Commerce Untold

Eitan Koter

Commerce Untold goes beyond the headlines to uncover the real stories shaping eCommerce and retail today. Hosted by Eitan Koter, the show dives into every layer of modern commerce, from digital innovation and retail media to brand building, marketplaces, social commerce, live shopping, customer experience, and emerging technologies. Each episode features founders, CMOs, retail and e-commerce leaders, and operators sharing what actually drives growth behind the scenes. The wins, the missteps, the strategies, and the untold insights you won’t hear anywhere else. If you care about how products are built, marketed, sold, fulfilled and experienced in today’s rapidly evolving commerce landscape, this podcast is for you.

  1. 202. Why TikTok Beats Instagram for Sales ft. Íñigo Rivero

    2D AGO

    202. Why TikTok Beats Instagram for Sales ft. Íñigo Rivero

    Eitan Koter is joined by Íñigo Rivero, co-founder and managing director at House of Marketeers, a global TikTok Marketing Agency. They talk about how the platform has shifted over time, from a place for visibility to something much closer to a sales channel. Íñigo explains why many brands still approach influencer marketing the wrong way, and what actually drives results. The discussion covers the role of authentic content, why engagement matters more than follower count, and how TikTok’s algorithm gives new brands a chance to get seen. They also break down how TikTok Shop is opening up new opportunities for both brands and creators, and how social commerce is becoming easier to track and scale. It’s a clear conversation on what brands should focus on if they want to make TikTok work for them. Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social: Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Íñigo Rivero, Co-Founder & Managing Director at House of Marketers Íñigo Rivero’s LinkedIn | House of Marketers Takeaways: Resilience is crucial for personal and business growth.Growth often comes from mistakes and tough feedback.TikTok's authenticity sets it apart from other platforms.Social commerce is the future of TikTok.The algorithm prioritizes engaging content over follower count.Brands can expand internationally through TikTok Shop.Forecasting is essential for scaling a business effectively.Health and beauty products perform well on TikTok.Understanding local markets is key for international brands.Influencer marketing requires a balance of creativity and strategy. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Influencer Marketing and Resilience 02:44 The Evolution of TikTok and Its Unique Appeal 05:15 The Rise of Social Commerce on TikTok 08:01 Influencer Marketing Strategies and TikTok Shop 10:33 The Importance of Authenticity and Engagement 13:16 SEO and Discovery on TikTok 15:56 House of Marketeers: Agency Insights and Growth 18:53 Navigating International Markets with TikTok 21:38 Challenges in Influencer Marketing and Agency Growth 24:17 Building a High-Performing Team in a Remote Environment 27:00 Conclusion and Future of Influencer Marketing

    29 min
  2. 201. Retail Strategy Tips Every Ecommerce Founder Needs ft. Rebekah Kondrat

    MAR 27

    201. Retail Strategy Tips Every Ecommerce Founder Needs ft. Rebekah Kondrat

    Welcome to Commerce Untold. In this episode, host Eitan Koter sits down with Rebekah Kondrat, Founder of Recon Retail, a company that helps ecommerce and DTC brands launch and scale physical stores. Rebekah has worked with brands like Apple, Starbucks, Warby Parker, Outdoor Voices, and Joybird. Today, she partners with growing brands that are ready to expand beyond online sales and build retail the right way. Together, they unpack the idea that retail is dying. Rebekah explains that most purchases still happen in person and that brands cannot rely on a single channel anymore. Online only brands are opening stores, and store based brands must strengthen their ecommerce presence. The future is about making both work together. She shares when a DTC brand should consider opening its first store, why revenue around 10 million dollars can be a helpful benchmark, and why your first location should be close enough for leadership to stay connected to customers. They also discuss what separates profitable stores from the rest, how product selection should vary by region, and why operations can make or break the retail experience. If you are thinking about expanding from ecommerce into physical retail, this episode gives you a clear place to start. Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social: Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Rebekah Kondrat, Founder and Managing Partner at rekon retail Rebekah Kondrat’s LinkedIn | rekon retail Watch the full Youtube video here: https://youtu.be/e7-kvX3Qe4g Takeaways: Retail is still a significant part of the economy, despite the rise of e-commerce.Brands need to evolve and adapt to stay relevant in the retail space.A multi-channel approach is essential for modern brands.Recon Retail acts as an embedded partner to help brands open physical stores.Successful retail operations require a focus on customer experience and operational efficiency.The role of retail staff is evolving beyond traditional sales roles.AI can streamline retail operations and enhance customer interactions.Brands should consider their first store location carefully to maximize learning and engagement.Every store should be designed to be profitable, not just as a marketing tool.Understanding customer demographics and preferences is crucial for retail success. Chapters: 00:00 The Resilience of Retail 03:48 Evolving with the Industry 09:47 Recon Retail's Unique Approach 15:36 Building Successful Retail Operations 21:55 The Future of Retail Staff 25:25 Innovations in Retail Experience 29:10 Identifying Ideal Customers

