Ecommerce Masterplan: Interviews And Advice To Help Build Your Online Retail Business Faster

Scott Leggo is the Founder & Managing Director of Scott Leggo Gallery, sellers of premium quality Australian artworks and gifts. They sell via their Shopify store and real world gallery. Founded 7 years ago, they now do over $1,000,000 a year with annual growth between 20 and 40%. PLUS they’ve won multiple sustainability awards including the Ministers award for leadership for sustainability for Scott efforts within the business and broader business community.  Hit PLAY to hear: ✅ How an Air Force officer became a 7-figure eCommerce entrepreneur ✅ The key business mistake most creatives make—and how to avoid it ✅ Scott’s 2 simple questions that drive consistent business growth ✅ Why saying no more often can skyrocket your success ✅ The surprising way sustainability can boost your bottom line ✅ How a jigsaw puzzle idea turned into a major sales win  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [05:25] Balancing creativity and business skills. [08:18] Experiencing Australia through photography. [11:35] Lifestyle-driv

Ash Pallet has just finished 8 years as Senior Digital and eCommerce Manager at Sarah Raven, one of the UK’s largest gardening brands. It’s a B Corp, founded in 1999, selling via catalogues and a BigCommerce store, they now do annual sales of £22 million.  Hit PLAY to hear: How Sarah Raven skyrocketed from £8M to £22M in sales

Jaimee Vilela is the Managing Director and Owner at Cooki Haircare. A D2C solid shampoo bar brand selling via their Shopify store and Wholesale. Founded in 2020 they grew 10x in 2024 from $170k to $1.1million, and are now on track to make 2025 their first $3million year.  Hit PLAY to hear: ✅ How Jamie scaled Cookie Hair Care from 4 sales a day to a 7-figure business ✅ The Meta ads strategy that skyrocketed her eCom growth ✅ Why rebranding (not more ads) was the secret to massive sales ✅ How she ran the business solo—and why she doesn’t recommend it ✅ How discovering her ideal customer—women embracing their gray hair—transformed her marketing strategy ✅ Why sustainability isn’t a selling point anymore—and what to focus on instead  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [03:40] From journalism to eCommerce entrepreneur. [06:47] Seamless eco-friendly haircare transformation. [11:56] "Betting on Rebrand Success". [15:03] Successful rebranding strategy insights. [18:31] Embracing gray: rebrand shift success. 

Andrew Kemp is the MD at Bare Kind, the animal saving bamboo sock company. Founded in 2017 and selling via Shopify and Faire they now do £700,000 a year, and sell into a 1,000 retailers.  Hit PLAY to hear: How Bare Kind grew from 0 to 1,000 retailers in just 2 years Why trade shows are fading—and what works better for B2B sales The #1 mistake brands make on Faire (and how to fix it) A surprising niche that became Bare Kind’s biggest customer base The secret to turning first-time buyers into repeat customers Why SEO matters just as much for B2B as it does for DTC  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [03:56] Lucy’s eco-friendly business success. [06:46] B2B growth via venture-funded platform. [09:43] Challenges of switching sales strategies. [13:48] Faire dominates B2B eCommerce. [18:12] Spring Fair attendance decline factors. [21:34] Decline in year two trade shows. [24:24] Listen to Andrew’s Top Tips! Sign Up Now to Faire Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/530..This podcast uses the following third-pa

Hema Natesan is the Founder & CEO at My Little Moppet, a Shopify store that’s India’s number 1 destination for healthy kids food. With over 7,000 verified 5 star reviews, their core marketing strategy of Community is clearly working! Founded in 2014 they now do $2 million US dollar in sales each year.  Hit PLAY to hear: How Hema grew her blog into a $2M eCommerce brand The secret sauce behind My Little Moppet's WhatsApp community Why transparency wins in a competitive eCommerce market How to reduce ad spend without losing revenue The must-know tips for cracking India’s eCommerce scene.  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [03:19] Blogging journey: from doctor to food blogger. [07:51] Blogging: a community resource platform. [11:50] Hiring Strategy: mold fresh talent. [14:43] eCommerce success in India: key factors. [17:28] Cutting ad spend, boosting sales. [18:45] Listen to Hema’s Top Tips! Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/529..This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysi

