digital shelf serves as a compelling model for other organizations seeking to enhance their e-commerce capabilities.

Find more episodes about B2B Commerce here

How G2A is Revolutionizing Digital Entertainment with Mona Kinal

February 18, 2025 Brent W. Peterson

In this episode of Talk Commerce, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mona Kinal, a seasoned marketing professional with over 20 years of experience who currently serves as the CMO at G2A.com. Our conversation revealed fascinating insights into the evolution of digital marketplaces and the future of gaming entertainment.

The Evolution of G2A: From Gaming Store to Digital Entertainment Hub

G2A.com’s journey is a testament to the dynamic nature of digital commerce. What began as an online video game store in 2010 has transformed into the world’s largest and most trusted marketplace for digital entertainment. Under Mona’s marketing leadership, G2A now serves more than 30 million customers across 180 countries, with over 100 million items sold from their 75,000 digital offerings.

Adapting to Post-Pandemic Consumer Behavior

One of the most interesting aspects of our discussion was how the pandemic reshaped G2A’s business model. As Mona explained, COVID-19 didn’t just change how people shopped – it transformed how they consumed entertainment. The emergence of casual gamers alongside traditional hardcore gamers opened new opportunities for expansion into software, e-learning, gift cards, and subscriptions.

The AI Revolution in Digital Marketplaces

A significant portion of our conversation focused on how G2A leverages artificial intelligence across their platform. Mona shared several key applications:

Seller verification and fraud prevention
Customer segmentation and personalization
Marketing automation and content creation
Cybersecurity and pattern recognition
Customer service automation

Trust and Security in Digital Commerce

What particularly impressed me was G2A’s commitment to security. With over 400 payment methods available and an anti-fraud rate lower than the industry average, they’ve created a trusted environment for digital transactions. This focus on security, combined with local payment options like Blic in Poland and Bizum in Spain, has helped build customer confidence across global markets.

The Future of Gaming and Digital Entertainment

Looking ahead to 2025, Mona shared some exciting predictions:

AI will continue to be a driving force in industry innovation
Marketplace dominance will grow (currently 65% of European online sales)
Increased brand presence in gaming platforms like Roblox and Fortnite
More gaming-inspired entertainment content
Seamless multi-device gaming experiences

Personal Reflection

As someone who’s worked extensively with major brands like Universal Music, I found Mona’s insights into digital entertainment particularly relevant. The way G2A has positioned itself as a “gate to adventure” in the digital world showcases how modern brands can successfully blend commerce with entertainment.

I especially appreciated Mona’s emphasis on democratizing digital entertainment – making it accessible to everyone regardless of age, location, or digital savviness. This approach aligns perfectly with the evolving nature of gaming and digital consumption.

If you’d like to explore more about what G2A offers, visit g2a.com and discover their extensive digital marketplace for yourself. As Mona would say, it’s time to “open the gate to adventure” in the digital world.

Find more interviews about Digital Consumer Behavior

More ways to connect with G2A:
https://www.instagram.com/g2a_com/

https://www.facebook.com/G2Acom

https://www.tiktok.com/@g2a_com

Business Buzzwords 2025: AI Agents Lead Digital Revolution as Fast Follow Strategy Dominates

February 17, 2025 susanmakolea

The latest analysis of business buzzwords reveals AI agents as 2025’s fastest-growing term, while fast follow strategy leads with 423.3 million mentions. Discover how these trends are reshaping e-commerce and digital business landscapes.

Simplifying the Magento Extension Experience with Ravi Mittal

January 27, 2025January 23, 2025 Brent W. Peterson

In this enlightening episode of Talk Commerce, host Brent Peterson welcomes Ravi Mittal, CEO and founder of Rave Digital and owner of Aheadworks. With over 15 years of experience in the e-commerce industry, Ravi shares his vision for transforming how Magento extensions are licensed, sold, and managed. The conversation provides valuable insights into the current challenges facing the Magento ecosystem and proposed solutions to enhance the merchant experience.