    32 min
  3. 200. The Truth About Creator Marketing ROI with Megan Vasquez

    FEB 19

    200. The Truth About Creator Marketing ROI with Megan Vasquez

    In this episode of Mastering eCommerce Marketing, host Eitan Koter sits down with Megan Vasquez, Director of Creator Strategy and Strategic Marketing at Grin. Megan shares what she has learned from working across beauty brands, agencies, and large e-commerce companies. Creator marketing is no longer a side project. It is expected to deliver results. They cover how to forecast revenue from influencers, how to align campaign goals with the right creators, and why reducing friction in the buying process makes a big difference. Megan also talks about TikTok Shop, affiliate strategy, and the importance of long term creator relationships. If you want a clearer view of how creator marketing drives sales today, this episode is worth listening to. Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social: Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Megan Vasquez, Director of Creator Strategy & Strategic Marketing at GRIN Megan Vasquez’s LinkedIn | GRIN Watch the full Youtube video here: https://youtu.be/4J9Dit-kIC4 Takeaways: The creator economy is evolving and growing rapidly.Data-driven marketing is essential for success in the creator space.AI can help streamline processes and enhance creativity.TikTok has revolutionized e-commerce and product discovery.Brands must focus on building authentic relationships with creators.Neglecting brand affinity can lead to poor performance in campaigns.Long-term contracts with creators foster trust and better results.Clicks and audience sentiment are crucial KPIs for campaigns.User-generated content often outperforms traditional marketing.Grin is focused on meeting market needs with innovative solutions. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Creator Economy 02:29 The Evolution of the Creator Economy 05:18 Data-Driven Marketing in the Creator Space 08:14 Balancing Self-Service and Hand-Holding in SaaS 11:08 The Role of AI in Marketing and Content Creation 13:49 The Impact of TikTok on Social Shopping 16:45 Common Mistakes in Creator Programs 19:49 Building Long-Term Relationships with Creators 22:47 Key Performance Indicators for Campaign Success 25:26 Future Plans for Grin and the Creator Economy

