Digital Shelf Insider

For our Season 1 finale, we're flipping the mic and bringing on the man behind MetricsCart himself, our co-founder, Ash Kaul.All season long, we've talked to brand leaders, category experts, and commerce strategists about the why behind the digital shelf. But every conversation kept circling back to the same question: how do you actually build the infrastructure to act on all this insight?So, our host, Shreshta Joy, sat down with Ash to hear it straight from the source, the vision behind MetricsCart, why it was built the way it was, and how it's quietly simplifying digital shelf analytics for brands of every size.Ash talks about why most teams are still stuck between spreadsheets and bloated dashboards, where AI genuinely adds value (and where it's just buzz), how MetricsCart approaches review analytics differently, and why the platform is built to fit into a team's workflow instead of replacing it. He also shares a fascinating story about what brands miss when they focus only on 1- and 2-star reviews; you'll want to hear it.In this episode:(0:00) Trailer(01:04) Intro(01:51) Welcome Greetings (Ash Kaul)(02:28) The Transition from Spreadsheets to Dashboards(05:44) The Role of AI in Dashboards & How MetricsCart Does It(08:53) Slicing and Dicing Competitor Data Insights with MetricsCart(13:42) MAP Monitoring and Enforcement (16:45) Navigating Data Silos & Tech Stack Fatigue(19:52) How to Maximize Platform ROI(21:48) The Standout Feature of MetricsCart to Explore(25:51) OutroIf you've ever wondered what makes MetricsCart different, this is the episode to tune into.MetricsCart is an enterprise-grade digital commerce intelligence platform that keeps an eye on the things brands can't afford to miss: pricing, availability, content, promotions, search visibility, and reviews, across all the major retailers and marketplaces. It delivers real-time, SKU-level insights that help brands stay compliant, stay competitive, and stay sharp on the shelf. That's why teams at Mattel, Illy, PVH, and P&G lean on MetricsCart to make faster, data-backed decisions that protect revenue, lift visibility, and drive growth.

Most CPG brands treat packaging like a label. Gaston Martinez de Hoz thinks that's exactly why they're losing.Gaston is the founder of Bloom Brand Accelerator and someone who's spent years inside the packaging trenches at P&G; across categories, across continents, and across some seriously high-stakes shelf moments. Our host, Shreshta Joy, is in conversation with Gaston to talk about what packaging really does (and doesn't do) for a brand, why so much of what looks good today will age badly, and what founders keep getting wrong before they even hit a Walmart shelf.There's a lot of honest, uncomfortable stuff in here, including why AI is raising the bar to "average," what happens when every brand in a category picks white, and the one question C-suite leaders almost never ask their teams but absolutely should.In this episode:(00:00) Trailer(00:57) Introduction(02:34) Welcome Greetings (Gaston Martinez de Hoz)(02:52)  How Packaging Strategy has Changed Since COVID(05:31)  Traditional vs. Trend-Driven Design Insights(07:00)  Common Misconceptions about Packaging Effectiveness(09:28)  MetricsCart for Digital Shelf Analytics (Ad)(10:39)  Psychological Principles for Shrinking Attention Spans(11:45)  Elements that Matter Most in Online Retail(13:20)  Regional and Cultural Nuances in Packaging(14:23)  Effective Packaging Across Different Categories(16:25)  How to Stand Out in a Physical Shopping Aisle(20:47)  What C-Suite Leaders Should Ask Their Teams(23:08) The Role of AI in Packaging Strategy(25:14) Top 3 Packaging "Must-Dos" for New Brands(27:59)  OutroIf you work in CPG, run a brand, or just care about why some products grab you, and others don't, this one's worth your full attention.📢 This is Episode 49, and yes, we're almost at the finish line of Season 1! This is the second-to-last episode before we wrap up the season, and trust us, we're saving the best for last. The season finale is going to be something truly special. Stay tuned, you won't want to miss it.

This time on the Digital Shelf Insider, Shreshta Joy is back with Jennifer Alexander, Principal Consultant & Founder of Alexander Commerce Group, for a deep dive into personalization as a real conversion driver, and way more than just a marketing buzzword.Jenny has spent years helping brands figure out why their personalization efforts fall flat, and her answer might surprise you: it's almost never the front-end experience that's broken. It's everything underneath it: the data, the segmentation logic, the trigger that nobody talks about.She breaks down what most brands get wrong about personalization, why the 75% of work customers never see is what makes or breaks the strategy, and how signals you're already sitting on could be your biggest untapped growth lever.In this episode:(00:00) Trailer(01:04) Intro(02:18) Welcome greetings (Jennifer Alexander)(03:06) Why Does Personalization Work?(06:47) Under the Hood Side of Personalization(11:24) Metrics that Matter(13:03) Customer Signals: Early Stage vs. Scaling Brands(15:14) Underused Personalization Cues(16:51) Distinguishing Directional Signals from Noise(18:47) Review Analysis: Sentiment and Emotional Cues(23:40) When Feedback Changes Product Positioning(28:14) Platform Behavior: YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit(31:33) The Biggest Missed Opportunities in Personalization(33:46) Rethinking Post-Purchase Personalization(37:10) Brand Management: D2C vs. Marketplaces(40:01) LLMs and AI: Data Structure vs. Brand Storytelling(43:54) Future Outlook: Precision Messaging vs. Assortment(46:56) Closing Advice: Solving for Outcomes in the Age of AIWhether you're an early-stage DTC brand or managing a large marketplace presence, this episode will challenge how you think about knowing your customer and acting on it.Also, check out the latest MetricsCart exclusive Consumer POV report on the best power tools in 2026 to see what real shopper feedback reveals about performance, comfort, and buying trends: https://metricscart.com/insights/voc-report/best-power-tools-voc-report/

