EP331 - E.L.F. Beauty CDO, Ekta Chopra

http://jasonandscot.com

Welcome to a special live edition of the Jason & Scot Show!

In this episode, recorded live from Groceryshop in sunny Las Vegas on September 30, 2025, hosts Jason Goldberg and Scott Wingo celebrate the return of in-person podcasting after three years, reminiscing about their origins in the live podcasting scene and the upcoming 10-year anniversary of the show. Together, they welcome special guest Ekta Chopra, the Chief Digital and Innovation Officer of Elf Beauty, who shares insights into the fast-changing landscape of beauty and eCommerce.

Ekta discusses her journey to Elf Beauty, a brand that has consistently emerged as a bold disruptor in the cosmetics industry. She explains how Elf was innovative from the start, selling $1 cosmetics online at a time when digital platforms were still developing. She proudly notes how the brand has evolved from its original direct-to-consumer model to a successful omnichannel powerhouse with a portfolio that now includes elf Cosmetics, elf Skin, and collaborations with other beauty brands.

The discussion naturally transitions into the role of AI in eCommerce and how Elf is leveraging AI tools to revolutionize customer engagement and product development. Ekta emphasizes the importance of being where their community is by adopting new platforms such as TikTok, where Elf has successfully engaged consumers through authentic connections with content creators. The episode also dives into how the brand is navigating the evolving landscape shaped by AI, including enhancing search capabilities and content strategy to stay relevant and connected with younger consumers.

As the conversation progresses, the hosts discuss the importance of data and customer-centric strategies in the age of AI. Ekta shares the significance of the Elf loyalty program in creating a seamless customer experience and maintaining relationships with consumers. The commitment to "human-in-the-loop" processes ensures effective integration of AI technologies while addressing ethical concerns.

Listeners are encouraged to check out Ekta’s informative Substack, "AI Chef," for insights into the intersection of AI and commerce, where she shares her ongoing learning journey and best practices for integrating AI into business operations.

This exciting episode wraps up with a nod to the future of commerce, the balance between technology and humanity, and the continuing evolution all brands must undergo as they adapt to the changing marketplace.

Join us for this engaging conversation filled with wit, humor, and a valuable glimpse into the future of beauty and eCommerce.

**Episode 330 of the Jason & Scot Show was recorded live from Groceryshop on September 30th, 2025.** Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review on iTunes, and follow us on social media for more exciting news and updates!

Join your hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis, and Scot Wingo, CEO of ReFiBuy and Co-Founder of ChannelAdvisor as they discuss the latest news and trends in the world of e-commerce and digital shopper marketing.

Join your hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis, and Scot Wingo, CEO of GetSpiffy and Co-Founder of ChannelAdvisor as they discuss the latest news and trends in the world of e-commerce and digital shopper marketing.

EP330 - GroceryShop and ChatGPT Instant Checkout

Join Jason and Scot as they celebrate recording their first live episode in three years for the Jason & Scot Show! Recorded on Tuesday, September 30th, 2025, this episode captures the excitement of being back together in person and highlights their dynamic discussions on the current state of retail and upcoming trends.

From reminiscing about their podcasting journey since its launch in November 2015, Jason and Scot dive into the latest happenings in the retail space, especially from the two shows they recently attended: NRF Europe and Retail Club. Jason shares insights from his time at NRF Europe in Paris, where he participated in engaging discussions about retail innovations and the necessity of multi-lingual capabilities in a diverse market. With impressive attendance and notable exhibitors, he reflects on the event's success and the importance of adapting to multiple regional markets within Europe.

Meanwhile, Scot delves into the Retail Club event held at Huntington Beach, California, highlighting its unique vibes with a beachside setup and a focus on AI-driven retail discussions. The event offered a refreshing departure from traditional conferences, focusing on interactive workshops and relationships rather than panels. Together, they explore the implications of AI in retail, including its transformative power over various operational aspects, and the importance of adapting to the evolving marketplace landscape.

Jason and Scot also engage in a lively discussion about AI's role in shaping customer experiences, their predictions for the future, and how retailers can effectively harness these technologies while remaining competitive. They examine innovations such as electronic shelf labels, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in stores. Scot can't help but reference his ongoing obsession with the concept of “Agentic Native Vertical Brands,” hinting at the evolving terminology in the retail sphere.

