2 MAY 2024 · In the bustling e-commerce landscape of 2024 and beyond, carving out your brand's unique online merchandising strategy is paramount. But how do you get started?  In today's episode, Elena is joined by https://www.linkedin.com/in/salee-suwansawad-68373015/, the trailblazing Digital Site Merchandising Leader athttps://www.vfc.com/ which is home to brands like Vans, Timberland, Northface, and more. With a wealth of experience in the space, Salee unveils the blueprint for constructing a commerce empire that stands the test of time. Discussed in this episode: - Merchandising tactics tailored for both online and brick-and-mortar - The secrets behind effective marketing strategies and mastering the art of brand management - Navigating the ever-evolving retail landscape with insights on trends, personalized consumer experiences, and technology adoption

18 APR 2024 · Ecommerce continues to evolve at a pace that is hard to fathom — let alone keep up with. In this episode of the Commerce Experience, which was recorded live at Shoptalk Spring in Las, Vegas, Elena sits down with https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-peters-3bbb6220/, Senior Manager of ECommerce athttps://www.google.com/search?q=OLLY+PBC&client=safari&sca_esv=4a5a031700450f0f&sca_upv=1&rls=en&ei=TFMEZqeRKpyqwbkP_YSioAU&ved=0ahUKEwin57OA-JSFAxUcVTABHX2CCFQQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=OLLY+PBC&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiCE9MTFkgUEJDMhEQLhiABBiKBRiRAhjHARjRAzIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBhAAGBYYHjIGEAAYFhgeMgYQABgWGB4yBhAAGBYYHjILEAAYgAQYigUYhgMyIBAuGIAEGIoFGJECGMcBGNEDGJcFGNwEGN4EGOAE2AEBSIQIUPEFWPEFcAF4AZABAJgBmwGgAZsBqgEDMC4xuAEDyAEA-AEBmAICoAK_AcICChAAGEcY1gQYsAOYAwCIBgGQBgi6BgYIARABGBSSBwMxLjGgB8cH&sclient=gws-wiz-serp, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/philwinkle/, Co-Founder of https://www.futurecommerce.com, to look at how e-commerce is prioritizing  simplicity over complexity with the democratization of platforms and staying agile and attentive to customers' expectations. Join us as we discuss:  - The importance of omnichannel for the modern consumer and how to consider it in your planning - The evolution of ecommerce tech stacks and the crucial nature of integrations in the age of simplicity  - The role of cultural relevance in marketing for all generations and the need for brands to adapt quickly to their desires

4 APR 2024 · In 2023, there was a spike in experience, or experiential, retail. But what is experience retail? It’s a strategy that focuses on creating unique, immersive, and memorable experiences for customers — both online and in store. For example, the widespread excitement around pop culture-related events, like the Barbie movie or the Taylor Swift Eras tour, helped immerse consumers wholly into a particular experience — while also driving related purchases for themed outfits, accessories, costumes, and so on. With experiential marketing continuing to refine itself, we’ll see a brand’s ability to adapt get a lot quicker, allowing them to gauge important insights, shift merchandising strategies, and capitalize on pop culture trends. In today’s episode, which was recorded during Bloomreach's Commerce Experience Summit, Elena sits down with Christy Augustine, COO at Bloomreach, and Stefani Rosenberg, the former Senior Director of Marketing Product and Process at Macy’s, to explore the dynamic intersection of AI, experiential marketing, and ecommerce. Join us as we discuss:  - Adapting merchandising strategies to incorporate cultural trends and experiences - Leveraging live shopping and partnerships for emotional buy-in - Evolving consumer expectations in retail and what it means to your brand

21 MAR 2024 · In the current economic environment, the directive to "do more with less" has become an inescapable reality for marketers. Tasked with driving ambitious results on a shoestring budget and a lean team, the challenge is not merely to keep pace but to stand out and thrive.  Into this challenging scenario, Natalie Marcotullio, Head of Growth and Operations at Navattic, brings to the table a unique framework designed to empower small marketing teams. Joining Elena in an eye-opening conversation, Natalie shares how embracing innovative strategies can transform limitations into strengths, ensuring your brand not only resonates in a crowded market but shines distinctly. Discussed in this episode:  - Managing a marketer’s workload without burnout  - Outsourcing tasks for productivity enhancement - Finding the best time to pitch ideas to leadership

