Online payments are rapidly becoming more seamless, and the question is: Is your brand keeping up? As consumers increasingly demand convenience, simplified payment options are not just a preference; they're reshaping the future of ecommerce transactions. In this episode of Commerce Experience, Roxy and Elena discuss the evolving landscape of online checkouts, from one-click purchasing to MasterCard's bold initiative to eliminate manual card entry by 2030. The two also explore how these...

Brands and retailers are experiencing a shake-up unlike any before, driven not by tech but by the growing use of weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. With millions of Americans turning to these GLP-1 medications, supplement stores, including GNC and Vitamin Shoppe, are just a small fraction of businesses, racing to tap into the trend. In this episode, Roxy and Elena explore how retailers are adapting their strategies, from redesigning store layouts to targeting new customer...

Virtual concerts on Roblox gained massive popularity during the pandemic, but did you know brands are now using the game to leverage immersive marketing tactics to connect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha? In this episode, Roxy and Elena explore the growing appeal of Roblox as a marketing channel, where major brands like Nike, Hilton, and Paramount are crafting virtual experiences to build brand awareness among younger audiences. With marketers feeling the pressure to be everywhere at once, our...

In order to unlock AI’s highest potential in shopping experiences, we need to understand how AI understands us: our language, our buying patterns, and our search preferences. Joining co-hosts Elena and Roxy on this week’s episode is Xun Wang, CTO at Bloomreach, who gives the 411 on how AI and large language models (LLMs) are revolutionizing the way consumers search online. When the customer is granted a more personalized and relevant shopping experience, it’s better for both the customer and...

The combination of AI and personalization is shifting customer expectations for shopping experiences at an astonishing pace. In today’s episode, we’ll get a first-hand look at the real-world application of AI to create personalized customer experiences at scale, with the Head of Digital and Ecommerce at Miele, Sergei Moiseev-Liberman.   As a high-end German manufacturer of premium home appliances and commercial equipment, personalization is crucial for Moiseev-Liberman’s team at Miele. With...

Too many conversations about AI in commerce fail to account for the legitimate questions and concerns of retailers that are being asked to take a huge leap of faith into a new world. Without clear guidance from trusted sources, the gap between technological advancements promoted by AI providers and the readiness of retailers to adopt these technologies will only continue to widen. This week, Elena speaks with Andrew Laudato, COO at The Vitamin Shoppe, the Chairman and Co-Founder of the...

Crafting a buzzworthy launch is truly an art form, especially in a crowded market — like beauty — where it can be tough to stand out. Today, we’re joined by Cherene Aubert, VP of Digital & Commerce at ILIA Beauty, who has a proven track record of disrupting industries with her innovative ideas around product launches. She and Elena delve into the realities of omnichannel marketing, how creativity can be empowered by AI, and the evolution of personalization and brand in the age of data...

How are AI and data science transforming data teams’ workflows, business strategy, and the overall customer experience?  Prakash Hariharabalan, Senior Director of Marketing Analytics at Signet Jewelers — an overarching umbrella company that houses Jareds, Zales, Kay Jewelers, and more — stops by the show to break down the secrets of truly leveraging data in ecommerce. He and Elena delve into data privacy, ethics, and the importance of cultivating a data-driven culture in retail.

Discover how loyalty programs can transform customer relationships. From Sephora to Kohl's and Elf, brands are evolving to incentivize and gamify the customer journey, creating extraordinary experiences that go beyond “just perks.” In this episode, Elena and Roxy delve into the distinctions between loyalty and rewards programs and explore how to tailor the best approach for your e-commerce business. TLDR; The critical role of loyalty programs in customer retentionGamifying the customer...

Generative AI (GenAI) is rapidly transforming the e-commerce industry, urging forward-thinking businesses to dream bigger than ever before. Among the burgeoning areas of innovation is conversational commerce, which is increasingly becoming a dedicated budget item for marketers and merchandisers.  For deeper insights into this evolving field, Elena got together with Vikas Jha, VP of Engineering, Conversational Commerce at Bloomreach. With an impressive track record, including stints at Google...

A large market shift is happening in luxury ecommerce. Millennials and Zoomers alike are prioritizing value over brands, and with dupe culture being extremely popular amongst the younger demographic, luxury ecommerce needs help to stay relevant. Even big media outlets, like The New York Times, are noticing the change in its recent article, “Has the Luxury E-Commerce Bubble Burst?” Today, Elena and Roxy Couse, Director, Customer Experience Group, sit down at Bloomreach’s Charlotte, North...

With the increasingly crowded ecommerce landscape of 2024 and beyond, carving out your brand's unique online merchandising strategy is paramount. But how do you get started? In today's episode, Elena is joined by Salee Suwansawad, the trailblazing Digital Site Merchandising Leader at VF Corporation, which is home to brands like Vans, Timberland, Northface, and more. With a wealth of experience in the space, Salee unveils the blueprint for constructing a commerce empire that stands the test...

