Podcast appearances and mentions of alicia esposito

Lupine Skelly, Retail Research Leader at Deloitte, joins Phillip and Alicia to dissect the stark reality behind this year's holiday shopping forecast. Consumer spending is projected to drop by 10%, and economic pessimism has reached its highest level since the Great Recession. As a result, retailers are facing a season where communicating value is key. This conversation explores the enduring vitality of Black Friday, the quiet revolution of private label brands, and how cultural rituals, AI integration, and brand loyalty are being fundamentally rewired. The Data Doesn't LieKey Takeaways:Shoppers expect to spend $1,595 this season as economic concerns peak57% expect the economy to weaken, the most pessimistic outlook recorded since 1997Black Friday remains vital despite two decades of obituaries24% of budgets are spent by October due to the Prime Day effectPrivate label gains ground as brand loyalty fundamentally shiftsKey Quotes:[00:02:10.14] Lupine Skelly: "57% of people are saying they expect the economy to weaken in the year ahead, and that's the highest we've seen since we started tracking that question in 1997. To put that in context, 2008 was probably the next highest at 54%—that was around the Great Recession. So [there's] a lot of uncertainty out there."[00:04:42.72] Lupine Skelly: "I feel like people have been trying to kill off Black Friday for 20 years. Is Black Friday dead? It's not dead."[00:13:17.91] Lupine Skelly: "In our study, 42% of consumers are saying they're going to use gen AI to find the perfect gift. And even more are saying they're going to use it to find the best deals."[00:25:49.24] Lupine Skelly: "Retail is always battling for share of wallet, but I think we're at a very different time period. Gaming, gambling—there's some big juggernauts taking what might have been the money you used to go to the mall years ago."Associated Links:Dig deeper into Deloitte data and insights hereCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oleksii (Alex) Lunkov joins Alicia Esposito to unpack how meaningful constraints fuel creativity in an age of algorithmic abundance. From Saint Sophia's 9 million glass cubes to the digitization of Berry Bros. & Rudd's 300-year heritage, this conversation navigates the tension between AI efficiency and human authenticity. Discover why 95% of AI pilots fail, how brands become cultural ambassadors, and what fractional leadership means for tomorrow's commerce teams.When Centuries of Heritage Meet the eCom Product PageKey takeaways:Meaningful constraints drive better creative outcomes. Removing all friction from digital experiences leaves us wondering why we don't feel anything.AI dramatically increases individual productivity, but human oversight remains essential for tone preservation, fact-checking, and maintaining brand authenticity.Successful brands act as cultural ambassadors, translating something unique through their channels while balancing best practices with distinctive identity.The fractional work revolution emerges at the intersection of AI-enhanced productivity, volatile job markets, and businesses seeking expertise without long-term commitment.Most AI implementations fail because teams don't understand the technology's actual capabilities and limitations before deploying it.[00:06:14] "We removed all the friction, and we wonder why we don't feel anything." - Oleksii, quoting Phillip Jackson[00:11:40] "In order to build a personal brand, you need a person to be behind that brand." - Oleksii[00:28:48] "AI adoption is this huge spike on the top and then very long tail afterwards." - OleksiiAssociated Links:Read Oleskii on InsidersCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Following the release of his work, The War of the Worlds Did Not Take Place, Nick Susi joins the pod to unravel the real War of the Worlds myth: not alien panic, but a battle between newspapers and radio that manufactured mass hysteria. Phillip, Brian, and Nick explore how narrative form shapes collective memory, why brands weaponize conflict for attention, and what happens when everything becomes participatory fan fiction.Behind the Curtain of Inherited MythKey takeaways:Structured narratives outlast formless truth in collective memory.Brands now weaponize conflict and controversy for attention economics.Everything is becoming participatory, co-created, and infinite fan fiction."The War of the Worlds is not actually a war between humans and aliens. It's really this war between mediums." — Nick Susi"We've entered the phase of the attention economy where the game is attention at any and all costs." — Nick Susi"People don't want to share the thing. They want to share their experience of the thing." — W. David Marx (referenced)"Awareness does not decrease manipulation necessarily." –– Brian"We've become much more aware of the act of storytelling as a culture, like we see the artifice of storytelling and we appreciate the act of it itself." –– PhillipIn-Show Mentions:The War of the Worlds performance piece and publication by Nick SusiOrder The War of the Worlds Did Not Take Place on MetalabelBlank Space by W. David MarxInsiders #196: Time After Time by Brian LangeAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Katherine Dee, internet culture writer and mastermind behind her popular AM-style call-in show, joins us to explore the archaeology of online life. From dissecting the Friend AI pendant's failed attempt at god replacement to chronicling e-girl evolution in her Meta Label publication, Katherine offers an unvarnished look at how we're moving beyond relentless content production. The conversation navigates haunted objects, the fragmentation of social platforms, and why the future might be more mystical than algorithmic. As AI reshapes proof itself, Katherine argues we're witnessing a cultural shift toward physical witnessing and enchanted meaning-making.Katherine's God Isn't A WhinerKey takeaways:AI companions fail when they gaslight users and demand emotional labor constantlyInternet culture documentation requires trust without judgment to reveal authentic subculturesSocial platforms fragment as users crave stories over gossip and embodied over digitalThe erosion of digital proof drives a turn toward mysticism and magicContent exhaustion pushes creators toward dynamic formats and offline experiencesIn-Show Mentions:Katherine's response to the Friend AI pendantE-girl 001 publicationKatherine's call-in show exploring paranormal and internet cultureReggie James on spiritual technologyAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Halloween Horror Nights wasn't always a $575M-per-park juggernaut. When Universal launched Fright Nights in 1991 with just three experimental nights and $12 tickets, they stumbled onto something bigger than a haunted house…they uncovered retail's thirteenth month of revenue. In this Spooky Commerce special, we trace how October became the secret weapon for combating theme park slumps, why Spirit Halloween's pop-up model prints money in dead malls, and what happens when horror becomes the ultimate immersive commerce experience.October: When Pop-Ups Pop OffKey takeaways:Halloween is retail's second-largest holiday and is expected to generate more than $13B in consumer spending this year Universal's Horror Nights operates 48 nights, up from 3 in 1991Spirit Halloween's 1,500 pop-ups generate over $1B in dead retail spacesHorror reflects cultural anxieties through interactive commercePremium ticketing doubles daily revenue for a  single venueIn-Show Mentions:Insiders #210: Spooky Commerce – What Halloween Shopping Trends Tell Us About Modern CultureHalloween Horror Nights WikiForbes: Universal's Halloween Revenue Analysis (2023)National Retail Federation Halloween Spending ReportAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rene Federico, US Head of Marketing at Primark, joins Future Commerce to discuss the international retailer's first major marketing push in America after a decade of organic growth and physical retail expansion. Drawing on over 20 years at heritage brands like Nike and Converse, she shares insights on building brand relevance in a performance-obsessed era, translating the "joy of shopping" to different US markets, and why the customer should always be the hero of the story.Stat Chasers Never WinKey takeaways:Brand relevance makes you less interchangeable with competitors in the marketThe marketing funnel has collapsed—social media now operates across all stagesInnovation thrives under constraints; limited resources drive creative solutionsTrue brand equity isn't measured on a 30-day dashboard; free yourself from over-measuring creative campaignsCustomers deserve brands that enable participation, not just transactions[00:12:28] "You can stat chase or you can build strategies that help you win as a team. The outcomes will be different depending on your approach." – Rene Federico[00:33:06] "Consumers don't shop your org chart, they shop your brand. Business models don't shop—customers do." – Rene Federico[00:45:31] "When you get someone to buy something, that is an exertion of power. It means somewhere in their conscience, you've been able to affect a choice. We're in a moment where the customer is the hero of the story." – Rene FedericoIn-Show Mentions:"That's So Primark" campaignHerald Square flagship opening Spring 2026Associated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a climate where most consumers are concerned about tariffs (84%) and inflation (80%), the holiday season is poised to be a battlefield for retention and revenue. Optimove's Moshe Demri, SVP of Global Revenue, joins Future Commerce to walk through the 2025 Consumer Holiday Shopping Report and explain why the “charm customer” (those responsive to modest 10%-15% discounts) may be the key to sustainable growth.The Cherry-Picker's DilemmaKey takeaways:Meet the three customer archetypes: Full-price buyers who purchase regardless of promotions, cherry pickers who chase deep discounts and rarely return, and "charm customers" who respond to modest 10%-15% discounts and show the highest retention rates over time. (The fourth archetype: Brian)Transparency as a competitive advantage: Brands that communicate their promotional calendar early (like telling customers in October "this is the only Black Friday promotion you'll see from us") build trust while competitors exhaust and frustrate their audiences.Post-holiday retention begins at checkout: Collecting gift-giving data and offering time-sensitive follow-up promotions can transform one-time gift purchasers into repeat customers. The key is creating urgency without devaluing the brand.Communication requires quality, not quantity: Dodging customer fatigue is worth the awareness risk.  