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

Will Martin is co-founder and financial director at Littledart Fulfilment, a 3PL providing bespoke eCommerce fulfilment that’s as unique as your business. Hit PLAY to hear: The role of personalization in fulfilment How efficient systems and tech help in fulfilment operations Why having a motivated team pays off The importance of early and accurate forecasting Balancing cost and quality in fulfilment Key timestamps to dive straight in: [06:33] Fulfilment helps in brand loyalty and customer retention. [09:34] Balancing cost and team importance in fulfillment. [11:13] Models based on time and space, great working environment for the team. [14:34] Managing peak seasons. [16:38] Early planning, be realistic, aim high. Avoid stress. [18:21] Will’s Top Tips! Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/493Contact SHOPLINE >>> https://ecmp.info/shopline ..This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/--- Do

Sarah Jordan is the founder & CEO of Y.O.U Underwear sellers of beautifully designed, ethically manufactured and eco-friendly underwear making the world a better place one pair of pants at a time. They’re also the UK’s top scoring B Corp, and the top fashion brand in the world. Founded in 2016 and launched in 2018, last year Y.O.U Underwear sold £250,000 via their Shopify store and physical store in Oxford. Hit PLAY to hear: Shifting from charity work to eCommerce The challenges of making products ethically Sustainability as the foundation of the business Scaling the business and how this affects building the team How personalization makes for better customer service Key timestamps to dive straight in: [03:29] Life-changing pivot driven by underwear necessity discovery. [10:03] Creating a strategic fashion business with inclusivity. [13:05] Advantage in sustainability without greenwashing or retrofitting. [15:15] Anticipating future trends with unique selling proposition. [20:55] Transitioning from freela

A quick update from Chloe on what’s happening for episode 500, AND you can be involved.Get involved >> https://ecmp.info/500This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/--- Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://ecmp.info/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Natalia Chappell is a Digital Marketing consultant focused on scaling up eCommerce businesses. She’s recently finished a role as Head of eCommerce at THG. That’s The Hut Group, home of multiple eCommerce brands across beauty, luxury and nutrition including Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic and Coggles–the luxury fashion brand that Natalia has most recently been focused on growing. Hit PLAY to hear: The importance of data in any business Why there should be a balance between customer acquisition and retention How influencer and loyalty programs work hand-in-hand The challenges that come with working in silos Why there’s a need for continuous testing, learning, and adaptation Key timestamps to dive straight in: [05:40] Coggles: Luxury boutique supporting up-and-coming brands. [08:54] Understanding and defining your customer is crucial. [12:22] Focus on quick wins, prioritize projects efficiently. [16:05] Loyalty programs to retain customers can boost sustained growth. [17:58] Influencer loyalty drives successful busi

Danielle Malconian is the CEO at Vikki Vi and Plus by Design. She started Plus by Design as an online fashion store selling to the Plus size market in 2001 and took over plus size fashion brand Vikki Vi in 2008 which wholesales to both Plus by Design and other retailers. Across wholesale and their Shopify store the combined revenue is now $1.5million annually. Hit PLAY to hear: Plus by Design’s focus on plus-size fashion How product quality and fit are key factors in the industry Danielle’s strategy for reaching more customers through wholesale What online retailers can do to enhance customer experience Building and leveraging customer loyalty Key timestamps to dive straight in: [05:28] Vikki Vi brand - classic, loyal, professional, customer. [08:47] Customers value choice, but struggle with availability. [11:29] Scaling up clothing sizes requires thoughtful fit. [16:34] Maximizing customer loyalty through various strategies discussed. [17:14] Taking loyalty for granted, embracing VIP program. [19:31] Daniell

Nicky Lomax is a super star CRM leader–most recently spending 4 and a half months at global fashion retailer Ted Baker as Head of CRM to build and train the new team, fix the CRM tech stack and database, launch SMS, cut costs, and put in place a killer strategy for 2024. Hit PLAY to hear: The importance of CRM in eCommerce How to start building your CRM strategy Going about doing a CRM audit Why negotiation is an crucial CRM skill The role of the team and leadership in CRM Key timestamps to dive straight in: [03:32] Nicky’s eCommerce journey. [07:36] Cost per acquisition is going up; focus on retaining existing customers. [09:05] Get into SMS and get your strategy right. [14:03] Assess strategy, reporting, team, tech, and delivery. [16:13] Optimising supplier relationships to maximize budget efficiency. [19:20] Team collaboration and involvement in decision-making crucial. [20:52] Nicky’s Top Tips! Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/489Contact SHOPLINE >>> https://ecmp.info/shopline Genie off

