Welcome to the 148th episode of Commerce Today! In this episode, we look at the next steps following our previous discussion on AI browsers and their impact on internet usage. This week, the focus is on Agentic AI Payment Standards, a groundbreaking development for both B2C and B2B shopping. We explore why new payment standards are essential, addressing issues like authentication and fraud prevention in an environment where AI, rather than humans, conducts transactions. We’ll cover the three main contenders competing to set these new standards — AP2 (led by Google, Adobe, PayPal, Amex, and MasterCard), ACP (from OpenAI in collaboration with Stripe), and TAP (Visa’s Trusted Agent Protocol). Throughout the episode, we compare these standards, discuss their implementation ease, and predict their impact on e-commerce.
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In this week's episode of Commerce Today, we dive deep into the innovative, brand new world of AI browsers and their impact on e-commerce. Discover how AI browsers like OpenAI's Atlas, Comet by Perplexity, and Dia by The Browser Company are transforming online shopping and user experiences. Watch live demos of these new browsers, see how they perform real-time purchase tasks, and explore their implications for both B2C and B2B sectors. Plus, learn what steps you need to take to stay ahead in this fast-evolving landscape. Don't miss this episode packed with insights and practical demonstrations!
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The way we shop is about to change forever. In the era of agentic commerce, AI agents will shop on behalf of consumers, evaluating options, comparing data, and making purchase decisions in real time. When someone asks their AI to find the best product that fits their needs, will your brand even be considered? This episode breaks down the three essential pillars that determine your readiness for an AI-driven marketplace: Structured Data, Real-Time Availability, and Digital Reputation. Learn how to position your business for visibility and success in an AI-first world.
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The line between content and commerce has disappeared. Platforms like TikTok Shop and Instagram Checkout have transformed social media from a place of discovery into a direct sales channel. But thriving in social commerce takes more than adding a “buy” button—it requires a completely new playbook.
In this episode, we unpack the Three C’s of profitable social commerce: Content, Community, and Conversion. You’ll learn how to craft shoppable content that entertains, build a community that trusts your brand, and manage the operational backbone that turns engagement into loyal customers.
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For many brands, selling on Amazon isn’t optional; it’s essential. But that opportunity comes with real trade-offs. The scale and exposure are unmatched, yet the risks are significant: shrinking margins, brand dilution, and the potential to undercut your own DTC sales. The real challenge isn’t whether to sell on Amazon but how to do it profitably and strategically.
In this episode, we break down a framework for managing the Amazon dilemma. You’ll learn how to reduce channel friction, why real-time inventory is critical, and which metrics actually matter in a multi-channel ecosystem. It’s time to stop treating Amazon like just another sales channel and start managing it like the powerful vendor relationship it truly is.
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Early-stage ecommerce growth often feels chaotic, with leaders stretched thin across marketing, fulfillment, and operations. But scaling to the first $10 million isn’t about doing more—it’s about focusing on the right strategies. This episode draws from The Ecommerce Growth Playbook to help founders and leaders of high-growth small businesses apply the three levers of breakout growth: Customer Obsession, a Scalable Engine, and Leadership. Listeners will learn how to secure product-market fit, prevent crippling tech debt, and make their first critical hires, building a foundation for sustainable, mid-market success.
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A 20-minute solo episode where Joshua unpacks the July 13, 2025 USPS shipping rate increase, explaining the 7.4 percent overall price hike, the new surcharges for oversized packages, and which services are most affected. He also shares strategies to help merchants manage rising shipping costs, communicate changes to customers, and maintain profitability.
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In this 20-minute solo episode, Joshua breaks down the biggest U.S. sales tax changes taking effect in 2025 and what they mean for merchants. He explains economic nexus thresholds, new rate hikes in major states, the expanding taxation of digital goods, and the rise of retail delivery fees. Listeners will come away with practical strategies to stay compliant without drowning in paperwork so retailers can focus on growth and avoid unexpected audits.
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Payment security may not be flashy, but ignoring it could cost your business everything. In this episode, Joshua dives into PCI DSS 4.0, the new security standard that became mandatory for e-commerce merchants starting April 1, 2024. With hefty fines and the risk of losing credit card processing privileges looming, understanding and complying with the updated requirements is critical. Joshua breaks down what’s changed, what’s now mandatory, and how to implement a compliance strategy that protects your brand, your customers, and your bottom line. Whether you're a seasoned merchant or just getting started, this episode gives you the actionable insights you need to stay ahead of the curve.
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In this episode, Joshua unpacks a seismic shift in cross-border e-commerce. As of August 29, 2025, the long-standing U.S. de minimis exemption—allowing parcels under $800 to enter duty-free—is gone. Every shipment into the U.S. will now face import duties, alongside sweeping new tariffs: 50% on most Brazilian imports, 50% on copper-heavy goods, and a potential 270% on Chinese ship-to-shore cranes. These changes will ripple through supply chains and pricing, leaving many merchants unprepared for rapidly rising costs.
Drawing on his background in cross-border logistics, Joshua explains why the de minimis change is happening, who will be hit hardest, and what merchants can do to cushion the impact. He shares real stories from mid-market brands already seeing profit margins vanish and offers practical steps—from renegotiating freight contracts to restructuring fulfillment and improving customer communication. By the end, you’ll know how to calculate your new landed cost, spot markets that may become unprofitable, and leverage strategies like bonded warehouses, tariff engineering, and free-trade zones to stay competitive.
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In this episode of Commerce Today, Joshua Warren returns to the concept of tech debt, drawing insights from his new book, The E-Commerce Growth Playbook. Through a real-life story and a detailed framework, he explains how tech debt impacts businesses and provides actionable strategies for addressing it. Learn about the hidden costs of shortcuts in your codebase, the deployment paradox, and quick wins to reduce technical debt. Gain insights into managing tech debt effectively to improve your site's performance and ROI. Don't miss this invaluable advice for any e-commerce professional!
