Podcast
Commerce Corner
Hosted by Lula Commerce · EN
Welcome to "Commerce Corner," the podcast where retail innovation meets practical strategy. Join us, as we explore the dynamic world of digital commerce in the convenience retail industry. Each episode delves into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities facing retailers today, offering insights and actionable advice to help businesses thrive in the fast-paced digital marketplace.
From the rise of delivery services and the importance of unique product offerings to managing profitability and leveraging technology, "Commerce Corner" covers it all. Whether you're a retailer looking to expand your online presence, a tech enthusiast interested in the latest industry developments, or simply curious about the future of retail, this podcast is for you. Tune in for expert interviews, in-depth discussions, and practical tips to navigate the evolving landscape of digital commerce.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Commerce Corner S2|E6: Peter Rasmussen from Convenience and Energy Advisors
3w ago00:36:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Commerce Corner, Lula Commerce sits down with Peter Rasmussen, Founder and CEO of Convenience and Energy Advisors, for a candid conversation about what is actually working (and what is quietly breaking) inside c-store loyalty programs in 2026. Peter brings 25 years inside the industry, including 17 years at Wawa, leadership in Sheetz, and the build-and-exit of Neon Marketplace, and he uses that depth to unpack why the brands winning today are operating loyalty as a measurable commerce engine rather than a marketing checkbox.
Transcribe →Commerce Corner S2|E5: Brian Trout on C-Store M&A, Scaling Strategies, and Technology
Apr 1300:44:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Commerce Corner, hosts Adit Gupta and Matt Kopyt sit down with Brian Trout, a convenience retail veteran who has scaled Yesway from concept to 150 stores in just three years via strategic acquisitions. Brian has held leadership roles at Amoco Oil, BP, Thorntons, GPM, and the Greater Houston Retailers Cooperative Association (GHRA).Convenience store operators are facing unprecedented challenges: fuel price volatility, supply chain disruptions, pressure from major chains with advanced digital capabilities, and the need to do more with fewer people. This conversation cuts through the noise on what actually drives c-store profitability and competitive advantage.Whether you're scaling a regional chain, running independent stores, or investing in convenience retail, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth, labor efficiency, supply chain resilience, and the competitive advantage of stepping back to focus on strategic operations instead of daily shifts.
Transcribe →Commerce Corner S2|E4: Abigail Cerra from Chestnut Market
Mar 1600:24:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Commerce Corner, Abigail Cerra, Director of Marketing, Loyalty, and Communications at Chestnut Market, joins Adit Gupta and Matt Kopyt to talk about what it really takes to build a loyalty program from the ground up.Abigail shares her journey from part-time cashier to leading loyalty strategy across 80 convenience store locations in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. She breaks down how Chestnut Market built its Chestnut Rewards program with fully enrolled members from day one, why she maps her tech roadmap backward from a 10-year vision, and what most retailers get wrong about digital promotions.The conversation also covers retail media opportunities for regional chains, why she thinks digital wallets should go away, and what convenience retail can learn from other industries when it comes to personalization.Abigail is also a founding board member of C-Store Women, and shares her perspective on advancing women into director and c-suite level roles in the convenience industry.
Transcribe →Commerce Corner S2|E3: Tiffany Fraley from InConvenience, Inc.
Feb 2400:33:22Tap to summarizeIn Episode 3 of Season 2 of Commerce Corner, we sit down with Tiffany Fraley, CEO of InConvenience Inc., to hear how she built a convenience store brand from scratch after spending her career in commercial real estate. Tiffany shares what it was like stepping behind the counter for the first time, forming her own company, and developing a technology roadmap without any prior industry experience. The conversation covers how she approaches vendor partnerships, why every tech investment needs to tie back to the P&L, and how she's building Gas Spot and Good Spot locations into genuine community hubs. We also talk about what it means to lead as a woman in a male-dominated industry and why she believes the future of convenience retail is female.This episode offers an honest look at what it takes to enter convenience retail as an outsider and build something meaningful from day one. Be sure to subscribe!