Key Takeaways

The current Magento extension licensing model is overly complex with different pricing tiers for Open Source, Commerce, and Commerce Cloud
Merchants typically manage 70+ extensions from 6-7 different providers, creating significant subscription management challenges
Only 10-15% of extension sales currently flow through the Adobe Marketplace
The Magento extension market represents approximately $10 million in annual revenue
A unified billing system through Adobe Marketplace could benefit both merchants and extension providers
Usage-based pricing may be more appropriate than edition-based pricing for extensions

About Ravi Mittal

Ravi Mittal brings extensive technical expertise and business acumen to the Magento ecosystem. After leaving his role as an architect at IBM, he founded Rave Digital in 2008, transforming it from a software development shop into a full-service e-commerce agency. In 2019, he acquired Aheadworks, one of the most respected Magento extension providers with 57 extensions and four industry awards. Under his leadership, both companies leverage their combined strengths to deliver efficient e-commerce solutions to merchants worldwide.

Detailed Episode Summary

The discussion begins with Ravi explaining the fundamental challenges in the current Magento extension ecosystem. He highlights how extensions, typically used for around seven years, require constant updates to maintain compatibility with new versions and security patches. This ongoing maintenance necessitated the introduction of subscription models to sustain development efforts.

Ravi then addresses the complexity of the current licensing structure, where extensions often have different pricing tiers for Magento Open Source, Adobe Commerce, and Adobe Commerce Cloud. He advocates for a simpler approach, suggesting a straightforward monthly or annual fee structure similar to other e-commerce platforms.

A significant pain point discussed is the fragmented purchasing and renewal process. With merchants managing dozens of extensions from multiple vendors, each with different billing cycles and renewal dates, the administrative burden becomes substantial. Ravi proposes centralizing this process through the Adobe Marketplace, suggesting that Adobe could play a crucial role in streamlining the entire ecosystem.

Personal Commentary and Analysis

The challenges identified by Ravi reflect broader issues in the Magento ecosystem. The current system’s complexity may be contributing to merchant frustration and potentially pushing some toward simpler alternatives like Shopify. The proposed solutions, particularly around unified billing and simplified licensing, could help Magento maintain its competitive edge in the e-commerce platform market.

Memorable Quotes

“It’s not a $300 you cannot get a lifetime license. It doesn’t make financial sense at all.” – Ravi Mittal

“We need to make it super easy for brands to do business with Magento community or Magento platform.” – Ravi Mittal

“Extensions will never go away even if they introduce App Builder.” – Ravi Mittal

Engaging the Audience

To learn more about these important developments in the Magento ecosystem, listeners are encouraged to attend Meet Magento Florida on February 5th and 6th, 2025 at the Hard Rock, Florida. The event features keynote speaker Chirag Nichar from Google and includes case studies from major brands like Helen of Troy, Henry Schein, and Nestle.

Final Thoughts

The transformation of Magento’s extension ecosystem represents a critical juncture for the platform’s future. By simplifying licensing models and centralizing management through the Adobe Marketplace, the community can create a more sustainable and user-friendly environment for merchants and developers alike. As Ravi aptly demonstrates, sometimes the key to extension success lies not in the code itself, but in how we manage and deliver it.

Listen to more episodes about the latest in digital ecommerce strategy

O2 Commerce Pioneers Next-Gen Retail Solutions at NRF 2025

January 13, 2025January 2, 2025 susanmakolea

O2 Commerce showcases groundbreaking retail solutions at NRF 2025, emphasizing omnichannel innovation, hyper-personalization, and sustainable commerce practices through their enhanced capabilities following the ZaneRay merger.

Modern beauty salon with digital displays showcasing social commerce integration

Egg Beauty Labs and SHOPLINE Join Forces to Revolutionize Social Commerce in the Beauty Industry

July 31, 2024 Brent W. Peterson

Egg Beauty Labs and SHOPLINE announce a groundbreaking collaboration to support content-to-cash software platforms for influencers and brands in the beauty industry, introducing new revenue streams and empowering beauty professionals.

