Buzzwords Are Dead. Execution Wins.

Hi there,

Welcome to the first edition of The Commerce Digest! We’re keeping this simple: no fluff, no filler, and definitely nothing that should’ve been a post. This is a monthly letter packed with the sharpest takes and opinions from our executive team — people who live and breathe commerce, talking daily to the leaders across industries shaping the future commerce.

We’ll cover what’s keeping the C-suite up at night, the trends that actually matter, and how innovation is driving results (not just headlines). Think of it as a backstage pass to the conversations and strategies fueling the growth of leading enterprises — and a nudge to rethink how you stay ahead.

This month, we cover how execution is turning trends into tangible results, what Meta’s risky speech shift means for brand trust management, and the hidden costs of convenience in payments.

See you next month (and yes, this newsletter will rotate among our execs — you’ll love the variety).

Cheers,

Jen Jones

Chief Marketing Officer, commercetools

Buzzwords, Bold Moves, and Bottom Lines: Marketing’s January Playbook

Let’s face it: CES and NRF aren’t about the next big buzzword anymore — they’re where the heavy hitters show what’s actually working.

This year, L’Oréal flexed its AI muscle with personalized beauty tech, Samsung and LG doubled down on sustainability, and retailers showcased seamless tech connecting online and offline experiences. Meanwhile, Meta’s decision to loosen content moderation across Facebook and Instagram added a new twist for brands. With nearly four billion active users, Meta is tossing the keys to advertisers and its users, shifting the burden of safeguarding trust directly to them.

The main takeaways? AI and personalization aren’t “the future” anymore — they’re table stakes. Unified commerce is no longer aspirational; it’s operational. And in today’s evolving social media ecosystem, from Meta’s moderation shifts to TikTok’s uncertain future, brands must be ready to recalibrate strategies to meet audiences where they are while staying true to their values. Execution is what separates leaders from the rest.

Follow Jen Jones and read her full article here:

The Hidden Cost of Convenience: What Most Businesses Get Wrong About Payments

Here’s a hot take for you: your payment systems could be quietly sabotaging your business.?

Sure, they make it easy for consumers, but the fees? The rigid systems? The lack of flexibility? Those aren’t just operational headaches — they’re profit killers. According to our CEO, Andrew Burton , it’s time to rethink how you handle payments and transform them from a necessary evil into your next strategic advantage.

Follow Andrew Burton and read the full article here.

2024’s Defining Moments in Commerce — and What They Tell Us About 2025

If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that commerce never stands still. From the hype of generative AI to the explosion of live shopping and resilience-driven supply chain strategies, the year was packed with lessons — and warnings.?

Dirk Hoerig , our founder, shares his take on what the biggest moments of 2024 mean for 2025. Spoiler alert: adaptability, innovation, and smart risk-taking will define the winners.

Follow Dirk Hoerig and read the full article here

Moving From Trends to Action: How to Build Brand Influence in 2025

Here’s the deal: building brand influence in 2025 isn’t about playing it safe, chasing trends, or doubling down on flashy campaigns that fizzle. It’s about standing out with purpose, delivering value, and making bold moves that others aren’t ready to make.

Need proof? 76% of customers are more likely to support brands that demonstrate authenticity in their actions. The brands leading the charge are investing in smarter payment systems, operationalizing unified commerce, and recalibrating strategies for evolving platforms like Meta — all while making sure that their actions align with their values.

These aren’t just hot takes — they’re facts. The playbook for 2025 is being rewritten by businesses that understand how to turn ideas into strategy and then strategy into execution and execution into results.?

Want to see how it’s done? Check out our latest eBooks on what it takes to build the kind of influence that lasts.

The playbook for this year is being written now — by the bold, the agile, and the relentless. Which one will you be?

Until next time! ??

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