In the latter part of the episode, they discuss their experiences at GroceryShop, where significant trends are emerging in grocery retail—especially regarding macroeconomic conditions, emerging AI technologies, and the vital role of retail media networks. The conversations shed light on how AI can enhance not only the customer experience but also the operational efficiencies of retailers. The broad-impact implications of GLP-1 medications on consumer habits are discussed as well, marking a notable trend in grocery shopping behaviors.

Towards the end of the episode, Jason raises his anticipation for the upcoming trends in commerce, making it clear that the integration of AI into the shopping experience will continue to redefine how retailers operate. From discussions around inventory management, product recommendations, and dynamic pricing to the emergence of social commerce, this episode encapsulates the cutting-edge of the retail landscape.

Tune in for this inspiring and enriching episode filled with insights and excitement around retail innovation! If you haven't already, subscribe to the Jason & Scot Show for more engaging discussions and updates on the future of retail.

This episode was recorded on September 30th, 2025, at the GroceryShop conference, a fantastic gathering of thought leaders and innovators in the retail space, where Jason and Scot share their unique perspectives and observations on the fast-evolving landscape of retail.

**Episode 330 of the Jason & Scot Show was recorded on Tuesday, October 30th, 2025.**

Join your hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis, and Scot Wingo, CEO of ReFiBuy and Co-Founder of ChannelAdvisor as they discuss the latest news and trends in the world of e-commerce and digital shopper marketing.

http://jasonandscot.com

Join your hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis, and Scot Wingo, CEO of ReFiBuy.AI and Co-Founder of ChannelAdvisor as they discuss the latest news and trends in the world of e-commerce and digital shopper marketing.

EP329 - Amazon Q2 2025 Results

Welcome back to the Jason & Scot Show! In episode 329, recorded on August 1st, 2025, we dive into the highly anticipated Amazon Q2 earnings report alongside other critical tech giants' earnings results. Your hosts, Jason Goldberg (the retail geek) and Scott Wingo, bring their expert insights and analysis of a rollercoaster earnings season that saw mixed results across the board.

Kicking off the episode, Scot sets the stage with a review of Google’s recent earnings results, which painted a mixed picture. While search revenue indicated a solid 12% growth, concerns about the impact of AI on search operations raised eyebrows. Google Cloud did not exhibit the explosive growth anticipated, leading investors to remain cautious. Following this, we turn our focus to the simultaneous announcements from Microsoft and Meta. Each company churned impressive earnings and strategic maneuvers, surpassing expectations and highlighting strong growth driven largely by their AI advancements.

Transitioning to Amazon, the top story emerges: the company reported Q2 earnings that, unfortunately, mirrored Google's mixed performance rather than the triumphs seen with Microsoft and Meta. Despite a revenue growth of 12% and operating income surpassing expectations, investors reacted negatively to AWS's performance, which failed to keep pace with its competitors. Jason and Scott dissect the factors leading to Amazon's stock drop post-earnings call and the implications for its sprawling empire.

Amazon’s retail performance, particularly in North American and international markets, sparks a lively discussion. Notably, the North American retail business beat expectations by 2%, and international retail excelled by 7%. The hosts clarify that while the overall performance was commendable, it left much to be desired when juxtaposed against AWS's stunted growth and other tech players' successes.

Delving deeper, Jason emphasizes the company’s continued enhancements to its supply chain, signalling improvements that strengthen their retail operations, crucial for maintaining growth amidst increasing competition. He also highlights an interesting trend: for the first time, first-party sales outpaced third-party sales, reflecting a noteworthy shift in Amazon’s marketplace dynamics as consumer spending leans towards everyday essentials.

As the discussion progresses, Scott raises a critical point about the evolving landscape of online advertising and the pivotal role it plays in driving Amazon’s growth. Despite a slight deceleration in year-over-year growth for the ads business, it remains a bright spot for Amazon, contrasting starkly with AWS’s performance and hinting at the challenges faced in balancing user experience against monetization strategies.