Dialing back from daily to weekly emails might be the better move for companies this year.Strategic budget allocation matters more than discount depth: Want to boost long-term profitability and brand equity? Give your VIP customers high-value discounts and experiences, not low-tier cherry-pickers who are unlikely to stick around. From the Episode:Optimove's 2025 Holiday Shopping ReportNew Modes: 2025 UpdateLearn more about this episode's sponsors, Optimove, Aptos, and Future Commerce Plus. Associated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce Plus for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are the days of product hype, Black Friday rushes, and format innovation behind us? Phillip, Brian, and Alicia hold Shoptalk Fall conversations to the light of agentic culture and predict an increasingly inevitable flattening of tangible novelty. PLUS: Alicia brings on-the-ground insight and breaks down key highlights and impactful sessions from Shoptalk Fall. Peak Format & Innovation SlumpKey takeaways:"Black Friday is every day" has killed the magic of seasonal shopping - constant sales and price monitoring tools have transformed holiday anticipation into year-round algorithmic optimization, stripping away the communal excitement of traditional retail eventsWe're trapped in efficiency over joy - consumers secretly crave the experiential magic of shopping but have locked themselves into frictionless "couch commerce" that prioritizes speed over satisfaction, leaving us operationally optimized but emotionally emptyIn-person retail needs to maintain its experiential advantage - many stores have become fulfillment centers where online order carts block aisles and associates are too busy pulling digital orders to provide the human connection that should differentiate physical retailHome Depot's efficiency wake-up call - Anne Marie Campbell revealed how using sales associates to fulfill online orders degraded in-store service, which inspired the retailer to create a separate team just for fulfilling online orders and ultimately protect the quality of service and experience “Creators are basically the new Black Friday.” – Phillip“It feels like we've come to the end of product…People used to be crazy about TVs as an innovation product. Now, there's no interest at all. You can get an 80” HDTV for $500. We've peaked at the end of format for a lot of these products.” – Brian“‘We're here on earth to fart around.' – Kurt Vonnegut” – Brian LangeIn-Show Mentions:Read our Shoptalk Fall recap on InsidersNew Modes 2025 ReportSalish Matter at the American Dream MallAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Digital Shelf Institute's Lauren Livak Gilbert joins us in the future: By 2030, successful commerce professionals will function as orchestrators rather than specialists. This transformation requires organizations to shift from hierarchical pyramid structures to more dynamic, amoeba-like models that can pivot rapidly to solve problems and capitalize on opportunities. P.S. Listen to part two of this conversation on the Digital Shelf Institute podcast. Catch Digital Shelf Institute's report, Reinventing the Organization for Omnichannel Success.“It Depends.” (And “Culture Means Everything”)Key takeaways:Stop asking where ecommerce sits - The right question is how to fundamentally change how organizations work to match how consumers actually shop across all channelsCommerce leaders must become orchestrators - Future success requires professionals who can coordinate across sales, marketing, supply chain, and customer experience rather than operating in functional silosAI enables strategic thinking - By automating remedial tasks like content creation and competitive analysis, AI frees up human talent for higher-value strategic work and cross-functional collaborationChief Growth Officers represent true omnichannel leadership - Unlike Chief Digital Officers (which were transitional roles), CGOs who own the entire consumer journey represent the permanent future of commerce organizationJoint business planning must integrate all functions - Brands showing up as one unified company to retail partners will become essential for maintaining competitive advantage and accessing new opportunities[00:16:39] "We shouldn't be asking, ‘where does ecommerce sit?' We should be asking, ‘how are we fundamentally changing how we work to match the way that the consumer shops?'" -- Lauren[00:12:01] "Instead of being a digital marketer and like a traditional marketer, you're just a marketer who understands digital in store and every single other channel, including social commerce that you're seeing your consumer shop at." -- Lauren[00:23:47] "The true definition of omnichannel is having a leader who is accountable for the entire consumer journey. That's what a Chief Growth Officer is." -- Lauren[00:42:46] "Because commerce is culture." -- LaurenAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ingrid Millman Cordy returns to Future Commerce after her transition from Nestle Health Science to Chief Marketing Officer at HigherDose, where she's transforming infrared therapy and biohacking technologies into accessible wellness lifestyle products for everyone. Phillip, Brian, and Ingrid explore the intersection of intuitive wellness practices with data-driven marketing, the evolution of brand spirituality, and how premium wellness brands are finding their place between science and the metaphysical.When NASA Tech Meets Kitchen Table StartupKey Takeaways:Intuition Over Analytics: HigherDOSE allocates 15% to 20% of its budget towards experimental campaigns, balancing performance metrics with gut-driven brand decisions like Manhattan truck wrapsScience Meets Spirit: The brand combines NASA-developed technologies with frequency-based wellness, hiring team members who have both data analysis skills and Reiki trainingPremium Democratization: At-home biohacking devices prove more cost-effective than recurring spa treatments, making exclusive wellness technologies accessible for daily usePost-Data Wellness: Consumers' shift from tracking-obsessed biohacking toward intuitive, feeling-based self-care reflects a broader cultural movement that the brand embraces [15:24] "We take a much more intuitive approach to wellness. I think the masculine biohacking world is very much about tracking your statistics and measurement... But we are trying more and more to relearn this type of methodology so it's a lot more in tune with what we need." -- Ingrid[42:02] "The beauty of HigherDOSE is that we are actually where science meets the woo, right? There is tons and tons of scientific evidence that's been studied about the technologies that we sell." -- Ingrid[27:25] "It's funny to take a premium––really, frankly, elitist––brand and call it democratizing. But I agree. I think there's a lot of democratizing qualities about HigherDOSE." -- Ingrid[30:05] "When user-generated content started becoming popular, I was very deep in my premium luxury fashion and beauty headspace, where I was a late adopter. And I called it LGC, loser-generated content." -- IngridAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While everyone obsesses over AI shopping assistants, the real commerce transformation is happening in other spaces. Steve Norris from Logicbroker unpacks how Gen Alpha's $67 weekly spending habits, Roblox's 380 million users, and agentic tools are forcing retailers to reshape their operational backbones. Key takeaways:Loyalty has evolved from transactional to operational - Modern consumers demand authentic brand experiences over points and discounts, rewarding companies that consistently deliver on their stated valuesThe supply chain is the overlooked frontier - While everyone focuses on AI shopping assistants, the transformative opportunity lies in agentic order routing, returns processing, and risk scoringInventory visibility remains the ultimate blocker - Real-time visibility across distribution centers, stores, and supplier networks is still the foundational challenge preventing true omnichannel success"There are people that are buying now that aren't humans... That's just a weird statement when you say that out loud." - Steve Norris"We're moving from this transactional loyalty to more of this operational loyalty... which is like a brand's ability to be able to flawlessly execute on their position and their story." - Steve Norris"I used to hand-code web pages in Notepad.exe... I think we're in the notepad.exe stage of AI." - Phillip JacksonAssociated Links:Learn more about LogicbrokerCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Klaviyo has become the de facto personal CRM for eCommerce. Ben Jackson, Managing Director for EMEA, joins us to unpack how brands move beyond campaign calendars into relationship-building at scale. We get into rocketship growth, why attribution is still broken, and how Castore's multi-instance CRM model points to a future where both/and thinking beats false trade-offs.If You're Just Following the Data, You're Following the PastKey takeaways:The marketer's identity crisis: Evolving from channel specialists to customer relationship managers orchestrating holistic experiences.Scale meets personalization: Castore manages 32 Klaviyo instances while maintaining intimate relationships through strategic automation.Attribution's cultural revolution: How brands are moving beyond "either/or" to "both/and" so they can measure immediate performance while building long-term value.Channel affinity intelligence: AI identifies not just preferred channels, but optimal timing to eliminate fatigue."There's not many brands that you would get tattooed on yourself. But if you're a sports fan, if you're a supporter of a national team or a football club... that means you really care about the experience you have with that brand." - Ben Jackson on Castore's passionate customer base"Rather than our reliance being quite heavy on sending out a load of email blasts to try and tick revenue targets... Let's tell those stories. Let's give the customer who we know is already incredibly passionate a reason to be loyal." - Max Holland (Castore) on content-driven relationship building"If you're just following the data, you're following the past. If you're following the competition, you're following what everybody else has done, and it's really difficult to differentiate if you're gonna do that." - Ben Jackson on creative marketing philosophy"Some of the impact you have as a marketer today, typically you take credit for the success in that moment. But some of it is about building that brand, building that customer experience... that doesn't just last for that point of one transaction. It kind of lasts over years." - Ben Jackson on long-term value thinkingIn-Show Mentions:Castore - Athletic wear brand managing 32 Klaviyo instances for partner teams and clubsRory Sutherland - Behavioral economist discussing explore/exploit marketing philosophyK London - Klaviyo's European conference with 1,500 attendees and waiting listAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

