Podcast
The Future of Commerce Podcast
Hosted by FoC · EN
Customers today aren’t just buying products and services - they’re buying experiences, spending more with brands that meet their expectations and align with their beliefs. The Future of Commerce is dedicated to actionable thought leadership and analysis on all things commerce, both consumer-facing and B2B, from sales, marketing, customer experience, employee experience, data management, customer service, purpose, corporate life, and more.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
No AI without data: Why digital success starts with the basics
Sep 2600:13:32Tap to summarizeRecommendation engines, dynamic pricing, conversational CX—AI can unlock them all. But without trustworthy, unified data, AI simply amplifies bad patterns. Inspired by No AI without data: Why digital success starts with the basics, this episode separates signal from noise: the trillion-dollar cost of poor data quality, why “garbage in, garbage out” still rules, and the concrete steps leaders are taking to fix foundations before scaling AI.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why AI Fails (and How Data Breaks It)The “data goldmine” myth: lots of data ≠ useful dataHidden data factory: the staggering productivity drain of bad dataHow flaws cause AI misfires: overfitting, edge-case blind spots, spurious correlations, bias, and data driftThe Foundational Fix—A Practical BlueprintAudit reality: map systems (including shadow spreadsheets), ownership, and gapsProduct master cleanup: normalize attributes, units, categories, and hierarchiesCustomer master cleanup: dedupe, resolve parent/child relationships, link true buying historyTransaction discipline: capture why (promo, override, contract) to distinguish signal from noiseIntegration layer: ETL/ELT into a governed warehouse/lake for a single source of truthGovernance & DQM: owners, rules, SLAs, privacy (GDPR/HIPAA), and controls embedded in workflowsFrom Cost Center to Growth EngineCut the hidden factory (free analysts & data scientists to build, not mop up)Enable reliable AI: pricing, recommendations, inventory optimization, service automationBuild resilience: continuous data quality, monitoring, and model retraining to counter driftOrganization & Culture—Making ‘Data First’ StickCross-functional accountability: sales, finance, ops, IT share metrics and incentives“Design for capture”: make high-quality data entry the easiest path for frontline teamsIterate in quarters, not years: ship foundations, measure lift, scale patternsKey Takeaways:You can’t buy your way around data quality—AI learns whatever you feed it.Clean product, customer, and transaction data is the fastest path to dependable AI.Governance turns one-off cleans into durable capability (and lower operating costs).Embed “why” at the point of entry to convert exceptions into learnable signals.Get the data right and everything improves: pricing, CX, supply chain, analytics.Subscribe for more pragmatic playbooks on turning AI ambition into measurable outcomes. Visit The Future of Commerce for deep dives on data governance, architecture patterns, and AI implementation. Share this episode with ops leaders, data teams, and execs who own revenue and risk.
Transcribe →U.S. home sales decline: How companies can offset the ripple effect
Sep 2600:16:51Tap to summarizeExisting home sales don’t count as new GDP output, but they trigger a burst of spending that powers dozens of industries. When sales sink, that “turnover multiplier” fades—hitting retailers, manufacturers, and last-mile logistics fast. This episode, inspired by U.S. home sales decline: How companies can offset the ripple effect, connects the macro dots (7% mortgage rates, rate-lock, inventory scarcity) to the micro results (weaker durable-goods demand, slower last-mile, cautious consumers).We highlight four strategies leaders are deploying to offset the drag—from IKEA x Best Buy pop-ups to Pro-segment plays, international expansion, AI shopping-agent readiness, and granular scenario modeling—so companies can protect margins now and position for the rebound.