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

Stuart Davis is the co-founder, CEO, and everything else!! at Dubs – a footwear brand on a mission to disrupt the kids’ shoe industry. They’re clearly having an impact as (at the time of recording) they’ve just been shortlisted for FOUR awards at the Drapers Footwear Awards!! Launched in 2022 they’re selling via their Shopify store and stockist network. Hit PLAY to hear: Fixing a personal problem with a global solution Sustainability as a journey Providing education and making a cultural impact Having big visions for the future Embracing continuous improvement  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:13] Friends cope with job loss, create sustainable sneakers. [08:58] Designing sustainable shoes with circularity in mind. [11:40] Sustainability professor's advice: focus on continuous improvement. [15:06] Wishing for more time to grow brand. [18:30] Listen to Stuart’s Top Tips! Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/505..This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analy

Nick Hussey is the founder and managing director at FRAHM Jacket, a men’s clothing brand that exclusively sells by pre-order. Founded in 2018 they did £2.2million via their Shopify site in 2023. Hit PLAY to hear: Why honesty and transparency are key for any brand The role of preorders in building a successful business Thinking long-term Practicing sustainability in your business Why product quality trumps quantity  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [05:20] Commuter cycling brand failed to reach potential. [07:14] Nick’s determination to build a successful business. [11:51] House-husband, kids, mental health, brand growth. [15:35] High-growth businesses erode brand, face downfall. [17:44] Preorder, exclusivity, anticipation, positive reviews. [19:49] Growth is a metric of a business. [23:44] Creativity blossoms when money is scarce. [24:57] Listen to Nick’s Top Tips! Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/504..This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https

Bryan Marville is the founder of apparel business WORN, where he’s on a mission to dismantle America’s relationship with commodity cotton basics and fast fashion. Founded in 2018, they sell via their Shopify store and wholesale channels, and are now a 7-figure business.  Hit PLAY to hear: Why prioritizing product quality is key How to do effective brand scaling Building a loyal tribe of customers Embracing analytics to understand your business better Thinking long-term  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [05:56] Niche brand, scaled to larger sock market. [07:56] Neoprene, socks, wet suits, merino, cotton, sweating. [09:50] WORN’s design mantra: performance sustained. [11:00] Product must be performing to be sustainable. [13:32] Focus on consumer relations and product quality. [17:08] Company introduces new performance-enhanced fabric line. [20:24] Listen to Bryan’s Top Tips! Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/503..This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics

Matt Henton is Head of eCommerce at Moss, the men’s suits and formal fashion brand. Founded in 1851 Moss now sell via their Remarkable eCommerce site, and 110 physical stores around the UK.  Hit PLAY to hear: How crisis can be a catalyst for change The importance of product quality Focusing on storytelling to create connections with customers Their shift from discounts to premium pricing Expanding product range to counter seasonality  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:29] Transitioned from telcos to eCommerce, varied sectors. [09:11] Adapting business strategy to suit 2020 challenges. [10:34] Customers and business addicted to discounts. [14:02] Evolving fashion focus: understanding product, selling internally. [17:11] Diversified product range drives year-round sales growth. [18:35] Listen to Matt’s Top Tips! Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/502..This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-poli

Bryony Tagg is the Head of eCommerce at Chilly’s, a BCorp retailer on a mission to accelerate the adoption and everyday use of REUSABLE PRODUCTS. Starting with the Chilly’s water bottle in 2010 the brand has gone a long way in the last 14 years. Their headless eCommerce site does around 30,000 orders a month, plus they have a wholesale channel too.  Hit PLAY to hear: The importance of brand and quality Adapting to market changes How Chilly’s leverages outsourcing Why you need to always put customers front and center Effective use of marketing and merchandising  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [05:43] Fashion experience led to challenges in Chilly’s. [07:17] Diversification from water bottles to various products. [10:01] Making it easier for European customers to purchase a Chilly’s bottle. [14:53] The Chilly’s team and what gets outsourced. [17:44] Chili's ensures quality, builds trust and community. [19:06] Listen to Bryony’s Top Tips! Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/501Download Shopify

You are listening to a milestone episode – eCommerce MasterPlan’s episode 500!! To celebrate this significant event, we gathered past guests – 20 of them! – and asked them the question:“what’s your top tip to make an eCommerce store more profitable?” Here’s our guest line-up for this extra-special episode: Mike Stevens, The Direct to Consumer Playbook, Lucy Jeffrey from Bare Kind Socks, Christine Nicholson, The Exit Readiness Expert, Jaye Cowle from Launch, James Gurd, Digital Juggler Ltd., Gary Amstutz from RubberStampSA, Adam Bastock, Small99 Kathleen Sullivan Garman, SullyGarman & Associates Steven Sashen from Xero Shoes Anthea Morris, Better2Know Kristian Hansen from Slø Alison Metcalfe, Alison Metcalfe Ltd., Kunle Campbell from 2x eCommerce Janis Thomas, Look Fabulous Forever, Izabela Russell from Music Radio Creative, Luke Carthy, eCommerce Consultant,  Patricia Callwood from True Serenity Tea, Laura Riches, Laylo, And Ben Dreyer from Boden! It’s the episode you’ve been waiting for so tune in to thi

