Retales: E-Commerce Growth Stories Brightpearl Podcasts

For our last episode of the season, we have something extra special for you! 
In this episode, we present a recording of a recent online event hosted as part of Brightpearl's Peak Season series on finance and fundraising in e-commerce. Our host, Caroline Baldwin sat down with Emily Bendell, Founder and CEO at Bluebella, and Nick Torday, Co-founder and CEO at Bower Collective.
Unmask the secrets behind successful e-commerce fundraising with Emily  and Nick.  This episode is an exploration of their fundraising sagas, the highs and lows, triumphs, and lessons learned. They pull back the curtain on the emotional roller coaster of fundraising, offer nuggets on securing a diverse pool of investors, and take a deep dive into the persistent gender gap in the investment sector.

As we navigate the twists and turns of their journeys, we'll dig into their experiences during the pandemic, their reasons for picking crowdfunding over angel investment, and the weight of having a supportive brand community. They candidly discuss the perks of crowdfunding,  and the crucial role of timing in the crowdfunding process. You'll gain insights on the current state of VC funding for female-founded businesses and why it's crucial to proactively seek out female investors.

Together, they share their remarkable e-commerce fundraising journey and the priceless lessons they've learned.

If you're in search of expert guidance on attracting investment or exploring
funding options for your e-commerce enterprise, regardless of its size, then this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

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Today, we are excited to welcome back James Ewens, a leader who has taken the e-commerce world by storm.

James is now a Director at Open 24 Seven, overseeing an impressive portfolio of e-commerce brands, including Green Feathers, Alexander Francis, and SpyCameraCCTV. Want to uncover the secret behind three successful e-commerce brands? James is here to spill the beans.

After leading Furniturebox to sales growth of 95% over the last three years, soaring to £17 million, James is back with Open 24 Seven after a seven-year hiatus and is once again disrupting the market.

In this episode, James shares his invaluable insights on a tech-first approach to e-commerce and how it is the essential backbone for scaling companies looking to gain territory and thrive in a competitive marketplace. We pick James' brain about wise investments in technology, and how to handle cash flow.

We also delve into James’ favourite game-changing technologies for multi-channel, multi-territory businesses, including how a real-time inventory planning tool helped the company save hundreds of thousands of pounds a year, through a more optimal and efficient stock holding.

We also dive into his "Three Pillars" - culture, trial and investment, and 'fail fast' - and how they interlock to propel a business forward.

Whether you're an e-commerce novice or a seasoned veteran, James’ strategies are a must-listen for those looking to develop a gold standard for e-commerce operations.

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Our guest this week is Rakesh Aggarwal, the visionary owner of beauty giant Escentual.com. He joins us to share his insights into the world of technology and its intersection with the beauty industry.
The high-end online beauty retailer, which stocks brands including Burberry, Clarins and Dior is a family-grown business, launched by Rakesh Aggarwal more than 20 years ago as an online arm of his father Raj‘s chain of pharmacies in and around Cardiff.
From humble beginnings in his parents' garage to riding the dot-com boom wave, Rakesh's journey is a testament to grit, entrepreneurial spirit, and a visionary approach. This episode is a masterclass in brand storytelling, purpose-driven retail, and navigating the challenging terrains of securing funding rounds that could potentially affect company culture.
During the conversation, Rakesh shares his experiences as a business owner and the tech stack that has driven the business to a multi-million-pound turnover. Learn how to make informed tech investments that promise a significant ROI, and how to avoid some of the common pitfalls of adopting technology.
 
 He also discusses the challenges he has faced with adopting technology and the importance of renewing and updating your tech stack to stay ahead in today's rapidly evolving landscape.
The beauty industry is a dynamic space where trends and consumer preferences change rapidly. Escentual's ability to bridge the gap between technology innovation and customer demands has been the core ingredient of its success; Rakesh’s story provides valuable insights that can inspire businesses and drive meaningful success.
Lastly, he shares his insights on how to retain employees with a clear vision and decision-making autonomy. This episode is a must-listen if you're passionate about e-commerce, entrepreneurship, and technology that makes a difference!

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This week's guest is Andrew Busby, renowned retail analyst and media contributor, founder of Retail Reflections, and author of "Harry Was Right All Along”.
Andrew challenges the notion of true loyalty in retail and whether it even exists in a cost-of-living crisis. He expands on the changing nature of consumer behaviour, and how any misstep from a brand – from pricing to location, to marketing – can result in a mass exodus of formally “loyal” customers.

We also talk about the concerning trend of greenwashing within the retail industry, where brands claim to be sustainable, but their actions tell a different story.

Finally, Andrew touches upon the potential of TikTok to become the most popular e-commerce platform, alongside its ability to influence consumer behaviour. He urges retailers to develop a strategy that leverages their TikTok presence as a primary sales channel.

I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did.

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Imagine believing in the brand you work for with such conviction that you buy it outright 😱

That’s EXACTLY what Coco de Mer’s CEO Lucy Litwack did – and in this week’s episode of Re:tales she tells us why.
⚠️ Spoiler alert: it’s got a lot to do with Lucy’s pioneering belief in female pleasure as a path to empowerment.

In this seriously juicy conversation, Lucy also shares: 
The surprising trends that helped make brands which champion female pleasure more mainstream How luxury brands are having to pivot – and offer more emotional, personal experiencesHer commitment to building a brand with purpose (and her success so far, including recently earning the prestigious Butterfly Mark certification)  How her team are defying advertising restrictions on products for female pleasure by focusing on offline marketing, including some impressive collaborationsThe challenges of moving away from bricks and mortar to focus on a digital-first strategy (like late paid invoices)Our host Caroline Baldwin describes Lucy as a force of nature – and she’s not wrong. Get ready to feel inspired…

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In this episode, meet Emily Bendell, the inspiring brainchild and CEO of Bluebella, the fashion-forward brand that is redefining sensuality for the empowerment and comfort of the women who wear their products.
From founding Bluebella to disrupt the priority of the male gaze in the industry to recent strides in challenging sexual discrimination in a private members club, Emily's mission aligns perfectly with our focus on growth, empowerment and innovation. Her journey with Bluebella illustrates the importance of creative efficacy in propelling business growth. 
In recognising the need for lingerie that reflected women's individual style and prioritised their comfort, Emily tapped into an underserved market and created a distinct brand identity. This emphasis on innovation and creativity has allowed Bluebella to stand out among its competitors, engage with a younger audience, and drive sales through e-commerce channels.

Emily's activism outside of Bluebella, such as her campaign challenging sexual discrimination, showcases the importance of aligning business values with social causes. Her commitment to empowerment and inclusivity resonates with customers seeking brands that stand for more than just profit. Innovative usefulness extends beyond product design and marketing; it involves connecting authentically with customers to make a positive impact in their lives.

The conversation also shed light on the ethical implications of using AI in retail, especially regarding reproducing photographs of women in lingerie. Emily raises meaningful questions about how AI could impact diversity, body image, and the appearance of robotic women. As e-commerce businesses explore the potential of AI, it's becoming crucial to approach its implementation conscientiously, ensuring that it aligns with the brand's values and considers potential risks and consequences.
Join us for this thought-provoking conversation with a trailblazer who's making a difference through retail with a heart.

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