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why a Frozen Housing Market Ripples EverywhereExisting home sales projected near ~4M in 2025 vs. ~5–5.5M pre-pandemicRate-lock squeezes churn: owners won’t swap 3% mortgages for ~7%Housing ≈16% of GDP: ~12% stable “housing services” vs. ~4% volatile RFI (the tripwire)Where the Drag Shows Up FirstDurable goods tied to moves: furniture, appliances, electronicsLogistics signal: softer last-mile for big-ticket deliveriesRetailers/manufacturers citing the freeze in H1 2025 resultsThe Four-Part Corporate PlaybookA. New Business Models & MarketsIn-store adjacency: IKEA pop-ups inside Best Buy to capture room-by-room buyersPro focus: revamped contractor programs to balance DIY softnessInternational hedge: expansion where housing is healthier (e.g., Mexico)B. Experience-Led RetailTurn stores into multi-function hubs: events, design consults, visualization toolsSell outcomes (spaces & solutions), not just SKUsC. Tapping New AI-Driven ChannelsPrepare for independent AI shopping agents (e.g., Remark, Rufus, Muse)Structure product data, attributes, pricing, availability for machine findabilityD. Intelligent Scenario ModelingMove beyond linear forecasts to granular simulations:Interest-rate paths by quarterRegional inventory + store signalsCategory-level demand elasticityUse outputs to shift inventory, hedge inputs, and adapt pricing dynamicallySignals to Watch in H2Persistent rate-lock, slower household formationDurable-goods resilience vs. lag effectsWhere the multiplier hits next (self-storage, landscaping, subscriptions, etc.)Key Takeaways:The “small” 4% RFI slice is the economy’s tripwire—when turnover stalls, many categories feel it.You can’t control rates or inventory, but you can decouple growth from move-driven demand.Experience-led stores, Pro segments, and international footprints cushion the blow.AI shopping agents are a new channel—optimize for machines, not just humans.Scenario modeling turns volatility into an advantage by guiding inventory, pricing, and sourcing in real time.Subscribe for more deep dives on macro shocks and practical playbooks. Visit The Future of Commerce for research and case studies on demand resilience, AI-ready data, and scenario modeling. Share this episode with leaders in retail, CPG, logistics, and durable goods who need an actionable plan for a slow-churn housing market.
Transcribe →GenAI is reshaping CX, but only for organizations ready to reinvent themselves
Aug 2900:20:14Tap to summarizeGenerative AI is rapidly becoming a game-changer for customer experience (CX), but the real differentiator isn’t the technology itself—it’s how organizations adapt. Inspired by GenAI is reshaping CX, but only for organizations ready to reinvent themselves, this episode unpacks the organizational shifts required to truly harness AI’s potential.We highlight the reinvention imperative: why sustainable CX gains demand new processes, redefined team roles, and flexible technology stacks. From orchestrating customer interactions to hyper-personalizing journeys, we explore the top 11 GenAI use cases already deployed in contact centers, sales, and marketing—and the measurable results they’re delivering.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Reinvention ImperativeWhy GenAI tools alone don’t guarantee transformationHow organizational redesign, employee experience, and strategy integration drive successDelegating the DrudgeryHow AI agents orchestrate customer interactions and reduce manual busyworkFreeing CX teams to focus on creativity, innovation, and strategyShortening the CycleWhy the era of long, static redesign projects is overHow composable martech and GenAI enable continuous, rapid CX evolutionFrom Personas to PeopleHow GenAI makes hyper-personalization and individualized journeys possibleStepwise approaches to testing, scaling, and iterating personalizationReal-World GenAI Use CasesContact Centers: Auto-generating replies, automating QA, creating knowledge articles, and summarizing after-call workSales Teams: AI-powered lead generation, personalized communications, meeting summaries, and onboarding automationMarketing: AI-generated ad copy, content creation, and real-time social media managementKey Takeaways:GenAI is commoditizing fast; competitive advantage comes from reinvention, not toolsAI agents free CX teams from orchestration, enabling higher-value human creativityContinuous iteration, not static projects, defines the new CX paceHyper-personalization moves customer journeys from broad personas to individualized experiencesReal-world deployments across CX functions show clear, measurable impact todaySubscribe to our podcast for insights on CX, digital transformation, and AI strategy. Visit The Future of Commerce for in-depth coverage of GenAI and customer experience innovation. Share this episode with CX leaders, digital strategists, and business executives preparing for the AI-driven future.