Costanza Tomba is a co-founder and CPO (Chief Product Officer) at TA-DAAN, a brand founded in 2020 as a destination for craftsmanship, creativity, and sustainability, selling contemporary craftsmanship across homes, gifts, accessories, and jewellery. Their community is over 200,000 followers, and a network of over 5,000 artisans across Europe creating the products. TA-DAAN fully launched on Shopify in 2023 and in the first year achieved sales of over EURO 500,000 and is currently growing 30% every month. Hit PLAY to hear: How TA-DAAN leveraged content as a foundation for eCommerce The role of community engagement and feedback What the TA-DAAN team looks like today Why they decided to go the crowdfunding route Key marketing methods utilized by TA-DAAN Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:12] Evolution from showcasing to facilitating commerce for artisans. [08:56] Strong alignment and connection in founding team. [09:55] Business grew from 4 to 17 people. [14:40] Testing operational activities before crowdfu

Emily Hollender is a Fractional Marketing Director for Early-Stage Consumer Start-ups, especially those looking to build brand and community across both online and offline platforms. Current and past clients include: Rent the Runway, The Wing, Tia, The Sill, and Modern Animal. Hit PLAY to hear: Emily’s exciting eCommerce journey Why brands should leverage customer feedback in their marketing strategy What the critical role of community is in long-term growth How to gain organic growth through owned channels Ambassador programs and how to implement them Community engagement as an important business component  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:25] How Emily ended up doing community marketing. [08:02] Unlocking sustainable organic growth without paid media. [10:51] Centering customer in decisions, creating two-way dialogue. [13:59] Investing in ambassador program takes time, dedication. [18:26] New technologies and community management softwares offer exciting possibilities for creating branded digital com

Paul Sherratt is the founder and CEO of gloveglu, a global sports brand specialises in goalkeeper products and services. Founded in 2010, they now sell via their Shopify store, marketplaces, and wholesale. In 2023, gloveglu sold to over 80 countries, growing at 45% year on year with annual sales on track for £2.5 million in total, with 20% via the eCommerce store.  Hit PLAY to hear: Paul’s eCommerce journey Founding gloveglu Expanding the business to cover eCommerce Growing their social media presence How a lean team of 5 works for the brand Staying focused and keeping things simple  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [05:58] gloveglu idea stemmed from working with Ulsport. [09:09] Shopify technology facilitates global b2b and b2c. [12:29] Core products produced in-house, b2b distribution. [14:43] Gloveglu offers grippy, wash, and refresh options. [16:49] Soccer stores upsold Glove Group products effectively. [20:14] Considering expansion in sporting niche market focus. [23:00] Keeping it simple and focused.

Yup, we're doing another multi-guest mashup!This time we're asking SEVEN eCommerce Tech specialists for their answer to this question:  "What is your top tip for Tech Stack Optimisation in 2024?" Tech Stack Optimisation – but what’s that??! I hear you cry. Well, it’s how you can get more out of your tech stack – from your website to your marketing tools, to your back end systems, to the tools you use behind the scenes to keep your team organised. Our guests are:  Rachael Jones from Studio Rotate, James Gurd of Digital Juggler and the Re:Platform Podcast, Rachel Tonner from Klevu, Deepak Anand of SHOPLINE, İrem Işık from Storyly, Jodie Guichard of Brightpearl by Sage, And Chris McCarthy-Stott from PushON. Plus! You'll also hear the thoughts of our host Chloe Thomas.  Tune into this expert mash-up episode as we find out how to get more out of your tech stack this 2024 and save costs, save time, speed up project delivery and improvements. PLUS, improve customer experience for better customer

Kate Doran is the founder of Flotsam Flo. An upcycled accessories brand founded in 2021 who create products from waste that cannot easily be recycled, or is impossible to recycle. Selling via the Shopify site, taking bespoke and corporate orders and recently diversifying into workshops. They’ve even got 14 bins located around Cornwall to collect their raw materials.  Hit PLAY to hear: Kate’s eCommerce journey and inspiration The founding of Flotsam Flo How community engagement and sustainability intersect Expanding beyond eCommerce  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:00] Graphic design degree taught to see differently. [06:19] Seizing opportunities after brain hemorrhage realization. [09:29] Upcycling items into new products with purpose. [15:18] Reusing waste for sustainable gifts and workshops. [16:11] Teaching sewing, reducing plastic waste, empowering others. [19:42] Kate’s Top Tips! Contact SHOPLINE >>> https://ecmp.info/shopline ..This podcast uses the following third-party services for an