This time on the Digital Shelf Insider, Shreshta Joy is back with the man behind the Always Offbrand podcast, Scott Ohsman (VP of Digital Commerce, Quickfire), for a raw and unfiltered look at why e-commerce has felt stagnant for two decades and how AI is finally about to blow it wide open. Scott doesn't hold back, diving deep into why the previous attempts at personalization have mostly failed and why he’s betting on a future where your phone emulates the sensory, high-touch experience of walking into a physical store.We tackle the big questions: Is the rise of agentic AI a blessing or a hindrance to discovery? Why is the shift from a "search box" to a "question box" the most significant change? Scott breaks down the confluence of technologies converging to address the discovery deficit that has plagued online shopping.What’s in store:(0:00) - Trailer(1:04) - Introduction(1:45) - Greetings: Welcoming Scott Ohsman(2:40) - How Personalization is Playing Out with AI(3:57) - Why E-commerce Innovation Has Stalled for 20 Years(5:54) - The Future of Sensory Discovery & AR on Mobile(7:34) - Comparing Social Commerce Evolution vs. Traditional E-Commerce(9:42) - The Emotional & Social Side of Consumer Behavior(11:51) - Is AI Moving Up or Down the Purchase Funnel?(12:33) - The Complexity of Choice: Finding the Perfect Product(14:42) - The Confluence of Technologies (AR, Visuals, and AI)(16:07) - Replicating the "Expert Sales Clerk" Experience(18:02) - How AI Agents Affect Brand Discovery and Choice(20:18) - The "Beach House" Analogy: The Battle for Mobile Real Estate(24:25) - Common Mistakes Brands Make in AI Search Optimization(25:38) - The Universal Shift to the "Question Box"(27:23) - How Much AI is Too Much for a PDP?(29:27) - Will AI Eventually Shop For Us Entirely?(30:45) - Generational Shifts and the Loss of Social Shopping(32:41) - OutroWhether you're a brand trying to optimize your PDPs for an AI-first world or just a curious shopper wondering why your phone seems to know you better than you know yourself, this conversation is packed with seasoned insights you won't hear anywhere else.Also, check out the latest MetricsCart exclusive Consumer POV report on the best power tools in 2026 to see what real shopper feedback reveals about performance, comfort, and buying trends: https://metricscart.com/insights/voc-report/best-power-tools-voc-report/

This week on the Digital Shelf Insider, Shreshta Joy welcomes back Chris Perry, Co-Founder & CLO at firstmovr, for a deep dive into one of the most discussed (and hyped) topics in e-commerce today, AI. After being on the podcast a year ago, Chris returns to share his thoughts on the rapid rise of AI in e-commerce and the importance of dehyping it.They explore the dangers of overhyped AI claims and why it’s crucial for brands to find the balance between automation and authenticity. Chris discusses where AI adds real value in e-commerce, such as improving product content and images, but also highlights where it risks becoming too much; blurring the lines between genuine engagement and a soulless, automated experience.What’s in store:(00:00) Trailer(01:20) Intro & Greetings (Chris Perry)(03:03) AI Fatigue (07: 04) PDP Automation: Complete vs. Compelling Content(13:43) Ethical Considerations of AI in E-Commerce(17:54) Why Choose MetricsCart? (Mid-Roll Break)(19:05) Dramatization vs. Enhancement(21:29) The Conflict of CPG Storytelling with AI (25:01) Signs of Brands Optimizing for System Over Shoppers(30:37) The Prompted Series(33:40) Real Human Impact of AI Reskilling & Grief Curve(39:12) Top Three Takeaways(45:50) OutroThis episode is packed with insights on how brands can stay ahead by embracing AI’s potential without losing their human touch. It’s about using AI to enhance your e-commerce strategy, not replace the authenticity that builds trust with shoppers.Also, check out the latest MetricsCart exclusive VoC report on the best running shoes in 2026 to see what real shopper feedback reveals about performance, comfort, and buying trends: https://metricscart.com/insights/voc-report/best-running-shoes-voc-report/

India is seeing a major shift toward functional foods, but building a brand in this space isn’t simple. In this episode of Digital Shelf Insider, host Shreshta Joy sits down with Sudarshan Gangrade, Founder of Lo Foods, to unpack what it really takes to create a health-focused food brand that lasts.From tackling India’s protein gap and rising lifestyle diseases to navigating marketplaces, quick commerce, and repeat purchase behavior, Sudarshan shares practical lessons from building Lo Foods and scaling brands like Protein Chef.What’s in store?(00:00) Trailer(00:51) Intro(01:39) Welcome & Greetings (Sudarshan Gangrade)(02:28) Lo Foods The Origin Story(03:11) Early Customer Feedback(04:08) Hardest Part of Scaling(04:54) Product Philosophy(05:29) Common Pitfalls for Incumbent Brands(06:30) What's The Marketplace Strategy?(07:45) Offline vs. Online Strategy(08:41) What Works Best on Quick Commerce?(09:29) Challenges in Quick Commerce(10:08)  Indian Consumer Behavior(11:09) How Important is Taste for Consumers?(12:08) Repeat Purchases(13:06) Myths Around Lo Foods(13:55) Myths Around Functional Food(15:23) Advice for Founders(16:26) OutroIf you’re a founder, brand builder, or e-commerce operator in the food space, this conversation breaks down what works (and what doesn’t) when turning a functional food idea into a scalable business.Also, check out the latest MetricsCart exclusive VoC report on the Best Running Shoes in 2026 to see what real shopper feedback reveals about performance, comfort, and buying trends.