Jim Herbert is the CEO at Patchworks, an eCommerce focused iPaaS who are all about helping you automate and streamline your data.  Jim joins us to share why integration and automation are game-changers for eCommerce businesses in 2025, offering insights on how to simplify your tech stack and boost efficiency.  If you're looking to future-proof your operations and maximize growth opportunities, this episode is a must-listen!  Hit PLAY to hear: Why 2025 is the year of hyperautomation in eCommerce How clean data can make or break your automation success The MVP approach to simplifying your tech stack Expert tips to future-proof your eCommerce business The secret to turning integration challenges into growth opportunities.  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [03:54] Early eCommerce and composability insights. [07:24] AI's impact on eCommerce data. [09:45] Order automation and scalability. [13:29] Incremental improvement: strategy and success. [18:20] Margin-boosting integration. [21:06] Future-proof reta

Jay O’Neill is an in-house specialist at growing retailers through digital marketing, CRO, and tech stack optimisation. Here's some of his achievements:scaled soak.com from £2 to £80milliondrove digital growth at Holland & Barretttook Bathroom Mountain from £0 to £40million in 18 months Who better to chat to about how to grow your sales from 7 to 8 figures?!  Hit PLAY to hear: The one obsession that can skyrocket your eCommerce growth How Jay scaled a business to $40M in just 18 months Why efficiency and AI are game-changers for scaling in 2025 Jay’s top tips for picking the perfect marketing channel The biggest mistake most brands make—and how to avoid it  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [05:21] Focus obsession on a single digital channel. [09:27] Research channels, understand competitors, leverage advantages. [11:41] Understand and learn channel metrics for advantage. [13:51] Optimise landing page performance for conversions. [19:56] AI enhances efficiency; human expertise remains crucial. [21:2

Every January, we create an episode that serves as your comprehensive guide to achieving success in the year ahead. We ask each of our guests "What's your Top Tip for eCommerce Success in 2025?"Here's our expert line up: Jay O’Neill from Tap Digital, Jim Herbert from Patchworks,  Lucia Locatelli from Doofinder, Emilie Benoit from Shopify, Miya Knights from Retail Technology Magazine, Yiqi Wu from Aimerce, James Cowie from SHOPLINE, Nora Zukauskaite from TikTok Shop, And Carolyn Shelby from Yoast. Plus! You'll also hear the thoughts of our host Chloe Thomas. Tune into this expert mash-up episode as we uncover how to ensure profitable growth, what AI-powered personalization and unified commerce mean for 2025, how planning ahead can drive success, and why leveraging data and embracing social commerce are game-changers – and so much more. Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/526..This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify

David Mannheim is the author of “The Person in Personalisation: The Story Of How Marketing's Most Treasured Possession Became Anything but Personal”. AND founder of Made With Intent. Hit PLAY to hear: Why most personalisation isn’t personal—and how to fix it The surprising link between empathy and customer retention Netflix’s 10-year lesson on making personalisation work The one question every brand should ask to connect deeply Easy, actionable steps to humanize your marketing today  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [05:38] Debate over email subject lines' impact importance. [08:18] Feeling nickel-and-dimed; brands lack personalization empathy. [11:24] In-store vs. online: personalization, empathy difference. [13:16] Personalization: Familiarity, acknowledgment, care, intimacy, authenticity, listening. [19:31] Brands should prioritize personalization for customer retention. [23:12] Framework created; personalization start routes explored. [24:30] Understanding intent personalizes communication in e

Diego Mandelbaum is the CEO at KF Beauty, a privately owned beauty company based in the UK, who own one of the most recognizable make-up brands launched in the last few years Wunderbrow.com. Founded in 2015 they now sell globally via their Shopify store and Amazon and some small select wholesale partners. And all in all they do 15,000 orders a month. Hit PLAY to hear: The 80/20 rule that transformed Wunderbrow’s growth strategy How to avoid the biggest risk of rapid expansion Why focus is the ultimate growth hack for eCommerce brands The trade-offs every business must manage to scale sustainably  Diego’s #1 tip for navigating a business transformation  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [08:06] Seeking impact as CEO of KF Beauty. [14:19] Managing product discontinuation and new product launches. [17:53] Be pragmatic: Simplicity and focus yield growth. [18:53] NYU professor discusses business growth trade-offs. [23:22] Established product faces challenges with new launches. [25:18] Listen to Diego’s Top Tips!

