Future Commerce

This week, we are talking Home Depot’s b-hole reminiscent chatbot and vibecoding JD Vance’s face. Plus—the biggest mystery in American shopping: why does TJ Maxx make people need to poop? Also on tap: Apple’s iPad launch cringefest and a surprising rise in Android smartphone adoption among creatives AND finance bros alike.The Rise of Butthole LogosKey takeaways:Home Depot's "Magic Apron" and Lowe's "Milo" chatbots launched within hours of each other—proving that every brand now needs an AI assistant, even if they all look the same.AI is speeding towards eliminating websites as we know them—future shopping experiences will be conversations, not catalogs.Apple's recent marketing attempts are wildly out of touch—trends about trends are dead, but nobody told Tim Cook.Are we Pavlov-ing ourselves into using the bathroom at TJMaxx? All signs point to yesVibe coding is taking over—non-coders can now generate functional apps, proving that AI isn’t just summarizing things anymore—it’s building them from scratch.[00:01:19] “Eenie meenie miney Milo. Home Depot's chatbot looks like a b-hole.” - Phillip[00:55:05] “AI is fundamentally changing the way we interact with software. Convenience is the ultimate aim of technology, and we're just at the beginning of this shift.” - BrianLinks:In-show mention: Purchase The Lore JournalIn-show mention: Home Depot Chatbot and Press ReleaseIn-show mention: TJMaxx Reddit ThreadIn-show mention: Register for Shoptalk AfterpartyCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!This episode of Future Commerce is brought to you by Future Commerce Plus and our sponsors Omnisend and MotionApp and Keen Decision Systems.

Scripted, mass-produced influencer marketing has sent the internet spiraling toward a dystopian era of “loser-generated content.” Plus, we share key insights from eTail West, a sneak peek into Future Commerce’s Word of Mouth Index with Fairing, and dissect some disturbing internet finds of the week.The End of the World As We Know ItKey takeaways:[04:00] Lemon Balm Tea’s influencer campaign: Meanwhile, on TikTok, a scripted ad for Lemon Balm Tea sparks hundreds of fake testimonials. How many “highest-paid nutritionists” can there really be?[14:00] Old men yell at the Cloud: Is the internet dead? TikTok, Twitter, and even LinkedIn algorithms are riddled with bots and unchecked scripted influencer marketing.[32:00] The Word of Mouth Index: FC+ and Fairing collaborate on a one-of-a-kind index – available to all FC+ members now.[33:00] eTail recap: Future Commerce’s seven sessions included a keynote from Phillip on time capsules and what they represent for commerce and culture. Brian closed out eTail with three sessions in a row on ___[35:00] Overheard at eTail: A lot of concern around tariffs, anticipation for Target’s earnings (not looking good), and other fears around national commerce. [45:00] Obvi’s viral organic ad: An Arcads.ai employee brags about the efficacy of a recent Obvi TikTok marketing a weight loss supplement. The 14.1-million view video likely drove over five figures of revenue, but critics claim a lack of legality and raise an important question about AI marketing regulation.“It’s the grossest way to market.” – Brian“Social is bought and paid for and sold.” – Brian“The greatest reach I’ve had on Twitter happened when I left a benign comment on Kieran Culkin’s Oscar speech and thirty people made fun of me.” – Phillip“Cultural production is downstream of commerce and commerce-driven social discourse happening on the internet.” – Phillip“There are two ways people pay attention to things: If they’re funny or if they’re hot.” – BrianIn-Show Mentions:Insiders: Alex Greifeld’s The End of OutsideOrder your copy of LORESteph Liu on XWord of Mouth Index - designed in partnership with FairingBarry Hott on XAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

Get ad-free episodes and bonus content, including the full recording of this podcast, by joining Future Commerce+ at futurecommerce.com/plusAccess to our new Word of Mouth Index with Fairing, a brand new member benefitSave 20% on Future Commerce print journals and merchExclusive invites to physical events, dinners, and priority invites to industry events (SXSW, Art Basel, VISIONS)Ad-free episodes and bonus content!

This discussion dives into the intriguing collaboration between Nike and Kim Kardashian's Skims, exploring its impact on the activewear market. The hosts also delve into the ominous yet fascinating future of gene editing, including attempts to resurrect extinct species like mammoths. Plus, they unpack the implications of Howard Lutnick's new role as Commerce Secretary and what's ahead for the commerce landscape. With tales of glowing pets and ethical dilemmas in bioengineering, the conversation is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

Explore the future of commerce with transformative ideas like AV-driven urban planning and the rise of ad-infiltrated environments. Discover Amazon's strategy to sway traffic, possibly overshadowing traditional search engines. Uncover intriguing studies from Meta on mind-reading technology. Celebrate the week's heroes and villains in the retail world while getting hyped for the upcoming Shoptalk After Party. The landscape of shopping is evolving rapidly, making it a captivating time to be involved!

Sharon Guillem, Senior Vice President at Feedonomics, and Wayne Strap, E-commerce product strategist at Codal, dive into the chaotic world of influencer marketing. They discuss how backlash can paradoxically boost visibility, with Poppi’s Super Bowl fiasco as a case study. The conversation also explores shifting meanings of 'culture' in food branding, the rise of participatory advertising, and the evolving landscape of e-commerce strategies. Expect humor and insight into how technology reshapes marketing in today’s competitive landscape.

The podcast delves into the rapid changes businesses face in today's digital landscape. It discusses Shopify’s evolving strategies amid controversial merchandise inquiries, highlighting the delicate balance between company policy and customer sentiment. The conversation also touches on the economic implications of recent trade rules for small businesses and their impact on shipping costs. Additionally, insights from Shopify’s performance during key shopping events reveal the importance of timing and adaptation in a competitive marketplace.

The conversation dives into the emerging creator economy, highlighting how AI-driven agents are reshaping commerce and attention. Phillip and Brian explore the instincts of Generation Alpha towards algorithmic curation and the market challenges faced by creators like Mr. Beast. They discuss how commerce is evolving into a connective tissue for digital interactions, while emphasizing that today's youth are the 'surveillance generation.' As AI becomes more prevalent, its implications for consumer behavior and the future of automated agents in the market are thoroughly examined.

James Mulvey, Head of Content at Motion, dives into the creative trends shaping direct-to-consumer advertising. He highlights that ads are evolving to be faster, funnier, and embracing low-fi aesthetics. A significant 71% of advertisers are set to increase their use of AI, while 68% are turning to user-generated content. POV storytelling is on the rise, emphasizing authenticity. Mulvey discusses the challenge of marrying humor with authentic narratives, showcasing how popular media influences creator strategies.

Get ad-free episodes and bonus content, including the full recording of this podcast, by joining Future Commerce+ at futurecommerce.com/plusSave 20% on Future Commerce print journals and merchPrivate GPT access with Alani™ from BundleIQExclusive invites to physical events, dinners, and priority invites to industry events (SXSW, Art Basel, VISIONS)Ad-free episodes and bonus content!