DTC POD Miami Event + Ben Sharf on How to Build A Storefront That Converts Like Crazy

DECEMBER 1st 2023

Hey DTC Pod fans! We've got another captivating episode rolling your way. This week we chat with Ben Sharf, visionary co-founder of Platter. From his past as a hockey star to launching startups like COVID testing and delivery, Ben's journey leads him to rethink DTC with Platter's shopfront accelerator.

We unpack:
- Simplifying bloated Shopify tech stacks
- Boosting conversion rates into the stratosphere
- And demystifying myths around going DTC

Plus, Allbirds flocks to Amazon, Madhappy nests its first flagship, Mama's Creations ships deli direct, and more top DTC headlines.

Dive in for this week's download, share your thoughts, and reach out anytime!

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This Week’s DTC Pod Guest

#299 - Ben Sharf, Platter - How To Build A Storefront To Convert Millions In Sales

In the latest episode of DTC POD, we sit down with the innovative co-founder of Platter, Ben Sharf, known for driving e-commerce growth through his trailblazing platform Platter.io. With a past anchored in Division One hockey and an entrepreneurial spirit ignited in the fifteenth hour, Ben transitions from the ice rink to the fast-paced world of startup success. From COVID testing startups to instant delivery with Gopuff, his journey leads him to debunk myths in the direct-to-consumer space with Platter's storefront accelerator.

Join us as we unpack Platter's mission to simplify the Shopify experience, address bloated tech stacks, and propel e-commerce conversion rates into the stratosphere.

NEWS

👉🏻 Allbirds Flocks to Amazon Seeking New Customers

Sustainable shoe brand Allbirds expands e-commerce presence to sell on Amazon (5 minute read).

Allbirds now sells select shoes like its Tree Runners on Amazon to reach new buyers. The brand continues building out wholesale and its own stores, but many shoppers prefer Amazon for apparel. As sales slow, Allbirds wants to meet customers wherever they shop online.

Read more here 🔗

👉🏻 Madhappy Makes a Permanent LA Nest With First Flagship Store

Madhappy, a prominently digital fashion and lifestyle brand focused on mental health, has opened its first permanent flagship store in West Hollywood. (5 minute read)

Designed alongside PlayLab to authentically represent the brand's ethos, the flagship kicks off with an LA-exclusive capsule collection. The vibrant Los Angeles flagship location lets the community experience the brand’s mission beyond e-commerce.

Read more here 🔗

👉🏻 Mama's Creations Launches Direct Sales of Its Deli Favorites

Deli supplier Mama's Creations ships meatballs and more frozen foods straight to consumers (4 minute read)

The company formerly known as MamaMancini's now sells select ready-to-cook deli products online. Mama's aims to become a billion-dollar "one-stop shop" for prepared foods. Direct sales offer a new revenue stream beyond retail and foodservice.

Read more here 🔗

Other News + Resources

👉🏻 HANG Has Athletes and Gen Z Fans Hooked Up (4 minute read)
Interactive video platform HANG scores fresh funding to fuel its growth reaching young fans. The livestream hangouts let viewers mingle with their sports and celebrity heroes. With over 800K tuning into each one, HANG has become a Gen Z magnet. The fresh funding will expand its leadership as young fans engage way more vs. old-school sports viewing. (link)

👉🏻 Foxtrot and Dom's Tie the Knot (4 minute read)
Local rising stars Foxtrot Market and Dom’s Kitchen join forces to elevate food and drink experiences. The two high-growth food retailers will merge to share beloved products and hospitality know-how. Combining Foxtrot’s modern convenience stores with Dom’s curated cafe menu aims to disrupt grocery and dining. (link)

👉🏻 Men’s Skincare Company Disco Shutters Amid Bankruptcy (3 minute read)
Debt issues force founder Benjamin Smith to close skin care brand Disco after struggling to raise more funding. Disco couldn’t overcome debt obligations despite past seed funding success. It tried to restructure and find a buyer, but ultimately filed for bankruptcy. The founder cited overreliance on one hero product and digital marketing headwinds. (link)

👉🏻 Kardashian Spices Up Portfolio with Sauce Stake (4 minute read)
Reality TV icon Kim Kardashian is bringing some heat to her investments, acquiring a minority stake in truffle-infused condiment brand Truff through her newly launched private equity firm. Bringing her flair for the finer things to the world of condiments, Kim’s first deal backs Truff’s mission to bring truffle flavor into the mainstream. With saucy growth ahead, this hot investment lets Kim tap into Gen Z’s craving for spicy status symbols. (link)

X of The Week

The power of platform diversification

This week's tweet that caught our eye comes from DTC expert Mark Siders (@dtc_ads), who shares his wisdom on diversifying your ecommerce advertising across multiple platforms.

Mark's thread is yet another reminder that diversification is king - whether across ad platforms, marketing channels or even product lines.

Tool of the Week

Struggling to boost post-purchase sales? AfterSell offers a helping hand.

AfterSell is a nifty Shopify app that helps e-commerce brands maximize repeat sales through irresistible post-checkout offers. This revenue-driving tool allows stores to create targeted upsell campaigns that convert abandoned carts into satisfied customers.

DTC Event

Brands, Creators & Industry Happy Hour - December 7th, 2023

Join Shadow, DTC Pod, Innovation Basel, and Passes at the exclusive Shadow House in Miami Beach for a Brands, Creators & Industry Happy Hour. 

The event will offer food, drinks, and networking opportunities to celebrate creativity, innovation, and connections. Attendees can network with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds in branding, content creation, and business.

DTC Job Positions

Join Hershey as Manager to Lead DTC Ecommerce Operations

Hershey seeks an experienced ops leader to own its DTC ecommerce experience. You'll manage merchandising, promotions, customer service, product mix and roadmaps for Shop.Hershey.com. Ideal candidates have 3-4 years running similar ecommerce programs. Fully remote work available.

Join COTY as Copywriter DTC for Kylie Cosmetics

COTY seeks a stellar copywriter to own digital content for Kylie Cosmetics' DTC ecommerce. You'll write optimized copy across platforms to drive sales and engagement. If you have 4-6 years of beauty copywriting experience, a sharp eye for detail, and passion for the industry, apply now.

Join Mead Products as Director of Direct-to-Consumer Marketing

Mead Products seeks a leader to drive omnichannel marketing programs and increase revenue for their planning and organizing brands. You'll build high-performing campaigns, lead an e-commerce team, and focus on new consumer acquisition and retention. Ideal candidates have 7+ years in digital marketing at major CPG brands. The role offers competitive pay, equity, and benefits in Kettering, OH.

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