Ian McBeth is the Head of eCommerce at home furniture business Oak Furnitureland. Founded in 2003 as an eBay store!
They now sell via their custom online store, telesales, and their 70 stores, selling over £230 million of furniture in the UK every year. Ian’s experience runs far beyond the world of furniture with past roles at Craft Gin Club, hair brand Josh Wood Colour, Vivobarefoot, Ted Baker and many more!
In this episode, Ian shares the smart strategies behind scaling a complex omnichannel eCommerce operation—plus his no-nonsense approach to using AI, data, and tech to drive real results.
Hit PLAY to hear:
Key timestamps to dive straight in:
[03:21] Evolution of Furniture Retail Career
[06:40] eCommerce: Tech to Marketing Shift
[10:34] Sofa Purchase Research: A Long Journey
[16:08] AI: Sci-Fi Future Realized
[17:05] "AI Solutions for Business Problems"
[21:31] Ensuring Secure IT Collaboration
[22:23] Listen to Ian’s Top Tips!
Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/554
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JM Craddock is the CEO and owner of La Matera, a belt brand focused on creating artisanal products that last.
Founded in 2012 they now sell via their Shopify site and wholesale channels are on track for $4 million this year. JM’s experience goes much further back though, as he was the first employee at Chubbies, including a key role in developing the returns system that became the first version of Loop Returns!
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Key timestamps to dive straight in:
[04:25] "Relocated Business: Spicewood, Texas"
[08:41] "SBA Loan Benefits and Process"
[11:21] Strategic Business Planning & Marketing
[13:46] Reflection on Business Experience
[18:51] Balancing Focus and New Projects
[21:22] Listen to JM’s Top Tips!
Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/553
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Steven Westwood is the Head of Sales and Marketing at Fashion Eyewear, sellers of designer prescription glasses and sunglasses, both new and preloved. Selling via Shopify stores in the UK and the USA, the business was founded in 2008 and now ship 10,000 orders a month.
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Key timestamps to dive straight in:
[05:32] "Prescription Glasses: An Untapped Market"
[09:42] Eyewear Buyback with TernEco App
[11:42] Innovative Glasses Buyback Program
[15:32] Eyewear Buyback Boosts Customer Retention
[17:32] Listen to Steven’s Top Tips!
Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/552
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Paul Hancox, SVP of eCommerce at Parts Town, a leading distributor of OEM foodservice, HVAC, and residential appliance parts. A predominantly B2B eCommerce business, selling via their custom website, and mobile app.
Parts Town are based in the USA, distribute spare parts to over 140 counties, and the parent company Parts Town Unlimited had annual revenue of $2.5billion in 2024, with 55% growth in HVAC alone!
We've lots to learn from Parts Town's Paul Hancox, including how they've been leveraging AI chatbots to improve customer experience, sales, and the team's efficiency.
Hit PLAY to hear:
Key timestamps to dive straight in:
[05:35] "Journey from East to West Coast"
[07:11] Career Journey: Home Depot to Lennar
[10:14] eCommerce Product Manager Focus Areas
[15:12] Website's Chat Functionality Needs Improvement
[16:18] Enhancing Order Inquiries with AI
[21:13] Managing Complex Serial Number Data
[23:58] Curated Personalization and Experience
[25:26] Listen to Paul’s Top Tips!
Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/551
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Vicky Pasche is the founder and CEO at Dapper Boi, a gender-less body-inclusive apparel line. Selling via their Shopify store. Founded in 2015 in 2024 they hit $1.36million.
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Key timestamps to dive straight in:
[05:19] Starting Fashion Line Without Experience
[07:24] Entrepreneur's Fashion Journey
[12:43] Dapper Boy: Our Entrepreneurial Journey
[14:24] Innovative Marketing Boosts Shirt Sales
[17:31] "Why Dapper Boy Must Persist"
[20:56] Optimizing Intro Pricing Strategy
[23:41] Exclusive Membership Tiers
[24:48] Listen to Vicky’s Top Tips!
Full episode notes here: https://ecmp.info/550
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