Mirry Christie is founder of sustainability consultancy B·ABLE and Jules Haines is the founder at award winning luxury interiors resale platform Haines. They both have STACKS of brand-side experience helping eCommerce businesses grow and become more sustainable especially in the home and gardens space. Which is what their new venture The Green Room is all about – helping the home and garden industry become greener.  Hit PLAY to hear: How 42% of UK landfill textile waste comes from homewares—and what to do about it The Green Room’s unique approach to eco-friendly eCommerce growth Secrets to cutting packaging costs while staying sustainable Why collaboration (not competition) drives success in sustainability Practical tips to kick-start sustainability in any eCommerce brand  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:59] Helping SMEs simplify and implement sustainability strategies. [06:47] Green Room fosters sustainable innovation and collaboration. [11:29] Small group collaboration expanded to over 35 brands. [1

Joy Young is the eCommerce and Marketing Manager at Beards & Daisies, sellers of plants and flowers. Founded in 2015, they now sell via their B2C Shopify store which does over 10,000 orders a month, wholesale customers like Dunelm, and have a team dedicated to looking after business customers for everything from corporate gifting and interior design to commercial installations.  Hit PLAY to hear: Adding new products strategically Using a phased approach to product launches Investing in technology for project management Making sure teams work together Focusing on the customer and their needs  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [06:28] Expanding customer base with frequently-purchased products. [08:52] Team structure and what they outsource. [13:33] Stagger launch phases for continuous promotional opportunities. [14:23] Prioritize action, iterate quickly, embrace imperfection. [18:10] Communication and feedback are key elements to success. [20:46] Houseplants becoming interior decor, not horticulture. [22:

Ian Leslie is the CMO at US B2B homewares brand Industry West. It all started with Industry West in 2010… now they have a Shopify store and B2B sales reps, with sales of over $20m a year.  Hit PLAY to hear: The roles of design and user experience in eCommerce Simplicity enhances customer satisfaction How customization contributes to B2B success Why aligned teams are key to growth The importance of continuous adaptation  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [05:41] Industry West ecommerce journey: Drupal, Magento, Shopify. [07:33] Creating bespoke, aesthetic, B2B design experiences effectively. [09:59] Redesign improved eCommerce site's functionality and aesthetics. [13:37] July Shopify launched B2B module, enabling customization. [16:51] Educate teams; align website and sales efforts. [20:45] Listen to Ian’s Top Tips! Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/521Download your copy of “Home Goals” now >>> https://ecmp.info/homegoals ..This podcast uses the following third-party services for analys

Warren Jonas is the CEO and co-founder at Wild & Stone sellers of eco-friendly household products. Founded in 2018, the range now includes over 100 eco-friendly products which they sell via their Shopify store and 1,000 wholesale partners. Sales are now over £1,000,000 a year.  Hit PLAY to hear: Starting with a clear mission & vision Using a customer-focused approach Sustainability and quality going hand-in-hand Having a multi-channel strategy  Why a lean team structure works  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [05:33] Moms influence sustainable product strategy and portfolio expansion. [09:08] Retail: Prioritize profit to ensure business sustainability. [09:58] Small core group augmented by agencies and tools. [13:30] Bamboo toothbrushes popularized eco-friendly products globally. [16:46] Embrace Amazon's dominance; collaborate, don't compete. [18:36] Listen to Warren’s Top Tips! Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/520Download your copy of “Home Goals” now >>> https://ecmp.in

Amitai Sasson is the VP of eCommerce at Overstock Art, an online art gallery selling reproductions of the great masters and original works. Founded in 2002, they now sell via their custom website, Amazon, and provide drop ship services for large retail partners. Overstock Art now has over 500,000 customers and annual sales of 8 figures.  Hit PLAY to hear: The role of SEO in a niche business Diversifying sales channels to reach more customers A different kind of dropshipping The importance of inventory management  And why relationships increase traffic and sales  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [03:57] An overview of what Overstock Art sells. [06:21] Program lets artists sell originals, earn royalties. [07:37] Shipping costs hinder global art market expansion. [11:54] Research, outreach, relationships; use LinkedIn, services. [17:55] Plan ahead, hold stock, competitive advantage gained. [20:58] Listen to Amitai’s Top Tips!    Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/519Download your copy of “Home Goals”

