Featuring: Mady Mitchell, Zach Rego, Lauren Jones, Jonathon Shtofman, and Lauryn Spence!

What’s hot at Shoptalk? AI, efficiency, and expansion—with a side of strategy. In this latest round of Commerce over Craic episodes, Darin hits the floor with ecommerce powerhouses like Linnworks, Triple Whale, SearchSpring, accessiBe, and BigCommerce to find out what merchants are really talking about. From smarter AI workflows and omnichannel everything, to marketplace moves and the rise of retail media, one theme is crystal clear: brands aren’t just chasing shiny objects—they’re optimizing, adapting, and future-proofing. Whether it's diving into influencer marketing or leveling up accessibility, every guest shares a different lens on how to grow smarter, not just bigger.

• Ep. 6: Mady Mitchell
• Ep. 7: Zach Rego
• Ep. 8: Lauren Jones
• Ep. 9: Jonathon Shtofman
• Ep. 10: Lauryn Spence

Before we dive headfirst into the fun, give Darin’s opening remarks a look-see. He’s got the green light and the gift of the gab to set this whole thing in motion.

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Ep. 6: Mady Mitchell - Linnworks

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In Episode 6, Mady Mitchell from Linnworks shares that merchants at Shoptalk are laser-focused on what’s next—how to grow, where to connect, and which tools or channels will get them there. Connectivity and AI are the hot topics, with particular energy around marketplaces like Walmart, Shein, and Temu as key drivers for expansion. Rather than investing in big replatforming projects—unless absolutely necessary due to outdated tech—merchants are doubling down on marketing strategies, SEO, influencer partnerships, and automation tools to drive traffic and sales. There’s a noticeable shift in investment from foundational tech to high-impact marketing tactics. Mady reflects on the evolution of ecommerce events, noting a shift from a marketplace-centric buzz to broader conversations around AI and emerging growth strategies. Darin agrees: ecommerce continues to thrive, driven by ever-changing trends, technologies, and consumer behavior—but its relevance is unwavering as long as there are consumers to serve. Watch the full video here!

Ep. 7: Zach Rego - Triple Whale

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In Episode 7, Zach Rego highlights tariffs and AI as top-of-mind topics among merchants and partners at Shoptalk. While AI remains a consistent buzzword, it’s now being applied in more tangible, time-saving ways—automating data aggregation, summarizing performance reports, and streamlining repetitive tasks. Zach notes that while building AI workflows might be painful upfront, they ultimately free up time and increase operational efficiency. A particularly interesting insight is the growing use of ChatGPT as a search engine, with attribution platforms like Triple Whale even tracking it as a traffic source. Zach encourages brands to lean into this shift and start building for the future of AI-powered discovery and engagement, recognizing that consumer behavior is already evolving in that direction. Darin adds that conversations around AI are maturing, with more brands focused on real application rather than just hype, aligning marketing strategies with how consumers are truly using these tools. Watch the full video here!

Ep. 8: Lauren Jones - SearchSpring

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In Episode 8, Lauren Jones from SearchSpring highlights a growing trend in ecommerce: omnichannel optimization. While SearchSpring is deeply rooted in site search, Lauren notes that conversations are increasingly expanding beyond just onsite discovery to how products are exposed and sold across channels like Instagram, TikTok, and marketplaces. Merchants are actively looking to maximize ROI by optimizing existing tech stacks and stretching their ecommerce investments across multiple platforms. Darin echoes this, observing that merchants with well-performing branded sites are now focused on driving additional value across new channels. When it comes to events, Lauren points out a shift in attendee behavior—while big conferences like Shoptalk draw a crowd, smaller, more intimate gatherings around the main events are where the real connections and memorable conversations are happening. These curated meetups allow for deeper relationship-building, something that's often lost in the shuffle of large-scale conferences. Watch the full video here!

Ep. 9: Jonathon Shtofman - accessiBe

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In Episode 9, Jonathan Shtofman from accessiBe discusses the widespread buzz around AI in ecommerce, but emphasizes that beneath the hype, there are very real, practical applications—especially in making everyday work more efficient and increasing ROI. He highlights AI’s power in data analysis, enabling merchants to gain insights that previously required teams of analysts, now achievable with just a laptop or phone. Merchants are also feeling pressure from shrinking margins and rising competition, pushing them to become more efficient and explore new markets. However, expansion—especially into Europe—brings challenges like adapting to new regulations and accessibility standards. From Accessible’s vantage point, Jonathan sees accessibility maturing from the “wild west” into a more structured and policy-driven space. Darin agrees, noting that ecommerce challenges continue to evolve, and merchants must adapt not only through technology but also through compliance and inclusive design. Watch the full video here!

Ep. 10: Lauryn Spence - BigCommerce

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In Episode 10, Lauryn Spence from BigCommerce shares that conversations at Shoptalk are circling around three major themes: composability, retail media, and the convergence of B2B and B2C. While AI continues to buzz, merchants and tech partners are increasingly focused on how to implement composable architecture rather than if they should, aiming to streamline tech stacks and reduce operational complexity. In the B2B space, the conversation is less about optimization and more about getting the fundamentals right—how to launch effectively, streamline operations, fast-track cash flow, and create B2C-like experiences for B2B buyers. Pain points like tech fragmentation, high acquisition costs, and resource constraints are pushing merchants to look inward—focusing on retention, loyalty, and doing more with less. Lauryn also highlights the rising spotlight on retail media, both as a revenue stream for mid-market brands with valuable first-party data and as a strategy for selling through major retailers. As Darin puts it, the whole ecosystem seems to be asking: “What’s next, and how do I capture it?” Watch the full video here!

To wrap it all up with a bow (and maybe a mic drop), tune in to Darin’s closing remarks below. Spoiler: he sticks the landing.

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