Future Commerce

Phillip Jackson, Brian Lange
  • 4.9 (83)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED DAILY

Future Commerce is the culture magazine for Commerce. Hosts Phillip Jackson and Brian Lange help brand and digital marketing leaders see around the next corner by exploring the intersection of Culture and Commerce. Trusted by the world's most recognizable brands to deliver the most insightful, entertaining, and informative weekly podcasts, Future Commerce is the leading new media brand for eCommerce merchants and retail operators. Each week, we explore the cultural implications of what it means to sell or buy products and how commerce and media impact the culture and the world around us, through unique insights and engaging interviews with a dash of futurism. Weekly essays, full transcripts, and quarterly market research reports are available at https://www.futurecommerce.com/plus

  1. When Algorithms Shop: How to Sell At the Speed of Culture

    3D AGO

    When Algorithms Shop: How to Sell At the Speed of Culture

    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!

    49 min
  2. The Sports Brand's Guide to Fandom

    SEP 5

    The Sports Brand's Guide to Fandom

    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!

    36 min
  3. The Sociology of Anthropologie

    AUG 29

    The Sociology of Anthropologie

    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!

    38 min
  4. *TEASER* Skechers Goes Gooner

    AUG 25 · BONUS

    *TEASER* Skechers Goes Gooner

    Get ad-free episodes and bonus content, including the full recording of this podcast, by joining Future Commerce+ at futurecommerce.com/plus 🆕 Access to our newest analysis feature for members, Field Notes, our retail space analysis briefing. Featuring brands like Swatch, Printemps, and Skims. Access to our new Word of Mouth Index with Fairing, a brand new member benefitSave 15% on Future Commerce print journals and merchExclusive invites to physical events, dinners, and priority invites to industry events (SXSW, Art Basel, VISIONS)Ad-free episodes and bonus content!

    6 min
  5. What Makes Stores Worth Visiting?

    AUG 22

    What Makes Stores Worth Visiting?

    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!

    1 hr
  6. How Knix Leverages Authenticity in a Post-DTC World

    AUG 15

    How Knix Leverages Authenticity in a Post-DTC World

    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!

    56 min
  7. [STEP BY STEP] Beyond the Store Floor: Designing Omnichannel Loyalty from the Inside Out

    AUG 14 · BONUS

    [STEP BY STEP] Beyond the Store Floor: Designing Omnichannel Loyalty from the Inside Out

    In luxury resale, customer relationships can span decades as buyers become sellers and vice versa. Geronimo Chala, Chief Client Officer at Rebag, explains how the brand has evolved from a simple buyout model into a comprehensive lifestyle platform that prioritizes community over transactions. From developing membership models that grow customer funds by 27% annually to creating experiences where customers connect with each other rather than just the brand, Rebag's approach demonstrates the future of loyalty in an omnichannel world. Curating the Re-Sale LifecycleKey takeaways:Community over transactions: Rebag shifted from viewing customers as individual transactions to building "a sense of community" where customers feel they "own the company" through membership and engagement models. - Geronimo [08:30]No channel separation: "There really is no separation between e-commerce and the physical stores" because customers naturally move between digital and physical touchpoints in their shopping journey. - Geronimo [05:31]Person-first data collection: Rather than focusing on brands and colors, Rebag captures customers' "internal self, their core beliefs" and lifestyles to create meaningful connections before any transaction occurs. - Geronimo [17:44]Curated solutions, not overwhelming options: When you have too much to offer, "we have to first get to know that customer, collect that data from them to then evaluate" which services will be most impactful, like "a concierge" at a resort. - Geronimo [23:29]In-Show Mentions:Charles Gorra (CEO and Founder, Rebag)Elizabeth Lane (Chief Marketing Officer, Rebag)Partnership with Macy's Inc. and Bloomingdale'sAssociated Links:Learn more about EndearCheck 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!

    36 min
  8. [STEP BY STEP] Meet the Connectors: The New Role of Store Associates in a Digital World

    AUG 13 · BONUS

    [STEP BY STEP] Meet the Connectors: The New Role of Store Associates in a Digital World

    In an era where retail often feels transactional, Akira has spent 23 years proving that personal connection drives business success. Eric Hsueh, co-owner of the Chicago-based fashion brand, reveals how their 40-store chain has scaled authentic relationships without losing its boutique DNA. Eric expands on how technology can enable human relationship, rather than replace it. “I Believe In Stores”Key takeaways:Authenticity over automation: Akira actively combats formulaic retail interactions, training stylists to engage genuinely rather than asking "Can I help you find anything?" which Eric calls "nails on a chalkboard." - Eric [07:12]Micro-wins build macro loyalty: Individual moments—like finding the perfect jeans after 90 minutes—create lasting relationships that compound over years. "That's authenticity. And that is micro wins leading to building a business." - Eric [21:03]Technology enables, doesn't replace: Tools like texting and client data enhance personal relationships rather than scaling impersonal outreach. The focus remains "the one on one relationship, the personal connection." - Eric [16:14]Character comes first: When hiring, Eric prioritizes "energy, intelligence and integrity," with integrity being "first and foremost" because authentic relationships require genuine people. - Eric [09:14]Associated Links:Learn more about EndearCheck 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!

    30 min
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4.9
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About

Future Commerce is the culture magazine for Commerce. Hosts Phillip Jackson and Brian Lange help brand and digital marketing leaders see around the next corner by exploring the intersection of Culture and Commerce. Trusted by the world's most recognizable brands to deliver the most insightful, entertaining, and informative weekly podcasts, Future Commerce is the leading new media brand for eCommerce merchants and retail operators. Each week, we explore the cultural implications of what it means to sell or buy products and how commerce and media impact the culture and the world around us, through unique insights and engaging interviews with a dash of futurism. Weekly essays, full transcripts, and quarterly market research reports are available at https://www.futurecommerce.com/plus

Information

  • Creator
    Phillip Jackson, Brian Lange
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    592
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2025 Future Commerce
  • Show Website
    Future Commerce

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