The conversation pivots towards AWS, where the hosts dissect the figures that fell below investor expectations—the margins declining for the first time since the previous year, raising questions about structural issues. The ambiguity surrounding Amazon's ability to capture AI growth is a focal point, with analysts expressing concerns about lagging behind competitors.

Nearing the end of the episode, a fascinating turn occurs when Scott sheds light on Amazon's recent decision to withdraw its shopping ads from Google. This pivotal move sends ripples across both platforms, provoking various theories about strategic shifts and implications for competitors. The duo shares intriguing insights into how this action marks a significant stake in the ground regarding data ownership and market positioning.

As the episode wraps up, Jason and Scott reflect on the broader landscape of AI, retail, and shifting consumer behaviors, suggesting that while Amazon remains a dominant player, its approach and evolution will be crucial in navigating future market dynamics.

Be sure to listen in for their final takeaways from the earnings calls and nuanced observations regarding the tech landscape. If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a five-star review on iTunes, and stay tuned for next week’s insights!

**Episode 328 of the Jason & Scot Show was recorded on Thursday, July 23rd, 2025.**

http://jasonandscot.com

Join your hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis, and Scot Wingo, CEO of ReFiBuy and Co-Founder of ChannelAdvisor as they discuss the latest news and trends in the world of e-commerce and digital shopper marketing.

Brittain Ladd worked at Amazon and helped them conceive of a model that was both cheaper than traditional package delivery and more convenient as well.  The goal? To help Amazon (2.5% share) grocery catch-up and ultimately beat Wal-mart in grocery (25% share).

It starts with grocery distribution centers that are fully robotic/automated called Local Vending Machines (LVMs) instead of stores.  These LVMS can fill traditional Prime vans with product, or they can fill 'cartridges' that then fit in a specialized Rivian that accepts the cartridge full of product and then robotically fulfills each stop on a delivery route via the robotics in the van.  The final step will ultimately be completed by a humanoid robot.

Sound like science fiction?  Brittain Ladd has seen the prototype van and in this podcast we go deep on how Amazon envisions this entire futuristic, zero-human-touch, supply chain working.

Want to learn more?  Detailed article here-> https://open.substack.com/pub/scotwingorefibuy/p/scoop-we-have-the-inside-story-on?r=5av7y5&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

EP328 - Navigating E-commerce News and Innovations in AI Answer Engines for Commerce

0:36  Welcome to the Jason and Scot Show 4:53  Consumer Trends in Retail 5:03  Upcoming Retail Events 8:42  Insights on E-commerce Growth 10:35  Earnings Season Insights 44:13  Amazon Prime Day Analysis 51:30  New Developments with Alexa 56:00  Predictions for the Holiday Season

In this episode of the Jason and Scot Show, recorded on Thursday, July 23rd, Jason and Scot delve into the latest shifts within the e-commerce landscape, emerging consumer trends, and the role of Artificial Intelligence in retail transformation. Jason has been on the road, engaging with industry professionals and moderating discussions around pressing retail topics such as social commerce and consumer behavior, particularly the growing usage of answer engines amid an evolving shopping cycle involving giants like Amazon and Google.

Scot kicks off the episode by teasing insights from Jason’s recent travels and virtual think tank participation, where they investigated consumer trends such as the surge of ethical purchases and the dynamics of social commerce influenced by platforms like TikTok. The duo explores the implications of consumers increasingly relying on answer engines throughout their shopping journeys, particularly in the wake of mounting competition from dedicated AI solutions.

Listeners are treated to an analysis of recent U.S. retail data, highlighting core retail sales growth—a modest 3.8% year-to-date—contrasting the slower pace of e-commerce growth, now at only 6.8%. The conversation turns to the dichotomy between successful retail giants like Amazon and Walmart, against a backdrop of underperforming categories like electronics and home improvement, veering into the impact of macroeconomic factors on consumer spending behavior.

The episode also takes a closer look at notable earnings releases, particularly how tech giants like Google are grappling with a shift towards answer engines like ChatGPT, disrupting traditional search methodologies. Scot shares insights on Google's recent performance metrics that seem to mask a creeping decline in organic search volume, while Jason echoes concerns about the current retail media landscape and the challenges it poses to user experience on platforms like Amazon.