    32 min
  4. 199. Why Your Amazon Page Isn’t Converting with Daniela Bolzmann

    FEB 12

    199. Why Your Amazon Page Isn’t Converting with Daniela Bolzmann

    In this episode of Mastering eCommerce Marketing, host Eitan Koter sits down with Daniela Bolzmann, Founder of Mindful Goods, to talk about what actually moves the needle on Amazon today. Daniela works with brands around the world on Amazon creative, SEO, and conversion, and she spends her days testing what works and what does not. The conversation opens with how Daniela thinks about business, from abundance and gratitude to building systems that support long term growth. From there, they get into the real work. Daniela breaks down the Amazon funnel in plain terms, starting with getting found through titles and bullets, then earning the click with main images, and finally converting shoppers once they land on the listing. She explains why so many brands still treat Amazon like Shopify, and how that mistake shows up in missed sales. They also talk about testing, creative refresh cycles, and how competition reacts when something starts working. This episode feels like two operators comparing notes on how Amazon actually works right now. Website: https://www.vimmi.net  Email us: info@vimmi.net  Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/  Talk to us on Social: Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube  Guest: Daniela Anavitarte Bolzmann, CEO & Founder at Mindful Goods Daniela Anavitarte Bolzmann’s LinkedIn | Mindful Goods Get The ULTIMATE Amazon Product Image Swipe File! Watch the full Youtube video here: https://youtu.be/cEwxxRle_Mo Takeaways: Abundance is a mindset that opens doors.AI tools are essential for modern creative processes.Optimizing titles and bullets can significantly increase sales.Main images are crucial for attracting clicks on Amazon.Every image should address customer objections or questions.Amazon marketing requires a balance of conversion and traffic strategies.Continuous testing is key to finding winning variants.Understanding your ideal customer is vital for effective marketing.Visual storytelling enhances product appeal and conversion rates.Brands must adapt their strategies to remain competitive. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Abundance and Flow 02:51 Navigating Changes in Amazon Marketing 05:31 Leveraging AI in Creative Processes 08:40 Building an Organic Amazon Strategy 11:14 Optimizing Product Listings for Conversion 16:06 The Importance of Visual Storytelling 19:02 Understanding Organic vs Paid Strategies 24:48 Identifying Your Ideal Customer 28:24 Resources and Closing Thoughts

    30 min
  5. 198. How To Launch A Beauty Brand with David Feuerstein

    FEB 6

    198. How To Launch A Beauty Brand with David Feuerstein

    On this episode of Mastering eCommerce Marketing, Eitan Koter welcomes David Feuerstein, Founder and CBO of CREATOR, a company rethinking how beauty brands are made. David shares how CREATOR makes it possible for creators, influencers, and DTC brands to launch real beauty products without massive upfront inventory or long development cycles. What used to take months and large checks can now start with small runs that grow based on demand. Eitan and David talk through why beauty has lagged behind apparel when it comes to on-demand production, and what changes when manufacturing, storefronts, and sales data are finally connected. David explains how this approach helps brands avoid overstocking, missed sales, and cash tied up in warehouses. They also cover how AI supports better forecasting, smoother production planning, and smarter marketing decisions, especially when campaigns take off faster than expected. Along the way, David shares stories from working with creators and DTC brands that started with a few hundred units and scaled to tens of thousands, all without switching factories or rebuilding their supply chain. If you’re thinking about launching a beauty brand, expanding an existing one, or just want to understand how creators are moving beyond affiliate links into real ownership, this episode sets the stage. Website: https://www.vimmi.net  Email us: info@vimmi.net  Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/  Talk to us on Social: Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube  Guest: David Feuerstein, Founder & CBO at Cre8or David Feuerstein’s LinkedIn | Cre8or Watch the full Youtube video here: https://youtu.be/3ButC4BxbGM Takeaways: Launching beauty products is complex due to compliance, formulation, and manufacturing.Cre8or gives creators and brands access to on-demand beauty manufacturing.Inventory is one of the biggest risks for growing brands.Starting small and scaling with demand lowers financial pressure.Creators are moving beyond affiliate links to owning products.AI supports forecasting, production timing, and inventory planning.The future of beauty favors speed, flexibility, and lower risk. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and guest intro 01:16 Values that guide David’s work 03:47 What Cre8or does 05:06 Why beauty is harder than merch 06:25 Challenges creators face 09:02 Inventory and risk 13:32 Scaling without overstock 15:34 Manufacturing meets demand 21:00 AI and forecasting 24:39 The future of beauty brands 28:16 How to work with Cre8or

    30 min
  6. 197. Email Marketing Secrets Every Shopify Brand Needs with Jordan Gordon