The Future of Omnichannel Commerce: Insights from Fabric CEO Mike Micucci

March 29, 2024March 19, 2024 Brent W. Peterson

I recently had the pleasure of hosting Mike Micucci, CEO of Fabric Commerce, on the Talk Commerce podcast. With his deep experience in ecommerce, including leadership roles at Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Mike shared fascinating insights into how composable commerce and AI are revolutionizing the omnichannel retail experience. In this post, I’ll highlight some of the key takeaways from our conversation.

The Power of Composable Commerce

Mike explained that composable commerce provides retailers the flexibility to build the experiences they want while still benefiting from a unified backend platform. Fabric’s composable platform allows retailers to seamlessly manage the full commerce lifecycle, from merchandising to order fulfillment.

As Mike put it, “Commerce doesn’t stop at checkout. It’s just getting started.” I couldn’t agree more. Composable commerce empowers brands to craft unique customer journeys that extend beyond the buy button.

Accelerating Omnichannel with Fabric

For retailers looking to enhance their omnichannel capabilities, Mike outlined two key approaches with Fabric’s platform:

Incrementally add discrete services like real-time inventory or advanced promotions to their existing tech stack
Implement a comprehensive omnichannel solution by leveraging Fabric’s pre-built “primitives” – mini-apps that accelerate time-to-market and reduce complexity

Having seen many retailers struggle with siloed systems and inconsistent experiences, I’m excited by Fabric’s vision for a unified omnichannel platform. It’s a game-changer.

The Transformative Power of AI

Mike and I also discussed the transformative potential of AI in commerce. While many retailers have adopted basic machine learning for product recommendations, Mike envisions AI driving significant operational improvements.

By harnessing data across merchandising, fulfillment, and returns, AI can enable dynamic pricing, intelligent inventory allocation, and proactive decision-making. As Mike noted, this was previously only possible for retail giants like Amazon. But with platforms like Fabric democratizing access to advanced AI, every retailer can now unlock this potential.

The implications are vast – I believe we’ll see AI fundamentally reshaping how brands operate and engage customers in the coming years.

Unifying Digital and Physical Retail

Finally, Mike emphasized the importance of blending digital and physical experiences into one cohesive customer journey. Fabric’s platform empowers retailers to offer seamless omnichannel scenarios – browse online, purchase in-store; buy on mobile, pick up curbside; endless aisles in fitting rooms – all on a single platform.

This unified approach powered by robust APIs is key to meeting modern customer expectations. I’m thrilled to see composable commerce and platforms like Fabric making this level of integration achievable for retailers of all sizes.

Boosting Performance and Flexibility with Fabric’s Ethos

One aspect of Fabric’s approach that stood out to me was their ethos of “boost what’s there, make it better and faster.” Mike explained how this allows retailers to incrementally adopt Fabric’s services to enhance their existing infrastructure, rather than ripping and replacing everything at once.

This modular approach, enabled by composable architecture, gives brands the agility to tackle their most pressing needs first, then layer in additional capabilities over time. From my experience, this agile mindset is essential for success in today’s fast-moving retail environment.

The Symbiosis of Composable Commerce and Omnichannel

Throughout our discussion, it became clear that composable commerce and omnichannel retail are intricately linked. The modularity and flexibility of composable architectures perfectly align with the demands of omnichannel selling.

As customer journeys increasingly criss-cross between digital and physical touchpoints, retailers need the ability to rapidly compose and recompose experiences. Fabric’s platform, with its comprehensive suite of APIs and pre-built components, makes this level of agility possible.

Empowering Store Associates with Clienteling

One exciting use case Mike highlighted was clienteling – equipping store associates with tools to deliver personalized, high-touch service. Historically, clienteling has been challenging due to disconnected systems and data silos.

But with a unified platform like Fabric, associates can now access customer profiles, past purchase history, product information, and inventory data in real-time. This empowers them to deliver the kind of consultative, omnichannel experiences that drive loyalty and revenue.

