
The Unofficial Shopify Podcast
NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY, SUBSCRIBE FOR UNBEATABLE ECOM RECON – Every Tuesday since 2014, host Kurt Elster shares the Shopify success stories that nobody tells you about, straight from the entrepreneurs living it. Subscribe for a raw look at what it really takes to succeed on Shopify.
Latest episodes

Jul 12, 2024 • 27min
Chalet Nursery’s Shopify POS Implementation
Also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DcptOEqEACwJoin Kurt Elster, host of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, as he sits down with Lawson Thalmann, CTO of Chalet Nursery, to discuss how they’ve transformed their family business with Shopify POS. Lawson shares insights into their journey from legacy systems to cutting-edge retail technology.Guest Background: Lawson Thalmann, CTO of Chalet Nursery, has been at the forefront of integrating technology into the family business. Started by his great-grandfather in 1917, Chalet Nursery is a local institution in Wilmette, Illinois. Lawson joined the business officially seven years ago, bringing a tech-savvy approach to retail operations. His first major project was moving their sales online with Shopify, a groundbreaking move for the garden center industry. Lawson’s passion for innovation has kept Chalet Nursery ahead of the curve, from mobile POS systems to advanced UI extensions.Visit Chalet Nursery: chaletnursery.comShopify POS: shopify.com/pos

Jul 9, 2024 • 48min
Mastering Shopify App Development
Sit down with the insightful Mat De Sousa, a trailblazing Shopify app developer whose creations, Wide Bundle and Wide Review, have generated enviable annual recurring revenues. His story is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that flourishes within the Shopify community and serves as inspiration for anyone looking to innovate in this space.Listen in as we explore the art of transforming a simple idea into a thriving Shopify app. By honing in on customer pain points, asking the right questions, and targeting niche markets, we unravel how app developers can create solutions that resonate with users, save time, and conserve resources, all while paving the way for a successful product launch.Show LinksApps by Mat De SousaMat's TwitterMat's LinkedInMat's NewsletterMat's YouTubeThe Wide CompanySponsorsZipifyCleverificNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Jul 5, 2024 • 18min
Shopify Magic Media Editor
Mary Bemis, the founder of Reprise Activewear, shares her experience using Shopify’s Magic Media Editor and its AI features.Guest Background: Mary Bemis founded Reprise Activewear six years ago, starting with a successful Kickstarter campaign. Her brand focuses on sustainability, using plant-based materials to create high-quality activewear. Despite bootstrapping her business, Mary has grown Reprise into a notable brand in the sustainable fashion industry. She leverages her hands-on approach to handle everything from website building to product fulfillment, making her an exemplary figure for aspiring entrepreneurs.Episode Highlights:Introduction to Shopify's Magic Media Editor and its AI features.How Reprise Activewear transitioned from Kickstarter to Shopify.The impact of the Magic Media Editor on Mary's workflow.Tips and tricks for using the AI tools effectively.The benefits of Shopify's support and educational resources.How the Magic Media Editor saves time and money.Creative uses of AI for ecommerce marketing.Guest Background:Mary Bemis founded Reprise Activewear six years ago, starting with a successful Kickstarter campaign. Her brand focuses on sustainability, using plant-based materials to create high-quality activewear. Despite bootstrapping her business, Mary has grown Reprise into a notable brand in the sustainable fashion industry. She leverages her hands-on approach to handle everything from website building to product fulfillment, making her an exemplary figure for aspiring entrepreneurs.Links:repriseactivewear.comShopify Magic