Shabbir Mookhtiar is the co-founder and CEO of Flavers, a home delivery service for home cooked food. Number 50 on the Startups 100 2024 they’re growing fast. Founded in 2020 they now have over 100 chefs and over 10,000 paying customers.  Hit PLAY to hear: Identifying and solving real-world problems Adapting business models to market demands Importance of custom tech solutions Strategic rebranding How Flavers maximized their exposure on Dragons’ Den  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:32] Busy professionals hire neighbors for home-cooked Indian food. [09:20] Diverse customer base embraces unique global cuisines. [10:56] Business evolved from local to premium world cuisines. [16:56] Dragon's Den appearance leads to major sales boost. [18:12] Dragon's Den exposure yielded significant free exposure. [19:59] Listen to Shabbir’s Top Tips! Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/499Download Shopify's Omnichannel Report >> https://ecmp.info/shopify .This podcast uses the following third-par

Hugo Douglas-Deane is co-founder and CMO of sustainable marketplace Canopey – the home for buying better. Founded in 2021 they soft launched in May 2023 and officially launched September 2023. Currently, the biggest focus is building the communities of vendors and customers which is up to over 30,000.  Hit PLAY to hear: The importance of sustainability and consumer trust Adopting innovative technologies Meeting diverse customer needs Expanding into B2B market opportunities Continuous innovation and community building  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [05:29] Founder passionate about sustainability, integrating into platform. [07:08] Pushing for higher eco and ethical standards. [10:05] Choosing quality, sustainable products for lasting value. [13:50] Decision: challenging, successful, impactful, led to growth. [17:18] Sustainability-driven business moves toward B2B sales. [20:29] "Swaps feature encourages sustainable decisions, mental health." [22:17] Listen to Hugo’s Top Tips! Full episode notes h

Gregor Leckie is the founder and managing director of Rapscallion Soda. Founded in 2018, they’ve shipped over three quarters of a million cans! Selling via their DTC Shopify store and B2B Shopify trade site, they’re now doing over 1,000 orders a month.  Hit PLAY to hear: Why adaptability has been a key business strategy for Rapscallion Soda Sustainability as the brand’s core principle The importance of having direct relationships with both suppliers and customers How innovation plays a role in the brand’s operations How limited edition and seasonal products can boost your sales  Key timestamps to dive straight in: [03:32] Transitioned from wholesale to digital, achieved growth. [08:06] Passionate about nose-to-tail, from fruit. [11:59] Efficient facility for long-term, sustainable operations. [13:39] Improving soft drink production for environment. [17:31] Business prioritizes transparency, seeks customer understanding. [21:24] Scotland's diverse producers, plans for Scottish citrus. [22:52] Listen to Gre

Janis Thomas is the Managing Director at Look Fabulous Forever, the innovative cosmetics and skincare brand designed to meet the needs of older women. They’re a UK DTC brand selling globally to a customer base often ignored by the DTC world, who they’re serving via a Magento site. Founded in 2013, Janis has been driving the growth strategy for just over 4 years, they’re currently doing millions a year, and working towards double figure millions. Hit PLAY to hear: The importance of public speaking in business Why you need to overcome your fear of public speaking Where to start your speaking journey Practical tips to prepare for your speaking gig Crafting your message and practicing your delivery Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:22] Public speaking requires practice and training. [07:06] Start with your passion, genuine enthusiasm, expertise not necessary. [11:49] Network at events, build LinkedIn profile. [15:15] Prepare, know your content, pitch confidently. [17:01] Structure helps, no script, rehearse

Marianne Morrison is the Investment Director at Baaj Capital, a fund who turnaround and grow a portfolio of eCommerce brands. The portfolio currently includes about 30 eCommerce brands including 365 Games, In The Style, and Roov. Hit PLAY to hear: Why you need to focus on key initiatives The importance of diversifying your paid traffic strategies Optimising tech stack as a key part of a brand’s strategy Creating high-quality and authentic content How AB testing helps in decision-making Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:44] Different businesses require unique strategies for success. [08:22] Tech landscape has changed in the last decade. [10:38] Optimize tech strategy, understand market to succeed. [13:37] Varied strategies needed for diverse paid ad platforms. [16:41] Knowing when to stop, learn, and test. [18:44] Don’t try and do everything at once. [20:06] Listen to Marianne’s Top Tips! Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/495Contact SHOPLINE >>> https://ecmp.info/shopline ..This podcast

Sam Wright is the Managing Director at specialist eCommerce SEO agency Blink SEO, and at Macaroni Software the new Shopify-specific SEO tool he’s building to solve problems that they’ve found with SEO at Blink SEO, especially productivity-wise. Sam’s been in SEO since 2007, and in eCommerce since 2002. Hit PLAY to hear: Why you should prioritize your category pages How to do on-page optimization Why it’s no longer about backlinks The different SEO strategies for high and low SKU count businesses Key timestamps to dive straight in: [04:11] Customers' desire critical for SEO and marketing. [08:57] Analysis reveals 60% organic revenue from Shopify. [11:18] Rule of thumb for collection pages. [12:25] Macaroni analyzes Shopify tags to optimize categories. [14:23] Listen to Sam’s Top Tips! Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/494Contact SHOPLINE >>> https://ecmp.info/shopline ..This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/leg

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