With light humor and camaraderie peppering deeper analysis, Jason and Scot examine the implications of Walmart's recent hires in AI technology and strategy, reflecting on how retailers are pivoting to become more like answer engines amidst intensifying competition.

As they look ahead towards the upcoming holiday season, expectations are tempered by economic uncertainties and supply chain disruptions, hinting at an uneven landscape where larger players may gain traction at the expense of smaller retailers.

The pair wraps up the episode by expressing optimism for the future of AI in simplifying shopping experiences while also critiquing the current voice shopping functionality on devices like Amazon's Alexa+. Join them as they illuminate the complexities shaping today's e-commerce environment while addressing the pressing questions retailers must answer to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Don't miss out on their engaging discussions; be sure to subscribe for the latest insights into retail trends and innovations!

This episode is packed with valuable insights and anecdotes, perfect for retail enthusiasts and industry professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve. Enjoy the show and don’t forget to leave a review!

**Episode 328 of the Jason & Scot Show was recorded on Thursday, July 23rd, 2025.**

Join your hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis, and Scot Wingo, CEO of ReFiBuy and Co-Founder of ChannelAdvisor as they discuss the latest news and trends in the world of e-commerce and digital shopper marketing.

EP327 - Agentic Commerce

Happy Fathers Day!

In this exciting episode of the Jason & Scot Show, recorded on Friday, June 6th, 2025, hosts Jason Goldberg and Scot Wingo dive into the latest happenings and insights in the world of strategic e-commerce, AI technologies, and retail innovations. This episode picks up where Episode 326 left off, continuing the engaging conversation sparked by their recent discussions around AI and its implications for the retail sector.

Kicking off, the duo discusses the monumental news that Fiji Simo, the former CEO of Instacart, has been tasked with leading OpenAI's consumer products division. Jason emphasizes the significant shift this represents for both Fiji’s career and the trajectory of OpenAI, pointing out her unique blend of extensive e-commerce experience and her focus on the future of AI. Both hosts speculate on how her leadership role at OpenAI could steer the integration of AI into commerce, particularly in areas like agentic shopping and advanced AI-driven search capabilities.

Shifting gears, Jason and Scot review an intriguing overproduced conversation between OpenAI’s Sam Altman and design visionary Jony Ive about a mysterious new device rumored to empower user access to AI. Scot and Jason share their thoughts on the potential implications of such a device, questioning whether it might be a powerful, screenless AI assistant or simply another Alexa-type solution.

The conversation then transitions into a critical discussion about the evolving landscape of search and commerce. Jason unveils his recently published point of view report on AI disruption in commerce search. He argues that while AI-driven search technologies are still in their infancy, they hold the potential to drastically redefine user experiences and efficiency in online shopping, making it imperative for brands to adapt their marketing strategies accordingly.

Scot highlights recent statistics from eMarketer that predict exponential growth in AI-related ad spending, setting the stage for a potential paradigm shift in online marketing and advertising dynamics. They explore whether innovative AI search engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity may challenge traditional platforms like Google and reshape businesses' approach to SEO and content strategy.

Both hosts don’t shy away from discussing broader social implications, such as the significant role of social media in commerce, especially platforms like TikTok. They reflect on how social media is transforming the way consumers discover and purchase products, paralleling it with the changes brought by AI technologies.

In a particularly engaging segment, Jason and Scot examine the recent foray into humanoid robots by Amazon, comparing it to other technological innovations like drones. While amused by the prospect of robots delivering packages, they share a similar concern regarding the practicality and future significance of such technologies. McDonald experts remain skeptical about whether humanoid robots will fundamentally change e-commerce, preferring to focus on the profound changes they believe AI will bring.

As they wrap up this marathon double heaer episode, Jason and Scot discuss how perceptions of shopping are evolving, particularly distinguishing between needs fulfillment and the discovery process, and how AI agents could redefine these experiences in a retail context.

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, share their thoughts and reviews, and engage with the show on social media platforms and through Scot's new substack, Retailgentic.ai.

Tune in to Episode 327 of the Jason & Scot Show for an insightful exploration of the present and future of AI in retail, recorded amid their back-to-back sessions fueled by the wealth of information gathered during Jason’s global journey in e-commerce.

Don't forget to like our facebook page, and if you enjoyed this episode please write us a review on itunes.