Jul 2, 2024 • 45min
Editions.dev 2024 Trip Report
Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mi3iKmZBxREWe’ve got all the highlights from the Shopify Editions.dev conference in Toronto. With exclusive insights from Harley Finkelstein, Shopify's president, we unpack the exciting upcoming updates designed to keep the Shopify intuitive admin interface effortless for all merchants, big and small.Show Linkseditions.devShopify Editions | Summer '24SponsorsZipifyCleverificNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Jun 25, 2024 • 45min
Is Faire is a Must-Have for Wholesale?
"Faire really helps us connect and buy wholesale merchandise, and it's cheaper than trade shows."Discover how 'FAIRE really helps us connect and buy wholesale merchandise,' as Emily Grey of Flourish Market explains the transformative effects of integrating Faire with Shopify, a B2B platform for retailers to buy products for their shops.Emily offers key insights into pricing strategies and tackles common wholesale challenges. Learn how leveraging Faire can transform your retail business. Tune in for actionable advice on optimizing your e-commerce setup through Faire and Shopify.Show LinksFaireShopify Help Docs: Faire wholesale marketplaceWholesaling to Boutiques: The PodcastFlourish Marketemilygreyco.comSponsorsZipifyCleverificNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Jun 18, 2024 • 46min
Affiliate Marketing's New Content Code
Get the inside scoop on how to revolutionize your affiliate content game. It's not just about what you say, but how you say it. Dive into the strategies that are setting today's affiliate marketers apart from the pack.Forget what you thought you knew about affiliate marketing; it's not just bloggers and review sites anymore. We're talking influencers, social media creators, and yes, even your own customers turning into affiliate powerhouses.Noah breaks down the nuts and bolts of setting up a modern affiliate program. We dive into the mechanics and the mindset needed to turn your customers into your biggest advocates. Think about it: customers who love your brand can now champion it, and get a piece of the pie too. And if you're wondering how TikTok fits into this puzzle, we've got you covered. Noah shares insights on leveraging this platform to manufacture virality through short-form content, a strategy that's as intriguing as it is effective.But wait, there's more. We tackle the nuances of tracking sales, using landing pages effectively, and why engagement with smaller influencers might just be your golden ticket.Tune in to unravel the secrets of modern affiliate marketing and discover how you can turn your e-commerce store into a magnet for both customers and affiliates.Show LinksSocial Snowballapps.shopify.com/social-snowballInfluencer Marketing GuideTikTok Creator GuideSponsorsZipifyCleverificNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Jun 11, 2024 • 51min
Slumberkins: From Craft Fairs to Shark Tank
Also available with video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/-qxIqPtAYhEJoin us as we explore the journey of Kelly Oriard and Kaylee Christensen, founders of Slumberkins, an emotional wellness brand dedicated to fostering children's self-esteem and mindfulness.Learn how these educators-turned-entrepreneurs brought Bigfoot and Sloth to life and navigated high-stakes environments like Shark Tank and the Silicon Valley Bank crash.Discover how their focus on transparency, authenticity, and community support transformed challenges into opportunities, leading to a TV show with the Jim Henson Company.Tune in to hear their practical strategies for building a resilient brand in the children's market and how they balance creativity and business.Subscribe now for insightful stories and actionable advice.Show Linksslumberkins.comSlumberkins on AppleTVThe Toys That Made UsSponsorsZipifyCleverificNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

Jun 4, 2024 • 56min
Shopify & SEO Tactics
Join SEO expert Jason Berkowitz as he discusses e-commerce SEO tactics, keyword research, on-page vs. off-page SEO, link building strategies, and the impact of AI on SEO. Get actionable insights for Shopify stores to boost online visibility and drive conversions.

May 28, 2024 • 47min
Buying Over Building a Business
"It's just a hell of a lot easier to optimize a business than to start something from scratch."Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tbVh1J1sOEQDrew Sanocki has a knack for transforming struggling businesses into profitable ventures. In this episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, host Kurt Elster taps into Drew's extensive experience to uncover the strategies that have driven his success. With over two decades in e-commerce, Drew shares why he often opts to buy businesses rather than starting from scratch. He reveals how this approach allows him to leverage existing assets and customer bases for quick wins and sustainable growth. Drew also gives listeners a peek into the key tactics that have helped him revive and profit from these acquisitions. If you’re looking to shake up your marketing strategy or simply want a fresh perspective on growth, this conversation is for you.Show Linksnerdmarketing.compostpilot.comDrew SanockiSponsorsZipifyFinale InventoryGrowth CollectiveNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.

May 21, 2024 • 41min
Katanas, Candy, & a Billion Views
Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DFUi5Cq8YuoWe're slicing deep into the world of e-commerce with Isaac Medeiros, the man behind MiniKatana and Kanpai Foods. After using TikTok to sell out of his swords, he's become bearish on the platform and gone all in on YouTube Shorts. Isaac's ingenious marketing on YouTube Shorts has racked up a billion views and millions of subscribers. More recently, Isaac has built a manufacturing facility in LA and begun producing his own line of candy called Kanpai Foods. It's a tale of adaptability, understanding market dynamics, and seizing opportunities that others might miss. Get ready to unwrap layers of insights, from viral content creation to the real pains of launching a consumer goods brand.Show Linksminikatana.comKanpai Foods@theisaacmedSponsorsFree 30-day trial of Zipify OCUFinale InventoryGrowth CollectiveNever miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletterHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.