In a retail landscape obsessed with speed and conversion, Anthropologie has mastered something far more elusive: cultural alchemy. How do you transform a fleeting TikTok trend into a cross-category empire spanning everything from ceramic lamps to cashmere sweaters? COO Candan Erenguc reveals the operational artistry behind turning cultural moments into commerce gold, and why connection always trumps conversion. The Genius Behind That Viral DressKey takeaways:Community over conversion - Building authentic customer relationships drives long-term success more than short-term sales optimizationCultural instinct beats data - When responding to viral moments and cultural trends, intuition often signals opportunities before data can catch upChoice trumps speed - Customers value optionality in how, when, and where they receive products more than just fast deliveryLocalized curation wins - Store-specific assortments based on neighborhood demographics and customer needs drive expansion successCross-category trend application - Scaling cultural moments across diverse product categories (from eccentric lamps to dog sweaters) maximizes trend participation[00:03:13] "[Our merchant teams] are ahead of the curve, predicting trends. And if I may be so bold, they're influencing trends." - Candan[00:05:53] "It's symbiotic. Our goal is to give customers what they want. But I think …sometimes they don't know yet what they want." - Candan[00:20:04] "Connection over conversion. You build the connection, everything else will come." - Candan[00:16:41] "I don't think that the most important thing is speed. I think the most important thing is choice." - Candan[00:19:43] "We're also at a time where people are much more savvy than we give them credit for." - PhillipIn-Show Mentions:Listen to Mindy Massey, Anthropologie Global Director of Stores, on the latest season of Step By Step.Associated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Retail realist Kate Fannin joins Future Commerce to explore how today's leading brands are redefining the store experience. Spearheading Field Notes, Kate is analyzing in-store experiences at SKIMS, Swatch, Rituals, and more. In this episode, she explains why Return on Experience is becoming a critical metric, how pop-ups act as brand laboratories, and what makes some stores unforgettable while others fall flat.Key Takeaways:Return on Experience (ROE) trumps immediate conversion: Great retail experiences build trust and engagement over multiple visits rather than forcing day-one purchases. Customers may visit four or ten times before converting, especially for luxury or investment pieces.Know your brand story—and tell it consistently: The most successful stores have crystal-clear brand identity. Swatch excels because they know exactly who they are across generations, while other brands confuse customers by mixing messages or defaulting to celebrity associations.Sensorial brands must commit fully: Stores like Rituals in Dublin create immersive experiences (offering green tea, trial sinks, strong scents) that keep customers engaged, while half-measures feel clinical and forgettable like many current luxury retailers.Physical retail is about experimentation, not just sales: Pop-ups and flagship stores serve as brand laboratories where companies test market reception, gather customer data, and create shareable moments—even when immediate sales aren't the primary goal."People buy stuff, they buy things, but they pay for an experience." - Kate Fannin"If you like their stuff, go online"—the worst possible thing someone could say about a store experience. - Kate Fannin on SKIMS"I wish marketing would change their name to engagement because that's really what companies and brands and stores should be focused on." - Kate FanninIn-Show Mentions:Field Notes: Future Commerce's new premium retail analysis product measuring in-store return on experienceSKIMS flagship store: Clinical Fifth Avenue showroom experienceSwatch Times Square: Interactive, multigenerational retail experience with hands-on elementsAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceKate Fannin Consulting: katefanninconsulting.comHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Nicole Tapscott, Chief Commercial Officer at Knix, dissects the anatomy of category disruption in an era where authenticity trumps algorithms. Drawing from two decades of scaling high-growth consumer brands like Casper and Mejuri, Tapscott reveals how Knix has redefined the intimate apparel industry into a movement of destigmatization through authentic celebrity partnerships. The conversation unpacks strategic insights on navigating the post-DTC landscape, premium retail expansions, data-driven personalization, and omnichannel orchestration—essential intelligence for building next-generation brands that thrive on vulnerability. PLUS: We talk Knix's latest campaign with Kristen Bell and the first U.S. store opening in New York City.Customers Are Already Telling You the AnswerKey takeaways:Next-gen brands prioritize channel agnosticism over DTC exclusivity - Success comes from meeting customers where they are, whether that's TikTok Shop, Nordstrom, or intimate retail experiences designed for vulnerable conversations.Cultural barrier-breaking requires authentic celebrity partnerships - Kristen Bell's decade-long customer relationship with Knix created campaign authenticity that audiences could immediately sense, proving that real relationships trump transactional endorsements.Product innovation emerges from customer vulnerability - Knix's best product developments, from ultra-thin technology to natural fiber collections, stem directly from customer feedback about their most personal needs and experiences.Physical retail serves emotional commerce needs - In categories requiring trust and education, stores become "vulnerability corners" where trained staff facilitate intimate conversations that e-commerce cannot replicate.Mission-driven marketing survives economic pressure - As consumer spending tightens, brands with clear purpose and authentic intention will outperform those focused solely on transactions.Key Quotes:"DTC is no longer a differentiator. It's just table stakes. These brands are no longer defined by how they sell their product, but why they sell, and how they integrate into a customer's life." - Nicole Tapscott [00:08:35]"The best campaigns are based on a true insight and great representation... someone that really represents that message in a real authentic way." - Nicole Tapscott [00:15:51]"Listen to the customer. They're usually telling you the answer... The if you build it, they will come mentality of former businesses does not work. You actually have to build it where they want it." - Nicole Tapscott [00:51:16]Associated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Live at Klaviyo London, Kunle Campbell joins Future Commerce to explore the tension between idealistic wellness brands and the realities of scaling in a capitalist system. Kunle and Phillip explore intentionality, identity formation, and how conscious consumers can navigate the cascade of marketing messages while staying true to themselves.Know Thyself, Choose BetterKey takeaways:Pure idealism faces scalability challenges: Growing wellness brands often must compromise their founding principles to reach broader audiences and achieve economies of scale, as demonstrated by Whole Foods' evolution from commune cooperative to mainstream retailer.Identity exchange drives commerce decisions: Every purchase represents an identity transaction where consumers either align with authentic values or fall prey to manufactured personas pushed by predatory marketing tactics.Self-knowledge enables intentional consumption: Understanding your personal predispositions (Kunle recommends DNA tests, blood work, meditation, or breathwork) allows for more conscious brand alignment and purchasing decisions.Consciousness awakening shifts market dynamics: Social media influencers educating consumers about ingredient transparency and wellness principles are forcing traditional retailers like Tesco to create accelerator programs for "Better For You" brands.Key Quotes:[00:01:56]: "Culture is communication, it's community. It's the zeitgeist... At the core, if you go deeper into culture, I think the value system is very, very fundamental." – Kunle Campbell [00:06:22]: "In order to change the world, like at scale, you're going to have to make some compromises... Pure idealism is not enough in a capitalist system." – Kunle Campbell [00:19:25]: "Marketing clutter says, 'this is an identity. Claim it. Take it,' and then you lose your inner person." – Kunle Campbell [00:26:35]: "Don't lose self... There are brands out there that would sort of merge with your own unique wants and needs based on what you need for yourself." – Kunle Campbell In-Show Mentions:John Mackey's "The Whole Story" book and Whole Foods' evolutionJoe Dispenza meditation methodology and body scanning techniquesTesco's Better For You brand accelerator programAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Will systems-driven commerce be the death of our (Brian's) peace? This week, Phillip and Brian explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping expertise, the chokehold inflexible systems have on modern life, and the meaning of the digital afterlife. Plus: learn how brands like American Eagle are balancing controversy and virality to shock themselves into relevancy while feeling minimal aftershocks.One Year Closer to the Digital AfterlifeKey takeaways:The ChatGPT Expert Problem: AI is enabling a new class of "nouveau experts" who cite disparate cultural theorists like Freddie DeBoer and Peter Turchin to sound authoritative, creating sophisticated-sounding but potentially hollow analysisPeak Inflexibility: Modern life is increasingly controlled by inflexible systems that eliminate human judgment and serendipity, from cell phone stores that can't override basic functions to restaurants requiring months-advance reservationsOne-Round Game Marketing: Brands like American Eagle are adopting political-style "one-round game" tactics, where temporary controversy and outrage generate attention without long-term brand damage, as demonstrated by Sydney Sweeney's "good genes" campaignThe Post-Internet Brain: We're outsourcing memory, emotions, and even nostalgia to algorithms, with AI potentially eliminating the need to ask questions by providing contextual information before we realize we want it[00:25:55] Brian: "I believe that there is a set of business leaders out there that see ChatGPT as a way to make decisions about their business... they're sending it to an entity that effectively is confirmation bias."[00:24:27] Phillip: "What we found in our primary research is that TikTok doesn't show up for direct like spear fishing—that's Amazon. It doesn't show up for inspiration like window shopping—that's Instagram. And it doesn't show up for entertainment or learning—that's YouTube."[00:54:49] Brian: "Someday we're not going to call it the internet anymore, actually. Because it's actually an extension of our brains. It's a way for us to store information."[01:13:54] Phillip: "A blonde woman talking about her good genes. You're telling me that not one person thought about this? This is perfectly engineered for outrage."In-Show Mentions:Jack Conte on X: TikTok vs. YouTube as search enginesAlex Greifeld on X: “One round game marketing”Associated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce Plus for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