Transcribe →How to power personalized, AI-driven customer experiences for modern shoppers
Aug 2900:17:53Tap to summarizeThe modern shopping journey is nonlinear, unpredictable, and driven by rising expectations. Inspired by How to power personalized, AI-driven customer experiences for digital shopping, this episode unpacks how generative AI is closing the “experience gap” by transforming static commerce into fluid, intelligent journeys.We’ll explore how composable commerce, SAP Commerce Cloud, and endorsed partners like Coveo enable businesses to deliver real-time personalization, conversational product guidance, and seamless integration across channels. Case studies from Blackwoods, Nespresso Oceania, and Xero show how AI search and discovery translate into measurable gains in adoption, conversions, and customer satisfaction.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Rise of Generative AI in CXHow GenAI shifts experiences from functional to conversationalGuided decision-making that prevents customers from bouncing to GoogleExtending personalization into the post-purchase lifecycleThe Experience GapWhy customer expectations outpace many brands’ capabilitiesThe cost of siloed systems in delivering real-time relevanceComposable Commerce as the Strategic AnswerModular architectures replacing rigid monolithsSAP’s composable storefront and OCC APIs enabling flexibilityWhy endorsed partnerships (like Coveo for AI search) reduce integration complexityHow AI Makes Shopping SeamlessHybrid search blending keyword + semantic searchReal-time re-ranking and session-aware personalizationGenerative answering with source-cited responses for trustCase Studies in ActionBlackwoods: 66% digital adoption growth, 70% add-to-cart boost, 45% higher CSATNespresso Oceania: 182% conversion lift from search, 10% higher order valuesXero: 20% reduction in human support cases in just six weeksKey Takeaways:Generative AI is becoming the nervous system of modern customer experiencePersonalization must extend across the entire lifecycle, not just pre-purchaseComposable commerce enables agility while leveraging best-in-class AI toolsStrategic integrations with endorsed partners reduce complexity and accelerate ROIBrands already embracing AI are seeing measurable, bottom-line business impactSubscribe to our podcast for insights on customer experience, digital commerce, and AI-driven personalization. Visit The Future of Commerce for in-depth analysis on how technology is reshaping shopping journeys. Share this episode with CX leaders, digital commerce teams, and marketers working to bridge the experience gap.
Transcribe →ERP for pulp and paper industry: Continuous optimization for process excellence
Aug 1500:16:08Tap to summarizeOnce seen as a resource-intensive, slow-moving sector, the pulp and paper industry is now at the forefront of sustainability, digital transformation, and profitability. In this episode, we examine how mills are embracing advanced biotechnology, AI, and ERP process transparency to reduce waste, diversify products, and gain competitive advantages.We dig into real-world innovations—from turning black liquor into biocomposites and bioethanol to deploying SAP Signavio for process mining—and how these technologies are helping companies meet aggressive environmental targets while boosting their bottom line. Learn why eliminating “process debt” in ERP systems is the hidden lever for enabling AI and why data-driven decision-making is becoming the ultimate competitive differentiator in this industry’s reinvention.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:1. Industry TransformationHow pulp and paper is moving beyond paper production into biochemicals, bioenergy, and premium sustainable packagingWhy sustainability is now seen as a profit driver, not a cost2. Waste-to-Value InnovationBlack liquor biorefining into lignin biocomposites, PLA bioplastics, and tall oil productsConverting sulfite liquors into industrial lignosulfonates and bioethanol using advanced yeast strains3. Digital Optimization & ERP TransparencyThe concept of “process debt” and why outdated ERP processes hinder growthHow SAP Signavio and SAP LeanIX provide visibility and structure for AI-driven optimization4. AI-Driven OperationsPredictive maintenance reducing downtime and costReal-time quality analytics and process optimization in paper manufacturingAI market growth in pulp and paper projected to hit $15B by 20345. Data as a Competitive AdvantageUsing platforms like FisherSolve for sustainability benchmarking and supply chain decision-makingHow science-based targets are reshaping supplier relationshipsKey Takeaways:The pulp and paper industry is becoming a model for sustainable, profitable transformationBiotech is enabling waste streams to become high-value product linesERP process transparency is the critical enabler for AI and continuous optimizationData-driven decision-making is redefining competitive advantage in manufacturingSustainability initiatives are directly linked to revenue growth and market differentiationSubscribe to our podcast for expert insights on manufacturing transformation, ERP optimization, and the intersection of sustainability and profitability. Visit The Future of Commerce for in-depth coverage of how legacy industries are leveraging digital tools to reinvent themselves. Share this episode with industry leaders, sustainability strategists, and operations professionals looking to drive both environmental and economic gains.
