Welcome to the E-commerce Germany News Podcast powered by the E-commerce Berlin Expo.

In this episode, host Efe von Thenen sits down with Moritz Bernhard, Head of Uber Direct - Germany at Uber for an eye-opening conversation about the future of last-mile delivery, local commerce, and how Uber is quietly reshaping the logistics landscape for retailers.

From Uber’s journey beyond ride-hailing to powering 90-minute deliveries for MediaMarkt and other major retailers, Moritz shares how scalable logistics, smarter customer options, and local store networks are becoming key to winning in e-commerce.

You’ll hear how Uber Direct evolved through the quick-commerce boom, why options - not just speed - matter most to today’s shoppers, and how retailers can leverage delivery innovation to fight back against online pure players. Moritz also lifts the curtain on Uber’s international expansion strategy, the untapped potential in categories like grocery and DIY, and why efficient, green logistics will define the next era of retail.

If you're interested in retail innovation, last-mile logistics, or future-proofing your brand against shifting customer expectations - this one’s for you.

🟠 Interested in being a guest on our podcast? Reach out to us at [email protected].

Timestamps:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:03:00) MediaMarkt’s Legendary 90-Minute Delivery Demo

(00:05:20) Uber Eats, Uber Direct, and Building Delivery Infrastructure

(00:08:00) Why Scalability and Speed Are Changing E-commerce

(00:10:00) Lessons from Quick-Commerce During the Pandemic

(00:13:30) Realistic Expectations: 10 Minutes vs. Same Day Delivery

(00:16:30) European Expansion: Germany, Poland, and Beyond

(00:19:30) New Consumer Behavior: Price Sensitivity vs. Speed

(00:22:00) Top Performing Categories: Groceries, Pharma, Gifts

(00:25:00) Local Commerce: How Physical Stores Can Win Online

(00:29:00) The Role of Omnichannel Strategies in Retail Survival

(00:32:00) Returns, Logistics, and Operational Innovations

(00:35:00) Peer-to-Peer and Re-commerce Opportunities

(00:38:00) Future Vision: Uber Direct's 5-Year Plan for Urban Logistics

(00:40:00) Final Reflections & Thank You

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Welcome to the E-commerce Germany News Podcast powered by the E-commerce Berlin Expo.

In this episode, host Efe von Thenen sits down with Edvin Dizdaric, Head of Internationalization and UGC at SNOCKS, for an inspiring and fast-paced conversation on brand building, automation, and scaling across borders in today’s e-commerce landscape.

From cold-calling Christmas party pitches to leading international growth for one of Germany’s boldest lifestyle brands, Edin’s journey is anything but traditional. He opens up about his Bosnian roots, early struggles, and how choosing the uncomfortable path, again and again, led him to a career of purpose, autonomy, and impact.

You’ll hear how SNOCKS scaled into multiple European markets (France, Italy, Netherlands, Poland) in under a year, built a performance-led UGC machine with just four people, and why automation isn’t about replacing people, but empowering them. Edin also shares behind-the-scenes insights on SNOCKS' acquisition of Oceans Apart, the culture of trust that fuels innovation, and how the team is navigating the future of AI, LLMs, and modular brand operations.

If you’re into building teams, breaking comfort zones, or scaling with purpose - this episode is for you.

🟠 Interested in being a guest on our podcast? Reach out to us at [email protected]

Timestamps:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:01:25) SNOCKS Expansion: France, Italy, Netherlands & More

(00:08:08) From Bowling Center Marketing to Google Ads

(00:13:49) TikTok or SNOCKS? The Big Career Decision

(00:18:04) Scaling with Trust, Autonomy & UGC

(00:26:10) Creating 100+ Ads/Month with 4 People

(00:29:36) Real-World Automation: Airtable, Notion, Zapier

(00:34:44) Go-to-Market Playbook: 3 Lessons from Expansion

(00:36:59) Oceans Apart Acquisition: Behind the Scenes

(00:42:34) Scaling with Modular Ops, AI & LLMs

(00:47:33) Dog Years at SNOCKS: What 3 Years Really Means

(00:52:48) Why Human Connection Will Always Win

(00:54:29) Final Reflections & Thanks

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Welcome to the E-commerce Germany News Podcast powered by the E-commerce Berlin Expo.