The hunt for certainty is killing creativity.Rory Sutherland, chairman of Ogilvy and the poet of persuasion, joins us live from Klaviyo London to challenge marketing's obsession with thin-tailed attribution. Brands are facing an existential crisis in an increasingly brandless, chat-interface powered world, but Sutherland believes that current measurement models are not designed to allow marketers to test, fail, learn, and grow, systematically destroying breakthrough potential.Key takeaways:Technology evolves from option to obligation: Parking apps that liberated us from coin machines now trap those without smartphones, while McDonald's screen-only outlets eliminate human flexibilityMarketing is fat-tailed, business is not thin-tailed: "10% of what you do delivers 130% of the value, but you don't know what the 10% is in advance." But marketing's current measurement system is designed for us to fail. Attribution models punish necessary failures and do not credit long-term breakthroughsInterface changes redistribute power overnight: When fundamental interaction modes shift from typing to voice and stores to apps, established advantages can disappear instantly, creating opportunities for complete market disruptionBrand value is multifarious, not monolithic: Fame, trust signals, and decision-making heuristics remain valuable even as chat interfaces challenge traditional brand expression. "People will come and find you rather than you having to find them." – Rory Sutherland[00:06:13] "Interface change is always disruptive, because if you change the interface within which people choose and act, you fundamentally change behavior." - Rory Sutherland[00:20:25] "There's a concern I always have about technology, which is the extent to which a lot of technology arrives as an option and ends up as an obligation." - Rory Sutherland[00:42:47] "There's a danger that what [AI is] doing is enshrining groupthink. It's taking groupthink and effectively engraving it." - Rory SutherlandLinks & In-Show Mentions:Learn more about OgilvyCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Philip dials in from London to chat with “marketing mercenary” Michael Miraflor, who's fresh off his eighth year at Cannes Lions. And after the LinkedIn Thought Leader Industrial Complex weighed in on this year's event, he is ready to share some thoughts. In this episode, we dissect how the prestigious festival has fractured into three simultaneous conferences, each serving different masters in an industry grappling with AI anxiety, platform consolidation, and the eternal tension between craft and commercialism. Listen now if you're also wondering, what does creativity even mean anymore?French Riviera Dreams vs. Silicon Valley AnxietyKey takeaways:Cannes Lions 2025 operated as three distinct conferences simultaneously, reflecting the industry's cultural fragmentation between traditional creativity, advertising channels and platforms, and bougie networking events.AI seemingly dominated every conversation, with industry professionals making dark jokes about replacement theory.Retail media networks and tech platforms have fundamentally altered the festival's ecosystem and vibe, creating productive tension between creative celebration and commercial necessity.Post-festival controversies surrounding AI usage highlight our industry's evolving discourse over the role of authenticity and efficiency in creative work.“If you took away all of the tech companies and platforms and big agencies from the beach, what would Cannes Lions be reduced to? I don't know if it would even make enough money to sustain still having that award ceremony in 2025." – Michael Miraflor"It was inevitable that every other conversation that you would have would become one about AI replacement theory to a certain extent. Or, you know, jokes about how this year feels like we're all on the Titanic." – Michael Miraflor"I find it interesting that a lot of the criticism comes from people who have jobs in creativity that I think are quite elite jobs. In my field, I feel like we're all quite lucky to be where we are…We can be critical, and I think my job has been to be critical... But I also think that we all have some element of privilege to be able to do that kind of work." – Phillip JacksonIn-Show Mentions:The Cannes Lions AI ControversiesMrBeast thumbnail app controversyAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Optimove's Pini Yakuel has a mission: Free the marketer. In this final episode, Phillip and Pini bring theory into practice with Rachel Parker from FDJ United (formerly Kindred), who orchestrated a three-year organizational metamorphosis to shed their assembly-line model for the positionless approach – and become much better suited for tomorrow.If episodes 1-4 were the philosophy, today, we bring you the playbook. Ready to set your marketing department free? Listen to the Decoded season 4 finale now. The Total Football EffectKey takeaways:Small, cautious steps often fail where comprehensive transformation succeeds.Anonymous surveys revealed FDJ's teams were dissatisfied with assembly-line processes and hungry for broader responsibilities.AI enables faster delivery, leading to more opportunities for internal praise and success – and big boosts to team morale.Expertise still matters, but it's about expanding capabilities rather than rigid specialization.In-Show Mentions:Learn more about FDJ United (Française des Jeux)Associated Links:Learn more about Optimove's platformsLearn more about Positionless MarketingCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

