S7 | Crafting Community in a Digital Age: Vivobarefoot’s Approach to Modern Commerce with Steven Irwin

June 12, 2025

“If you touch it, you can trust it.”

In this episode of The FODcast, we’re joined by Steven Irwin – Chief Commercial & Technology Officer at Vivobarefoot – to explore how today’s most progressive D2C brands are blending technology, purpose, and people to drive long-term growth. 

With leadership experience at ASICS, Hunter Boots, Wolverine Worldwide, and more, Steve brings a unique, cross-functional perspective on what it takes to build authentic, resilient brands in an increasingly complex digital world.

In this conversation, we cover:

  • How Vivobarefoot’s ReVivo and community initiatives are redefining what post-purchase brand engagement looks like
  • The rise of sustainable commerce – and why it’s more than a marketing trend
  • What the pandemic taught us about omnichannel agility and real-world connection
  • Why purpose-led brand identity is your most defensible asset in a noisy market

If you’re navigating D2C growth, scaling ecommerce infrastructure, or want to better align digital strategy with values and community impact, this one’s a must-listen.

Written by:

James Hodges

Director of Client Engagement

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S7 | Beyond Buzzwords: Why eCommerce Success Isn’t About Your Platform Choice with Matt Parkinson

June 12, 2025

In this episode of The FODcast, Matt Parkinson – Founder of GENE Commerce and co-founder of Shopthru and BlueFinch – cuts through the hype to share a candid, insider’s view of the Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento) ecosystem.

While some in the industry claim Magento’s time has passed, Matt sets the record straight. With an estimated 8–12% market share among top-tier retailers, Adobe Commerce continues to serve businesses that need deep flexibility and control.

With two decades in e-commerce tech, Matt shares insights you won’t find on LinkedIn:

  • The evolution of Magento through multiple ownership change- and why the community is its greatest strength
  • What Adobe’s new SaaS approach means for developers, agencies, and enterprise brands
  • The danger of trend-chasing: from PWA to MACH and why some “modern” strategies lead to complexity and debt
  • Why checkout optimisation – often overlooked – can deliver double-digit conversion gains
  • A look at Shopthru’s vision for embedded commerce and the future of buying at the point of discovery

Whether you’re navigating platform strategy, eyeing digital transformation, or just want a brutally honest take from someone who’s seen it all, this episode is packed with practical lessons.

🎧 Tune in now!

Written by:

James Hodges

Director of Client Engagement

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Industry News & Headlines | April 2025

May 12, 2025

AI, AI… and Action Figures.

From “Buy Now” integrations to LinkedIn feeds full of AI-powered action heroes, the artificial intelligence hype machine is still in overdrive. Whether the use cases are game-changing or just gimmicks, AI once again stole the show last month. I’d bet not many of you are reading this without thinking about the prompt you used to generate your own?!

On a more serious note, April was slower than we’d hoped – likely a combination of tariffs and the Easter break. That said, we’re expecting activity to ramp up quickly in the coming weeks.

As always, we had a presence at Retail Tech Show last month. The general consensus? Retail isn’t standing still. While spending is cautious, there’s a clear appetite for investment –  especially in areas that drive efficiency and optimisation. Hiring was very much on the agenda for many vendors we spoke to.

Interestingly, Europe seems to be a step ahead of the UK when it comes to pressing ‘go’ on transformation projects. We’ve also heard whispers of some major retail programmes kicking off later this year.

On the upside, our pipeline is looking incredibly strong across engineering, architecture, and customer success/account management roles.

At the start of the year, I said 2025 would be choppy – and April proved just that. But with fresh budgets in place and positive early signals, May is already shaping up to be a better month.