Transcribe →H1 2025 retail results: Volatility, tariffs, job market hit hard; make for uncertain H2
Aug 1400:09:44Tap to summarizeRetail’s “canary in the coal mine” moment has arrived. The H1 2025 Retail Recap Report reveals a sector under strain from economic volatility, shifting consumer habits, tariff pressures, and rising job losses. In this episode, we unpack the numbers and narratives driving this change, from cautious shoppers and evolving mall spaces to mounting supply chain costs and looming risks for the second half of the year.Drawing on retail performance data, executive insights, and industry forecasts, we connect the dots between consumer psychology, policy impacts, and the strategic crossroads facing retailers. Whether targeting high-income spenders or pivoting to extreme value propositions, businesses must navigate a retail landscape that’s fundamentally shifting beneath their feet.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:1. The State of Consumer SpendingWhy warehouse clubs and dollar stores are thrivingCaution in grocery spending and reluctance to try new brandsHealth and wellness as a persistent priority amid belt-tightening2. Economic Indicators Behind the SlowdownInflation masking weaker sales volumesH1 driven by high-income spenders while low-income visits drop sharplyMcDonald’s reports double-digit declines in low-income customer visits3. Tariff Pressures and Their Consumer Impact$100M in projected costs for Under Armour from tariffs aloneGoldman Sachs estimates tariffs could add $2,400 annually to household expensesPrice impacts on clothing, cars, and fresh produce4. Job Market Shifts in RetailRetail job cuts up 249% YoY, totaling over 80,000 in H1Signs of systemic change beyond seasonal adjustments5. Tourism and Service Sector HeadwindsWTTC forecasts $29B drop in U.S. international tourism spendingU.S. as the only country projected to see a decline in 20256. What to Expect in H2 2025Holiday season uncertainty despite typical seasonal uptickStrategic fork: target the wealthy or pivot hard to value retailInflation, interest rates, and tariffs as ongoing headwindsKey Takeaways:Consumer caution is reshaping where and how people spendTariffs are directly raising household costs and straining retailer marginsJob cuts and slowing tourism add to the sector’s instabilityRetailers face a stark strategic choice for the rest of 2025The middle ground in retail is eroding, redefining economic health indicatorsSubscribe to our podcast for expert analysis on retail trends, economic indicators, and consumer behavior shifts. Visit The Future of Commerce for deeper insights into how market forces and policy decisions are shaping the retail landscape. Share this episode with retail strategists, policy watchers, and anyone navigating the challenges of 2025’s volatile economy.
Transcribe →Unified commerce benefits: Powering retail renewal and marketplace AI
Aug 1400:10:38Tap to summarizeIf you’ve ever checked online stock, headed to the store, and found empty shelves—or seen a promotion vanish at the register—you’ve felt the friction of outdated retail systems. In this episode, inspired by Unified commerce benefits: Powering retail renewal and marketplace AI, we uncover how unified commerce fixes these gaps by integrating every channel, system, and data point into one real-time view.We also explore how marketplace AI builds on this unified foundation to automate listings, optimize inventory, personalize recommendations, and dynamically adjust pricing across major e-commerce platforms. From solving everyday shopping frustrations to giving retailers the agility to adapt instantly, this pairing is transforming retail at every level.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:1. Unified Commerce vs. OmnichannelWhy omnichannel often hides disconnected back-end systemsHow unified commerce unifies data for a true single source of truthThe operational and customer experience benefits of real-time integration2. The Core Benefits of Unified CommerceAccurate, instant inventory visibility across channelsSeamless returns and consistent pricing everywhereReal-time updates flowing into financial, supply chain, and marketing systems3. AI as the Next Layer of Retail IntelligenceUsing unified data to power predictive analytics and personalizationOptimizing fulfillment and supply chain agility with AIShifting from reactive to proactive retail strategy4. Marketplace AI in ActionAutomated product listings and catalog synchronizationDynamic pricing based on demand, competition, and stock levelsAI-powered product discovery and intent-based searchPersonalization that adapts to real-time browsing and purchase signals5. The Strategic Imperative for RetailersWhy marketplace AI’s full potential requires unified commerceThe role of cloud migration and legacy system integrationBuilding scalability and competitive edge through data qualityKey Takeaways:Unified commerce eliminates data silos, enabling consistent, personalized customer experiencesReal-time data is the foundation for effective AI in retail and marketplace managementMarketplace AI extends unified commerce into external platforms with automation and optimizationRetailers that invest in unified systems gain speed, agility, and measurable profit growthFor shoppers, it means accurate stock, consistent pricing, and tailored recommendations everywhereSubscribe to our podcast for expert insights on retail transformation, AI in commerce, and customer experience innovation. Visit The Future of Commerce for deep dives into how technology is reshaping the way we shop and sell. Share this episode with retail leaders, e-commerce strategists, and marketplace managers looking to future-proof their operations.