A replay from VISIONS Summit: NYC featuring Future Commerce Co-Founder Phillip JacksonWhat happens when you bury the essence of an entire civilization fifty feet underground? Live from VISIONS Summit: NYC, Future Commerce co-founder Phillip Jackson takes us on an archaeological journey through time capsules—from the monuments of the Westinghouse's World's Fair to NASA's Golden Record floating through space. Through the lens of these cultural artifacts, we explore a provocative thesis: that commerce is culture, and in five thousand years, only brands will survive to tell our story.What We Buy Buys Us BackKey Takeaways:Commerce is culture: What we buy literally buys us back, shaping who we become as individuals and societiesBrands as time capsules: Companies like Westinghouse and Panasonic have created some of history's most comprehensive cultural documents through their time capsule projects, and brands are the most central figures in these critical containersThe psychology of consumption: Repeated exposure through performance marketing mirrors the spreading activation theory that drives curiosity and attitude formationCultural permanence: In an era of synthetic reality and AI, time capsules may represent the last authentic artifacts of human civilizationIn-Show Mentions:More from VISIONS Summit: NYCWestinghouse Time Capsules (1938 & 1968) - World's Fair, Flushing Meadows, QueensTime Capsule location in Flushing Meadows-Corona ParkPanasonic (Matsushita Electric) Time Capsule EXPO '70NASA's Voyager Golden Record ProjectThe "Story of the Westinghouse Time Capsule" bookVoyager Golden Record contents and imagesThe supermarket image on the Voyager Golden RecordAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Welcome to Future Commerce Rewind, where we compare stories in commerce today to episodes from the archives. This week, we're playing back VISIONS speaker Justin Breton's 2024 episode on Walmart Realm.When Walmart entered immersive digital experiences, it wasn't chasing hype—it was rethinking how the brand shows up in everyday digital life. In this rewind from August 2024, Justin Breton, Director of Brand Experiences, shares how Walmart Realm launched as a gamified marketplace blending culture, commerce, and creativity.Since then, Walmart has scaled its virtual ambitions with “Walmart Discovered” on Roblox, real-world commerce in gaming, and the debut of “Walmart Unlimited.” What began as an experiment is now central to Walmart's immersive commerce strategy.CTRL+ALT+CARTKey takeaways:Walmart Realm was never about conversions; it was about discovery. Today, Walmart's investments in platforms like Roblox and Spatial have validated that focus, with real-world commerce now integrated directly into those ecosystems.Justin avoided the term "metaverse," even when it was a buzzword. Instead, his team focused on familiarity and ritual, and that framing holds up. The strategy now connects digital shoppers with creators, brands, and immersive experiences they already love.Walmart has scaled its creator-driven experiences, including collaborations with Drew Barrymore and Netflix, helping drive co-created virtual spaces that reflect real-world partnerships.The early embrace of immersive storytelling now informs Walmart's content commerce and livestreaming efforts, with shoppable moments and branded narrative arcs that feel more like cultural touchpoints than retail plays.With new initiatives like Walmart Unlimited and its expanded Spatial footprint, Walmart is setting the stage for a generation of consumers who see shopping as play, story, and community.Justin joined the lineup of speakers at VISIONS Summit: NYC this summer. Subscribe to our newsletters and check out our recap on Insiders to catch highlights from the event.Associated Links:Explore Walmart RealmCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Positionless marketing isn't just a framework—it's a return to how work once was: flexible, intuitive, and deeply human. In this episode, Phillip, Pini, and Optimove's VP of Product, Shai Frank, unpack how cultural mindset, military experience, and generative AI converge to create teams that move with speed and creativity.Listen to decode how technology and ambition together can strip away organizational friction, empower self-sufficient marketers, and dramatically improve customer experience. It's not about removing roles—it's about removing blockers.Key TakeawaysPositionless marketing is more cultural than structural. It's not about tearing down departments—it's about cultivating people who take initiative without waiting for permission. That mindset, modeled after Israeli military culture, is what truly drives speed and creativity."Big-headedness" is a feature, not a flaw. Shai introduces the idea of “big-headed” employees—those who embrace ambition without being told—as essential to modern teams. In fast-paced orgs, initiative is a strategic asset.Creative execution is no longer gated. With tools like Optimove's Canvas and embedded brand controls, marketers can produce polished, on-brand campaigns without relying entirely on designers or developers.CRM is shifting from broadcast to orchestration. Instead of blasting segments, marketers can now trigger context-aware journeys that consider history, behavior, and optimal timing—raising the bar for customer experience.AI isn't about acceleration alone—it's about ambition. When friction is removed from creative and technical processes, teams don't just move faster—they aim higher.Key Quotes“Being small-headed means you're just an order-taker. A big-headed person says, ‘You asked for A and B, but I saw it also needed C and D, so I did that—and prepped for E.' That's what we look for.” – Pini Yakuel“Who said the first message should be the one you send? We don't want to serve the first—we want to serve the best.” – Shai Frank“If it used to take eight weeks to get a campaign out, now it might take two days. That frees up time to actually be creative.” – Shai Frank“If you don't create good customer experiences, people will leave. This isn't a moral imperative—it's survival.” – Shai FrankAssociated Links:Learn more about Optimove's platformsLearn more about Positionless MarketingCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Bestselling author and journalist Jo Piazza is best known as the host of the Under the Influence podcast, which boasts over 25 million downloads. Piazza is the author of the upcoming thriller Everyone is Lying to You, which dissects the rise of ‘trad wife' influencers and the multi-billion-dollar industry built on selling idealized domesticity.Drawing on her background in investigative journalism, which has covered everyone from Donald Trump to mommy bloggers, Piazza reveals how traditional values have become the latest form of performance marketing.Nostalgia As a Business ModelKey takeaways:"Everyone is lying to you. They're creating a magazine; they're creating a TV show. Most of this is not their real life. When you look at it like it's actually media and not a glimpse into someone's window, I think then you can let go of some of the guilt and the shame, but you're still going to buy the shit." - Jo Piazza [10:40]"The funniest thing about trad wives is they're encouraging all of these women to quit their jobs and rely on a man. I'm like, where are all these rich men that just want to make enough money to support a family? The average male income is something around $60,000 and the average American household spends $70,000. So the math does not add up in this equation." - Jo Piazza [19:12]"You can now rent entire houses for your influencer content. You can rent out a house with the beautiful kitchen and the pristine countertops. You can even rent a bathroom that's beautiful for your get-ready-with-me routine. And then [you can] shoot all of your content in it for one day. It's not your actual freaking house, but no one knows that." - Jo Piazza [13:31]"We're all brands. We're all trying to create something online. I'm very honest about this. I want people to buy my damn books. And so that means I have to post on social media." - Jo Piazza [26:35]Associated Links:Order Everyone Is Lying to You by Jo PiazzaCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Organizations love to optimize—but often forget what, or who, they're optimizing for. When teams are built around internal structures rather than customer outcomes, even the best strategies become slow to adapt.Author and data analyst Neil Hoyne and Pini Yakuel explore how behavioral rigidity, not technical limitations, holds most companies back. Drawing from principles in Neil Hoyne's book, Converted, they argue for a shift toward systems that favor adaptability, exploration, and proximity to the customer. Because in a world shaped by AI, the real competitive edge is not just speed—it's staying meaningfully connected to the people you serve.Key TakeawaysWhen roles become identities, organizations lose flexibility. Over-specialization makes it harder for teams to respond to evolving customer needs.Behavioral defaults—not tech—often slow teams down. Loyalty to familiar workflows or team structures can block innovation, even when tools are available.AI works best when aligned with real customer strategy. It's not a shortcut or a strategy in itself—it's a multiplier for what actually matters.Customer-centricity requires outcome-driven teams. Structuring around internal functions, rather than external impact, leads to misaligned incentives.Small shifts in ownership create big changes in experience. Empowering teams to work across silos—even partially—brings them closer to the customer, and closer to results.Key Quotes[00:13:50] “Marketing teams don't just bake bread—they are bread. It's not just what they do; it's who they've become. So when the shift happens—when the customer wants cupcakes instead—they miss it entirely. Because they weren't watching the customer. They were defending the bread.” – Neil Hoyne[00:21:13] “If your strategy is ‘use AI better than the competition,' you don't have a strategy.” – Neil Hoyne[00:25:46] “Accelerate what already works. Tactics are multipliers, not miracles.” – Pini[00:46:47] “Positionless isn't binary. Can you let a team own 10% of something, start to finish?” – Pini Yakuel[00:51:39] “We've gone too far into specialization. It's time to bring back the craftsman.” – Neil HoyneAssociated Links:Learn more about Optimove's platformsLearn more about Positionless MarketingRead Converted by Neil HoyneCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Phillip and Pini decode the implications of operating in a world where generative AI acts as both creative partner and analytical assistant. The walls between departments are dissolving. Roles are becoming more flexible. Tools are learning faster than their users. And the new creative process starts with a prompt. Key TakeawaysAI is now the default creative and analytical partner—prompting, planning, and predicting across workflows.The boundary between job functions is vanishing. Designers analyze data, data scientists shape stories. You no longer need to be a specialist to do specialized tasks.Context collapse is real. But AI is rapidly learning how to avoid it.Generalists who can flex across roles (with help from AI) are the new MVPs.Curiosity beats credentials. The only requirement is a mindset that's open, iterative, and unbothered by a little ambiguity.Key Quotes“It gives you back hours and hours and hours of time... and it's $100 a month. That's ridiculous.” – Pini Yakuel“I used to look for excuses to use AI. Now it's part of my all-day, every-day routine.” – Phillip“You can't be creative if you can't lie. And now the computer can lie.” – Pini Yakuel“Instead of having positions, we'll have roles. You might be 80% designer—but you'll need to do data too.” – Pini Yakuel“Hire for attitude, not skill. New skills can always be acquired if you have the right mindset.” – Pini YakuelAssociated Links:Learn more about Optimove's platformsLearn more about Positionless MarketingCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future Commerce

