A quick note:

Hello DTC Pod fam! As the DTC space continues to evolve, we're here, bringing the crème de la crème of insights straight to your inbox.

We're diving deep this week with one of the biggest names in talent management, Jess Hunichen from Shine Talent Group. Whether you're an Instagrammer or a DTC brand keen on the influencer world, this edition's for you!

Plus, the week's top DTC scoops and a must-attend event. Dive in, share your thoughts, and reach out anytime.

- Blaine, Ramon, & the DTC POD squad 🚀

This Week's DTC Pod Guest

#287 - Jess Hunichen - Talent Agencies, Massive Creators, & Brand Deals

Jess Hunichen is one of the co-founders of Shine Talent Group, a talent management agency specializing in the creator space. With a focus on representing Instagrammers, TikTokers, and YouTubers, Jess and her business partner, Emily, have been building Shine for over eight and a half years. Originally from Melbourne, Jess made the move to Toronto nine years ago and noticed a gap in talent management for social creators in Canada. Determined to fill that void, she founded Shine Talent Group, starting in Toronto before expanding to the US with an office in Los Angeles. Last year, they further expanded their operations to the UK by opening an office in London. With their presence now spanning multiple countries, Shine Talent Group has become a prominent force in the industry.

📰 DTC & eCommerce News

Shopify’s AI Evolution - In a push to empower both small merchants and large retailers, the Canadian tech giant has rolled out AI-driven tools, including the advanced "Shopify Magic" and intelligent retailing assistant, "Sidekick". Learn more here. 

Luxury Fashion Merger - Tapestry Inc., parent to Kate Spade and Coach, has announced its acquisition of Capri Holdings, owner of Michael Kors and Versace, in a whopping $8.5B merger. Learn more about this fashion-forward deal here.

Birkenstock's $8 Billion IPO Buzz - Iconic footwear brand Birkenstock is making headlines with its rumored IPO plans, pegging the brand's value at a jaw-dropping $8B. Learn more about this headline here.

Schnucks' Smart Evolution - Schnucks, America's most innovative grocer, partners with Instacart to launch Caper Carts: AI-driven shopping carts that auto-identify items for swift, line-free checkouts. Dive deeper into this amazing tech here. 

Bondi Sands Acquisition - Australia's beloved skincare brand Bondi Sands has been snapped up by Japan's Kao Corporation in a deal worth approximately $450M. Dive deeper into this merger and its implications here.

Tweet of The Week

Chris Cantino (@chriscantino) breaks down the reality of CPG companies. While developers lament a 30% App Store fee, CPGs handle a slew of costs, from slotting fees to distributor charges, often with a net 90 payment delay. Our line of business ain't easy!

DTC Event

• WHITE LABEL WORLD EXPO NYC AUG 29 - 30 - Mark your calendars for this gathering of online sellers. Dive into trends, tricks, and tips with experts from Amazon, Ebay, and more. Connect with 400+ exhibitors for product ideas and insights directly from manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors. Bonus: It's FREE! Got questions on price, margins, or minimum orders? This is your chance. Discover more here.

Interested in being a guest? Sharing a cool event? Suggestions on how to improve the pod? Email us at [email protected]