Future Commerce Podcast: eCommerce, DTC and Retail Strategy

Is the “path of least resistance” a universally true experience? Do all customers experience resistance the same way? In this episode, Rishabh Jain and Rabah Rahil from Fermát explore this idea through the legacy of polymathic thinker Pierre de Fermat, who pioneered the principle of least time in the 1660s. Forging ‘desire paths’ Key Takeaways Associated Links: Rishabh JainFERMÀTTrekonomicsYouTube channelSubscribeFuture 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 enthusiast economy drives purchasing trends in all areas of the economy—especially in sports, driving consumers to desire the same equipment as the best players. Premium pickleball apparel brand PB5Star is futureproofing by building a sustainable business model and systems during accelerating growth. Listen now! PB5star and the Pickleball Phenomenon Key takeaways: - The enthusiast economy drives purchasing trends in sports, making consumers want the same equipment as the best players. - Pickleball's rapid growth offers opportunities for brands to cater to players and enthusiasts beyond the sport itself. - Building a brand requires patience, focus on core values, and understanding customers' needs and wants. - PB5star aims to bring fashion, performance, and a cool vibe to pickleball while supporting players and contributing to the sport's growth. - The sport's accessibility, community elements, and connection to wellness contribute to its rising popularity. - PB5star is looking to expand into wholesale distribution channels, partnering with retailers to reach a wider audience while maintaining its direct-to-consumer presence. The brand founders emphasize patience, staying focused on core values, and being prepared to pivot as necessary to navigate the challenges of building a brand in an emerging industry. - Shaping the future of pickleball will require investing in and supporting players who can help enhance the sport's growth. Associated Links: PB5StarFuture Commerce on YouTubeFuture Commerce+ musesjournal.comSubscribeFuture 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!

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Spatial commerce is all the rage thanks to the Apple Vision Pro… but are brands using it correctly? Phillip and Brian chat with a friend of the pod, Rob Petrosino, on the future of (spatial) commerce and digital twinning. Listen now! Your home is the store of the future Key takeaways: - Spatial computing is nascent, with current devices being bulky and heavy. The form factor is a challenge for consumer adoption but has more immediate applications in specific industries like design and repair. - The adoption of head-mounted displays for B2B use cases is likely to outpace consumer adoption due to cost considerations. - Digital twinning is a crucial aspect of spatial computing, allowing for accurate 3D representations of physical products and spaces. This technology has potential in various industries like fashion, interior design, and personalized shopping experiences. - AI plays a significant role in optimizing spatial experiences by offering predictive analytics, personalized recommendations, and conversational commerce. It accelerates the adoption curve by analyzing vast amounts of data to enhance user experiences. - The future of commerce lies in combining physical spaces with digital experiences to create immersive shopping environments. Brands should focus on telling engaging stories through spatial design that involves narrative elements. - The implementation of pay-with-biometrics technology in physical stores is a precursor to what might be possible in spatial commerce. - In terms of current apps on Apple Vision Pro, there is room for improvement in providing novel experiences that are seamlessly integrated with fully-fledged ecommerce capabilities. Associated Links: YouTubeRob PetrosinoPeakActivityFuture Commerce+ musesjournal.comSubscribeFuture 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!

