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In this episode of the Commerce Talks podcast, I speak with Yannis Stathis , CEO of ShopFlix, a burgeoning marketplace in Greece that is making waves in an e-commerce landscape usually dominated by giants like Amazon and AliExpress. Yannis shares the journey of creating ShopFlix, which launched in 2021 and has rapidly become the second largest marketplace in the Greek market, boasting over 2,500 sellers and more than 12 million product offerings. We delve into the unique dynamics of the Greek market, including why major players

Robert Bueninck, CEO of Unzer Group, discusses the evolving payments landscape, e-commerce trends, skepticism around cryptocurrencies, and the future of cash in Germany's digital shift.

In this episode of Commerce Talks, Gergana K. Abdulrahman discusses her journey with Wild Fabrik, a sustainable marketplace based in Dubai. She shares insights on the company's origins during the COVID-19 pandemic, its unique business model, and the importance of sustainability in the fashion

In this episode of Commerce Talks, Lina meets with the two founders of Spryker and discusses the company’s unique approach to addressing complex e-commerce needs beyond B2C retail, the company's composable architecture, and the importance of innovation. We also discuss that Spryker has been recognized by Gartner® as a Leader in the 2024 Magic Quadrant™ for Digital Commerce. Learn more or review the report here. Disclaimer: Objectivity Disclaimer Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. References: *Gartner, Critical Capabilities for Digital Commerce,Aditya Vasudevan, Sandy Shen, Jason Daigler, Mike Lowndes, 11 November 2024. *Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Digital Commerce, By Mike Lowndes, Sandy Shen, Jason Daigler, Aditya Vasudevan, Ant Duffin, 6 November 2024 GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, and MAGIC QUADRANT is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.)

In this episode of Commerce Talks with Alexander Graf, I dive into the fascinating world of e-foiling with Alexander Bachev from SiFly. Over the summer, I developed a keen interest in e-foiling, a sport that's been gaining traction on social media. Alexander shares insights into the complexities behind creating an e-foil, from the high-tech components to the challenges of making it accessible and affordable. We explore the journey of SiFly, a Bulgarian brand striving to make e-foiling more mainstream. Despite its niche status, with around 7,000 boards sold annually, the potential for growth is significant. Join us as we uncover the intricacies of this emerging sport and its market dynamics.

In this episode of Commerce Talks with Alexander Graf, I sit down with Celso Borges Shimabukuro from PepsiCo to explore the transformative power of convenience in consumer behavior. We delve into the digital evolution of the CPG industry, particularly during the pandemic, and how PepsiCo has navigated these changes. Celso shares insights on the rise of e-commerce, the challenges of direct-to-consumer models, and the importance of consumer engagement. We also discuss the future of retail models, including the aggregator model's current traction and the potential for automation to reduce costs. Join us as we examine how convenience and pricing dynamics shape consumer choices and the strategic pivots necessary for success in this rapidly evolving market.

In this episode of Commerce Talks with Alexander Graf, I sit down with Valer Pinderi, CEO of TeraCrowd and a key figure in the Balkan e-commerce scene. We explore why the Balkan region is on the brink of an e-commerce renaissance. Valer shares insights on the unique challenges and opportunities in the Balkans, where diverse languages, currencies, and fragmented markets are both hurdles and opportunities for growth. We discuss the potential for regional consolidation and how local players are starting to make their mark. Valer also highlights the strategic advantages of the region, including a tech-savvy population and cost-effective labor, which could drive innovation and expansion into the broader European market. Tune in to discover why now is the time to invest in Balkan e-commerce.

In this milestone 150th episode of Commerce Talks with Alexander Graf, I sit down with Mohamed Issa from Cash My Stock to explore how their innovative B2B liquidation platform is transforming the way companies manage excess inventory. Mohamed shares insights into how Cash My Stock helps businesses convert slow-moving stock into working capital, providing a seamless and secure transaction experience. We delve into the macroeconomic factors driving the need for such platforms, including economic slowdowns and overstocking. Mohamed also explains how Cash My Stock facilitates market expansion for sellers and offers buyers access to premium brands at competitive prices. Join us as we discuss the intricacies of this evolving B2B marketplace and its impact on the Middle East and Africa region.

In this episode of Commerce Talks with Alexander Graf, I sit down with Hani Saif, the CIO of EXtra, the leading electronics retailer in Saudi Arabia. We delve into the fascinating journey of EXtra, from its inception in 2003 to becoming a retail powerhouse. Hani shares insights on how EXtra successfully navigated the competitive landscape, avoiding price wars by strengthening ties with suppliers and focusing on strategic growth. We explore the evolution of Saudi consumer behavior, driven by increased mobility and digital adoption, and how EXtra has adapted to these changes. Tune in to discover the secrets behind EXtra's impressive growth and market dominance in the Kingdom.

In this episode of Commerce Talks with Alexander Graf, I sit down with Hermann Haraldsson, CEO of Boozt, to explore the crucial role of differentiation and adaptability in the competitive fashion market. Hermann shares his journey from taking over a struggling e-commerce business to building Boozt into a leading Nordic department store. We discuss the challenges and strategies behind maintaining a low-cost structure, the importance of owning inventory, and why Boozt has chosen not to follow the platform model adopted by many competitors. Hermann also offers insights into Boozt's focus on customer experience and its strategic expansion in the Nordics. Join us for an engaging conversation on navigating the complexities of the e-commerce landscape.