Consumer-first is a long-gone buzzword. It is the baseline for brand survival in 2026.This week on the Digital Shelf Insider, Shreshta Joy is in conversation with Jermina Menon, Founder & Chief Strategy Officer at Knowetic, to break down what being truly consumer-first looks like today and where most brands get it wrong. Her framework is simple but sharp. Know your customer. Know your core. Know your competition.She explains why consistency beats volume, why founder and creator brands feel more authentic, and what legacy brands often miss when they try to move faster online.They also get into early signals of real brand value beyond revenue, how loyalty is actually earned today, and why community should be built around customer problems, not products.Episode Index:(00:00) Trailer(00:56) Intro(01:29) Guest Intro & Greetings (Jermina Menon)(2:18) What does "Consumer First" mean in 2026?(03:50) Common mistakes in adopting this mindset(05:47) Perspective on founder-led and creator brands(10:13) Early signals that consumers value your brand(11:54) D2C vs. Legacy: who has the 2026 advantage?(14:29) Rethinking customer loyalty for the modern age(16:41) Building communities around customer pain points(20:08) Evolution of Mall Culture: utility vs. experience(26:16) Consistency, Distinctiveness, or Cultural Relevance?(28:31) The KYC Formula (Know Your Customer/Core/Competition)(30:04) OutroIf you are building, scaling, or fixing a consumer brand in 2026, this episode gives you a clear lens to think with.

E-commerce in the GCC is digital-first, ultra-convenient, and brutally competitive, and that changes how brands think about growth, profit, and loyalty.This time, our host, Shreshta Joy, is in conversation with Lina Gallagher, Founder and Managing Director of Emerce Consulting, to break down what really drives e-commerce success across the GCC in 2026.From government-led digital infrastructure to the realities of quick commerce and P&L discipline, this conversation offers a practical look at why retention matters more than acquisition and why convenience often beats brand loyalty in the Middle East.Here’s what all has been covered:(00:00) Trailer(00:53) Intro(02:26) Greetings (Lina Gallagher)(03:28) The GCC E-commerce Landscape 2026(10:48) The Cultural Impact of Malls vs. Digital(17:04) Healthy P&L Benchmarks & Marketing Mix(32:21) Shifting Mindsets from "Cost Center" to "Growth Driver"(36:13) The Founder as the Brand Face(44:02) The Profitability of Quick Commerce(52:42) Lessons for Global Brands Entering the GCC(57:42) OutroIf you are an e-commerce leader, founder, or brand team looking to understand the GCC market beyond surface-level growth stories, this episode is a must-watch.

Fashion in India is no longer just about trends. It’s about identity, speed, value, and conscious choices. But is sustainability really driving buying decisions, or is it still secondary to style and price?Our host Shreshta Joy and Himi Khandelwal, Associate Director, Founder’s Office at Virgio had an insightful conversation to break down how Indian fashion consumers, especially Gen Z, are thinking, shopping, and discovering brands today.Himi shares sharp insights on why fashion has become a “digital identity” for young shoppers, how creator-led discovery is reshaping purchase behavior, and why homegrown Indian brands are outperforming global fast-fashion players on cultural relevance. The conversation also dives into the reality of sustainability in India, the intention vs. action gap at checkout, and how concepts like cost-per-wear and demand-led manufacturing can reduce waste without sacrificing trendiness.Here’s what we covered:(00:00) Trailer(00:50) Intro & Welcome (Himi Khandelwal)(02:48) Gen Z Consumer Behavior & Fast Fashion(05:49) Homegrown vs. Global Brands(07:44) Sustainability Adoption in the Indian Market(10:20) The "Sustainability-Affordability-Trend" Paradox(13:46) Content Strategy & Influencer Marketing(16:04) AI and Product Discovery(17:22) The Future of AI in Fashion(18:19) Outro If you work in fashion, retail, ecommerce, or brand strategy, or just want to understand where Indian fashion is headed, this episode offers a grounded, real-world perspective from inside a fast-growing fashion brand.

Everything is starting to look like a toy: bags, beauty packaging, even food. But this isn’t just an aesthetic trend; it's a key signal to what consumers are craving. What’s really driving it, and what changes in 2026 when people are tired of AI noise and want genuine human connections?In this episode of Digital Shelf Insider, our host Shreshta Joy is in conversation with Nourhan Wahdan (Founder & Creative Director at pew.) to unpack what’s driving toyification, the rise of kidults, and why consumers are leaning into comfort, nostalgia, and sensory experiences in 2025 and even more in 2026.Nourhan has worked with brands and organizations including Google, YouTube, UN Women, Lipton, and more. She brings a culture-first lens to brand strategy, explaining how people feel before they ever click “Add to Cart.” She explains the emotional psychology behind what’s working now and what’s next.What we cover:(00:00) - Intro(06:05)⁠ - What is toyification (and why it’s everywhere)(⁠07:42)⁠ - The “kidult” shift: why adults are buying toys, charms, and collectible objects(⁠08:48)⁠ - Why soft, quiet branding is replacing loud, logo-forward design(⁠12:04)⁠ - Why many legacy brands struggle to “be fun” without looking forced (true cultural literacy vs posting memes)(20:48)⁠ - What makes design feel fresh in 2026: less AI hype, more proof of reality(23:01) - Why physical, sensory, real-world experiences are pulling people back offlineIf you’re building a brand for 2026, this one will change how you think about design, culture, and why people buy.Listen, and share it with someone building a brand and creative strategy this year.