Each season on Decoded, we demystify a nebulous concept in commerce. In this season of Decoded, presented by FERMÀT, Phillip sits down with Rabah Rahil, the CMO at FERMÀT, to examine the legacy of these prolific thinkers, inventors, and polymaths, philosophers, and mathematicians whose work inspired Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, and Bill Gates. One of these inspirations from the past is the mathemetician Srinivasa Ramanujan. Listen now! The best time to be excellent, and the worst time to be average. {00:08:07}{00:10:12}{00:13:50}{00:17:05}{00:24:38}{00:29:55}Associated Links: FERMÀTAncient Aliens episode about Srinivasa RamanujanYouTube channelSubscribeFuture 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 discuss the forgettable nature of AI music. Corporations' birthdays are an essential thing that we need to care about now. Also, an update on Lammers Law: everything eventually becomes an ad. PLUS: OSHA for the MIND?? Listen now. The Right to Disconnect Key takeaways: - Amazon is scaling back its Just Walk Out technology from its Amazon Fresh grocery stores. Due to technical limitations in grocery stores, it will be constrained to airports and small-format stores. - JPMorgan's use of customer transaction data for targeted advertising highlights the increasing importance of personalized content. - AI-generated music, such as that produced by Suno AI, may lack memorability but showcases the advancements in AI technology. - The "right to disconnect" bill in California reflects the ongoing need for work-life balance in an increasingly digital world. - Corporate anniversaries are becoming a popular marketing strategy and cultural celebration for brands. Associated Links: Future Commerce+ musesjournal.comYouTube channelSubscribeFuture 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!

There are fewer places for kids to be kids, and there are more places for kids to parrot the behaviors and consumer preferences of the adults. This intergenerational response to culture is affecting commerce… and vice versa. Join Brian and Phillip on this special lunar edition of Future Commerce, which turns into something even more *eclipsing*. How Media Shapes Our Buying Decisions Key takeaways: - Mimesis plays a significant role in shaping consumer trends, particularly among children who mimic their parents' brand preferences. - Multigenerational marketing is becoming increasingly important as brands strive to appeal to both adults and children in the same market. - Media has a direct impact on consumer behavior and brand preferences, as media cycles drive discourse and influence purchasing decisions. - Predictable growth rather than exponential growth should be a primary focus for businesses seeking long-term success. - The trend cycles are influenced by an inciting event, followed by discourse, backlash, and ultimately a potential counterpunch or shift in attention. Associated Links: Future Commerce+ musesjournal.comYouTube channelSubscribeFuture 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 have FOMO over guerrilla marketing in the *bathroom*, and break down the Jackson family walkthrough of Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart. Stick around for BigCommerce CEO Brent Bellm’s sit down with Brian live from Shoptalk. “From $70M to $700M” Key takeaways: - ShopTalk has become the biggest pure-play event in North America for e-commerce, showcasing the growth and optimism in the industry. - AI is making its way into various tools and solutions, embedding Gen AI to increase efficiency in teams. - TikTok is seen as a viable platform for brands to engage with new audience segments, and it offers a unique opportunity for creators to collaborate with brands. - Checkout replacement tools are shifting gears, aiming for faster and more adaptable solutions to meet the evolving needs of e-commerce businesses. - Omega Mart by Meow Wolf is an immersive art exhibit that satirizes capitalism and consumerism, allowing visitors to explore a surreal grocery store with twisted products on the shelves. Associated Links: Future Commerce+ musesjournal.comYouTube channelSubscribeFuture 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!

“Customer obsession” is an overused phrase. But for Frette, it just might be true. Phillip and Brian sit down with Paola Pugliese of Frette to discuss heritage luxury, DTC-specific category extensions, and the future of brand activations at cultural events. Recorded live at eTail West. “Quiet Luxury is Not a Trend” Key takeaways: - The power of consumer demand has grown, with brands needing to be true to their values and work closely with customers for relevance and delight. - Frette focuses on partnerships with select partners, such as hospitality properties and designers, to ensure their products land in the right environments. - Quiet luxury is inherent to Frette's DNA, focusing on quality, heritage, and timeless design rather than logo branding. - Brand partnerships expand brand reach and offer opportunities for exclusive experiences and collaborations that go beyond just selling products. {00:08:12} {00:11:23}{00:14:56}{00:25:38} {00:29:19}Associated Links: FrettePaola PuglieseFuture Commerce+ musesjournal.comYouTube channelSubscribeFuture 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!

