Joshua Warren

Episode 140: PCI DSS 4.0 After the Deadline: Keeping Your Store Secure

September 9th, 2025  |  16 mins 18 secs

compliance checklist, credit card processing, customer data protection, customized compliance approach, cybersecurity, data security, ecommerce compliance, ecommerce risk management, malware scanning, merchant requirements, multi-factor authentication, payment security, pci audit, pci dss 4.0, pci penalties, pci updates, scripted payment pages, security standards, self-assessment questionnaire, trust and security

In this episode, Joshua unpacks the critical updates in PCI DSS 4.0 and why e-commerce businesses can’t afford to overlook them. He explains the shift toward a more flexible and customized compliance model while also highlighting stricter requirements, including malware scanning on removable media and mandatory MFA for cardholder data access. Drawing from real-world merchant experiences, Joshua identifies common missteps like outdated self-assessments and undocumented payment scripts and offers a straightforward checklist to help businesses maintain compliance now that the grace period has ended. The episode underscores that payment security is more than a checkbox — it is foundational to customer trust and business continuity.

Episode 139: The End of De Minimis: New Tariffs and What They Mean for Your Business

September 3rd, 2025  |  18 mins 30 secs

bonded warehouses, brazilian imports, chinese ship-to-shore cranes, copper-heavy imports, cross-border e-commerce, customer communication, de minimis exemption, free-trade zones, freight contracts, fulfillment workflows, landed cost, logistics strategies, mid-market brands, pricing impact, profit margins, supply chain costs, tariff engineering, tariffs, u.s. import duties

In this episode, Joshua unpacks the seismic changes hitting cross-border e-commerce. As of August 29, 2025, the long-standing U.S. de minimis exemption that allowed duty-free entry for parcels under $800 is eliminated—meaning every shipment, no matter its value, will now face import duties. On top of that, Washington has imposed steep tariffs, including 50% on most Brazilian imports, 50% on copper-heavy goods, and the threat of 270% tariffs on Chinese ship-to-shore cranes.

Joshua explains why these shifts are happening, who will be most affected, and what merchants can do to protect margins. Drawing from real-world brand experiences, he outlines the risks of vanishing profits once duties hit and provides practical steps: renegotiating freight contracts, restructuring fulfillment, and proactively communicating with customers. Listeners will learn how to calculate their new landed cost, identify markets that may no longer be viable, and apply strategies like bonded warehouses, tariff engineering, and free-trade zones to stay competitive.

Episode 138: Conquering Tech Debt: Lessons from The E-Commerce Growth Playbook

August 26th, 2025  |  10 mins 5 secs

codebase shortcuts, commerce today, deployment paradox, e-commerce, e-commerce growth, hidden costs, joshua warren, online business strategies, platform optimization, reducing tech debt, roi, site performance, sustainable growth, technical debt, the e-commerce growth playbook

In this episode of Commerce Today, Joshua Warren takes a deep dive into the often-overlooked issue of technical debt, sharing lessons from his new book, The E-Commerce Growth Playbook. Using a real-world example and a practical framework, he breaks down how tech debt can quietly drain resources, slow progress, and hurt ROI. Joshua highlights the hidden costs of shortcuts in your codebase, explores the “deployment paradox,” and offers quick wins along with long-term strategies for reducing technical debt. Packed with valuable insights, this episode provides e-commerce professionals with clear, actionable advice to improve site performance and drive sustainable growth.

Episode 137: Your First Tactical Win (A Playbook for Frictionless UX)

August 19th, 2025  |  10 mins 8 secs

actionable tactics, checklists, commerce today, conversion rates, creatuity, customer journey, digital growth, drive sales, ecommerce, ecommerce resources, ecommerce strategies, effortless returns, friction points, frictionless customer experience, joshua warren, mobile site speed, online retail, seamless shopping experience, streamlined checkout, the e-commerce growth playbook, website optimization

Join Joshua Warren of Commerce Today and Creatuity as he shares insights from his new book, The E-Commerce Growth Playbook. This episode highlights the impact of a frictionless customer experience on conversion rates, covering essentials like mobile site speed, smooth checkout, and easy returns. Listeners will gain actionable tactics to spot and remove friction points, creating seamless shopping journeys that drive sales. For deeper strategies, explore the book and visit the resources page for checklists and more.