In this episode, host Efe von Thenen sits down with Ertan Özdil, Founder and CEO of weclapp, for a raw and powerful conversation about building one of Europe’s fastest-growing ERP platforms, navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and reshaping the future of SMB operations through cloud innovation.

Ertan opens up about his early passion for coding, founding weclapp in 2008, and the rollercoaster journey that followed - from burning €150K/month in the early days to restructuring his entire team before the breakthrough. He reflects on the challenges of leadership, work-life balance, and how his migration background and family values shaped his entrepreneurial mindset.You’ll get an inside look at how weclapp is disrupting the ERP space for SMBs by making it simple, cloud-first, and truly scalable. Ertan shares how his team grew from just 7 people to over 170, building a platform now used by 40,000 users across more than 30 countries. He reflects on the near-IPO experience, the eventual acquisition, and how trust-based leadership played a key role in their success.

The conversation also dives into the importance of documented company culture, a strong vision, and clear internal storytelling in fast-growth environments. Finally, Ertan talks about how he approaches AI - not as hype, but as a tool for delivering real, meaningful outcomes for users.🟠 Interested in being a guest on our podcast? Reach out to us at [email protected]:(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:03:07) Winning Big at the E-commerce Germany Awards

(00:08:53) Starting weclapp & Early Challenges

(00:11:03) Balancing Family and Building a Startup

(00:13:41) What Ertan Would Do Differently

(00:18:28) Downsizing from 50 to 7 Developers Before Launch

(00:22:36) First Customers & Go-to-Market Success

(00:26:39) The Loneliness of Visionary Leadership

(00:31:28) Migration, Mentorship & Family-Driven Purpose

(00:35:29) The Aborted IPO and Acquisition Story

(00:37:39) What Makes weclapp Different

(00:42:35) Scaling with AI (When It’s Actually Useful)

(00:46:30) Restarting After Failures & Building with Vision

(00:47:51) Going Global: 30 Countries & Counting

(00:52:42) The Power of Documented Company Culture

(00:54:08) Final Thoughts & ReflectionsFollow for more:■ Linkedin■ Instagram■ Facebook■ Twitter

Welcome to the E-commerce Germany News Podcast powered by the E-commerce Berlin Expo.

In this episode, host Efe von Thenen dives deep into the transformative impact of generative AI on the e-commerce industry with our guest, Anna Graf, Innovation Lead Emerging Tech at Arvato Systems. Anna’s extensive experience in AI, web3, AR/VR, and NFTs has made her a driving force in helping businesses navigate the complexities of modern technology and unlock new opportunities.

Throughout the episode, Anna shares her expertise on how generative AI is streamlining operations, enhancing customer experiences, and enabling businesses of all sizes to thrive. She highlights practical tools like Co-Author, which are revolutionizing product information management, compliance, and marketing strategies. By cutting through the noise of AI hype, Anna explains what’s truly working today and what’s on the horizon to reshape the industry.

We explore the integration of physical and digital commerce, revealing how technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are creating immersive shopping experiences. Anna also discusses the importance of personalized customer journeys, the role of loyalty programs in strengthening relationships, and how e-commerce businesses can prepare for a future defined by innovation.

In addition, Anna opens up about her journey as a woman in tech, navigating a male-dominated industry while building collaborative networks. Her insights on the power of curiosity, partnerships, and knowledge-sharing are both inspiring and practical for anyone looking to grow in the tech-driven e-commerce space.

🟠 Interested in being a guest on our podcast? Reach out to us at [email protected]

Timestamps:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:02:04) Meet Anna Graf

(00:03:18) How Generative AI is Transforming E-commerce

(00:05:12) Women in Tech: Anna’s Journey in a Male-Dominated Industry

(00:07:30) Practical AI Tools Revolutionizing E-commerce

(00:10:29) Real-life Use Cases: Efficiency and Compliance in E-commerce

(00:13:18) Supporting Small Businesses with Scalable AI Solutions

(00:15:41) Tackling Regulations and Sustainability with AI

(00:19:13) Breaking Down Data Silos: Collaboration and Integration

(00:22:09) Personalizing Customer Journeys with Omnichannel Experiences

(00:25:46) Generative AI’s Role in Logistics and B2B Matchmaking

(00:29:49) Social Commerce and What We Can Learn from China

(00:33:47) The Future of Loyalty Programs and Digital Twins

(00:40:20) Blurring the Lines Between Virtual and Physical Worlds

(00:43:15) AR and VR Enhancing Retail Experiences

(00:50:29) Empowering Businesses Through Collaboration

(00:55:25) Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways

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Welcome to the E-commerce Germany News Podcast powered by the E-commerce Berlin Expo.