Price wars are everywhere. Amazon sellers you don’t recognize keep undercutting you. And everyone claims they have a “MAP policy,” but very few know if it actually holds up under U.S. law.In this episode of Digital Shelf Insider, Shreshta Joy is joined by Michael R. Murphy, Partner at K&L Gates, to clear up one of the most misunderstood topics in e-commerce: pricing enforcement in the United States.Michael explains why most brands are using the term MAP incorrectly, how unilateral pricing policies really work, and where brands accidentally cross into antitrust risk without realizing it. The conversation stays practical, grounded in real cases, and focused on what actually works.What this episode covers:- Why pricing without distribution control leads to a race to the bottom- The real legal difference between MAP and unilateral pricing policies in the US- How brands accidentally turn legal pricing policies into antitrust risk- What clean, defensible enforcement looks like when a violation happens- Why authorization programs matter more than pricing rules on AmazonThis is a practical, US-focused conversation grounded in real legal cases. If you’re a brand owner, e-commerce leader, or marketplace seller trying to protect margins without crossing legal lines, this episode will save you time and costly mistakes.Follow Digital Shelf Insider for more straight-talking conversations on pricing, digital shelf control, and modern e-commerce strategy.Our latest eBook - Digital Shelf Optimization: The 2025 Playbook - breaks down the 7 proven strategies winning brands are using right now. Download for free now:https://metricscart.com/insights/ebook/digital-shelf-optimization-techniques-exclusive-e-book/?utm_source=ebook&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=metricscart

Amazon is no longer behaving like a traditional search engine. With Rufus, it’s becoming a shopping agent; one that remembers your preferences, interprets your intent, and decides which products deserve to be surfaced before you even scroll. That shift is quietly redefining how discoverability works for every brand on the platform.In this episode, our host Shreshta Joy sits down with Max Sinclair, Founder & CEO of Azoma, to break down what Rufus really is, how it thinks, and why its reasoning layer matters more than rankings.Max also shares key insights from “The New Rufus: Reason, Research and Remembrance,” by Azoma and co-authored with Andrew Bell, which you can read here: https://44462615.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/44462615/The%20New%20Amazon%20Rufus%2c%20by%20Andrew%20Bell%20&%20Azoma.pdfWe get into:• Why Amazon is evolving from “best online store” to “best shopping agent”• How Rufus uses memory, life stages, and behavioural cues to personalise results• The five elements every PDP must include to fit Rufus’ reasoning path• Why keyword-stuffing SEO is losing power in a context-first ecosystem• How external authority sources and citations influence recommendations• What brands get wrong when building in-house GPT tools• What Rufus could look like in the next 6-12 months as Amazon merges agents, search, and adsIf you’re a CPG leader, brand manager, or anyone selling on Amazon, this episode offers a clear roadmap to staying visible, and chosen, in a world where AI agents, not search bars, decide who makes it to the shelf.

Quick commerce is reshaping how CPG brands think, create, test, and scale new ideas. From sachets designed for impulse moments to flavours inspired by regional cravings, platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy, and more are turning into real-time innovation labs.In this episode, host Shreshta Joy sits down with Radhika Butala, Founder and CEO of The Better Collective, to unpack how brands are using quick commerce to experiment in the wild; testing formats, learning from live data, spotting emerging trends, and reaching hyper-local audiences without massive spend.We get into:• Why quick commerce is now the easiest way to test flavours, formats, bundles, and pack sizes• How sachets, single-serves, and refill packs drive trial and premiumisation• The rise of private labels and what national brands should watch out for• How regional tastes are shaping NPD, from grandma-inspired recipes to city-specific variants• Why omnichannel strategy remains non-negotiable, even in a 10-minute delivery world• The quick-commerce tactics brands should lean into in 2026 and the ones that are overhypedIf you're building a modern CPG brand, this episode gives you a front-row seat to how quick commerce is turning into the biggest innovation shift the industry has seen in years.

In this episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast, host Shreshta Joy sits down with Martin Heubel, Strategy & Amazon Consultant at Consulterce, to break down what's really happening inside Amazon’s vendor negotiations and why so many 1P brands are feeling the pressure.Martin explains how automation, shrinking buyer support, and aggressive margin targets are changing the rules for vendors and what brands can actually do about it.In this episode, we cover:Why automated negotiation systems are becoming the new normHow tariffs and margin pressure are shaping vendor conversationsWhen to escalate and when to stand your groundHandling Buy Box suppression and paused POsWhat triggers CRaP flags and how to prevent themDistribution discipline, MAP enforcement, and avoiding internal channel conflictHybrid strategy: when it makes sense and when Amazon blocks itMartin also shares insights from a 200-brand vendor study across North America and Europe. Worth checking out if you're navigating Amazon right now:https://consulterce.com/amazon-vendor-negotiation-study/If you're a CPG leader, e-commerce strategist, or anyone managing Amazon as a 1P channel, this episode will help you understand what’s changing and how to protect your margins, listings, and long-term strategy.Follow Digital Shelf Insider for more real-world conversations on everything e-commerce.

Inflation may be cooling on paper, but consumers are still behaving like value hunters; trading down in some places, trading up in others, and using social proof more than ever to justify what they buy. In this episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast, host Shreshta Joy is joined by Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton from Kantar to unpack how US shoppers are resetting their expectations in 2025.They explain why private label and challenger brands are gaining traction, why wellness categories are proving inflation-proof, and how the restaurant slowdown is reshaping at-home consumption. The discussion also explores how loyalty ecosystems like Walmart+ and Amazon Prime are influencing purchase behavior, and why ratings, reviews, and creator content have become frontline insight systems for CPG marketers.You’ll also hear why AI will accelerate this reset, from agentic commerce shaping discovery to “metadata marketing,” where brand visibility is determined as much by structured information and UGC as by advertising.If you manage brand growth, retail insights, or marketplace performance, this episode offers a realistic view of how the new CPG shopper is forming preferences and what brands must do to stay relevant, trusted, and chosen.Barry and Rachel also co-host Retail Sound Bites, Kantar’s podcast, where they decode global retail shifts and shopper behavior. Listen here: https://retailiq.kantar.com/retail-sound-bitesOur latest eBook - Digital Shelf Optimization: The 2025 Playbook - breaks down the 7 proven strategies winning brands are using right now. Download for free now:https://metricscart.com/insights/ebook/digital-shelf-optimization-techniques-exclusive-e-book/?utm_source=ebook&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=metricscart