Market Spotlight + Top 5 eCommerce Stories This Month

  • Asda will open 25 new convenience stores in the second half of 2025, stepping up its local presence after launching just 12 last year READ MORE
  • JD Group test-launched UK website Joybuy.com, offering groceries including Morrisons own-label products. The site features food, drink, household and personal care items READ MORE
  • SHEIN and Temu have informed US customers to expect higher prices starting next week due to the tariffs imposed on China by Trump READ MORE
  • Amazon submitted a bid to acquire TikTok’s US operations as the platform faces a forced sale READ MORE
  • Superdrug is rolling out 500 digital screens across UK stores to support its Retail Media Network, Optimo. The screens aim to deliver tailored promotions in real time, enhancing customer experience and supplier advertising READ MORE

Each month we send out the latest industry news and headlines, plus sector insight such as this via our newsletter, The Pulse. This also includes the latest jobs and internal news… click HERE  to subscribe

 

Written by:

James Hodges

Director of Client Engagement

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S7 | Platforming the Future: B2B’s Digital Commerce Revolution with Jochen Binder

May 8, 2025

The e-commerce platform market is evolving – and fast. 

Gone are the days of two-year projects and monolithic systems. Today’s businesses demand flexibility, speed, and the right balance between out-of-the-box functionality and best-of-breed integrations.

In this episode of The FODcast, Jochen Binder, Head of Backend and Data Solutions at diva-e, takes us inside the latest trends shaping the future of digital commerce.

With over two decades of experience across B2B and B2C digital transformation, Jochen shares why some platforms are thriving while others are losing relevance – and why even MACH-first strategies aren’t immune to challenges. His real-world insights cover:

  • Why Germany’s “hidden champions” are quietly leading B2B digital innovation
  • The future of MACH architecture – and why pragmatic hybrid models are on the rise
  • Emerging players to watch like VTEX and Scayle
  • Why AI and B2B loyalty programmes are set to reshape commerce strategies
  • The shifting dynamics of a post-pandemic platform market

If you’re selecting a platform, planning a digital transformation, or just want a real-world view of what’s next in commerce tech, don’t miss this candid conversation.

Written by:

James Hodges

Director of Client Engagement

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S7 | The Fatal Flaw: Why Tech-Led Projects Fail with Simon Hamblin

April 30, 2025

We’re excited to announce the launch of Season 7 of The FODcast! This season brings you fresh insights from top industry leaders, innovators, and experts. As always, we’re exploring the latest trends, strategies, and challenges in the digital commerce space.

Our global audience continues to grow, with listeners tuning in from across the UK, the United States, Germany, Brazil, and even places as far afield as Japan and Australia. Whether you’re in retail, tech, or any industry at the intersection of digital transformation, this latest season will have something for you.

New Episode: Simon Hamblin on the Secrets of Successful Digital Transformation

To kick off the new season, we sit down with Simon Hamblin, co-founder of fusefabric, Shopify’s largest enterprise partner in Europe, to discuss why technology-led projects fail so often and what it takes to get digital transformation right.

Simon’s career is nothing short of impressive, with past roles such as scaling ASOS technology during its billion-pound growth phase, leading global technology at Emirates Group, and overseeing 30 travel brands worldwide. He brings invaluable experience from his work in diverse industries, including retail, travel, and finance.

In this episode, Simon explains why business leadership, not technology, must drive transformation. He highlights the importance of aligning technology with business needs and dives into the discovery process that sets successful projects in motion.

Simon also shares how fusefabric’s approach, including the rapid migration of a multi-million-pound business to Shopify in just eight days, challenges conventional thinking and ensures digital transformations succeed where others fail.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with actionable takeaways.

Written by:

James Hodges

Director of Client Engagement

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S6 | The Future of E-Commerce: Gen Z, AI, and the Rise of Unified Retail with James Brooke

April 23, 2025

The latest episode of The FODcast is here, and this time we’re joined by James Brooke, CEO of MAPP Digital, and a true industry veteran with over 31 years of experience in digital commerce.

Having witnessed the sector’s transformation first-hand, James shares his insights into where digital commerce is headed next, what businesses must do to stay ahead, plus a deeper dive into:

  • Gen Z who are rewriting the rules of online shopping, meaning traditional strategies no longer cut it. Social media is now the first stop on their buying journey, and brands that fail to bridge the gap between platforms and e-commerce sites risk being left behind.
  • What makes this generation tick, why authenticity and social proof are now non-negotiable, and how brands can craft seamless, engaging experiences that keep customers coming back.
  • The inevitable rise of AI-driven personalisation – from boosting customer engagement to building trust in an era of growing data privacy concerns.
  • The shift towards ‘unified retail’ as digital and physical retail continue to merge, where every touchpoint is connected for a frictionless shopping experience.