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For FACEGYM, what is the multiplayer future? What are those incentives, and what do customers want in return? PLUS: A teardown of Web3 as it enters the slope of enlightenment. Listen now and join the discussion! “What does ‘better’ mean?” Key takeaways: - Web3's potential for mass adoption is still hindered by regulatory conditions and technical barriers, but a breakthrough use case could emerge with advancements in technology. - Purpose and values are fundamental in connecting with customers and building brand loyalty in today's market. - Deepening relationships with localized communities and empowering creators can help brands create more meaningful connections with their customers. - Decentralized ownership and collaborative multiplayer experiences offer new possibilities for brands to engage their audience. - Niche communities are becoming increasingly important, allowing brands to embrace fragmentation and connect with specific audience segments for more authentic brand building. Associated Links: Alexa LombardoAtomic Number 8FaceGymFuture Commerce+ musesjournal.comYouTube channelSubscribeFuture 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!

Breakout brand BK Beauty’s co-founders, Lisa and Paul Jauregui, discuss the potential consequences of a TikTok shutdown on the eCommerce landscape. While many brands use TikTok Shops as a growth channel to reach new audiences, the House passing a bill to shut down ByteDance's operation in the United States has sent shockwaves through the industry.

MrBeast has some recent learnings in trademark legalities and how hard DTC chocolate can be, and McDonalds is not answering back Phillip’s question. Plus, was the Super Bowl really the most-watched human event or do we just have too many ways you count who is watching, more people, and more widespread and varying broadcast options? And could a giant sphere be coming to a city near you? Or perhaps even your very own home? So much to talk about, so listen in now! “The McRib and Shamrock Shake Loophole” Key takeaways: - McDonald's continues to activate its brand through innovative partnerships, this time with popular anime studio Studio Pierrot. - Mr Beast faced a trademark violation for using the term "Deez Nuts" on his chocolate packaging, leading to a rebrand. - Las Vegas transformed its identity by shifting away from vices through family-friendly experiences, emphasizing business conferences instead. - Companies may need to constantly reinvent themselves as competitors catch up or as markets change. - There is a growing demand for immersive experiences like the Sphere, which could revolutionize entertainment venues and advertising formats.Rather than making the world obsolete, tech has created an opportunity for historical modalities to rise from obsolescence. {00:17:17} {00:33:56}{00:39:24}{00:43:23} Associated Links: RSVP for our VISIONS SummitFuture Commerce+ musesjournal.comYouTube channelSubscribeFuture 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!

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Has "doomerism" evolved since last year's report into something much more global? Has the wellness obsession been taken too far? Is the appeal of being a semi-luddite on the rise? Friend of the pod and cultural theorist Matt Klein discusses the findings from his annual META Trends Report. “Going Airplane Mode” Key takeaways: - A key takeaway from analyzing over one hundred trend reports spanning several years: many of the reported trends remain unchanged year after year after year. - Language used to describe disruptive changes often relies on established nomenclature instead of introducing new terminology. - There is an opportunity to hack trend reports by strategically seeding ideas and language that can shape future trends. - The ranking of meta-trends in reports can differ between what is frequently mentioned and what exists in cultural data, creating a discrepancy and an opportunity for manipulation. - Understanding the deeper human needs beneath trend manifestations is key for organizations to find success in addressing cultural shifts. Associated Links: Matt Klein2024 Meta Trends ReportFuture Commerce+ musesjournal.comYouTube channelSubscribeFuture 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 allure of building a retail space is strong these days, but doing it right is critical. How do you know when to spend big bucks on fancy tech and when to equip your employees more instead? What is the special sauce to creating an environment where customers will keep coming back? It’s an exciting time in retail and Rebekah and Libby give us insight into why and their take on what is coming in the future in the world of physical retail. Listen now! Retail is Alive and Hot Key takeaways: - One critical advantage physical retail has over the digital space is human interaction, which can make or break how a customer feels about a brand. - The similarities between theater and retail highlight the importance of behind-the-scenes work in creating an exceptional customer experience. - Pop-up shops aren't sufficient for testing physical retail viability, but they can provide valuable insights if brands know what they want to achieve. - Well-trained store employees are crucial for creating positive brand experiences and building lasting customer relationships. - The future of physical retail lies in personalized experiences, smaller store formats, and operational agility to meet changing customer needs.‍ {00:10:27} {00:14:26}{00:21:37}{00:32:39} {00:34:57}{00:45:18}{00:51:11}Associated Links: Rekon RetailRebekah KondratLibby ShaniFuture Commerce+ musesjournal.comYouTube channelSubscribeFuture 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!