As brick-and-mortar retail rebounds post-pandemic, I believe clienteling will be a key differentiator. Composable commerce makes it achievable at scale.

As I reflect on my conversation with Mike, I’m struck by the vast potential of composable commerce to reshape retail. By breaking down monolithic systems into modular, API-driven components, retailers can finally achieve the speed and flexibility needed to thrive in the omnichannel era.

Moreover, the convergence of composable architectures and AI opens up exciting new possibilities. From dynamic pricing to predictive merchandising, retailers can now harness data and intelligence in previously unimaginable ways.

Of course, technology is just one piece of the puzzle. Retailers must also foster a culture of agility, experimentation, and customer-centricity. But with platforms like Fabric providing the technological foundation, I believe we’ll see a new generation of retailers redefining what’s possible in omnichannel commerce.

If you’re as passionate about the future of retail as I am, I invite you to listen to my full Talk Commerce podcast episode with Mike Micucci. And if you’ll be at Shoptalk, swing by the Fabric booth to see their technology in action.

The retail renaissance is here – and it’s composable. Let’s embrace this exciting new era together.

Live from eTail West with Shopware’s Jason Nyhus: Insights and Innovations

March 5, 2024March 5, 2024 Brent W. Peterson

I had the pleasure of welcoming Jason Nyhus, the General Manager at Shopware US, who shared valuable insights into Shopware’s journey, its mission in the US market, and the innovative strides the company is making in the eCommerce space. As a long-time listener but a first-time attendee, Jason brought a fresh perspective to the table, underlining the importance of innovation, open source, and meeting the specific needs of the mid-market merchant.

Shopware’s Mission and Cultural Impact

Starting with a background on Shopware, Jason Nyhus highlighted the company’s 20-year history and its foundation by two brothers with contrasting strengths in art and science. This combination has fostered a unique company culture capable of challenging norms and embracing significant changes, such as going open source and transitioning the company’s business language to English, despite being based in rural Germany.

First-Person Insight:

As someone deeply involved in the eCommerce world, it was fascinating to hear about Shopware’s bold decisions and cultural dynamics. The company’s commitment to open source and continuous innovation resonates with the changing needs of the global market.

Shopware’s Approach to Innovation

Jason emphasized Shopware’s innovative approach, particularly its decision to invest in AI capabilities and focus on improving merchant efficiency. With 13 or 14 live AI capabilities now embedded in the product at no extra charge, Shopware is setting new benchmarks for what eCommerce platforms can offer.

First-Person Insight:

The conversation around AI and innovation was particularly engaging. It’s clear that Shopware is not just keeping up with trends but is actively shaping the future of eCommerce with its visionary perspective.

The Importance of Serving the Mid-Market

A significant part of our discussion revolved around the unique challenges and opportunities in serving the mid-market. Jason pointed out the critical role of providing enterprise-class capabilities at SMB budgets and the necessity of a supportive community of developers and scalable marketing stories.

First-Person Insight:

Jason’s insights into the mid-market segment were eye-opening. It’s a reminder of how platforms need to adapt and innovate to serve this diverse and often overlooked segment effectively.

Looking Ahead: The Future of eCommerce in 2024

As we wrapped up our conversation, Jason shared his optimistic outlook for the eCommerce industry in 2024, highlighting the increased activity and energy in the sector. This optimism is backed by Shopware’s impressive growth and the potential for digital transformation among mid-market merchants.

First-Person Insight:

Jason’s optimism for the future of eCommerce is contagious. It’s clear that despite the challenges, there are vast opportunities for growth and innovation in this space.

Etail Wrap up

My conversation with Jason Nyhus was not only enlightening but also inspirational, providing a glimpse into the future of eCommerce through the lens of Shopware’s journey and innovations. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of commerce, it’s clear that innovation, open source, and a deep understanding of the market’s needs will be crucial for success.

For those looking to dive deeper into the world of eCommerce and learn more about Shopware’s innovative solutions, listening to the full episode of Talk Commerce is a must.