The FODcast

What’s really driving the AI revolution in digital commerce? According to Sander Berlinski, Director of Innovation at valantic, the answer isn’t chasing futuristic hype, but focusing on what’s working right now.

In this FODcast episode, Sander breaks down how AI is already transforming retail, from automating compliance checks to reshaping creative roles; and why data foundations, not shiny tools, should be every retailer’s first priority. 

We explore how his team built an EU Accessibility Act checker that plugs straight into e-commerce systems, turning compliance risks into improvement tickets, and why this kind of focused solution shows AI at its best.

We also cover:

• The roles being most disrupted by AI, from customer service to front-end design
• How platforms like Shopify are democratising creative content through natural language prompts
• Why unglamorous data architecture is the biggest barrier to meaningful AI adoption
• The compliance risks of employees experimenting with generative AI tools like ChatGPT
• Practical advice for mid-market retailers balancing quick wins with long-term preparation
• A glimpse into the near future of hyper-personalised product pages and physical-digital integration

If you’re in retail, digital commerce, or innovation, this is a grounded conversation about separating substance from hype and preparing your business for an AI-enhanced future.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

What’s really shaping the future of digital commerce?
 
According to Rhea Fox, Marketing Director of Gift Experiences at Moonpig Group, the biggest shift isn’t just technology - it’s how distribution and marketplaces are rewriting the rules of retail.

In this FODcast  episode, Rhea draws on senior roles at eBay, Ted Baker, and Monsoon Accessorize to explore how brands are adapting to an increasingly fragmented ecosystem. 
 
From the rise of retailers like Next and John Lewis as marketplace hubs, to the blurred lines between owned and paid channels, she explains why customer-centricity is making a comeback after years of acquisition obsession.

We dive into why not every brand belongs on TikTok, how marketing effectiveness tools are being underused despite huge potential, and where AI is already delivering tangible value - from SEO and creative optimisation to game-changing innovations in reducing apparel returns.

If you’re in marketing, ecommerce, or digital strategy, this is a practical, insightful conversation on navigating complexity while staying focused on what matters most: understanding your customer.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

What makes a customer truly loyal? According to Voyado CEO Erica Sandelin Ekelund, it’s not just points or discounts – it’s about building genuine connections that turn shoppers into passionate brand advocates.

 Or, as she calls them, your fan club.

In the latest episode of The FODcast, Erica reveals why the most successful retailers double down on their fan club, crafting tailored, high-impact loyalty strategies instead of relying on one-size-fits-all schemes.

We also cover:

• Why loyalty is about consistent brand promises, not just transactions
• How an “inch wide, mile deep” focus helps Voyado outperform broader platforms
• The demographic insights that shape different customer journeys
• How to connect online and offline retail experiences seamlessly
• Why user-friendly tech is replacing heavy enterprise systems in retail

If you’re in retail, marketing, or customer experience, this is a great insight into how to turn customers into lifelong fans, connect online and in-store journeys, AND build loyalty strategies that deliver real results.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

What really drives the future of retail? According to PMC’s Technology & Solutions Director Elliot Winskill, it’s not about choosing between online and in-store, it’s about mastering the space in between. 

In the latest episode of The FODcast, Elliot unpacks how 12 years in retail technology have given him a front-row seat to the industry’s scars, shifts, and breakthroughs - from the flawed “e-commerce versus high street” debate to the rise of unified commerce as a mindset, not just a tech solution. 

We also cover: 

• Why the biggest barriers to progress aren’t technical, but organisational
• How COVID accelerated a more balanced, blended approach to retail
• The untapped opportunity of impulse purchases across digital + physical channels
• Why unified commerce means mapping every customer touchpoint, not just selling platforms
• How retailers can embrace composable architecture without a costly “rip and replace”

If you’re in retail, technology, or customer experience, this is a powerful conversation on breaking down silos, rethinking digital transformation, and creating the seamless journeys today’s customers expect. 

#RetailTech #UnifiedCommerce #CustomerExperience #RetailInnovation #Omnichannel #FODcast  

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

AI, trade wars, and data sovereignty are reshaping European tech strategies - and businesses can no longer rely on yesterday’s playbook.

In this episode of The FODcast, we’re joined by Daniel Hinderink, Director of Strategy and Growth at TechDivision, to unpack the deep structural shifts happening across the digital landscape.

We cover:

• Why data sovereignty is now a board-level concern in pharma, manufacturing, and financial services
• What Switzerland can teach us about protecting intellectual property in cloud-first environments
• How AI is disrupting the traditional software licensing model - fast
• Why practical AI tools often beat cutting-edge features when it comes to ROI
• What the future holds for developers, service providers, and software vendors alike
• How change management can begin with technology (if you want to win hearts and minds)

If you're involved in digital transformation, evaluating your AI strategy, or rethinking your tech stack, this one is essential listening.