In this captivating episode of the EGN Podcast, host Efe von Thenen engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Gabriel Dixon, Founder and CEO of Novalnet. Together, they explore the nuances of payment processing and its profound influence on the success of e-commerce businesses.

Gabriel shares his journey from software engineer to leading a company that prides itself on providing tailored, end-to-end solutions for businesses of all sizes. Unlike most investor-driven payment companies, Novalnet’s unique approach focuses on building long-term customer relationships, simplifying complex systems, and helping merchants own their data while reducing costs.

Throughout the conversation, they discuss critical topics such as improving checkout conversion rates, the importance of customized payment strategies, and the role of fraud prevention in securing long-term success. Gabriel also offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the evolving e-commerce landscape, highlighting trends such as mobile payments, AI, and the rise of cryptocurrencies.

🟠 Interested in being a guest on our podcast? Reach out to us at [email protected]

Timestamps:

(00:00:00) Introduction: Novalnet’s Unique Positioning

(00:02:10) Gabriel Dixon’s Journey: From Engineer to CEO

(00:04:08) The Payment Industry Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities

(00:07:04) Novalnet’s Customer-Centric Philosophy

(00:11:10) Navigating E-Commerce Trends in 2024 and Beyond

(00:14:09) Fraud Prevention: Securing the Future of Payments

(00:20:14) Reducing Payment Costs for Greater Profitability

(00:27:20) Must-Have Payment Methods for Merchants

(00:36:45) Future of E-Commerce: AI, Cryptocurrencies, and Big Data

(00:39:52) How to Get in Touch with Novalnet for Tailored Solutions

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Welcome to the E-commerce Germany News Podcast powered by the E-commerce Berlin Expo.

Step into the captivating world of Westwing, a trailblazer in the home and living e-commerce space that has redefined how we think about beauty, authenticity, and premium design. In this episode of the EGN Podcast, host Efe von Thenen is joined by Lydia Kind, VP Creative & Communications at Westwing, as she shares the inspiring journey of a company that has grown into one of Europe’s most loved brands.

Founded in 2011, Westwing stands out for its unique ability to create emotional connections with its customers. With 80% of buyers returning time and again, the brand is a testament to the power of storytelling, authenticity, and an obsessive focus on detail. Ludia unveils how Westwing crafts a seamless blend of beauty and functionality, whether it’s through stunning content, a carefully curated product range, or meaningful collaborations with influencers and creators who share their vision.

Throughout the episode, Ludia discusses her personal journey in branding and creative leadership, from her early days in fashion to shaping Westwing’s identity as a premium yet inclusive brand. She reflects on the challenges of building trust with customers in a competitive industry, where staying authentic and consistent is key. You’ll hear her take on why content creation lies at the heart of Westwing’s success, and how the brand continues to innovate by balancing aspirational campaigns with relatable, everyday storytelling.

🟠 Interested in being a guest on our podcast? Reach out to us at [email protected]

Timestamps: 

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:01:14 ) Meet Ludia Kind: The Creative Force Behind the Brand

(00:02:42) The Origins of Westwing: Building a Love Brand Since 2011

(00:07:24) The Allure of Home and Living: Why Westwing Stands Out

(00:11:03) Defining Westwing’s Core: Beauty, Authenticity, and Inspiration

(00:12:27) Content is King: The Role of Storytelling in Brand Success

(00:19:12) Westwing’s Secret Sauce: 80% Repeat Customers Explained

(00:21:46) Collaborating with Creators: Authenticity Over Big Names

(00:28:40) Premium Design with a Purpose: Westwing’s Unique Value Proposition

(00:35:04) Balancing Global Values with Local Nuances in 12 Markets

(00:37:11) Facing Challenges: Proving the Impact of Creativity in E-commerce

(00:39:56) Lessons from the Past: Ludia’s Journey in Branding and Leadership

(00:41:06) The Role of Diversity and Inclusion in Home & Living

(00:42:56) Advice for Entrepreneurs: Building Authentic and Lasting Brands

(00:44:35) Closing Thoughts: Authenticity and Vision as Drivers of Success

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Welcome to the E-commerce Germany News Podcast powered by the ⁠E-commerce Berlin Expo⁠.