What happens when everyone becomes a brand for fifteen seconds? And what happens after brands become nothing more than ambient frequencies in our endless scroll? Today, we're running back the highest-rated talk from VISIONS: LA.Emily Segal (K-HOLE, Nemesis) presents groundbreaking research on the post-peak vibe era, exploring what comes next when brands can no longer hide behind mood boards and atmospheric storytelling. From “strawberry girl summer” to “rodent boyfriend energy,” we've reached the absurdist endpoint of vibe-driven commerce…but what emerges from the wreckage of algorithmic sentiment monitoring?The Death of Vibes and What Comes NextKey takeaways:Post-Peak Vibe Reality: We've moved beyond brands as storytellers to brands as frequency emitters, where TikTok and Spotify algorithms understand our emotional states better than therapists, creating a landscape of "slop"—low-grade AI material that looks the part but doesn't feel authentic.The Algorithmic Gaze: Vibes aren't just cultural phenomena—they're how we see the world through machine learning's eyes. When we catch a vibe, we're processing information like an auto-encoding algorithm, making certain perceptual elements more obvious while obscuring others.Heritage as Just Another Vibe: Even attempts to escape contemporary vibe culture through "authentic" heritage branding ultimately become vibes themselves. There's no outside to the constant vibe machine, and stealth wealth still leaves traces of exposure.Three Paths Beyond Vibes: The future belongs to brands that are either impossibly dense with human labor (too substantial to reduce to vibes), exceptionally simple (pure speculative energy), or deliberately incoherent (escaping algorithmic detection entirely, like dazzle camouflage for brands).Join the visionaries forming tomorrow's culture through commerce at VISIONS Summit: NYC. Step into the future for 50% OFF with discount code AFTERVIBES.Associated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceEmily Siegel's Substack: nemesisglobal.substack.comRegister for Vision Summit NYC with code "aftervibes" for 50% off at FutureCommerce.com/visionsHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Massive acquisitions—from Skechers to Touchland to Foot Locker—aren't just headline fodder; they reflect deeper shifts in how value is defined in commerce today. Phillip and Brian explore what this means for brand identity, consumer behavior, and retail strategy, while diving into everything from Ghost Nutrition's licensing fallout to how Ozempic might reshape fashion trends. It's all a signal: the future of commerce is being redrawn across culture, tech, and even your closet.The Skechering of CommerceKey takeaways:The recent wave of M&A is less about scale, and more about strategic repositioning.Ghost Nutrition's licensing phase-out may challenge the brand's original cultural cachet.City Furniture proves sustainability investments can directly boost profitability.Weight-loss trends like Ozempic are subtly altering fashion preferences and product demand.Context—not trend—is becoming the driving force in personal style and shopping decisions.[00:01:41] Phillip: "Everything is an ad unit. That's the new wild future we have for you."[00:05:15] Brian: "Skechers was also acquired this month... $9.4 billion."[00:27:04] Phillip: "If you want your Ghost Nutrition stuff, you better stock up."[00:47:00] Brian: "Context is taking dominance again ... That's our next move in fashion."Associated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce Plus for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Live from Los Angeles, Phillip and Brian explore bizarre and brilliant intersections of commerce and culture of late, from commerce themes in Sinners to pope merch to DIY luxury. In an episode that's part futurist insight, part sacred absurdity, they connect the dots between retail psychology, meme theology, and trade policy. PLUS: Phillip and Brian head to The Whalies with Triple Whale. Coming up on the show, catch their live interview from The Whalies with Bryan Cano of True Classic!High Church, Low InventoryKey takeaways:The Commerce of Catholicism – Pope transitions now drive digital engagement, pilgrimage surges, and resale markets. Welcome to the Vatican's Shopify moment.Tariffs as Theater – The recent 90-day tariff reprieve reveals how uncertainty fuels deal-making and could permanently reshape global economic alliances.Contentification of the Sacred – From Conclave to meme lore, the papacy is now part of the entertainment-industrial complex, raising questions about the role of narrative and brand in modern faith.DIY is the New Luxury – Phillip's journey from $300 Instagram pants to $6 Goodwill masterpieces signals a cultural shift: recession-core meets personal branding.Slop is Dead (Maybe) – Brian drops a bold claim: participatory lo-fi media has peaked. What's next? Meaningful myth, meta-modern storytelling, and high-context digital ritual.[00:06:27] “Once you hit the limit with your product, you start to look at category expansion. You have to ask the ‘why' questions.” – Brian[00:52:45] “The way we relate to culture is through the commerce experience of it—when an American lens is applied.” – PhillipIn-Show Mentions:The Senses: I Vatican't Believe These PricesInsiders: Language GamesAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Phillip and Brian bring hot takes on eBay's Met Gala presence, the latest tariff turmoil, and the future of autonomous driving. PLUS: Dissecting Warren Buffet's retirement and new research on Gen Z vs. Millennial communication trends. The Y2K Bug Zapped Us Into PostmodernismKey takeaways:Trends that feel like youth trends are actually just internet trends.  Their effects are now felt across generations, not siloed age groups.There has been a shift from modernism to postmodernism, and in turn, sincerity to ironic insincerity.Boy Meets World: 25 years after its series finale airs, we reflect on its sitcom era as a marker of TV's transition from modernism and sincerity to postmodernism and ironic insincerity. Kendra Scott taps into Gen Alpha.eBay returns to Brian's radar and then sponsors the 2025 Met Gala. Coincidence?“Understanding the society in which you live, and the cultural moment taking place, is taken for granted a lot.” – Phillip“The Y2K bug was actually just the end of sincerity.” – Brian“We've leaned so far into cheap goods for so long, there might be a memetic cycle happening now where we lean back into goods that are durable.” – Brian“Autonomous driving is extraordinarily disruptive—just like AI is for information, AVs are for how we live, plan cities, and think about ownership.” – PhillipIn-Show Mentions:The Guardian: Gen Z Is Turning to Voice NotesDirt.fyi: The State of A24Titan Caskets: Grave ConversationsWaymo Partners with ToyotaAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeJoin Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Brian dials in from B2B Chicago, Phillip gets existential, and Alicia Esposito returns to the show and makes her debut as the newest member of the Future Commerce team. This week, we unpack music festivals' escalating cost of participation, Coachella as a retail laboratory, and how looming global trade challenges overconsumption. PLUS: The auto industry experiences a rare analog awakening.It Was Big Hibiscus All AlongKey takeaways:70% of B2B purchasers are Gen Z or Millennials.Tariffs are a real threat – Brands are bracing for supply chain disruption, with some using tariff warnings as marketing FOMO triggers.Future Commerce analyzes the overpriced festival craze on Insiders #190 and Insiders #191.The draw to Coachella? It's not music, or $30 Dave's Hot Chicken sandwiches. It's vibes.The Slate Truck represents a broader cultural trend toward digital detox and reverse skeuomorphism, bringing real-world, tactile experiences back into the digital age.[00:04:07] “Digitalization came for B2C and we didn't say anything. And now it's here for B2B.” – Brian Lange[00:15:17] “The reckoning has been coming for a long time. Overconsumption isn't just a consumer issue—it's a systemic one. If the climate crisis didn't spark change, what will?” – Phillip Jackson[00:16:57] “At what point will the cost of participation outweigh the value of participation to the point where it's like, well, what am I even doing this for?” – Alicia EspositoIn-Show Mentions:Insiders #191: City of Coachella: Population: In Debt Insiders #190: Is Coachella Buzz Brands'  Supply Chain Friend or Foe? Politico: How Gen Z Became the Most Gullible GenerationAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

VICI was founded in 2012, when women were looking for trendy, high-quality fashions on a relatively new platform called Instagram, but were extra wary of their spending. With consumers now in a very similar headspace, it is an optimal time for Co-founder and Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer Aimee Dudum Colorado to reflect on how the business has evolved.During this episode, Aimee chats with host Alicia Esposito about:How the mission and values of VICI have evolved since the company's inception, if at all;How VICI helped shape the “Instagram Brand” model; The distinct role that influencers and creators play in driving marketing and new product creation; andHow the “meme-ification” of marketing is making standing out harder for brands.RELATED LINKSLearn more about VICISee Retail TouchPoints' latest coverage on all things social commerce

Merchants of all sizes and across categories have heard the call: to survive in an era of heightened expectations, they must empower consumers to buy anytime, anywhere and in any way they want. And oh yeah, they have to get those products to customers' doorsteps faster. Companies like Feedonomics are making it a reality by ensuring product data is accurate, compelling and integrated across all platforms, from marketplaces to social apps. During this episode of Retail Remix, Alicia Esposito sits down with Sharon Gee, SVP of Sales and Partnerships at Feedonomics, to discuss: The evolution of omnichannel and how new platforms like TikTok Shop are making the landscape more complex; The challenges brands are facing as they try to keep pace with the proliferation of new commerce experiences, and why data is central to success; and What instant commerce really is and how Feedonomics is powering it by partnering with Amazon Today. RELATED LINKSLearn more about FeedonomicsRead about Feedonomics' partnership with Amazon Today Get more details on Instant CommerceSee more coverage featuring Feedonomics and BigCommerce Retail Strategy & Planning Series 2024Register for the Retail Strategy & Planning series to get tactical tips and best practices to drive your Q4 and holiday season success.

Although some use the words “membership” and “subscription” interchangeably, 64% of consumers believe there is a distinct difference in these types of programs.   But what do consumers really expect from these commerce experiences? Retail TouchPoints and CI&T collaborated on a survey of 1,000+ consumers to find out. Melissa Minkow, author of the report, sits down with host Alicia Esposito to dig into some of the report's key takeaways, including:  How consumers differentiate membership models from subscription models;  Which categories are seeing the most traction and why;  How the economy is influencing the number of membership programs to which they subscribe; and  The triggers that drive consumers to register (or leave) a membership program.  RELATED LINKS Learn more about CI&T Download a copy of Building a Membership Model That ResonatesConnect with Melissa on Linkedin  Retail ThinkTank HubSubscribe to the Retail ThinkTank hub to get exclusive access to high-value content on the emerging trends poised to shape the future of retail.