Transcribe →How Boston Scientific uses AI search to transform B2B commerce + boost conversions
Aug 1200:12:03Tap to summarizeB2B buyers now expect the same speed, personalization, and precision they enjoy in consumer shopping—and that expectation is redefining digital commerce. In this episode, inspired by How Boston Scientific uses AI search to transform B2B commerce + boost conversions, we break down how AI-powered search is closing the experience gap, boosting conversions, and creating measurable ROI.With insights from Boston Scientific’s digital transformation journey, we explore how they tackled search performance challenges, integrated Coveo’s AI relevance platform into SAP Commerce Cloud, and deployed an “intent box” to unify search and chat into a single entry point. The results: faster customer experiences, empowered sales teams, higher retention, and a staggering 300% growth in online order revenue.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Experience Gap in B2B CommerceWhy B2B buyers expect Amazon-level experiencesHarvard Business Review study: 70% say AI is essential for e-commerce’s futureCommon barriers: data privacy, skills gaps, executive alignmentWhat Makes AI-Powered Search DifferentEnriched intent detection that understands buyer needsAutomatic re-ranking and behavior-based recommendationsQuestion answering and dynamic content filtering to reduce frictionBoston Scientific’s Search TransformationIntegrating Coveo’s AI platform with SAP Commerce CloudCentralizing content from 55+ sources into one intelligent indexPersonalizing search results for both customers and sales repsThe “Intent Box” InnovationUnifying search and chat into one smart entry pointDelivering fast, accurate, contextual answers from anywhere in the siteChanging the way customers interact with digital channelsMeasurable Impact and ROI20%+ jump in search conversion ratesCustomers discovering and purchasing new products via searchReduced customer service calls and improved self-service300% increase in online order revenueKey Lessons for AI Success in B2BStart with the business problem, not the platformFocus on relevance, not just channelsPartner with providers who offer both technology and strategic guidanceKey Takeaways:AI search can close the B2B experience gap and boost customer satisfactionUnified, intent-driven experiences speed up buying and sellingStrategic alignment between tech and business goals drives ROIIntegration with existing platforms preserves flexibility while adding intelligenceRelevance is the ultimate metric for digital commerce successSubscribe to our podcast for expert insights on AI in commerce, B2B digital transformation, and customer experience innovation. Visit The Future of Commerce for in-depth research on how technology is driving measurable business results. Share this episode with digital leaders, e-commerce managers, and sales enablement teams looking to close the experience gap.