AI is no longer just assisting search; it is becoming the place where product discovery begins. In this episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast, host Shreshta Joy is joined by Prasanna Dhungel, Managing Partner at GrowByData, to uncover how LLMs like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity are changing the digital shelf.Prasanna explains how consumers are shifting from traditional Google search to conversational, AI-led discovery, and what this means for SEO, retail media, and marketplace visibility. He also breaks down why “total search” now spans Google, marketplaces, Reddit, and AI summaries, and why brands need to monitor their presence across all of them.You’ll hear how structured content, clean product feeds, and PDP quality directly influence what AI surfaces in responses, how retail media could evolve when AI answers appear first, and the reputation risks when social chatter enters AI summaries.If you manage brand visibility, marketplace performance, or e-commerce strategy, this conversation gives a clear playbook for staying present and competitive in the LLM-driven discovery era.Our latest eBook - Digital Shelf Optimization: The 2025 Playbook - breaks down the 7 proven strategies winning brands are using right now. Download for free now!

The way leaders make decisions can shape the success or failure of a brand team. In this episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast, host Shreshta Joy is joined by Eric Staples, Director of Growth Strategy at Bluedog Design, to explore how leadership styles and decision-making frameworks influence team performance.Eric shares the Head, Heart, Gut framework, a practical tool for understanding how individuals and organizations process information and drive decisions. From breaking down growth barriers to fostering empathy across teams, he reveals how leaders can build cultures that thrive. You’ll also hear how different decision-making styles play out in real brand scenarios, why empathy is a leadership superpower, and how AI is making human judgment and collaboration more important than ever.Check out the Head, Heart, Gut Framework notes here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ahwYLrQSiNzi6FXJeBmYIcWiJOp23fHlIf you’re leading a brand team, managing e-commerce growth, or looking to sharpen your leadership approach, this conversation offers clear takeaways to help your team decide smarter and grow stronger. Don’t miss it!

The holiday season is almost here, are your strategies ready? In this episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast, Shreshta Joy sits down with Morgan McAlenney, VP of Commerce Growth & Business Development, and McCord Chapman, VP of Commerce & Omni Planning at Public Label, to unpack what US brands can expect this holiday season.They explore how economic uncertainty, tariffs, and social platforms like TikTok are changing consumer behavior, which categories may thrive, and why value will matter more than price in 2025. Plus, hear their take on how AI is reshaping product discovery and what brands should be testing now to get ahead in 2026.If you manage e-commerce campaigns, holiday promotions, or omnichannel strategies, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate Q4 and make the most of the season. Don’t miss it!

Diwali is around the corner, and are your campaigns ready? In this episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast, Shreshta Joy chats with Bindu Sharma, Founder, and Hans Vivek, Co-Founder at World One Consulting, about how brands in India can grab festive shoppers’ attention and drive real sales.They dive into the proven strategies D2C brands can use to convert festive shoppers, why bundle deals and urgency triggers work like magic, and how quick commerce is changing the game. Plus, get insights on how consumer behavior shifts during the festive season so you can plan smarter, not just earlier.If you’re running a D2C brand or e-commerce strategy, this episode is packed with practical tips to make your Diwali campaigns convert. Don’t miss it!Bindu Sharma has joined us before in episode 17 of the Digital Shelf Insider, diving deep into fashion, Indie brands, the evolution of retail in India, and the rise of quick commerce.

Is AI search the next big disruptor for e-commerce? In this episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast, Marc Hubbard, E-Commerce Sales Leader with over 20 years in the CPG space, unpacks how AI, product discoverability, and retail media are rewriting the rules for brands.Marc explains why Amazon’s dominance continues, how retail media networks are evolving, and why brands are struggling with fragmented benchmarks and data overload. He also shares why true hyper-personalization remains a content challenge, how AI search will change product discovery, and why proving incrementality in retail media is more critical than ever.Whether you’re leading a CPG brand, managing retail media, or trying to navigate the search shift, this episode offers practical insights into where digital commerce is headed and how to stay competitive in 2025. Tune in to learn what it really takes to thrive on the digital shelf.

Welcome to a special MetricsCart insider episode of the Digital Shelf Insider podcast! We're doing things a little differently and taking you inside the world of MetricsCart with one of our own, Rohan Paul Philip, Lead, Product Strategy.Ever wonder what it takes for a brand to truly stand out online in a world of AI chatbots and endless data? Rohan breaks down how the game has completely changed. We're talking about moving beyond just collecting data to getting real, actionable insights that help you make smarter decisions.He shares some fascinating secrets, like why share of search is so underrated and why review monitoring is an absolute goldmine you might be ignoring. Plus, find out how we build our tech to handle everything from massive legacy brands with thousands of products to small, high-ticket luxury brands. And for all you brand managers and agencies out there, he even gives a sneak peek at the tools we're building to make your Mondays a whole lot easier.

Is TikTok Shop the next major force in e-commerce? In this episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast, John Ghiorso, Co-Founder and CEO of VantaFive, breaks down how TikTok Shop is transforming from a Gen Z trend into a serious retail channel.John shares why US social commerce finally has a shot at scale, what makes TikTok Shop different from other platforms, and how brands, both legacy and challenger, can build real success without chasing virality. He also explains why creators (not influencers) are the key to sustainable growth, and why a one-size-fits-all strategy just won’t work.Whether you're launching your first TikTok Shop or trying to make sense of the hype, this episode is full of sharp insights and practical advice. Tune in to learn what it really takes to win on TikTok Shop in 2025.