🎧 Tune in now

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

In the latest episode of The FODcast, we were delighted to be joined by Teemu Tolonen, CCO at Woolman, to unpack one of the biggest shifts in digital commerce: how Shopify has quietly become a serious contender in enterprise retail.

As part of Europe’s largest Shopify Plus agency, Teemu brings first-hand insight into what’s driving this change and how retailers are rethinking their technology strategies.

We cover:

• How Shopify’s semi-composable architecture delivers flexibility without complexity
• Why major retailers are seeing considerable cost savings when switching to Shopify Plus
• What brands need to know before migrating - from data readiness to project teams
• How unified customer data is finally solving retail’s online/offline disconnect
• Where AI fits into the future of enterprise commerce

Teemu’s message is clear: Shopify isn’t just for start-ups anymore - it’s reshaping the way global retailers approach technology and growth.

If you’re evaluating your commerce stack or tracking retail tech trends, this one’s a must-listen.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Is Replatforming Dead? Why Retailers Are Taking a More Targeted Approach to Tech Investment

In the latest episode of The FODcast, we’re joined by Tal Ofer, Senior Partnerships Director at Cloudinary and Co-Founder of the MACH Alliance Community Council, to unpack the reality of tech decision-making in retail right now.

With over 15 years shaping global eCommerce strategies, Tal brings a straight-talking perspective on where retailers are really investing - and where the hype doesn’t match the reality.

We get into:

• Why large-scale replatforming is on pause for many brands
• The shift towards targeted, ROI-driven tech projects
• How personalisation and loyalty are driving customer lifetime value
• The rise of composable architecture, and why it’s not for everyone
• Why speaking to those who’ve actually implemented MACH principles is a must

As Tal explains: unless your system is completely broken, you’re not going to rush to change it. Retailers want technology that delivers value- fast.

If you’re navigating margin pressure, evolving customer expectations, or considering how composable commerce fits into your business, this episode offers clear, practical advice.

Sit back, tune in, and enjoy!

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

The death of the high street? Not quite.

In this episode of The FODcast, we’re joined by James O’Hare - Area VP UK at Sitoo – to explore why physical retail isn’t dying, it’s evolving.

From in-store gyms and juice bars to immersive tent villages, retailers creating memorable, experience-led spaces are thriving. And behind it all? A shift from disconnected systems to unified commerce, where real-time data powers seamless, personalised shopping.

We cover a LOT in this episode, including:

• Why in-person shopping still accounts for 75–80% of retail sales
• The admin load facing store staff (and how tech is changing that)
• What unified commerce really means (and why it’s more than just omnichannel)
• Surprising data gaps between UK and Swedish retail
• How smarter POS systems are freeing staff to serve customers

James brings sharp insight and real-world examples that every retail leader should hear.

Take a walk, grab a coffee, and tune in.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

Legacy Systems Meet AI: Can B2B Can Bridge the Gap?

The B2B sector is standing at a crossroads. On one side: faxes, spreadsheets, and legacy systems. On the other: AI-powered smart agents and instant order processing. 

In this episode of The FODcast, Aidan McGaughey – EMEA Country Manager at OroCommerce shares how B2B businesses can navigate this tension, and unlock meaningful value from AI without falling for the hype.

 We dig into:

• How AI is already delivering value in B2B – from OCR-powered order processing to smart agents for customer queries
• Why foundational product data is the real key to AI success
• The rise of digital-first buyers – and the pressure for Amazon-like experiences
• Why pilot projects beat wholesale AI rollouts every time
• The evolving role of community, knowledge-sharing, and the human touch in B2B

Aidan makes a compelling case for starting small, thinking strategically, and building from a solid data core.

If you’re balancing digital ambition with operational reality in the B2B space, this episode is packed with practical advice to move forward, not just faster, but smarter.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

"If you touch it, you can trust it."

In this episode of The FODcast, we’re joined by Steven Irwin – Chief Commercial & Technology Officer at Vivobarefoot - to explore how today’s most progressive D2C brands are blending technology, purpose, and people to drive long-term growth. 

With leadership experience at ASICS, Hunter Boots, Wolverine Worldwide, and more, Steve brings a unique, cross-functional perspective on what it takes to build authentic, resilient brands in an increasingly complex digital world. 

In this conversation, we cover:

• How Vivobarefoot’s ReVivo and community initiatives are redefining what post-purchase brand engagement looks like
• The rise of sustainable commerce - and why it's more than a marketing trend
• What the pandemic taught us about omnichannel agility and real-world connection
• Why purpose-led brand identity is your most defensible asset in a noisy market 

If you're navigating D2C growth, scaling ecommerce infrastructure, or want to better align digital strategy with values and community impact, this one’s a must-listen. 

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/