Rebekah Kondrat has worked for brands known (and loved) for their incredible store experiences: Apple, Starbucks and Warby Parker, among others. She has taken these experiences to start Rekon Retail, a company that helps brands scale their retail operations and set them up for long-term success. During this RetailThinkTank Ideation Session, host Alicia Esposito sits down with Kondrat to discuss the keys to a successful store operation and how Rekon Retail is helping brands like Olfactory and M.M.LaFleur scale their brick-and-mortar strategies to new consumers and new cities. Click here to watch the Retail ThinkTank Ideation Session. Retail ThinkTank HubSubscribe to the Retail ThinkTank hub to get exclusive access to high-value content on the emerging trends poised to shape the future of retail.

Milani Cosmetics has been around for more than 20 years. And although plenty of beauty trends have come and gone in that time, the brand has maintained relevance and even acquired new customers by staying true to its core value props — and its distinct marketing approach.During this episode of Retail Remix, we're replaying an episode of Experience Insiders featuring Milani Cosmetics Chief Marketing Officer Jeremy Lowenstein. During their discussion, Jeremy and host Alicia Esposito dig into:How Milani Cosmetics has continued to make luxury beauty products accessible and inclusive for all;Tips for balancing fundamental values (like inclusivity) and more creative marketing tactics to stand out across channels; andLessons from some of Milani Cosmetics' most successful campaigns, such as one recent TikTok-driven initiative for its Fruit Fetish Lip Oil.Want to dig deeper into what's new and what's next in retail? Subscribe to the Retail ThinkTank hub to get exclusive access to high-value content on the emerging trends poised to shape the future of the industry.RELATED LINKSLearn more about Milani CosmeticsGet the details on the brand's latest campaignConnect with Jeremy on LinkedIn Retail ThinkTank HubSubscribe to the Retail ThinkTank hub to get exclusive access to high-value content on the emerging trends poised to shape the future of retail.

TikTok and Alibaba are just two of many tech juggernauts testing virtual influencers, and these AI-generated personalities are bringing immersive commerce experiences to a completely new level. What is happening in this space today…and what will the future hold? Most of all, what will the rapid evolution and maturation of this space mean for how we build our own digital identities?Alicia Esposito explored this topic with Sharon Gai, an ecommerce expert and author of the book Ecommerce Reimagined, during a recent Retail ThinkTank Ideation Session. Listen to get a peek into the conversation, and click the link below to watch the full episode.   Click here to watch the Retail ThinkTank Ideation Session.

Recorded live at VISIONS Summit: NYC 2024, join Alicia Esposito for her sitdown with Seb Reetz, Bloomreach's Solutions Consulting Lead of the Americas. They dive into the fascinating intersection of AI and art, exploring how AI is transforming both the creation and consumption of art discussing the ethical considerations, creative opportunities, and practical applications of AI in the artistic process. Seb shares insights from his current projects, including a thought-provoking video game that leverages AI for ideation and voice generation.AI: The Artist's New MuseKey takeaways:AI tools aid in ideation and proof of concept, helping artists and writers like Seb generate and refine ideas.AI has the potential to revolutionize customer experience through personalized, cross-channel interactions.[00:30] Seb: "I sell AI on a day-to-day basis. I also am a writer for video games. So I definitely think about AI and the sort of ethics around it."[10:00] Seb: "AI is a really powerful tool to help with that. So again, I go back to the you're the air traffic controller as the marketer."Associated Links:Bloomreach11 LabsPrague Arts FestivalCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Despite headlines claiming the death of the shopping mall, some developers are reimagining the experience to make it memorable, even unforgettable, for consumers. During this episode of Retail Remix, host Alicia Esposito sits down with someone who is helping shape the future of the mall: Justin Stein, EVP of Leasing at Tanger. During this episode, he shares details on:Tanger's transformation, including thinking more like a curator and less like a traditional operator; His team's approach to tenant mix, ensuring the right combination of retailers, restaurants, entertainment and more are integrated into experiences; How Tanger is thinking of omnichannel experience design to boost traffic and dwell time; andHis advice for helping retailers optimize their presence in shopping malls and centers. RELATED LINKSLearn more about Tanger Read about Tanger's transformationGet more insights on the future of the mall

As Head of Trends for Insider Trends, Jack Stratten has toured some of the world's newest, and most innovative, retail stores. Through these tours, he has been able to uncover how consumer behaviors have shaped storytelling techniques, technology integration and more. During the NRF Big Show, Jack sat down with host Alicia Esposito to discuss the key trends he's uncovered in his tours around the world, as well as what he loves most about some of the Big Apple's top shops. Listen to learn: Why Glossier is a great model for innovative brick-and-mortar storytelling; How brands can incorporate surprise and delight effectively in stores; and How to do innovation right in physical retail spaces. RELATED LINKSLearn more about Insider TrendsRegister for the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo to join Jack on the Store Tours around ChicagoCheck out a recent webinar featuring Jack and his friend Ian Scott, as they discuss the evolution of store spacesJack will be hosting Stour Tours around Chicago during the Retail Innovation Conference & Expo, along with fellow brick-and-mortar nerd Ian Scott. Click here to get your ticket and get more tactical tips from her and other forward-thinking executives! 2024 Retail Innovation Conference & ExpoAre you ready to explore the evolved customer journey, where content, community and commerce converge? Click here to register for the 2024 Retail Innovation Conference & Expo today!

Retailers know that digital influences the customer journey, from initial awareness to post-purchase. So why is there still such a staggering divide between consumers' digital and physical brand experiences?We explore the gaps, challenges and opportunities on this week's Retail Remix with Justin Racine and Zach Zalowitz of Perficient. Together with host Alicia Esposito, they explore: The key digital influencers for in-store traffic and activation; The increasingly central role of inventory visibility and omnichannel inventory management in the customer experience; Why retailers should place more emphasis on the post-purchase experience; andHow different retail teams and functions can support the bottom of the funnel, which is becoming a new “battleground” for retailers.RELATED LINKSLearn more about PerficientDownload Retail TouchPoints' research on retailers' omnichannel challenges and prioritiesRead our coverage of the post-purchase experience Omnichannel & Fulfillment Benchmark ReportDownload the Retail TouchPoints Omnichannel & Fulfillment Benchmark report, sponsored by Deposco, to learn how your peers are investing in creating a cohesive customer experience.

Up to 81% of consumers say they prefer to shop with brands and retailers that have both online and offline channels, according to CI&T's latest Connected Retail Report. This data point may not be surprising most, but it's the underpinning of a lot of new trends around how consumers browse, compare and purchase products across channels, and Melissa Minkow, the author of the report, sits down with host Alicia Esposito to dig into the key takeaways, including: Whether price-conscious consumers are willing to sacrifice their experience for a good deal; How consumers' evolved omnichannel priorities will influence brand investments; andHow consumers want to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support their shopping behaviors. RELATED LINKSLearn more about CI&TDownload a copy of the 2024 Connected Retail ReportRead the article highlighting key takeawaysConnect with Melissa on Linkedin CI&T's Connected Retail ReportGet your copy of CI&T's fourth annual Connected Retail report to learn how brands are keeping pace with consumers' evolved needs and expectations.