How does a small skimboarding brand become the #1 seller in Amazon India's water sports category? In this episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast, Francis Kurien, the founder of SkimB, shares his journey of building a niche brand from scratch. He talks about how he built the brand with authentic customer reviews and user-generated content to create a loyal community and drive growth, despite competing against larger players.Francis also reveals the challenges of scaling the skimboards in a niche market and how his brand broke through and is now expanding internationally. This conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how innovation, community-building, and strategic e-commerce practices helped SkimB rise to the top. Tune in to hear Francis’s inspiring story of turning a passion project into a global brand.

Welcome to another episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast by MetricsCart. In this episode, host Shreshta speaks with Kaushik Boruah, Business Head of CPG and Hospitality at LatentView Analytics, about how top CPG brands are turning smarter data into a competitive edge in 2025.Kaushik dives deep into the most overlooked data blind spots in omnichannel execution, the shift from demographic to behavioral and contextual micro-segmentation, and the growing importance of consumer reviews in product innovation. He explains how legacy brands are learning from challenger brands and building personalized, insight-led customer experiences using underutilized enterprise data, AI, and real-time analytics.The episode also uncovers how brands are redefining shopper marketing, differentiating it from retail media, and using tech partnerships to connect the dots across global trends, product development, and repeat purchases.

Welcome to another episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast by MetricsCart. In this episode, host Shreshta speaks with Anil Gandharve, co-founder of Genrise.ai, about how agentic AI is reshaping the future of e-commerce content creation and optimization.Anil breaks down what makes AI agents different from traditional assistants and shares how they’re helping brands go beyond basic automation to proactive, decision-capable systems. From managing marketplace style guides to aligning with brand tone and reducing hallucinations, Anil offers a clear picture of how agentic AI is solving real operational challenges for digital shelf teams.The episode also covers how AI agents integrate with existing PIM, CMS, DAM, and syndication systems, helping brands avoid scattered AI tools and build a unified content strategy.

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast by MetricsCart. In this episode, host Shreshta speaks with Elizabeth Jain, Digital Marketing Team Lead at Eurow & O'Reilly Corporation, as they dive into the trends shaping the cleaning supplies category and the digital strategies that are driving growth.From B2B e-commerce to D2C strategies, Elizabeth shares her expertise on marketing cleaning supplies across platforms like Amazon and Walmart, with a special focus on leveraging reviews, short-form video content, and micro-influencers to boost visibility. The conversation also explores how businesses in this niche are adapting to consumer preferences, seasonal trends, and the increasing demand for sustainability in cleaning products.This episode is packed with practical insights for marketers in the B2B and D2C spaces, especially those involved in the cleaning supplies sector. 

Welcome to the twenty-fourth episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast by MetricsCart. This time, host Shreshta speaks with Shauna Pannone, Pre-Sales Solutions Director at ChannelEngine, to unpack how brands can win in the evolving world of online marketplaces and why smarter strategies are critical in 2025.From marketplace dominance to the power of reviews, Shauna shares sharp, data-backed insights from ChannelEngine’s latest shopper behavior study to break down what’s working across Amazon, Walmart, and global platforms. She also sheds light on cross-border commerce, listing optimization, price sensitivity, and how AI and social commerce are reshaping digital shelves.📥 Download the Shopper Behavior in Online Marketplaces Report by ChannelEngine: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0jWH8D0This episode is a must-listen for brand managers, e-commerce leaders, and retail teams looking to grow smarter, not just faster, on the world’s biggest marketplaces.

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast by MetricsCart. This time, host Shreshta speaks with Yashita Shah, Founding Partner at Online Dukaan, to decode the rapid growth of quick commerce in India, from Blinkit to Zepto, and what it means for brands, retailers, and consumers.From groceries to gold coin deliveries on Akshaya Tritiya, this episode explores how quick commerce is rapidly gaining a foothold, how consumer behavior is shifting, how platforms are adapting, and why profitability is no longer optional. Yashita shares real-world insights on product packaging, SKU rationalization, tier-2 city penetration, and how traditional retailers are reacting to this 10-minute delivery wave.This episode is a must-listen for D2C founders, e-commerce strategists, FMCG brand teams, and anyone trying to stay competitive in India’s evolving online retail market.

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast by MetricsCart. This time, host Shreshta sits down with Shama Hyder, Founder & CEO of Zen Media, global keynote speaker, and a pioneer in digital marketing, to unpack unfiltered truths about marketing, branding, AI, and consumer behavior in 2025.In a world where every brand is shouting online, Shama explains why attention doesn’t equal relevance and why most brands still confuse marketing with advertising. You’ll hear how AI is moving us into an agentic future, why virality is overrated, and how creators are shaping the new rules of digital commerce.This episode is for modern marketers, brand managers, and legacy brands looking to stay relevant in a hyper-saturated, algorithm-driven, AI-powered world.

Welcome to another value-packed episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast by MetricsCart. In this episode, host Shreshta welcomes back François Maingret, Ecommerce Department Manager at Cleanis, for a no-fluff conversation on how brands can actually win when launching products on Amazon in 2025.François brings firsthand operational insights and hard-earned lessons from managing e-commerce for a global brand. This episode is a must-hear for brands navigating Amazon's tougher landscape, saturated categories, higher fees, rising ad costs, and the flood of overseas sellers.You’ll hear candid advice on the right kinds of products to launch, why margins matter more than growth hacks, and how to protect your brand from counterfeiters and unauthorized resellers.