In this episode of the EGN Podcast, our host Efe von Thenen explores the evolving landscape of data-driven marketing and online advertising with Marc Feiertag, Chief Revenue Officer at Smarketer, one of the leading Google Ads agencies in the DACH region.

Marc dives into the challenges and opportunities of the cookieless future, offering insights on how businesses can navigate new privacy regulations and adapt their strategies to stay ahead. He also highlights the importance of upper funnel strategies, such as YouTube ads, in driving brand awareness and customer acquisition. Marc shares practical advice on using advanced tracking tools like server-side tracking to recover data lost to ad blockers and privacy settings, ensuring a competitive edge in today's digital landscape.

This conversation includes real-world examples, such as how Smarketer helped brands like Birkenstock expand internationally, and discusses the role of personalization and attribution models in optimizing ad performance. Marc also offers tips for small and medium-sized businesses to maximize ROI and reach new audiences while staying efficient with their marketing spend.

🟠 Interested in being a guest on our podcast? Reach out to us at [email protected]

Timestamps:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:03:15) Marc’s Journey: eBay, Google, Zalando, and Beyond

(00:07:50) What does a Chief Revenue Officer do?

(00:08:40) About Smarketer

(00:09:42) Who is Smarketer’s ideal customer?

(00:12:20) The challenges and opportunities of 2024 in digital advertising

(00:17:10) The switch to Google Analytics 4 and its impact

(00:20:15) Understanding First-Party vs. Third-Party Cookies

(00:23:16) The role and impact of ad blockers in data loss

(00:25:00) Describing funnel strategies

(00:28:37) Opportunities in upper funnel advertising

(00:31:45) The importance of personalization in advertising

(00:35:11) Server-side tracking: recovering lost data

(00:38:07) Real-life example: The impact of server-side tracking

(00:42:00) Tips for SMBs in digital advertising

(00:44:54) The future of online advertising: What’s next?

(00:48:30) Final thoughts and how to connect with Smarketer

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Welcome to the E-commerce Germany News Podcast powered by the ⁠E-commerce Berlin Expo⁠. 

In this episode of the EGN Podcast, powered by the E-Commerce Berlin Expo, our host Efe von Thenen dives deep into the vital role of trust in e-commerce with Dr. Bastian Kolmsee, Chief Product Officer at Trusted Shops. Trust is one of the most significant factors influencing online shopping behavior, and this discussion sheds light on how businesses can build credibility to stand out in a competitive market. 

Bastian shares his inspiring journey, starting at Trusted Shops in 2009 and growing with the company to now lead its product strategy. Trusted Shops connects businesses and consumers by providing services like trust marks, buyer protection, and customer review tools. These elements not only enhance trust but also boost conversion rates and customer retention. 

The conversation explores the evolution of trust, from institutional and distributed trust to the era of personalized trust we live in today. Bastian explains how businesses can adapt to this shift by prioritizing transparency, offering secure payment options, and ensuring a seamless customer experience. Real-life examples, such as SNOCKS. increasing its ROAS by 25% on TikTok and over 100% on YouTube by using trust signals, highlight the measurable impact of building trust.

The episode also tackles challenges such as fake reviews and the growing importance of authenticity in a digital world influenced by AI. Bastian emphasizes the need for businesses to ensure their trust-building strategies are tailored to individual customers, meeting their specific needs and expectations. 

🟠 Interested in being a guest on our podcast? Reach out to us at [email protected] 

Timestamps: 

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:02:25) Bastian’s career journey at Trusted Shops

(00:06:12) How Trusted Shops started and evolved

(00:11:05) Trusted Shops’ international footprint in Europe

(00:14:55) How Trusted Shops helps their customers

(00:16:28) The evolution of trust in e-commerce

(00:19:08) Trusted Shops Trust mark process

(00:21:05) Trusted Shops’ features

(00:22:25) Building the customers trust

(00:24:00) Impact of trust signals on ROAS: SNOCKS case study

(00:26:15) First impressions that build trust in online stores

(00:28:36) Retaining customers through trust

(00:29:25) Video reviews as a trust-building tool

(00:30:30) Addressing fake reviews in e-commerce

(00:35:36) Conversion impact of trust: Flyeralarm case study

(00:40:06) Bastian’s tips for beginners in e-commerce

(00:42:10) Consumer skepticism and trust challenges in 2024

(00:46:02) Closing thoughts and takeaways

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Welcome to the E-commerce Germany News Podcast powered by the E-commerce Berlin Expo.