🎙️ This isn’t just a conversation about where e-commerce stands today—it’s an essential look at the trends set to shape its future. Don’t miss it.

Written by:

Tim Roedel

CEO

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Industry News & Headlines | March 2025

April 10, 2025

Last month’s update landed at a time when things were starting to pick up – and we’re pleased to say that momentum hasn’t slowed. April has already seen a steady flow of positive conversations, new instructions coming through, and long-standing vacancies being filled – exactly what we like to see.

March set the tone, and so far, April is following suit.

📈 CVs sent are the highest this year.

📈 Interviews taken place is the highest this year

On top of this – and while it’s a slightly more subjective metric – we’re finding more people are open to having conversations about hiring. Why does that matter? Well, if hiring wasn’t even on the radar, it’s unlikely anyone would spend 15–20 minutes on a call discussing it when there are a million and one other things demanding their attention, especially in a time where efficiency is everything.

Unsurprisingly, data remains the hottest topic right now. From driving internal efficiencies to boosting revenue through smarter loyalty programmes and personalisation, nearly every business is reviewing their data strategy. It’s not just retail either – we’re seeing increased demand across the insurance sector as well.

Outside of data, Shopify continues to lead the commerce platform space. Interestingly, Q1 saw several agencies from North America and the Nordics move into the already crowded UK market – including Woolman, ROIROI, Domaine, and Lazer Technologies (who landed last year). A few consultancies with enterprise transformation credentials have also secured Shopify Partner status. Given the demand for skilled technical Shopify professionals, it’s no surprise this has been a busy area for us throughout Q1.

To summarise, Q1 has been strong – both for us and across the wider recruitment space. Jobs are picking up across the digital commerce landscape. With fresh budgets now in play for many, we’re expecting to see new projects kicking off quickly as we move further into April.

 

Market Spotlight + Top 5 eCommerce Stories This Month

  • WHSmith has sold 480 high street stores to Modella Capital (Hobbycraft owner) in a deal worth £76m. Stores will be rebranded TGJones and WH Smith retains its brand to focus on its travel shops READ MORE
  • Fortnum & Mason partnered with Zapp to launch 24/7 on-demand delivery in London, offering rapid access to products like hampers and teas READ MORE
  • Holland & Barrett opened its first experience-led store in Cardiff, featuring wellness activities like yoga and pilates, health checks, and personalised wellness solutions. The 3,710 sq ft store is part of a £70m investment in transforming retail experiences READ MORE
  • ASOS.com has upped its profit outlook for H1 amid its ongoing turnaround strategy, expecting a “significant improvement” in profitability READ MORE
  • Vinted opened its first luxury second-hand fashion pop-up, House of Vinted, in London’s The Adria Hotel on 22 March. Invitation-only guests were able to explore curated wardrobes featuring brands like Gucci and Prada Group READ MORE

Each month we send out the latest industry news and headlines, plus sector insight such as this via our newsletter, The Pulse. This also includes the latest jobs and internal news… click HERE  to subscribe

 

Written by:

James Hodges

Director of Client Engagement

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Winning The Talent Race: Shaping The Future of Hiring & Retention | Q1 2025

March 20, 2025

Unlock the Future of Digital Commerce Hiring  –  Download Our Latest Whitepaper

The digital commerce hiring landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. With the rise of AI, automation, and flexible work models, businesses must adapt to attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive market.

Simply Commerce’s latest research explores key hiring and retention trends shaping 2025 and beyond. Through in-depth surveys and discussions with industry professionals, we’ve uncovered the factors that drive job acceptance, the most sought-after workplace benefits, and the biggest challenges employers face when securing top-tier talent.

This whitepaper provides actionable insights to help businesses refine their recruitment strategies, enhance employee satisfaction, and remain competitive in the digital era.

Discover what job seekers truly value – from career growth opportunities to workplace culture – and how your organisation can stand out.