    FEB 4

    197. Email Marketing Secrets Every Shopify Brand Needs with Jordan Gordon

    In this episode of Mastering eCommerce Marketing, Eitan Koter welcomes Jordan Gordon, Head of Email Retention and CRO at Pilot House Digital, and the host of the World’s Best Email Retention Podcast. Jordan shares how he found his way into email early on, why he stayed focused on it, and how that focus turned into a long-term advantage. The conversation centers on one simple idea. Brands cannot scale efficiently if retention is treated as an afterthought. They talk through what Jordan sees when auditing Shopify and Klaviyo accounts, how email revenue compares to paid media, and why the cheapest customer is often the one you already have. Jordan explains how email supports ads behind the scenes, improves return on spend, and creates room to grow without increasing costs. On the CRO side, Jordan walks through how he looks at funnels, where most sites lose momentum, and why homepage and product page paths matter more than most teams expect. He also explains why simplifying choices and highlighting hero products often works better than complex redesigns. They close with a look at the inbox today, why automation matters more than constant campaigns, and how brands can stay visible without wearing out their list. Website: https://www.vimmi.net  Email us: info@vimmi.net  Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/  Talk to us on Social: Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube  Guest: Jordan Gordon, Head of Email, Retention and CRO at Pilothouse Digital Jordan Gordon’s LinkedIn | Pilothouse Digital Watch the full Youtube video here: https://youtu.be/-GQliosqjjk Takeaways: Scale, depth, and dedication are crucial in e-commerce.Email retention can significantly impact revenue.Your cheapest buyer is the buyer you already have.Email is a 50-year-old protocol that remains vital.Email marketing is the most prolific communication system.A tight campaign window and automation are essential for success.Focus on the landing pad for traffic to improve results.Retention tactics can prevent leaving money on the table.Understanding the connection between bottom-of-funnel and advertising success is key.Optimizing conversion rates requires understanding user funnels and choke points. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to E-commerce Retention Strategies 02:50 The Importance of Scale, Depth, and Dedication 05:18 Email Retention: The Bottom of the Funnel 08:22 Connecting Email and Advertising Success 11:08 The Riddle of Email as a Profit Center 13:46 Optimizing Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) Strategies 16:28 Understanding User Funnels and Choke Points 19:17 Measuring Success in CRO 21:55 The Future of Email Marketing in 2026 24:40 The World's Best Email Retention Podcast

    29 min
  7. 196. Franchise Startup Guide for First-Time Owners with Jon Ostenson

    JAN 30

    196. Franchise Startup Guide for First-Time Owners with Jon Ostenson

    In this episode of Mastering eCommerce Marketing, host Eitan Koter sits down with Jon Ostenson, Founder, CEO and Consultant at FranBridge Consulting, for a grounded conversation about franchising and how it actually works in the real world. Jon has spent years on both sides of the table. He’s run a franchise system, invested as a franchisee, and now works closely with entrepreneurs and business owners who are deciding whether franchising makes sense for them. Together, they talk through what franchising really means beyond the headlines. Jon explains how franchise models are structured, why non food franchises are growing fast, and what people should consider before choosing between starting a business, buying one, or joining a franchise system. They also cover common mistakes, like underestimating the work involved or moving too fast. Jon shares how territories are protected, how financing usually works, and what strong franchise operators tend to have in place to support their owners. This episode is a clear, honest look at franchising for anyone thinking about business ownership, growth, or expansion without starting from scratch. Website: https://www.vimmi.net  Email us: info@vimmi.net  Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/  Talk to us on Social: Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube  Guest: Jon Ostenson, Founder, CEO and Consultant at FranBridge Consulting Jon Ostenson’s LinkedIn | FranBridge Consulting Watch the full Youtube video here: https://youtu.be/AVuocPOHg6Q Takeaways: Franchising provides a support system for entrepreneurs.It's essential to evaluate the franchise model before investing.Common mistakes include underestimating the work involved in franchising.Timing is crucial; the right moment to start may never come.Franchising can be a viable expansion strategy for existing businesses.A strong leadership team is vital for franchise success.Understanding the investment and revenue structure is key.Franchisees need protection in their territories to succeed.Non-food franchises are gaining popularity and profitability.Building an asset through franchising offers long-term benefits. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Franchising and Personal Insights 03:04 The Franchise Model Explained 05:47 Key Considerations for Entrepreneurs 08:35 Evaluating Franchise Opportunities 11:32 Mistakes to Avoid in Franchising 14:16 Franchising as a Growth Strategy 17:29 The Role of Support in Franchising 20:09 Protecting Franchisees and Territory Management 23:07 Investment and Revenue Structure in Franchising 25:58 Resources and Next Steps for Interested Entrepreneurs 28:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    29 min
  8. 195. Retail vs DTC What Brands Miss with Talor Ofer