Sarah Whale is a B Leader (that’s someone certified to help other businesses become B Corps) and founder of Profit Impact where she helps many businesses create a thriving future. She's joining us to discuss the BEST bit about being a B Corp - the long term impact it has on your business performance. Hit PLAY to hear: Sarah’s B Corp journey Why businesses need to work on continuous improvement  What B Corp recertification entails Post-certification work for businesses The importance of governance and stakeholder engagement  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:54] B Corp recertification includes review and reverification. [07:49] Evolving standards, global changes call for action. [10:19] Annual report publication focused on people, planet, profit. [13:34] Rethinking business purpose and choices for impact. [16:52] Emphasizing governance as essential for business success. [19:36] Sarah’s Top Tips! Find the notes here: https://ecmp.info/483Contact SHOPLINE >>> https://ecmp.info/shopline ..This

Josh Pitman is the Managing Director at Priory Direct, purveyors of Planet Friendly packaging, and certified B Corp. Founded in 2006, Priory Direct is the eCommerce side of the Priory Business Group. Running sales via their bespoke website, and customer service team, they now supply over 21,000 UK businesses.  Hit PLAY to hear: How customer feedback became a catalyst for change at Priory Direct Why they run sustainability and purpose-driven business The significance of becoming a B Corp and its impact Their charity rewards program The market shift towards sustainability  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [02:44] Josh’s eCommerce journey. [05:49] Transition from eager marketing to validated sustainability. [07:24] Successful B Corp certification, achieved with pride. [09:51] Sustainability means people, planet, and profit. [14:29] Packaging efficiency saves money and promotes sustainability. [17:49] New job titles reflect changing stakeholder needs. [19:25] eCommerce brands struggle with physical world impac

Lucy Jeffrey is the Founder of Bare Kind – a seller of bamboo socks that save endangered animals. Bare Kind is based in the UK and sells globally mainly via Shopify and wholesale platform Faire. Founded in 2018, last year they hit £530,000 total sales about 20% of which was wholesale.  Hit PLAY to hear: Bare Kind’s family business transformation Why they decided to focus on profitability over growth Their decision to work on their B Corp certification How the certification has impacted the business Lucy’s advice for business that want to get B Corp certified  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [02:43] Changes in the business. [04:40] Focusing on profit ahead of growth. [07:52] Positives from bringing her partner into the business. [11:36] Fear of doing the certification process because it’s too much work. [14:41] A checklist for making your business better. [19:10] Leverage the B Corp network and put the work in. [24:03] Lucy’s Top Tips! Contact SHOPLINE >>> https://ecmp.info/shopline Book your Supe

Paul Walker was until very recently Chief Commercial Officer at Vivobarefoot.Founded in 2012, Vivoebarefoot is at the forefront of “good retail”, a case study many others try to emulate, and a B Corp. They sell via a Magento store, a single store in Covent GardenLondon, and wholesale channels. And over the 10 years Paul was there, the whole business went from £4m to £70 million and eCommerce grew £500k to £50 million.This is the first our 4 episode "B Corp" series to celebrate B Corp month.Hit PLAY to hear:Paul’s eCommerce backgroundVivo’s mission-driven approachThe Revivo SchemeVivo’s growth strategy and challengsHow they’re approaching their B Corp recertificationWhat they’re doing at Vivo for their digital marketingKey timestamps to dive straight in:[03:47] Mission, derivative shoes, escape big corporate world.[07:35] Team structure and bringing teams in-house.[11:22] Innovative shoe design and eCommerce platform.[13:07] Finding the right people makes life easier.[18:13] How B Corp means differentl