Welcome to the twentieth episode the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast. In this thought-provoking episode, host Shreshta is joined by Vasundhara Jain, a brand strategist, e-commerce consultant, and growth advisor who’s worked with some of the most celebrated D2C startups in India. Her portfolio includes brands featured on Shark Tank India such as FAE Beauty, Hero Beauty, Sacred Grove, and many others in the lifestyle, health, and wellness categories.This isn’t just another conversation about e-commerce. It’s a masterclass in how new-age Indian D2C brands can build long-lasting equity, scale smart with limited resources, and leverage storytelling to stand out in a crowded market.Vasundhara unpacks how legacy FMCG giants differ from modern D2C players, the critical role of founder-market fit, and the often-overlooked power of customer conversations and authentic feedback loops. She also touches upon growing trends in beauty and health, the impact of nano-influencers, and the secrets behind high-converting product pages.

In this exciting episode of Digital Shelf Insider podcast, Dr. Richardson, founder of Premium Growth Solutions and author, “Ramping Your Brand” shares his journey from being a cultural anthropologist to becoming one of the most sought-after advisors in the CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) industry. His unique background helps him decode real consumer behavior and the hidden patterns that drive repeat purchase; the ultimate key to success for early-stage brands."Ramping Your Brand: How to Ride the Killer CPG Growth Curve" is a must-read for anyone serious about launching and scaling a CPG brand. Dr. Richardson outlines the unique rules early-stage brands must follow to grow exponentially without falling into the traps that traditional corporate thinking often sets. Using data-driven insights and real-world case studies, he explains the "skate ramp" approach to sustainable growth and how to transition from a small startup to a thriving, independent brand.

In this thought-provoking episode, your host Shreshta sits down with Meghan Corroon, the brilliant mind behind Clerdata, to dive deep into the evolving landscape of Retail Media, a space that's transforming how brands approach advertising and performance measurement.Meghan brings a unique perspective, having transitioned from academia and global public policy work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to co-founding a data analytics powerhouse. Her journey is a testament to how traditional research methods and cutting-edge data science can drive innovation in today’s fast-paced e-commerce world.Together, they unpack how the definition of retail media has shifted post-COVID, why the current ROI and ROAS metrics are outdated, and how brands can pivot toward incrementality; a more reliable way to measure true marketing impact. Meghan also shares her take on the common misconceptions brands have, the pitfalls of platform-reported performance metrics, and the role economic volatility plays in shaping ad strategies.

Welcome to another exciting episode of Digital Shelf Insider! In this episode, our host Shreshta chats with Bindu Sharma, founder of World One Consulting and a seasoned retail expert with over two decades of experience.From starting as a retail buyer to leading the growth of iconic brands across geographies, Bindu dives deep into the evolution of retail, the rise of e-commerce in India, and how homegrown brands are disrupting the space with innovation and agility. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a retail professional, or just passionate about the e-commerce ecosystem, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories.

In this episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast, host Shreshta sits down with Aliett Buttelman, co-founder of the revolutionary beauty brand Fazit. Discover how Fazit went from a digital startup in 2022 to a viral sensation, with its makeup patches making headlines after being spotted on Taylor Swift herself! From the early days of product innovation with skincare patches to expanding into major retail stores like CVS, Target, and Urban Outfitters; Aliett reveals the gritty behind-the-scenes journey of building a brand in the age of TikTok. From bold moves to nostalgic branding and unexpected growth tactics, this episode is packed with actionable insights for brand builders, beauty lovers, and entrepreneurs alike.

In this episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast, host Shreshta welcomes Meghana Duvvuri, Head of E-Commerce at phab. Meghana shares her fascinating journey from strategy and planning roles to leading e-commerce at one of India’s fastest-growing consumer brands. She dives deep into the rapid evolution of quick commerce in India, how consumer behavior is shifting, and the critical role of data, agility, and brand storytelling in today’s competitive landscape.Throughout the conversation, Meghana provides valuable insights into how brands can navigate quick commerce, optimize digital shelf performance, and leverage user-generated content for growth. She also highlights the challenges of supply chain management, pricing strategies, and new product launches in a fast-moving market.

In this episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast, host Shreshta welcomes Lauren Livak Gilbert, Executive Director at the Digital Shelf Institute (DSI). Lauren shares her incredible journey from working in college admissions to leading digital shelf strategies at Johnson & Johnson, working with Salsify, and now spearheading community-driven initiatives at The Digital Shelf Institute. She discusses the evolving landscape of e-commerce, the challenges brands face with data integration, and the critical role of cross-functional collaboration in digital commerce.Throughout the conversation, Lauren provides deep insights into consumer behavior shifts, the impact of AI on e-commerce, and the importance of content strategy in optimizing digital shelf performance. She also emphasizes the need for brands to align internal teams, leverage consumer sentiment data, and adapt to new shopping behaviors influenced by AI-driven search and Rufus on Amazon.

In this episode, host Shreshta is joined by Priyankha Jha, a seasoned omnichannel strategist with experience at Johnson & Johnson, GSK, Heinz, and more! According to Priyanka, staying ahead in the e-commerce means more than just having a presence; it requires a data-driven, consumer-first approach. From using AI for product listings to navigating retail media investments, brands must continuously adapt to win in an increasingly competitive space. One of the key takeaways from the episode is that the digital shelf is no longer a static space; it’s an always-on, data-driven engine that brands must continuously optimize to stay ahead!

In this exciting 12th episode, our host Shreshta sits down with Carla El Gawly, Global Head of Digital Shelf Solutions at ICP, to dive deep into the evolving landscape of digital shelf management, PIM/PXM solutions, and product content optimization.In today’s fast-paced e-commerce world, brands often believe that investing in the right technology will automatically solve their digital shelf challenges. But is tech alone enough? Carla breaks down the four key pillars; technology, process, data, and people, that brands must integrate to truly optimize their product content and digital shelf presence.