Transcribe →Commerce Corner S2|E2: Matt Van Gilder from NexChapter
Feb 500:43:40Tap to summarizeIn Episode 2 of Season 2 of Commerce Corner, we sit down with Matt Van Gilder of NexChapter to continue our series on technology roadmaps and digital execution in convenience retail.Matt shares how retailers can move from reacting to digital issues to building intentional, scalable roadmaps that support long-term growth. The conversation explores how teams should think about prioritization, ownership, and the operational realities that often derail even the best digital strategies. We also dig into how AI and automation can play a practical role in reducing friction, improving uptime, and supporting lean teams without adding complexity.This episode offers clear perspective for retailers looking to mature their digital commerce programs and make smarter decisions around technology investments.Be sure to subscribe!
Transcribe →Commerce Corner S2|E1: Rick Rigby from Atlantis Management Group
Jan 1900:29:48Tap to summarizeIn the Season 2 premiere of Commerce Corner, we kick off our series on technology roadmaps with Rick Rigby, Chief Technology Officer at Atlantis Management Group.Rick takes us behind the scenes and shares how his team at Atlantis approaches digital transformation and the process of creating and executing their roadmap. He provides some actionable next steps for retailers looking to build out digital commerce channels, AI products, and any large scale technical initiative.Be sure to subscribe and don't miss new episodes dropping each month!
Transcribe →Commerce Corner S1|E11: Using AI to Cut Costs and Boost Profits in Convenience Retail
Apr 15, 202500:11:21Tap to summarizeIn Episode 11, Lula Commerce Co-founder and CEO, Adit Gupta, joins President and CRO, Justin Jackson, to share insights from recent industry events, highlighting retailers' growing concerns around rising operational expenses and shrinking margins. Discover how digital strategies, especially AI-driven automation, can dramatically reduce hidden costs—from managing online orders and tablet uptime to proactive customer service. Plus, learn about Lula's groundbreaking Operators platform, a first-of-its-kind marketplace of AI agents designed specifically to streamline convenience store operations and drive profitability.
Transcribe →Commerce Corner S1|E10: Kristin Sword on Digital Growth & Loyalty at Jacksons
Feb 28, 202500:06:10Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Commerce Corner, Justin Jackson sits down with Kristin Sword from Jacksons to discuss how the company is expanding its digital strategy. Kristin shares insights on launching a new mobile app, rolling out a loyalty program, and scaling third-party delivery with Lula.Looking ahead to 2025, Jacksons is focused on leveraging its new digital tools, expanding first-party ordering, and enhancing personalized customer experiences. Kristin also teases future innovations, including potential retail media network initiatives.Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how Jacksons is modernizing convenience retail while staying true to its brand.
Transcribe →Commerce Corner S1|E9: Bill Kay on Private Equity, C-Store Consolidation, and Digital Growth
Feb 5, 202500:22:11Tap to summarizeOn this week’s episode of Commerce Corner, Justin Jackson and Adit Gupta sit down with private equity executive and investor Bill Kay to discuss the evolving landscape of the convenience store industry. Bill shares insights from over 25 years in private equity, including his perspective on consolidation, enterprise value creation, and the role of digital transformation in driving profitability.As convenience retailers look ahead to 2025, this episode offers a finance-driven perspective on maximizing growth and profitability in a rapidly changing industry.
Transcribe →Commerce Corner S1|E8: Leadership Lessons with Former 7-Eleven & Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes
Jan 14, 202500:21:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Commerce Corner, host Justin Jackson sits down with Jim Keyes, former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, to explore the transformative power of change, confidence, and clarity in leadership. Jim shares his "Three C's" framework, insights on navigating industry disruptions, and the enduring relevance of convenience retail. From revitalizing 7-Eleven during challenging times to early partnerships with Amazon and Uber Eats, Jim's stories are packed with actionable wisdom for retail leaders and innovators. Stay tuned for Jim's thoughts on the future of digital commerce, the importance of lifelong learning, and how retailers can embrace change to thrive in a fast-evolving market.
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