Episode 327 of the Jason & Scot show was recorded on Friday, June 6th.

http://jasonandscot.com

Join your hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis, and Scot Wingo, CEO of ReFiBuy.ai and Co-Founder of ChannelAdvisor as they discuss the latest news and trends in the world of e-commerce and digital shopper marketing.

EP326 - Are Retail Media Networks Mid?

Happy Fathers Day!

In our previous episode (326) Jason made a comment about retail media networks sometimes being over-hyped. In response, Scot recruited all his friendsd in the the industry and inticed Kiri Masters to make a rebutle. Which she did via two part linked-in post and a podcast. So in this episode Jason doubles down and defends his position on retail media networks.

In addition to covering the state of retail media networks, Scot introduces his new Retailgentic sub-stack which everyone should subscribe to, and give a listen to his new video podcast focused on the latest Agentic Commerce news.

Don't forget to like our facebook page, and if you enjoyed this episode please write us a review on itunes.

Episode 325 of the Jason & Scot show was recorded on Friday. June 6th.

http://jasonandscot.com

Join your hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis, and Scot Wingo, CEO of GetSpiffy and Co-Founder of ChannelAdvisor as they discuss the latest news and trends in the world of e-commerce and digital shopper marketing.

In this episode, Scot Wingo is joined by Forrester retail analyst Sucharita Kodali to dive into the emerging world of agentic shopping and the growing influence of generative AI in commerce. They cover: - The explosion of retail media networks - Why marketplaces are making a comeback - OpenAI’s retail ambitions (and that Instacart CEO hire) - GenAI adoption across retail use cases - The rising threat to Google from TikTok and AI search - What’s actually agentic vs. “faugentic” ⏱ Notable Timestamps: 00:06 – What is Retailgenic and what’s at stake in AI shopping 03:00 – Why retail media networks exploded post-COVID 07:30 – Instacart’s ad business & the OpenAI CEO move 10:00 – How big retailers are actually using GenAI today 14:00 – Is Google search under threat from ChatGPT, TikTok & Perplexity? 20:00 – Agentic shopping: hype vs. reality 26:00 – Could AI replace ticket brokers and influence high-demand shopping? 31:00 – The power of TikTok shopping and influencer-led discovery 33:00 – Closing thoughts on what’s truly “agentic” vs. faugentic 👉 Subscribe for more deep dives into the AI commerce revolution: https://www.retailgentic.com 📺 Watch episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@retailgentic 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts: Spotify, Apple, etc.

Greetings Jason and Scot show listeners, here's another Retailgentic episode to hold you over until Jason and I can get our schedules to line up.   

Today on the Retailgentic pod, we’re excited to share our discussion with Michelle Grant, Director of Strategy & Insights for Retail and Consumer Goods at Salesforce, to explore how AI agents are already reshaping retail, both online and in-store.

Reminder to subscribe to the retailgentic pod here-> https://retailgentic.transistor.fm/

The retailgentic substack newsletter here-> https://www.retailgentic.com 

Finally, you can also check it out on YouTube here.

Enjoy!

Scot

Greetings Jason and Scot show listeners.  Today we are cross posting the first episode of a new podcast from Scot Wingo, the 'Scot' from Jason and Scot.  Don't panic!  The Jason and Scot show is still alive and kicking - Jason's schedule has limited our time together, but we're working on it.

While you wait, Scot has a new podcast that is focused on an area he's excited about - the disruption coming from AI Shopping agents.   This podcast has three elements:

• Retailgentic substack - www.retailgentic.com - Regular long-form content on strategies in the World of AI Shopping agent plus breaking news
• Retailgentic pod - This podcast has a video option on youtube here: https://wwww.youtube.com/@retailgentic
• Retailgentic pod - If you prefer the classic audio podcast, you can subscribe in your favorite podcast apps.

Where to find the Retailgentic podcast

o Apple/iOS podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retailgentic/id1816979446 

o Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5JfNVnENi8y1GnnW6beo7V

o YouTube - https://open.spotify.com/show/5JfNVnENi8y1GnnW6beo7V 

o All others - https://retailgentic.transistor.fm/subscribe

Thanks for checking it out!

Scot