In this episode, host Shreshta is joined by Walter Holbrook, a retail veteran with over 20 years of experience. Walter, the founder of Yoda Retail, has worked with major retailers like Kmart, Turner, Ace Hardware, and GES, shaping their strategies and navigating industry shifts. He shares invaluable insights into the changing retail landscape, how AI and digital transformation are reshaping the industry, and what retailers must do to stay competitive. From creating emotional, in-store shopping experiences to understanding why Walmart, Costco, and Amazon dominate retail sales, Walter breaks it all down with a wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience.

In this episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast, host Shreshta sits down with Kiri Masters, a leading Retail Media Industry Analyst, to uncover the biggest shifts in retail media, online shopping behavior, and Amazon search optimization.Kiri shares her journey from founding Bobsled Marketing (now Acadia) in 2015 to becoming a sought-after industry analyst. She breaks down how retail media has grown over the years, why brands struggled in the early days of Amazon, and what the future holds for digital commerce. With the rise of AI-powered shopping assistants like Amazon Rufus, search behavior is shifting from keyword-driven SEO to context-aware conversational search, changing how brands optimize their product listings.

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast, where our host Shreshta Joy sits down with Lynsey Sweales, founding partner of Cognitive Union, a digital marketing expert with over 20 years of experience in B2B and B2C e-commerce. In this episode, Lynsey delves deep into the evolving customer journey, offering actionable strategies on how businesses can bridge the gap between online and offline retail, utilize data effectively, and foster internal collaboration for a truly unified experience. Whether you're an e-commerce professional, brand manager, or digital marketer, this conversation is packed with strategies to help you excel in the competitive digital retail landscape.

This time, our host, Shreshta, sat with a dream guest, Chris Perry, a leading expert, and Chief Learning Officer at firstmovr. With years of experience working with top CPG brands, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge on how to optimize product listings to drive growth across major e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Whether you're a brand manufacturer, a seller, or an e-commerce professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you level up your product listings and maximize growth opportunities.

In this exciting episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast, our host, Shreshta, has an insightful conversation with Matthew Kelly, Head of E-Commerce at PRECIOUS. With over two decades of experience in the fast-paced world of digital commerce, Matthew has collaborated with top brands like Johnny Walker, Guinness, Captain Morgan, and Baileys, bringing a wealth of insights into the evolving e-commerce landscape. From leveraging AI to enhance digital shelf strategies to tackling pricing challenges across platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, Matthew provides invaluable takeaways for brands striving to succeed in today’s competitive market.

In the sixth episode of the Digital Shelf Insider Podcast, our host, Shreshta Joy, converses with Amanda Wolff, CRO at Jenda, and shares her rich experience in e-commerce, digital marketing, and omnichannel strategies. Amanda discusses her professional journey as a writer in the early days to leading transformations at startups and established businesses. She delves into her current role at Jenda, which specializes in leveraging e-commerce data for the beverage alcohol sector. The episode also explores key topics like optimizing digital shelf content, understanding customer behavior across online and offline channels, and the rising importance of AI in personalizing the e-commerce experience.

Step into the new year with actionable insights from industry leaders! In the fifth episode, we sit down with Morgan McAlenney, a veteran in the e-commerce industry with over 20 years of experience. Morgan dives deep into the complexities brands face in maintaining a competitive edge, sharing actionable strategies for future-proofing your digital shelf content. This episode is packed with value for digital shelf managers, brand strategists, and online sellers looking to elevate their e-commerce performance.

In this episode of the Digital Shelf Insider podcast by MetricsCart, host Shreshta sits down with Irina Zagradskaya, the e-commerce team lead at Accel Club. With over a decade of experience in e-commerce, Irina shares her journey from managing products on eBay to leading a team that excels in risk mitigation, compliance, and marketplace infrastructure building.

In this episode, we are joined by François Maingret, e-commerce thought leader and e-commerce department manager at Cleanis, who shares valuable insights into seasonal shopping trends, brand strategies, and the innovations shaping the digital commerce space. This episode is packed with actionable takeaways for brand managers, Amazon sellers, and e-commerce enthusiasts. François explores the differences between Black Friday and Christmas shopping behaviors, the power of product discovery and customer recommendations, and how brands can effectively manage challenges like pricing consistency and reverse logistics.

In this episode, we are joined by Jennifer Alexander, an E-Commerce and Digital Consultant with 20+ years of experience working with various CPG brands. Jennie discusses the evolution of e-commerce, emphasizing the integration of digital and physical retail to meet modern shopper expectations. She highlights the importance of personalization, consumer choice, and leveraging tools like ratings and reviews to optimize strategies. Jennie also stresses the need for tactical planning during peak seasons and adapting to shifting generational behaviors.

Welcome to the debut episode of MetricsCart’s Digital Shelf Insider Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Gregor Murray, an expert in e-commerce strategy and co-founder of Digital Commerce Global. Drawing from decades of experience in CPG and e-commerce, Gregor shares actionable insights on navigating challenges, seizing opportunities, and building competitive advantages in the digital commerce space. What You’ll Learn: 👉Mastering Amazon: Strategies to overcome operational challenges and maximize opportunities during peak seasons like Prime Day and Black Friday. 👉Legacy vs. Digitally Native Brands: How traditional and digital-first brands differ in their approach to metrics and strategies. 👉CMART Framework: A breakdown of Content, Marketing, Availability, Robustness, and Trust to optimize the digital shelf. 👉Trust and MAP Compliance: Why ratings, reviews, and consistent pricing are essential for building customer trust. 👉Actionable E-commerce Strategies: The importance of agility, cross-functional collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. 👉Future Trends: Preparing for digital-first generations and adapting to ever-evolving customer behaviors.Whether you're an established brand or just starting in the digital commerce world, this episode is packed with insights to drive your strategy forward.