In this insightful episode of the EGN Podcast, Efe von Thenen sits down with Stefan Suppra, Solutions Architecture Lead for Retail and Consumer Goods Germany from Amazon Web Services (AWS) to discuss how retail and e-commerce businesses are adapting to changing times and to uncover how technology is transforming retail and e-commerce. 

With AWS’s deep roots in Amazon's retail legacy, Stefan shares how this history influences the company’s approach to delivering cutting-edge solutions for e-commerce businesses.

Stefan also shares real-world examples of how clients like OBI and Adidas are embracing digital transformation to stay agile in today's fast-paced market. From managing seasonal peaks to building personalized shopping experiences with AI and machine learning, AWS is playing a key role in driving the retail revolution.

In addition, as data privacy and digital sovereignty become more critical, Stefan provides insights into AWS's compliance certifications and services designed to meet EU regulations, ensuring businesses can safely migrate to the cloud.

Tune in for expert advice on cloud adoption, the strategic advantage of cloud technology, and practical tips for building teams that can navigate this rapidly changing landscape.

🟠 Interested in being a guest on our podcast? Reach out to us at [email protected]

Timestamps:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:01:58) Meet Stefan Suppra: From Volkswagen Financial Services and Microsoft to AWS

(00:06:10) Customer-Centric Company: AWS

(00:09:42) Biggest Challenges in German Retail Today

(00:13:10) How AWS Solves Real-World Problems

(00:15:43) Customer Spotlight: Obi’s Spring Peak Challenges

(00:18:38) Adidas’ Tech Transformation Story

(00:21:02) Simplifying Compliance with AWS

(00:23:49) Digital Sovereignty: What It Means & Why It Matters

(00:25:40) Trends in Retail: Personalization, AI & Machine Learning

(00:28:30) Generative AI: Transforming Retail Operations

(00:31:05) Future Innovations: Augmented Reality & Smart Stores

(00:33:15) Why Move to the Cloud Now?

(00:36:45) How AWS Supports Business Transitions

(00:38:50) Wrap-Up: How to Get in Touch with AWS

(00:39:59) Conclusion

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Welcome to the E-commerce Germany News Podcast powered by the ⁠E-commerce Berlin Expo⁠. 

In this episode, host Efe von Thenen sits down with Dorit Posdorf, the Chief Marketing Officer of DocMorris, to explore the groundbreaking changes happening in the German healthcare industry. The conversation focuses on the introduction of e-prescriptions, a development that is transforming how patients access medications. 

Dorit shares her insights into this digital innovation, explaining how DocMorris is leading the way by offering seamless, fully digital prescription services. This episode delves into the benefits and challenges of implementing e-prescriptions, including the impact on patient experience and the healthcare market as a whole. 

Listeners will also learn about DocMorris’ broader vision of becoming a key player in the healthcare ecosystem, extending beyond its roots as an online pharmacy. The discussion highlights DocMorris’ efforts to cater to diverse patient groups, including younger audiences, chronically ill patients, and caregivers, while exploring how they use cutting-edge marketing strategies to educate and engage these audiences. 

Additionally, Dorit shares insights into the role of retail media in healthcare, the company’s future plans for expanding their services, and their approach to building trust with customers in a highly sensitive industry. 

🟠 Interested in being a guest on our podcast? Reach out to us at [email protected] 

Timestamps: 

(00:00:00) Introduction 

(00:02:21) Guest introduction

(00:06:00) Transformation in the healthcare industry and DocMorris’ role

(00:07:38) The evolution of the healthcare market in Germany 

(00:09:50) The evolution of e-prescriptions in Germany 

(00:13:48) Overcoming the challenges of digital healthcare adoption

(00:15:45) The development process of the e-prescription

(00:17:05) Adoption rate of the e-prescription 

(00:18:20) Addressing diverse patient needs and the role of caregivers (00:23:48) Creating innovative solutions for chronic care patients

(00:26:00) Paper prescription in private insurance

(0027:15) The reason of joining the DocMorris 

(00:30:33) Building trust through branding and education in healthcare

(00:36:11) The role of communities in healthcare 

(00:37:25) Exploring the role of retail media in healthcare marketing (00:40:35) DocMorris’ 25th anniversary celebrations and future plans (00:43:30) Closing thoughts

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