Episode 136: The Real AI Disruption

August 12th, 2025  |  18 mins 40 secs

ai coding agents, ai disruption, business strategy, claude code, commerce today, cost reduction, developer tools, ecommerce development, ecommerce innovation, ecommerce platforms, faster deployment, joshua warren, linkedin debate, medusa, platform selection, shopify

In this week’s episode of Commerce Today, host Joshua Warren dives into a heated debate from LinkedIn: is Shopify losing its edge in ecommerce? Inspired by insights from Nicklas Gellner of Medusa, the episode explores a bold new thesis—that AI coding agents like Claude Code are the true disruptors, not just threats to developer roles. Joshua shares firsthand experiences showing how these tools are reshaping ecommerce development, slashing costs and accelerating project timelines. Tune in to discover how AI is shifting the platform landscape and what it means for your business strategy.

Episode 135: Your New Field Manual: Introducing The Ecommerce Growth Playbook

August 5th, 2025  |  13 mins 14 secs

actionable playbooks, amazon, checkout optimization, commerce today, customer obsession, digital transformation, ecommerce book, ecommerce challenges, ecommerce growth, ecommerce operations, ecommerce playbook, ecommerce solutions, ecommerce strategy, ecommerce team structure, joshua warren, mid-market ecommerce, revenue growth, scalable tech stack, team optimization, website performance

In this episode of Commerce Today, Joshua Warren dives into key insights from his new book, The E-Commerce Growth Playbook. He breaks down how seemingly “good enough” websites can quietly hurt revenue and outlines three core strategies for accelerating growth: customer obsession, a scalable tech stack, and an optimized team. Joshua also shares how to take immediate action with 7-day and 90-day playbooks that help mid-market ecommerce brands build a tailored plan for success.

Episode 134: Millennial B2B Buyers: Reshaping Digital Sales with Self-Service and Speed

July 29th, 2025  |  20 mins 16 secs

ai personalization, b2b digital transformation, b2b ecommerce, b2b purchasing trends, b2c expectations, commerce today podcast, digital experience, gen z buyers, joshua warren, lead decision-makers, millennial b2b buyers, omnichannel strategy, sales strategy shift, self-service buying, transparent pricing

In this episode of Commerce Today, host Joshua Warren dives into the powerful influence millennials are having on B2B buying behavior. Now comprising 73% of all B2B buyer roles—and 44% of lead decision-makers—millennials are reshaping the buying journey with expectations rooted in their B2C experiences. Joshua unpacks the shift toward transparent pricing, self-service tools, and seamless digital interactions, and explores why traditional sales tactics are losing ground. With Gen Z already entering the market, B2B brands must modernize quickly. From AI-powered personalization to omnichannel experiences, this episode offers strategic insights for adapting your digital approach and staying ahead in the evolving B2B landscape.

Episode 133: EPR & Packaging Laws: California SB-54 and New Costs of Ecommerce Packaging

July 22nd, 2025  |  22 mins 52 secs

california packaging law, circular action alliance, ecommerce compliance, ecommerce logistics, ecommerce packaging laws, environmental regulations, epr, extended producer responsibility, green packaging, recycling regulations, sb 54, sustainability

In this episode of Commerce Today, host Joshua Warren explores the rising impact of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws on the e-commerce industry. With packaging regulations gaining traction across the U.S., Joshua breaks down what businesses need to know—highlighting California’s SB 54, which requires all packaging to be recyclable or compostable by 2032. He explains how these laws will drive up costs, require registration with organizations like the Circular Action Alliance, and demand immediate action from sellers. The episode also covers the environmental goals behind EPR: reducing waste, enhancing recycling systems, and spurring sustainable packaging innovation. A must-listen for e-commerce businesses preparing for a more regulated, eco-conscious future.