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Join Joshua Warren of Commerce Today and Creatuity as he delves into key takeaways from his new book, 'The E-Commerce Growth Playbook.' In this episode, discover the importance of a frictionless customer experience and how crucial factors like mobile site speed, streamlined checkout processes, and effortless returns can significantly impact your conversion rates. Learn actionable tactics to identify and eliminate friction points on your website, ensuring a seamless shopping experience that drives sales. Don’t forget to check out the book for a comprehensive playbook and visit the resources page for downloadable checklists and more.
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In this week's episode of Commerce Today, we kick things off with a riveting discussion happening on LinkedIn about whether Shopify is losing its edge in the e-commerce space. The episode focuses on a new thesis inspired by Nicklas Gellner of Medusa, suggesting that AI coding agents, like Claude Code, are the real disruptors in platform selection rather than just developer jobs. Host Joshua Warren of Creatuity shares their first-hand experiences and insights on how these AI agents are transforming the way we approach e-commerce development, leading to reduced costs and faster deployment times. Tune in to understand the strategic implications of these advancements and how they might impact your business.
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Join Joshua Warren in this episode of Commerce Today as he discusses his new book, 'The E-Commerce Growth Playbook'. Discover how 'good enough' websites are silently taxing your revenue through issues like slow pages and clunky checkouts. Joshua explains the three main strategies from the book to boost your mid-market e-commerce operations: customer obsession, building a scalable tech stack, and optimizing your e-commerce team. Learn how to address these challenges with actionable 7-day and 90-day playbooks and start driving tangible improvements in your business. Available on Amazon, the book is designed to be practical and adaptable, helping you to create a custom growth plan for your brand.
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In this week's episode of Commerce Today, we explore the transformative impact millennials are having on B2B buying. Host Joshua Warren explores how millennials, now ages 29-44, have become the dominant cohort in B2B purchasing, making up 73% of all B2B buyer roles with 44% as lead decision-makers. Discover the millennial-driven shift towards B2C-style expectations in B2B procurement, including demands for transparent pricing, quick self-service purchasing, and seamless digital experiences. Learn about the rise of self-service research tools, the waning influence of traditional sales tactics, and how B2B brands must adapt to meet these new expectations or risk being left behind, especially with Gen Z entering the scene. Joshua also emphasizes the crucial role of technology, from AI-driven personalization to omnichannel fluidity, and the need for B2B brands to revamp their digital strategies to thrive in this changing landscape. Tune in for insightful tips on how to enhance your B2B e-commerce experience and keep up with the evolving demands of millennial buyers.
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In this episode of Commerce Today, host Joshua Warren dives into the new and crucial packaging laws affecting the e-commerce industry, specifically focusing on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). He explains that EPR policies are sweeping across the United States, mandating that producers manage recycling programs for their packaging. California's landmark SB 54 law, which requires all packaging to be recyclable or compostable by 2032, is highlighted along with its significant implications for e-commerce businesses. Joshua discusses the anticipated increase in costs, the need to register with Producer Responsibility Organizations like the Circular Action Alliance, and the steps businesses should take now to ensure compliance. He also touches on the broader objectives of these regulations to reduce environmental waste, improve recycling infrastructure, and promote innovation in product packaging. If you're in the e-commerce sector, this episode is crucial for understanding how these impending laws will impact your business.
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In this episode of Commerce Today, host Joshua Warren explores the complexities of various state privacy laws and their implications on e-commerce businesses. Covering developments across over 20 states, including eight new laws effective this year, Joshua discusses the proposed American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA), which aims to standardize privacy protections across the U.S. Despite its stalled progress due to pushback from states like California, businesses need to understand the current patchwork of state laws. Joshua details the requirements and quirks of these laws and offers practical tips on compliance, from updating privacy notices to mapping out data and setting up consumer request me
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In this episode of Commerce Today, we dive into how generative AI is transforming e-commerce personalization. Discover how AI tools are making it easier for brands, especially small and mid-sized businesses, to offer Amazon-level personalization without hefty infrastructure. We discuss why personalization is crucial, how AI can infer customer preferences even without logins, and the significant impact on customer engagement and business revenue. Learn practical steps and examples from leading brands on leveraging AI for personalized marketing, product recommendations, and more. Tune in to stay ahead in the AI-driven e-commerce landscape!
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AI coding agents just jumped a level. Replatforms aren’t a six month project anymore - they could be done in a week, as a recent proof of concept I developed with the latest version of Claude Code shows. Early surveys show teams reporting 20-25 % productivity jumps in just four weeks of adoption.
In this episode I break down what these releases mean for Magento, Shopify, and Adobe Commerce projects: why a proof-of-concept store that once took six months now ships in one sprint; how a six-step AI loop (plan → code → test → commit → CI → repeat) turns Claude Code into a heads-down teammate; and why extension authors and agencies must rethink pricing, testing, and value as single-purpose plugins get auto-generated in minutes.
Whether you write code or just sign the invoices, you’ll leave knowing:
Hit play, then DM me on LinkedIn with your own AI build wins—let’s push ecommerce forward together.
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In this episode of Commerce Today, host Joshua Warren addresses the common pain points e-commerce businesses face with manual data entry and its impact on efficiency and accuracy. By comparing old-school switchboard operators to modern-day data handling, he emphasizes the importance of evolving from manual processes to automated, real-time integrations. Joshua presents a practical roadmap using a crawl-walk-run approach to move from basic CSV file transfers to advanced real-time API and event-driven data flows. This episode serves as a guide to eliminate costly errors, improve business scalability, and streamline operations, making it a must-watch for those looking to optimize their e-commerce systems.
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