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Kyle Chayka joins us to discuss Filterworld, and the impact that algorithms have on culture and connection. Are we at the mercy of rapidly-changing algorithms and recommendations? How do we overcome ‘algorithm anxiety’ and become more intentional and thoughtful in our content consumption and decision-making? Listen now. The Digital Front Porch Key takeaways: - The rise of huge social media platforms has led to algorithmic recommendations and feeds becoming the main way we experience culture on the internet. - A personal algorithm cleanse can help reset our relationship with the internet and inspire us to think for ourselves. - Friction is an important concept—algorithmic feeds try to eliminate friction, while slowing down our process of consumption allows for more intentional decision-making. - Algorithm anxiety is real, particularly for those who make their living on the internet; they are at the mercy of constantly changing algorithms and recommendations. - As consumers, our preferences are influenced by both algorithms and personal curators; we should recognize our role as tastemakers and actively participate in shaping our own cultural experiences. {00:08:17} {00:17:13}{00:19:29}{00:33:25} {00:39:53}{00:52:41}{00:59:14}{01:04:14}Associated Links: Kyle ChaykaFilterworldFuture Commerce+ musesjournal.comYouTube channelSubscribeFuture 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!

Kyle Chayka joins us to discuss Filterworld, and the impact that algorithms have on culture and connection. Are we at the mercy of rapidly-changing algorithms and recommendations? How do we overcome ‘algorithm anxiety’ and become more intentional and thoughtful in our content consumption and decision-making? Listen now. The Digital Front Porch Key takeaways: - The rise of huge social media platforms has led to algorithmic recommendations and feeds becoming the main way we experience culture on the internet. - A personal algorithm cleanse can help reset our relationship with the internet and inspire us to think for ourselves. - Friction is an important concept—algorithmic feeds try to eliminate friction, while slowing down our process of consumption allows for more intentional decision-making. - Algorithm anxiety is real, particularly for those who make their living on the internet; they are at the mercy of constantly changing algorithms and recommendations. - As consumers, our preferences are influenced by both algorithms and personal curators; we should recognize our role as tastemakers and actively participate in shaping our own cultural experiences. {00:08:17} {00:17:13}{00:19:29}{00:33:25} {00:39:53}{00:52:41}{00:59:14}{01:04:14}Associated Links: Kyle ChaykaFilterworldFuture Commerce+ musesjournal.comYouTube channelSubscribeFuture 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!

This week on the podcast, Phillip and Brian discuss the debatable success of the KITH loyalty launch, the “debauchery” during the prior eCom boom cycle, and the forthcoming Apple Vision Pro’s impact on Commerce. PLUS: Save the date for SXSW 2024! Listen now! “No one wants to make a decision about the future without data from the past” Key takeaways: - Incorporating tier-exclusive products into a loyalty program can provide real value and make customers feel special and incentivized to continue purchasing. - The potential for current technology was always built into the technology itself, often requiring new ways of thinking to fully realize its capabilities. - Pattern recognition, which is necessary for successful commerce, can be mentally exhausting, leading to reliance on algorithms and machines for assistance. - Building a standout loyalty program requires an understanding of the shifting landscape of commerce and media, and adapting to new technologies and mediums. - True loyalty programs should focus on customer engagement and long-term success rather than solely relying on historical data or familiar strategies. Associated Links: Future Commerce + musesjournal.comYouTube channelSubscribeFuture 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!