Once upon a time, Lucy Bloomfield ran her own eCommerce skincare business and achieved crazy levels of growth. And since 2018 she’s been helping other business owners to achieve huge leaps in sales without allowing the rest of the business to fall apart. Lucy joins us to share her system for doubling sales without slashing prices or ramping up ad spend. If you’re looking to increase profit, avoid overstock issues, and build long-term, loyal customer relationships, this episode is a must-listen! Hit PLAY to hear: Lucy’s 10-step go-to method for doubling sales—without heavy discountsThe timeline Lucy recommends for planning campaignsThe secret to building urgency and scarcity into your offersWhy storytelling is your best sales tool (and how to use it!)Timing tricks that boost sales—no ad spend requiredWays to escape the “discount death spiral” for goodKey timestamps to dive straight in: [03:07] Brands should enhance efficiency, strategy, relationships, sales. [07:23] Luxury brands balance demand without discoun

Malina Zarb is the Marketing and eCommerce Director at Zone3, the world’s highest rated triathlon brand. Founded in 2006, Zone3 now sell via their Shopify store and wholesale channels, in total doing £9million a year about 45% of which is DTC.  Hit PLAY to hear: What Zone3 is all about How to balance niche markets The importance of community in building and scaling a brand Sustainability and how it works in performance products Nailing the basics and keeping things simple  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [03:11] Closed business for family, pursued consulting and eCommerce. [05:55] Focus on two core markets with different products, price points, and communities. [08:10] Community passion and quality define marketing approach. [10:06] Invested in grassroots events, clubs, ambassador networks. [14:28] Balancing opportunities with strategic resource management. [17:06] Nail basics before adopting new technologies. [20:14] Launched biodegradable wetsuit; pursuing sustainable innovations. {21:50] Listen to Mali

Mike Stevens is one of the DTC pioneers, with 8 years at Innocent Drinks back in the 2000s, and then founding good-for-you confectionery brand Peppersmith, which over 10 years he scaled all the way to exit in 2018. He’s also the author of the excellent and bestselling and award-winning book “The Direct to Consumer Playbook: The Stories and Strategies of the Brands that Wrote the DTC Rules”.  Hit PLAY to hear: The highs and lows of being an entrepreneur Knowing when to transition your business, or to close it Considering product-market fit Opportunity cost and why it matters Embracing failure as a learning opportunity  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [05:58] Mike’s take on sustainability, functionality, his Amazon journey, multichannel business. [12:27] High acquisition costs due to low demand. [15:03] Real product, timing challenges, consumer purchasing shifts. [17:46] Running the business was full-time, unfeasible to leave on the side. [21:17] Considering opportunity cost over easy choices. [25:10] Passi

Shri Kanase is the founder of Yoru Marketing, where he and his team run Google Ads and YouTube Ads for some of the biggest eCommerce brands in the world, and have helped 100s of brands scale. In fact… Yoru Marketing is one of the fastest growing and top rated Google Ads PPC Marketing Agencies in the USA because they’re all about your results.Hit PLAY to hear:Why account structure mattersAll about the TPS approachProduct feed optimisationThe importance of conversion trackingHow to deal with seasonal changesKey timestamps to dive straight in:[05:31] Success in Google Ads relies on strategic structure.[07:38] Optimized product feed crucial for ad success.[12:23] Focus on high-buying intent for successful campaigns.[15:09] Test, separate, scale: optimize profitable product campaigns.[17:22] Focus on training algorithm for right audience.[19:50] Classify products by different life cycle stages.[23:02] Customize strategies based on performance and needs.[27:03] Listen to Shri’s Top Tips!Full episode notes here: htt

Guy Blaskey is the founder at Detrash watches, where he’s on a mission to both create the most efficient eCommerce company possible AND be a force for good by creating sustainable products and supporting 1% for the planet and Surfers Against Sewage. Guy founded Detrash in January this year and started selling in June exclusively via it’s Shopify store. Guy was previously on the show talking about his multi-million turnover pet food brand Pooch and Mutt. Hit PLAY to hear: Starting a new business with purpose and passion Practicing proactive sustainability The growing trend of ethical consumerism Disrupting industries with sustainable options Why a small team matters for startups  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:43] Enjoys advisory roles, charity work, and entrepreneurship. [09:11] Watch provokes sustainable conversations and reminders. [11:22] Greenwashing in FMCG packaging is really annoying. [13:26] The more people want recycled products, the more businesses are going to get into recycled materials.