Although generative AI has the power to shake up all retail functions, early use cases and success stories suggest that marketing, content and ecommerce teams have the most to gain. These teams are feeling more pressure to create relevant, impactful and on-brand content. Gen AI will allow them to accomplish all of this — and at scale. During this episode of Retail Remix, Alicia Esposito explores the opportunities for brands and retailers with Michelle Bacharach, Co-founder and CEO of FindMine. They discuss:How Gen AI can support the creative process, from ideation to execution;Tips for balancing the efficiency and automation of Gen AI with the need for creative, high-touch branded content; andHow the rise of Gen AI will influence the way brands build, empower and inspire teams across business functions.RELATED LINKSLearn more about FindMineExplore the latest in Gen AI trends and use cases on Retail TouchPointsRead our multi-part series on AI use cases

The National Retail Federation drew 40,000+ attendees from across the retail realm who were eager to explore the hottest trends and tech — from AI to retail media and in-store optimization. During this week's Retail Remix, host Alicia Esposito recaps the Big Show with Nicole Silberstein, Ecommerce Editor for Retail TouchPoints, and Phillip Jackson, Co-founder of Future Commerce, including how the event could be an indicator for future retail tech investments and the sectors that will see traction in 2024. The panel also discuss some key themes and takeaways from the show, including:The digitization (and monetization) of the store and what it means for the tech landscape; The big rebranding moment of the metaverse — and the emerging brand opportunity within gaming platforms; How the evolution of shoppable TV and other “contextual commerce” vehicles will shape the future of retail; and How the hyper-personalization of retail experiences will impact our shared experience as shoppers.RELATED LINKSLearn more and subscribe to Retail TouchPointsLearn more and subscribe to Future Commerce

Over the course of his 20-year career, Harvey Ma has held roles at NielsenIQ and Roundel, the in-house marketing and advertising agency for Target. He also held several leadership positions at Target spanning marketing, merchandising and negotiations. Now, he's taking his passion for retail and advertising to the next level as Vice President of Albertsons Media Collective.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Alicia Esposito chats with Harvey about how retail and the advertising landscapes have both evolved and converged, creating new opportunities for brands to create immersive and innovative brand experiences. Listen to learn: The top three trends Harvey believes are driving the evolution of retail media; Why transparency and measurement standardization are so top of mind for leadership teams; How privacy and data compliance will come to the forefront in a cookieless future; and How Albertsons Media Collective is harnessing its rich audience of 35+ million weekly shoppers to drive campaign success. RELATED LINKSConnect with Harvey Ma here.Learn more about Albertsons Media Collective.Check out the 2024 Predictions report here!Get details on how Albertsons Media Collective is supporting transparency and standardization in retail media.Read more about emerging tech trends on Retail TouchPoints.

PRODUCTION UPDATE: Shortly after this podcast launched, Solo Brands announced that John Merris would “mutually separate” from the company as President, CEO and Director starting on Jan. 15, 2024. Christopher Metz will replace Merris, beginning on the same date. The news comes on the heels of Solo Brands updating its fiscal 2023 guidance, decreasing it from between $520 million to $540 million, to between $490 million and $500 million.In an era where technology and scale often precede personal connection, Solo Brands has found a way to intertwine all three, creating resonant brand experiences across all channels. This has led to significant growth for the business, which has a vast portfolio that spans menswear to smokeless fire pits.In this episode of Retail Remix, host Alicia Esposito has a one-on-one chat with John Merris, CEO of Solo Brands, about how the company has seen significant growth by investing in: A strategic vision and mission that extends across all of its brands; A holistic listening strategy that informs business decisions and brand experiences;Wholesale partnerships that drive brand awareness and traffic, and support more efficient marketing decision-making; and Data-driven strategies that are setting the brand up for a successful 2024. RELATED LINKSConnect with John Merris here.Learn more about Solo Brands.Check out the 2024 Predictions report here!Read more about emerging tech trends on Retail TouchPoints.

Despite rumblings of a wary consumer, shopping results from Thanksgiving weekend reveal that consumers were eager to shop. For example, data from Adobe Digital Insights reveals that results from the weekend, especially Cyber Monday, beat initial projections. In this special episode of Retail Remix, host Alicia Esposito sits down with Vivek Pandya from Adobe Digital Insights to discuss how consumers shopped from the Thanksgiving table and their couches during the long weekend. Drawing on Adobe's extensive data collection and analysis, Vivek pulled the curtain back on the findings and revealed what consumer behaviors could tell us about the remainder of the holiday season – and what retailers should do about it.Check out this episode to learn:  Whether retailers' pricing and discounting strategies inspired consumers to cross off their holiday shopping lists;  How the ease of mobile shopping influenced overall traffic and spending results; Which categories saw the biggest sales boost and why;  If major shopping days (like Black Friday and Cyber Monday) still heavily influence consumer action; and Which trends and takeaways should guide retailers' efforts going through the remainder of the holiday season. RELATED LINKS Connect with Vivek here. Check out Adobe Analytics' 2023 Holiday Shopping Report. Learn more about Adobe Analytics. Read more about holiday shopping trends on Retail TouchPoints. Retail TouchPoints Personalization Special ReportLearn how to evolve from personalization to customization. Download this special report, sponsored by Volumental, today!

At Monica + Andy, thoughtfulness is at the core of everything the brand does. The team, led by founder and CEO Monica Royer, believes that every decision should be made by first considering the possible impact on customers, employees and the environment. This episode of Retail Remix highlights how this mindset applies to all aspects of Monica + Andy, from product design to customer service, marketing and company culture. Alicia Esposito chats with Monica + Andy Founder Monica Royer about: The inspiration behind Monica + Andy, including how her personal challenges sparked the idea for a thoughtful brand for new parents; How she drew on her experience with her brother's company, Bonobos, to learn from their successes and challenges in direct-to-consumer retail; Monica + Andy's growth playbook, which combines DTC, wholesale, community and services; and How the brand is designing digital physical spaces to be inclusive and welcoming to parents and young children. RELATED LINKS Check out the Monica + Andy here. See how Monica + Andy build community. Read more about customer loyalty trends on Retail TouchPoints. 2023 Store Operations Survey ReportFind out how 120+ of your retail peers are tackling top store ops challenges. Download the 2023 Store Operations Survey Report today!

The luxury consumer is changing. She's younger, more tech-savvy and embracing a hybrid of trends, from “quiet luxury” to bold colors and patterns. Kurt Geiger is adapting to these new realities while staying true to its UK roots – and is expanding globally along the way. During this week's Retail Remix, Alicia Esposito chats with CEO Neil Clifford, a visionary leader who has championed the brand's evolution and found new ways to drive brand relevance and loyalty. Listen to learn how Kurt Geiger is: Embracing new marketing and brand strategies (like collabs) to drive brand relevance and engagement;  Developing a global expansion strategy that includes ecommerce and physical stores;  Partnering with private equity to embrace the art and science of business growth; and  Investing in emerging talent by creating its own school.  RELATED LINKS Check out the Kurt Geiger site here. Learn more about the Kurt Geiger Kindness Foundation. Read more about luxury trends on Retail TouchPoints. 2023 Store Operations Survey ReportFind out how 120+ of your retail peers are tackling top store ops challenges. Download the 2023 Store Operations Survey Report today!

Unless you've been under a rock somewhere, you probably are aware of the Barbie marketing machine ahead of the major motion picture release. What does this signify as a moment in our culture and the ways culture and commerce intersect? Barbie brought some major shifts when she first showed up in our world. What will this highly-marketed film bring with it?Alicia Esposito joins Phillip for an in-depth look at Barbie: the doll, the brand, the film. All brands can learn something from this moment in time, but if we aren't careful, we'll learn the wrong lessons and chase some rabbit holes that just don't make sense. There's a lot to talk about, so get your popcorn and have a listen!Nostalgia is Power {00:04:12} - “There's cultural acceptance of certain types of media and popular media that shapes the way that we perceive the world.” - Phillip{00:05:11} - “A brand is not a logo or fonts or colors. A brand is a marker of trust of a corporation that was able to endure despite all odds, and that means that you have to remain culturally relevant. Brands pass away when the culture doesn't accept them.” - Phillip{00:06:25} - “If people see the outline of the little flippy ponytail, they're like, "Oh, yeah, Barbie." That's association, but relevance and true brand loyalty tie to a brand's ability to keep the core of what people initially love about a brand or a person, but also be able to adapt to some of the new realities of the consumer, and also accept some of the pitfalls or problematic nature of the past of the brand.” - Alicia{00:16:25} - “{Airbnb} is a really great example of a brand that doesn't necessarily have ties to the commercial product world, but really turns it into a commercial product moment through great collaborations.” - Alicia{00:27:17} - “Having this brand recall and this nostalgia does create a new vehicle for filmmakers like Greta Gerwig to kind of tap into the mainstream market and tell a really powerful story. But then it kind of goes down this rabbit hole of but if all of the funds are going towards these things and these big corporations that have all the IP already and selling all of the products, what does that leave for new stories?” - Alicia{00:29:44} - “Barbie represented a shift of the idea of children's playthings in culture, but it also represented a new monolith, a new way to see and perceive the world through this artifice of fashion, desirability, and idealistic standards.” - Phillip{00:40:12} - “We have to {see explicit brand tie-ins in the film} only because a lot of the Barbie dolls of the past did have product tie-ins. There were always some subtle or direct brand partnerships there. I'm curious to see.” - AliciaAssociated Links:Learn more about Alicia Esposito and Retail TouchPointsGrab your copy of The Multiplayer Brand hereHave you checked out our YouTube channel yet?Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!