As outlined earlier in my earlier post The Pros and Cons of eCommerce Replatforming , the decision to replatform is a serious one. Whether you're pushing for revenue growth and cost control or trying to implement a multi-channel or omni-channel experience, the benefits of replatforming are obvious. However, concerns over the potential disadvantages often leave many companies spinning their wheels in analysis paralysis. Before making a leap, many executives want to be reassured their decision to spend so much money and company time is justified, if not outright critical. If that describes your | View post

To follow up on the recent post by my colleague on building sales during the forthcoming Mother’s Day and Father’s Day events, I’d still suggest that the best gift any retailer could receive would be a crystal ball delivered early enough to make a difference at that critical sales season, holiday. When 2012 revealed key trends in consumer expectations for omnichannel, the questions began: how to set the stage for a successful 2013? So for those of you still hoping that you have made the appropriate changes for the coming months, while this is not a crystal ball, I can offer you the next best | View post

It was 20 years ago today that CERN announced that the technology that underpins what we know as the worldwide web, would be available on a royalty free basis. As much credit should go to that decision as goes to its creator, Tim Berners-Lee. Imagine how different the technology world would be today if the expansion of this technology was tied to a royalty structure. I remember first seeing a crude web site in 1994 with a co-worker who was absolutely bouncing off the walls with excitement over what the new technology held. As it turns out, his excitement was probably understated. What a 20 | View post

The most anticipated announcement for Magento partners, clients and potential clients at last week's Imagine Conference was the release of Magento 1.13 Enterprise. In the release, Magento restored their focus on Core technology by retiring the X.Commerce "fabric" and reducing their focus on MagentoGo. The announcement also reinforced their "up-market" message as they continue to target existing and future Enterprise customers generating excess of 100M$ online. As highlighted by Magento CTO Matthew Mengerink, Magento Enterprise is all about Performance, Scalability, Ease of Use and Total Cost | View post

Sitting at Demandware’s Xchange Conference 2013, you could feel the excitement of our new economy and see, in action, the innovations of so many retailers– all on exactly the same platform, and all catering to a new, “me-centric” consumer. The way we shop has changed forever.View post

I just returned from last week's fantastic Demandware XChange conference, where over 700 partners, clients and prospects gathered in Las Vegas to discuss the current state of online retailing. Prior to the show's official client kickoff, Demandware held an exclusive Partner Showcase Day where partners gathered to learn about Demandware's successes to-date and plans for 2013.View post

I attended NEMOA’s directXchange national conference last week. The message for this year’s spring conference was "Project Growth" with a focus on the exchange of “Bold ideas to grow your business”. One of the event highlights was John Hersey’s keynote address on “Creating Unforgettable Growth.” It was chock-full of great business insight and some very entertaining stories.View post

If you asked five digital commerce and marketing experts to define the value of social media, it would be no surprise if each of them described it as an essential business tool. I attended a session at eTail West 2013 that took this to the next level.View post

Good design is key to holding, keeping and guiding customer attention toward a sale, whether on that device or within the family of devices and stores a brand offers. The way to do this, of course, is Responsive Design, where no matter how a person interacts with an organization – Web, tablet, mobile – the experience is full, consistent and effective because systems recognize the type of device and deliver with a design that has been tailored accordingly. These panelists chosen to address this topic should know; they were: Matt Carlson, Director of Engineering, Shutterfly; Brandon McGee, | View post

When it comes to omnichannel and ecommerce success in 2013, one message is coming through loudly and clearly at eTail West 2013: the leaders are following their customers. And those who are lagging started with strategies founded on great ideas… but not customer needs or direction. I attended a session yesterday entitled, “Crafting Proficient Tablet and Mobile Strategies to Exceed Customer Expectations”. It featured a panel led by top executives from Bag Borrow or Steal, Allrecipes.com, FordDirect, Vistaprint, and Forsee. And while each company represents a different industry and entry point | View post

In my line of work, I get to work with a lot of very smart colleagues, clients and prospective clients. Each and every day I’m energized by new thinking, new insights and new energy around digital commerce. The signs are there - more companies are “getting it”. They're investing in omnichannel solutions. They're elevating mobile. And they're even looking at eCommerce as their flagship storefront. Old school companies are finally rethinking their physical footprints, and the strategic role of brick and mortar stores. Some are getting smaller in order to grow bigger. This is good stuff! However | View post

1. What excites you most about your new position as VP, eCommerce Business Strategist at Optaros? "I believe we’re at a critical pivot point in the digital evolution with eCommerce elevating to the forefront of every strategic business discussion. Optaros has recognized that pivot point and is built with eCommerce as part of its core DNA. I think we’re very well positioned at the intersection of creative and technology. Every day I wake up and get to work with a bunch of extremely talented people who share my passion for digital commerce and I get to work across a set of clients who are | View post