Ecommerce continues to evolve at a pace that is hard to fathom — let alone keep up with. In this episode of the Commerce Experience, which was recorded live at Shoptalk Spring in Las, Vegas, Elena sits down with Jennifer Peters, Senior Manager of ECommerce at OLLY PBC, and Phillip Jackson, Co-Founder of Future Commerce, to look at how e-commerce is prioritizing  simplicity over complexity with the democratization of platforms and staying agile and attentive to customers' expectations. Join...

In 2023, there was a spike in experience, or experiential, retail. But what is experience retail? It’s a strategy that focuses on creating unique, immersive, and memorable experiences for customers — both online and in store. For example, the widespread excitement around pop culture-related events, like the Barbie movie or the Taylor Swift Eras tour, helped immerse consumers wholly into a particular experience — while also driving related purchases for themed outfits, accessories, costumes,...

In the current economic environment, the directive to "do more with less" has become an inescapable reality for marketers. Tasked with driving ambitious results on a shoestring budget and a lean team, the challenge is not merely to keep pace but to stand out and thrive.  Into this challenging scenario, Natalie Marcotullio, Head of Growth and Operations at Navattic, brings to the table a unique framework designed to empower small marketing teams. Joining Elena in an eye-opening conversation,...

Marketing teams run a million miles a minute, but one central focus fuels those that win — impenetrable teamwork and a customer-centric approach that focuses on curating the shopping experiences that make sense to them. This unwavering dedication to understanding and meeting the ever-changing needs of their customers sets the stage for groundbreaking strategies and unparalleled business success. Today, Elena sits down with Mark Frenette, the B2B Digital Commerce Manager at Hershey, to...

How well do you know your customers? Yes, yes, you “know them.” You know their purchasing habits, their demographics, and the various styles trending. But how deep down the rabbit hole are you going as a retailer in trying to truly understand and connect with them on a personal level? In today’s episode of Commerce Experience, Jillian Borde, Marketing Director at Double Stitch by Bedsure, talks about radical customer engagement for the 76% of consumers who think companies should know and...

Elena links up with Desiree Natali, the innovative Director of Social Media at The Honey Pot Company, for a chat about community marketing, grassroots efforts, experimentation and testing, and much more. In marketing, one fundamental lesson remains true: embracing change and being open to trying new things is key. In this episode of the Commerce Experience, Desiree Natali, the Director of Social Media and Community at The Honey Pot Company, shares her invaluable experience and marketing...

AI is the new hire you’ve always dreamed of. But the onboarding process is going to take some time. For the time being, your team’s knowledge and skillset will be the secret sauce to reaping the benefits of the AI technology that’s evolving in front of our eyes by the minute. Joining Elena on the Commerce Experience to talk about using AI in e-commerce, marketing, and more are two of Bloomreach’s most seasoned ambassadors, Lasse Pedersen, Lead Architect at Nexus Ambition, and Rita Sousa,...

What are the traits of a limitless leader, and how would you transform in 2024 if you tapped into this wisdom? Today, Elena is joined by Dr. Mary Hemphill, a leadership expert and development coach, author, and highly regarded communicator. She holds a PhD in Leadership Studies and has impacted nearly 50,000 leaders around the world with her transformational and innovative development strategies. Mary is the proud CEO and founder of The Limitless Leader LLC™, an organization that helps...

Join host Elena Kacan in her debut episode of Commerce Experience, as she sits down with Roxy Couse (Head of Strategy at Bloomreach) and Phillip Jackson (Co-founder of Future Commerce) to discuss the intersection of pop culture and online shopping. From Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce trends to the grandma chic aesthetic, this conversation unpacks how what's hot right now can make or break your online store. Don’t miss this discussion packed full of insider tips and laughs as they reveal how to...

Welcome to the all-new, Commerce Experience podcast. We're still bringing you must-hear insights, but now with a new host, Elena Kacan! Elena is a dynamic marketing strategist and community marketing manager with a passion for empowering data-driven creators and optimizers who are looking to take their game to the next level. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, we're on a mission to highlight those doing things a bit differently in the world of e-commerce. You can...

In this episode, we’re delving into the economic growth opportunities and challenges faced by retailers across North America, with a special focus on Canada. From the influx of immigrants to the transformation of skill sets and technology investment, we explore the evolving landscape of the retail industry. We’re joined by Michael LeBlanc, Michael is the Founder and president of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc. and a Senior Advisor to the Retail Council of Canada as part of his advisory and...

In August industry leaders gathered in Napa Valley to discuss the exciting fusion of AI and e-commerce with a particular focus on the challenges and potential solutions within the online shopping journey. With visionary keynotes and sessions focused on new and emerging applications of AI, the Edge Summit shapes a new future for online shopping — from marketing to site search and beyond. In today's episode, we're highlighting some of the best moments from the livestream, insightful...