What makes a 20-year veteran development team bet everything on Shopify?

According to Bob Rockland, Co-Founder of Code (now part of Domaine), the answer lies in both economics and technology. In the latest episode of The FODcast, Bob takes us inside Code’s journey to becoming the world’s largest dedicated Shopify partner - and why no client they’ve migrated in the last seven years has ever gone back.

We cover:

• The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) myths CFOs often miss – and why Salesforce can be 35% more expensive than Shopify
• How Code migrated a well-known retail brand from Salesforce to Shopify in just six months
• Why payment service provider (PSP) fees are often the single biggest hidden cost for enterprise merchants
• The three actions every brand should take to reduce platform costs: cut redundant apps, renegotiate regularly, and avoid long-term contracts
• Where AI fits (and doesn’t) in enterprise commerce – and what to expect from Shopify’s rapid B2B roadmap

Bob also shares how Code’s TCO calculator helps brands uncover their true costs with surprising accuracy, giving enterprise teams the clarity they need to make smarter platform decisions.

If you’re exploring a platform migration or want to understand the real economics of Shopify vs. legacy platforms, this episode of The FODcast is a must-listen.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

What’s really driving the AI revolution in digital commerce? According to Sander Berlinski, Director of Innovation at valantic, the answer isn’t chasing futuristic hype, but focusing on what’s working right now.

In this FODcast episode, Sander breaks down how AI is already transforming retail, from automating compliance checks to reshaping creative roles; and why data foundations, not shiny tools, should be every retailer’s first priority.

We explore how his team built an EU Accessibility Act checker that plugs straight into e-commerce systems, turning compliance risks into improvement tickets, and why this kind of focused solution shows AI at its best.

We also cover:

• The roles being most disrupted by AI, from customer service to front-end design
• How platforms like Shopify are democratising creative content through natural language prompts
• Why unglamorous data architecture is the biggest barrier to meaningful AI adoption
• The compliance risks of employees experimenting with generative AI tools like ChatGPT
• Practical advice for mid-market retailers balancing quick wins with long-term preparation
• A glimpse into the near future of hyper-personalised product pages and physical-digital integration

If you’re in retail, digital commerce, or innovation, this is a grounded conversation about separating substance from hype and preparing your business for an AI-enhanced future.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/

What’s really shaping the future of digital commerce?

According to Rhea Fox, Marketing Director of Gift Experiences at Moonpig Group, the biggest shift isn’t just technology - it’s how distribution and marketplaces are rewriting the rules of retail.

In this FODcast episode, Rhea draws on senior roles at eBay, Ted Baker, and Monsoon Accessorize to explore how brands are adapting to an increasingly fragmented ecosystem.

From the rise of retailers like Next and John Lewis as marketplace hubs, to the blurred lines between owned and paid channels, she explains why customer-centricity is making a comeback after years of acquisition obsession.

We dive into why not every brand belongs on TikTok, how marketing effectiveness tools are being underused despite huge potential, and where AI is already delivering tangible value - from SEO and creative optimisation to game-changing innovations in reducing apparel returns.

If you’re in marketing, ecommerce, or digital strategy, this is a practical, insightful conversation on navigating complexity while staying focused on what matters most: understanding your customer.

Simply Commerce is the leading supplier of talent into digital commerce across technology, digital marketing, product, sales, and leadership.

Find our more about our approach and our services within digital commerce recruitment here: https://simply-commerce.co.uk/