    JAN 28

    195. Retail vs DTC What Brands Miss with Talor Ofer

    In this episode of Mastering eCommerce Marketing, host Eitan Koter sits down with Talor Ofer, founder of Retail Empire, to talk about what it really takes for brands to get into brick and mortar retail in the US. Talor has spent more than 25 years working directly with retail buyers and helping brands move from online-only sales into physical stores. At Retail Empire, his team connects vendors with buyers across hundreds of retail chains, from specialty stores to major big-box retailers. In this conversation, Eitan and Talor talk through why retail still plays such a big role in 2026, even as more brands start online. Talor explains why many founders are closer to retail-ready than they think, and what usually holds them back. They cover how buyers make decisions today, why samples matter more than most brands realize, and what retailers look for beyond just a good product. Talor also breaks down pricing expectations, common mistakes that slow deals down, and how brands should think about wholesale, packaging, and supply chain before approaching buyers. If you’re running a DTC brand, selling on Amazon, or thinking about wholesale for the first time, this episode gives a clear look at how retail actually works, straight from someone who’s in those conversations every day. Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social: Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Talor Ofer, Founder at Retail Empire Talor Ofer’s LinkedIn | Retail Empire Watch the full Youtube video here: https://youtu.be/f6-nuwE5-NA Takeaways: Retail is a crucial channel for brands, despite the rise of D2C.Brands must ensure they have a solid supply chain before entering retail.Packaging is key; it should communicate the product's value quickly.Retail buyers are looking for brands with a compelling story.Fast decision-making is becoming more common among retail buyers.Pricing strategies are evolving due to market competition and tariffs.Samples are essential for securing orders from retailers.Understanding the setup process with retailers is critical for success.Brands should be aware of market trends to stay relevant.Loyalty and honesty are foundational for long-term business relationships. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Retail Empire and Talor Ofer 01:06 Preparing Brands for Big Box Retail 02:41 Timing for Retail Entry: When to Go Big 05:22 Common Reasons for Retailer Rejections 07:40 Understanding Buyer Decision-Making in 2026 09:42 The Retail Empire Process: Qualifying Opportunities 12:55 The Importance of Samples in Retail 14:51 Approaching Retailers: Big vs. Small 16:43 Handling Initial Shipments and Training 18:29 Marketing and Packaging Considerations 19:32 Managing Inventory and Demand Spikes 21:01 Sales Cycle: From Introduction to Orders 22:26 Technology and Support Systems for Brands 23:42 Trends and Innovations in Retail 24:20 Exclusivity Terms in Retail Contracts 25:40 Dealing with Unsold Inventory 27:03 Core Values: Honesty, Transparency, and Loyalty 28:14 Connecting with Retail Empire

    29 min
5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Commerce Untold goes beyond the headlines to uncover the real stories shaping eCommerce and retail today. Hosted by Eitan Koter, the show dives into every layer of modern commerce, from digital innovation and retail media to brand building, marketplaces, social commerce, live shopping, customer experience, and emerging technologies. Each episode features founders, CMOs, retail and e-commerce leaders, and operators sharing what actually drives growth behind the scenes. The wins, the missteps, the strategies, and the untold insights you won’t hear anywhere else. If you care about how products are built, marketed, sold, fulfilled and experienced in today’s rapidly evolving commerce landscape, this podcast is for you.