The Future of eCommerce With Shopify's President: Harley Finkelstein

Dec 5, 2023

Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify and co-founder of Firebelly Tea, dives into the transformative landscape of eCommerce. He emphasizes that consumers now dictate shopping experiences, shifting power from retailers. The conversation explores how augmented reality is revolutionizing product visualization, making online shopping more engaging. Harley also reflects on the harmony of digital and physical retail and the necessity for brands to adapt to community-driven values. His journey underscores the significance of creativity and resilience in entrepreneurship.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

The Future of E-Commerce: Empowering Consumers

02:36 • 14min

Enhancing eCommerce Through Augmented Reality

16:44 • 4min

Blending Digital and Physical Realities in Commerce

20:41 • 5min

Cultivating Entrepreneurial Values

25:37 • 8min

Harley Finkelstein is the President of Shopify, the all-in-one e-commerce platform that powers millions of companies in 175-plus countries and has captured 28% market share in the US alone. Harley has been passionate about entrepreneurship since he was 13 and founded his first company at 17. Most recently, he co-founded Firebelly Tea, a modern, high-end tea brand.

An accomplished entrepreneur, lawyer, and public speaker, he was named the Canadian Angel Investor of the Year and received Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and Fortune’s Top 40 Under 40 awards. Harley serves on the board of directors of the National Retail Federation and previously served on the board of directors of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Additionally, he created Big Shot, a project and podcast that archives the stories of the most outstanding Jewish entrepreneurs of the last century.

In this episode…

eCommerce accounts for over 15% of all retail sales, and consumers are driving the shopping experience for the first time in history. As purchasing power shifts from retailers to customers, what’s anticipated for the future of eCommerce, and how can brands capitalize on emerging trends?

With a finger on the pulse of the e-commerce trajectory, Harley Finkelstein highlights the consumer’s pervasive role in the future of retail. Rather than investing in various retail channels, he maintains that leading brands optimize the customer experience by focusing on their purchasing preferences. Social commerce is crucial in expanding your consumer base, as many brands sell products on social media platforms to access other merchandisers’ customers. Additionally, Harley warns not to ignore various forms of spatial commerce like VR and AR since these technologies will alter the e-commerce game by facilitating centralized and immersive shopping experiences.

In today’s special episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, the President of Shopify, Harley Finkelstein, joins William Harris to discuss how to prepare for the future of e-commerce. Harley discusses the role of cryptocurrency in Shopify’s ecosystem, provides advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, and explores the evolution of entrepreneurship.