Download now to stay ahead in the digital commerce talent race:

DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT TO READ MORE

As always, if you’re keen to explore how Simply Commerce can assist your business in navigating these trends and challenges within the digital commerce sector, please do get in touch. 

Written by:

James Hodges

Director of Client Engagement

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Industry News & Headlines | February 2025

March 18, 2025

The conversations I’ve been having over the past six months are finally bearing fruit. February has been our strongest month across the board for as long as I can remember, and that’s reflected in some key business stats:

📈 Jobs per head have reached their highest level in a year
📈 CVs sent are at a 12-month peak
📈 New opportunities added are at their highest since May ‘24

Salesforce and Adobe are making a strong push to regain market share, particularly from businesses that embraced a composable architecture only to realise it’s not the right fit. At the same time, we’re seeing a shift from ‘best of breed’ towards ‘best of suite’ – aligning perfectly with these trends. Companies no longer want to juggle seven or eight different providers when they used to rely on just one. These frustrations are surfacing now, creating new opportunities.

Speaking of opportunities, we’re seeing increased demand across delivery, product, and middle management – another positive sign, especially with our vacancies skewed heavily towards engineering in 2024.

While it’s encouraging to hear more conversations about growth and recruitment budgets, caution remains. The economic climate is still uncertain, and budgets remain tight. That said, in retail especially, businesses are recognising they can’t afford to stand still – so investment is happening.

 

Market Spotlight + Top 5 eCommerce Stories This Month

  • In The Style is set to enter administration, with owner Baaj Capital expected to appoint FTS Recovery. The brand, once valued at £100m, was sold for £1m in 2023. A pre-pack insolvency deal may be considered, though the impact on staff remains unclear READ MORE
  • Pret A Manger confirmed its coffee subscription will remain at £5 per month, scrapping a planned price hike to £10. The subscription offers 50% off up to five barista-made drinks daily, part of the brand’s Club Pret offer READ MORE
  • John Lewis & Partners added 49 new fashion brands for the spring season, including DRAGON DIFFUSION, Second Female Aps, and S.S.DALEY. These additions bring the total number of brands to over 350. The move aims to attract a broader customer base READ MORE
  • Tesco is trialling bespoke discounts based on shopper behaviour through its Clubcard Prices loyalty scheme. Customers chosen to participate will receive “Your Clubcard Prices” delivered through the app every Wednesday READ MORE
  • B&Q extended its on-demand delivery service with Deliveroo to over 9,500 products, adding five larger stores in London. Customers in Beckton, Sidcup, Watford, Acton, and Romford can now receive DIY, gardening, and homeware items in as little as 25 minutes READ MORE

Each month we send out the latest industry news and headlines, plus sector insight such as this via our newsletter, The Pulse. This also includes the latest jobs and internal news… click HERE  to subscribe

 

Written by:

James Hodges

Director of Client Engagement

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S6 | Unpacking DE&I: Impact on Digital Commerce Today with Jasmin Guthmann

March 12, 2025

The Power of DE&I in Digital Commerce: A Conversation You Can’t Miss 🎧

In the latest episode of The FODcast, we sit down with Jasmin Guthmann, Vice President of the MACH Alliance, to explore the vital role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in shaping the future of digital commerce. As businesses navigate rapid transformation, Jasmin highlights why DE&I is more than a buzzword—it’s a strategic advantage.

From the impact of unconscious bias in hiring to the worrying rollback of diversity initiatives, Jasmin shares candid insights into the current state of the industry and what’s at stake if progress stalls. She also dives into how diverse teams fuel innovation, boost morale, and drive stronger business outcomes.

💡 Key Takeaways:

  • Why DE&I is essential for business growth, not just a compliance tick-box
  • The hidden cost of unconscious bias in recruitment and leadership
  • Practical ways businesses can create inclusive environments that empower all employees
  • How community involvement and mentorship programmes are shaping the next generation of diverse talent

🎙️ This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a wake-up call. Whether you’re a business leader, an employee, or an advocate for change, this episode delivers thought-provoking insights that will challenge perspectives and no doubt spark reflection.

Written by:

James Hodges

Director of Client Engagement

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