7 MAR 2024 · Marketing teams run a million miles a minute, but one central focus fuels those that win — impenetrable teamwork and a customer-centric approach that focuses on curating the shopping experiences that make sense to them. This unwavering dedication to understanding and meeting the ever-changing needs of their customers sets the stage for groundbreaking strategies and unparalleled business success. Today, Elena sits down with https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-frenette-56257832/, the B2B Digital Commerce Manager at https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hershey-company/, to discuss B2B digital transformation, the B2C comparisons that plague B2B, and the power of creative consistency and digital strategy. Mark shares his vast marketing wisdom and underscores the need to push beyond limits to achieve true success. Discussed in this episode: - Why B2B companies often lag behind B2C companies in digital transformation despite the need to meet customer expectations - “Consistency,” “patience,” and “thinking creatively” as the core values to B2B (and B2C) digital transformation and overcoming internal resistance we feel as humans - The importance of aligning technology with your strategy and goals as an organization

22 FEB 2024 · How well do you know your customers? Yes, yes, you “know them.” You know their purchasing habits, their demographics, and the various styles trending. But how deep down the rabbit hole are you going as a retailer in trying to truly understand and connect with them on a personal level? In today’s episode of Commerce Experience, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianborde/, Marketing Director at https://doublestitch.com/ by Bedsure, talks about radical customer engagement for the 76% of consumers who think companies should know and anticipate their needs, underscoring the necessity for nuanced and targeted marketing approaches that are more experience-driven than anything else. Join us as we discuss: - How AI can play a role in shaping unique customer experiences - The art of leveraging customer data - The most thoughtful examples of brands interacting with customers

8 FEB 2024 · Elena links up with https://www.linkedin.com/in/desireenatali/, the innovative Director of Social Media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehoneypotco/, for a chat about community marketing, grassroots efforts, experimentation and testing, and much more. In marketing, one fundamental lesson remains true: embracing change and being open to trying new things is key. In this episode of the Commerce Experience, Desiree Natali, the Director of Social Media and Community at The Honey Pot Company, shares her invaluable experience and marketing wisdom that underscores the essence of adaptability and innovation. The Honey Pot Company, a pioneer in feminine hygiene and wellness, has blazed a trail marked by its unwavering commitment to experimentation and a profound connection with its community. This journey has led the company to uncharted territories, defying convention and setting new standards for authenticity and storytelling in modern marketing — and isn’t that what all marketers ultimately aspire to do? On this episode: - The unlikely, and yet obvious mascot that’s helped bring The Honey Pot vast success - Why engaging with potential customers in meaningful ways means everything - How experimentation, grassroots efforts, and AI can bring you serious success - All things social media and when is the right moment to embrace new trends

25 JAN 2024 · AI is the new hire you’ve always dreamed of. But the onboarding process is going to take some time. For the time being, your team’s knowledge and skillset will be the secret sauce to reaping the benefits of the AI technology that’s evolving in front of our eyes by the minute. Joining Elena on the Commerce Experience to talk about using AI in e-commerce, marketing, and more are two of Bloomreach’s most seasoned ambassadors, https://www.linkedin.com/in/lasseaagaardpedersen/, Lead Architect at https://nexusambition.dk/, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-morais-sousa/, Head of CRM at https://lounge.com/. The conversation is sure to leave you pondering about how you’re using AI in your daily workflow, yet, with some of the tips discussed here, you’ll be eager to dive into that next big project. Discussed in this episode: - Various AI use cases and the importance of prompting correctly - The recent boom of AI adoption and how it will change the ways we work - The impact of AI on professional and personal growth

14 DEC 2023 · What are the traits of a limitless leader, and how would you transform in 2024 if you tapped into this wisdom? Today, Elena is joined by Dr. Mary Hemphill, a leadership expert and development coach, author, and highly regarded communicator. She holds a PhD in Leadership Studies and has impacted nearly 50,000 leaders around the world with her transformational and innovative development strategies. Mary is the proud CEO and founder of The Limitless Leader LLC™, an organization that helps people ignite the leader in themselves. Discussed in this episode: - Mindset shifts necessary to operate as a limitless leader - Explore the importance of creating conditions for creativity in the workplace - Understanding the impact of technology on leadership and the need for ethical considerations in AI and beyond

16 NOV 2023 · Join host https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenakacan/ in her debut episode of Commerce Experience, as she sits down with Roxy Couse (https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxanna-couse/) and Phillip Jackson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/philwinkle/) to discuss the intersection of pop culture and online shopping. From Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce trends to the grandma chic aesthetic, this conversation unpacks how what's hot right now can make or break your online store. Don’t miss this discussion packed full of insider tips and laughs as they reveal how to navigate the fast-changing world of digital merchandising. Discussed in this episode: - Learn how to ride the wave of the latest TikTok trends and turn them into sales - Tailoring your online experience to fit the needs and desires of your target audience, just like Taylor Swift does with her music - How Beyonce and Taylor Swift are not just icons but marketing geniuses, and key takeaways for your brand