In our first podcast episode of Season 3, we dive into the world of eCommerce platforms and ecosystems. We have Deepak Anand from Shopline and Jeremy Wilson from Prospero join us to unravel the complexities of modern retail tech.

We talk about the shift from monolithic platforms to flexible ecosystems, and the evolving nature of platforms into partnerships. Deepak highlights the trend towards subscription-based models and the importance of aligning tech with business objectives. We also touch on the increasing role of social media in customer acquisition and the critical need for retailers to involve their customers in the tech development process.

From the importance of a clear plan to the benefits of an external project manager, we covered the A to Z of re-platforming and how to navigate the risks. It was a jam-packed session full of insights for retailers pondering the big question: to re-platform or not to re-platform?

In this episode of 'Multichannel Success Podcast,' David Kohn had the pleasure of chatting with Mark Pinkerton from Prospero, and our special guest, Abi Hough from uu3. We dove into the evolving world of Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) and questioned whether it's becoming obsolete.

Abi, with her 20 years of consulting experience, shares fascinating insights into the importance of understanding user behaviour beyond mere conversion rates. Mark reflects on his extensive CRO background and noted the shift towards a more holistic optimization approach.

We debate the relevance of CRO in today's tech-driven landscape, and Abi reminds us that despite advances in AI, the human touch remains crucial in understanding customers. We concluded that while CRO is changing, it's certainly not obsolete, and knowing your users is key to any brand's success.

Today David Worby & Mark Pinkerton from Prospero are with Kevin Murray from Infinity, and today we're diving into a juicy topic: why sometimes you may not need a Systems Integrator (SI). We're unravelling the mystery of what an SI is, how the role has evolved, and the shifting landscape of technology that's changing the game for retailers.

From discussing the traditional SI model to exploring the new challenges of cloud-based systems, we're dissecting reasons why businesses might choose to partner with an SI or tackle technology in-house. Plus, we're getting real about the pros and cons of this decision, so buckle up for a ride through the world of tech integration, with a side of friendly banter and expert insights.

This episode with David Kohn and Dan Burnham, together with David from Prospero about the ins and outs of eCommerce channels. We dove into the nitty-gritty of marketplaces, comparison shopping sites, affiliates, and the rising star of social commerce. Dan gave us the lowdown on how these channels are shaking up the digital shopping world, with a special shoutout to social networks like TikTok making big moves.

We also tackled the tricky topic of how businesses can navigate these channels to boost their brand without losing their unique voice or control over customer relationships. It's all about strategy, folks! Whether you're a fresh-faced brand or a seasoned player, choosing the right channels and managing them smartly is key to growth. And let me tell you, it's not a set-it-and-forget-it deal; these channels need some serious TLC to work their magic. So, stay tuned, keep learning, and let's ride the eCommerce wave together!

This episode dives into the necessity of AI in retail and beyond with Co-founder of Snowplow Analytics, Alex Dean together with David & Mark from Prospero. Alex shares how they help brands understand customer behaviour through data. The discussion covers retail's growing data focus post-COVID, the importance of data teams, and the acceleration of AI adoption. Mark Pinkerton highlights the confusion around AI in retail, emphasizing the need for clarity in its application.

The hosts discuss the distinction between traditional algorithms and AI, with AI's potential to revolutionize personalized customer experiences and operational efficiency. The conversation also touches on AI's role in content creation, search, and merchandising, and the challenges retailers face in adapting to AI due to capability gaps and the brain drain. They conclude with advice on starting with AI, including playing with AI tools, assessing existing data, and seeking third-party assistance.

In this episode, we dove into why efficiency is becoming the new superpower for retailers. We had the pleasure of chatting with James Brooke, CEO of SWEFT, David Kohn, a regular contributor, and Michael Robinson, Chief Product Officer at SWEFT together with Mark Pinkerton from Prospero. They shared insights on the challenges retailers face post-pandemic, the need for profitable growth, and the crucial role of technology in improving efficiency. We also discussed how e-commerce integration, reducing time to market, and managing product information are key to staying competitive.

Plus, we touched on the importance of company culture and employee experience in driving efficiency. The future of retail efficiency looks to be a blend of AI augmentation and a more interconnected, transparent organization that focuses on value-added activities.

In this episode, David Kohn from the multichannel expert, David Worby, and Mark Pinkerton of Prospero engage in a lively discussion about Agile methodology, its relevance in eCommerce, and whether it's on its last legs. They delve into the Agile mindset, the challenges of defining project visions and endpoints, and the balance between Agile's iterative nature and the need for budgetary control. They also explore the impact of Agile on various stakeholders within a multi-channel retail environment, the role of external resources, and the importance of organizational stability. The conversation concludes with insights on how Agile principles can be selectively adopted to improve project efficiency, even if a full Agile transformation isn't on the cards.

What do we mean by Multichannel and how should retailers optimise physical and retail for success?

This episode features Mark Pinkerton from Prospero, David Kohn from the Mulitchannel Expert and Paul McDermott from Matalan.

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