Nick Reed is the founder at Neem London, a men’s fashion brand focused on making climate conscious clothing.He also has a phenomenal background in men’s fashion buying – he was instrumental in taking Charles Tyrwhitt from £10m to £200m and spent 4 years driving buying efficiency at Moss Bros. Neem London was founded in 2021, and sells via it’s Shopify store & London shop. They now are doing £400-£500,000 a year.Hit PLAY to hear:Nick’s transition from direct mail to ecommerceWhy having physical presence is key for delivering complex sustainability messagesThe founding principles of Neem LondonTheir post-purchase responsibility and engagementHow sustainability is at the core of Neem’s business decisionsKey timestamps to dive straight in:[04:24] Sustainable supply chain, attractive lease deals, customer interest.[07:18] Challenging to prioritize sustainability in business decisions.[13:31] Focus on sustainable fabric and customer engagement.[17:28] Companies use life cycle assessments to track environmental

James Francis is the Sales and Marketing Director at Mozillion. The mobile phone marketplace. In fact the UK’s first consumer to consumer marketplace for buying and selling preowned and refurbished mobile phones. Founded in 2021, they now have a multi-million pound annual turnover, and have tripled in size in the last 12 months.Hit PLAY to hear:Their strategy for selling refurbished goodsHow SEO and organic growth have contributed to their successThe importance of customer reviews in growing a businessWhy balancing various sales channels is importantHow Mozillion leveraged TikTok Shop to improve sales and educate customersKey timestamps to dive straight in:[04:44] Transitioning from telesales to digital eCommerce.[07:30] Sales and marketing, mostly online, but adaptable.[11:34] Early days of Mozillion, focus on customer service priority.[15:41] Word-of-mouth a key factor for sellers.[17:59] TikTok and educating audiences through video.[21:30] CTO improves SEO, organic traffic drives growth.[23:05] James’ Top

Freddie Winterbotham is the co-founder at CosyPanda, sellers of sustainable warmth in the shape of hot water bottles and covers. They sell via their Shopify store, wholesale, and collaborations. Founded in 2022 they’ve already achieved £100k in the first 16 months of trading.Hit PLAY to hear:Freddie’s eCommerce journeyAbout CosyPanda main productWhat Freddie thinks about doing wholesale, trade shows, and D2C activitiesCosyPanda’s marketing hits and missesTheir continued focus on product quality and sustainabilityKey timestamps to dive straight in:[04:08] Building products around problems people were struggling with.[06:29] The exhaustive nature of trade shows.[08:25] Improving hot water bottles through quality materials.[10:37] Sustainable materials are used for creative covers.[14:20] Paid for big press feature, no result.[18:39] Hot water bottle market not entirely sustainable.[20:13] Plus, hear Freddie’s Top Tips!Contact SHOPLINE >>> https://ecmp.info/shopline ..Checkout the Upflip Podcast https:/

TikTok is a channel with HUGE potential for eCommerce brands, and if you want to make it work for you - you need to listen to this episode.Host Chloe Thomas is discussing the ins and outs of the various TiKTok and TikTok Shop strategies you can deploy with a group of total TikTok Experts including:Barney Waugh, TikTokBen Muir, Unsociable - ads expertManisha Taparia, Shipbob - ops expertThiago Nogueira, Insense - influencer expertHit PLAY to hear:How to work out what you should be doing on TikTokHow to set up TikTok Shop to create happy customersTips on creators, organic, and ads!And much, much more.Key timestamps to dive straight in:[02:02] Best way to drive sales on TikTok[06:35] Can you do just one TikTok marketing tactic?[10:00] Do you need to invest in your organic brand account?[13:02] Ads![15:39] Who does TikTok Shop work best for?[19:52] Do you list all your products on TikTok Shop?[24:50] What incentives are there to use TikTok and advertising?[27:25] Live stream success tips[32:57] Fulfilment and Ops

James Barron is a fashion buyer.With over 13 years at ASOS, and previous roles at Envy, Moss Bros, M and S, and Arcadia, there’s little James doesn’t know about either buying third party brands in or product development of own brand fashion.Hit PLAY to hear:James’ eCommerce journeyThe Importance of Understanding the Customer’s Persona in BuyingTips for Successful Buying In Brands and Products for Your eCommerce StoreAdvice on Developing Your Own ProductsCollaboration Between Merchandising and BuyingA Final Word on BuyingPlus, James’ top tips!Key timestamps to dive straight in:[03:36] Online buying offers more product options.[07:51] Understand customer, adapt sales, follow for rewards.[11:50] Build diverse brand portfolios, adapt to trends.[15:01] ASOS offered variety and convenience online.[18:31] North Face improved women's wear, increased market share.[22:08] Collaboration between buyer and merchandiser is essential.[24:24] Importance of exit margin over intake margin.[26:09] James shares his Top Tips!