Transcribe →Retail and tariffs: Stockpiles, agility, and a supply chain reckoning
Aug 1100:15:36Tap to summarizeA slowdown in retail sales is rippling through the industry, with new tariffs and supply chain volatility forcing retailers to rethink everything from pricing to inventory management. In this episode, inspired by Retail and tariffs: Stockpiles, agility, and a supply chain reckoning, we break down the economic forces and operational shifts behind the headlines.Drawing on the latest NRF Retail Monitor data, RELX Solutions’ supply chain study, and real-world cases from Target to the toy industry, we explore how consumer caution, trade policy, and global disruptions are converging—and how retailers are responding with AI, automation, and supplier diversification to stay resilient.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:1. The Current State of Retail SalesJune 2025 marks the first monthly sales decline since FebruaryConsumer caution is slowing momentum despite year-over-year growth in some categoriesDigital goods stand out with a 24% YoY increase, while big-ticket items slump2. Why Consumer Psychology MattersUncertainty around tariffs and the economy is driving a “wait-and-see” approachHow sentiment influences spending beyond inflation or interest rate changes3. The Supply Chain Pressure CookerFindings from RELX Solutions: 60% of companies restructuring supply chainsTop pain points: demand volatility, trade disruptions, lack of real-time dataMoves toward nearshoring, automation, and AI for agility4. Three Major Pressure Points and SolutionsSupplier diversification: real-time info-sharing and AI trade-off modelingInventory planning: unified data, AI simulation engines, and multi-echelon optimizationDemand planning: dynamic AI forecasting that adapts to policy changes5. Case Studies in ChangeTarget: Ending competitor price-matching amid tariff cost pressuresToy industry: 145% tariffs on Chinese imports threaten half of SME toy makers6. Technology as the Strategic LeverAI-driven visibility and optimization for resilienceInventory pooling and RFID for better tracking and cost controlPredictive analytics to match stock levels with volatile demandKey Takeaways:Retail sales are slowing as consumer caution deepens amid economic uncertaintyTariffs and trade policy shifts are driving supply chain reinvention at scaleAI and automation are essential tools for resilience and agilityRetail policies, from price-matching to product availability, are shifting in real timeThe impact reaches every shopper’s cart—what’s available, and at what priceSubscribe to our podcast for expert insights on retail strategy, supply chain innovation, and the evolving consumer landscape. Visit The Future of Commerce for in-depth research on how global trade and technology are reshaping retail. Share this episode with supply chain leaders, retail strategists, and consumer market analysts navigating the current volatility.
Transcribe →AI agent pricing: Faster, smarter decision making for margin growth
Aug 800:18:18Tap to summarizeIn today’s fast-moving, high-volatility markets, the old way of managing pricing—manual processes, siloed data, reactive decisions—just can’t keep up. This episode, inspired by AI agent pricing: Faster, smarter decision making for margin growth, examines how AI agents are changing the game for sales, pricing, and revenue management.We dive into what makes agentic AI different from traditional automation, why human-AI collaboration is key, and how unified technology platforms create the environment these agents need to thrive. Real-world examples, including Pricevex’s specialized pricing agents, show how businesses can detect margin leaks, optimize discounting, accelerate quoting, and capture premium opportunities—at scale.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:1. The Shift to Agentic AIHow AI agents differ from past automation toolsWhy they act as “always-on” co-pilots for margin-impacting decisionsGartner’s prediction: AI agents augmenting or automating 50% of business decisions by 20272. Core Characteristics of an AI-Agent-Ready PlatformAlways-on, proactive data scanningComposable, connected architecture for real-time integrationTransparent, explainable recommendations to build trustUser-friendly, natural language interaction3. Practical Applications in PricingMargin leakage detection for unprofitable products and contractsDiscount strategy optimization to prevent revenue lossQuote intelligence to speed complex deal cyclesUpside opportunity spotting to boost premium sales4. Pricevex in ActionSeamless integration with SAP Commerce Cloud and SAP Sales CloudInstant, AI-driven pricing recommendations for complex configurationsAutomated approval workflows and real-time system sync5. The Strategic Role of Unified PlatformsWhy best-of-breed architectures often create complexity and cost trapsBenefits of suite-as-a-service for pre-integration and vendor consolidationThe “flywheel effect” where integrated applications, data, and AI feed each other6. Looking Ahead: AI and Business StrategyAI literacy as a driver of 20% higher financial performanceChallenges of managing synthetic data at scaleThe role of semantics in improving AI model accuracy and reducing costsGartner’s 2029 prediction: AI guidance influencing board-level decisionsKey Takeaways:AI agents enable faster, more precise decision-making in pricing and revenue management.Unified, composable platforms remove the silos that limit AI’s effectiveness.Transparency and explainability are essential for trust in AI-driven recommendations.Vendor consolidation supports efficiency, scalability, and consistent data for AI models.Businesses that combine human expertise with agentic AI will set the pace in their industries.Subscribe to our podcast for expert insights on AI in pricing, sales, and business strategy. Visit The Future of Commerce for in-depth research on how technology is transforming decision-making. Share this episode with pricing leaders, CIOs, and revenue strategists who want to harness AI for margin growth.
Transcribe →