Episode 132: ADPPA and 2025 State Privacy Laws: New Rules for Data Privacy Compliance

July 14th, 2025  |  24 mins 14 secs

adppa, american data privacy and protection act, california privacy law, commerce today, consumer data rights, consumer request mechanisms, data mapping, data privacy, data protection, ecommerce compliance, ecommerce podcast, joshua warren, legal compliance, online business compliance, privacy law patchwork, privacy notice updates, privacy policy, privacy regulations, state legislation, state privacy laws

In this episode of Commerce Today, host Joshua Warren breaks down the ever-evolving landscape of U.S. state privacy laws and what they mean for e-commerce businesses. With over 20 states now implementing their own regulations—including eight new laws in 2025—Joshua explains the growing complexity of compliance. He also covers the stalled progress of the proposed American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA), which aims to unify privacy standards nationwide. Listeners will gain insights into key requirements, state-specific quirks, and actionable steps like updating privacy notices, mapping data, and setting up consumer request mechanisms.

Episode 131: How Generative AI Is Powering Personalized Ecommerce (Without a Heavy CDP)

July 8th, 2025  |  22 mins 14 secs

ai tools, ai-driven commerce, ai-powered marketing, amazon-level personalization, business revenue, customer behavior, customer engagement, customer preferences, e-commerce, generative ai, marketing automation, mid-sized businesses, personalization, personalized shopping experience, product recommendations, small businesses

In this episode of Commerce Today, we explore how generative AI is revolutionizing personalization in e-commerce. From tailored marketing to smart product recommendations, AI is helping brands—especially small and mid-sized businesses—deliver Amazon-level experiences without massive investments. We break down why personalization matters, how AI can predict customer behavior even without logins, and the real impact on engagement and revenue. Get practical insights and real-world examples to help your business thrive in the age of AI-powered commerce.

Episode 130: Claude Code Shrinks Ecommerce Re-Platforms from 6 Months to 1-Week

July 7th, 2025  |  22 mins 22 secs

adobe commerce, ai coding agents, ai in ecommerce ask chatgpt, ai loop, automation, billable hours, claude code, codex o3, dev shops, ecommerce development, extension development, github workflow, magento, productivity, proof of concept, replatforming, shopify, sprint delivery, value-based pricing, windsurf

In this episode of Commerce Today, Joshua Warren dives into the latest advancements in AI coding agents and what they mean for ecommerce development. He shares how tools like Claude Code are drastically reducing project timelines—turning what used to be six-month replatforming efforts into one-week sprints. Drawing from a recent proof of concept, Joshua explains how a six-step AI loop (plan → code → test → commit → CI → repeat) positions AI as a powerful coding partner for Magento, Shopify, and Adobe Commerce projects. He also discusses how smaller dev shops can now compete with large teams, why extension developers need to rethink pricing and testing strategies, and how value-based pricing is overtaking traditional billable hours. Whether you're a developer or decision-maker, this episode offers practical insights into the rapidly evolving role of AI in ecommerce.

Episode 129: Optimize Your E-commerce Data Flow: From Manual to Real-Time Integrations

June 24th, 2025  |  27 mins 57 secs

api workflows, business process optimization, commerce today, crawl-walk-run approach, csv file transfers, data automation, digital transformation, e-commerce efficiency, e-commerce systems, error reduction, event-driven architecture, joshua warren, manual data entry, operational scalability, real-time integration

In this episode of Commerce Today, host Joshua Warren tackles the hidden costs and inefficiencies of manual data entry in e-commerce. Drawing a clever parallel between switchboard operators and outdated business processes, he highlights the need for modern automation. Joshua introduces a crawl-walk-run strategy to help businesses transition from basic CSV transfers to real-time APIs and event-driven workflows. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to boost accuracy, scalability, and operational efficiency in their e-commerce systems.

Episode 128: Get More From Your E-Commerce Agency - And Know When to Walk Away

June 17th, 2025  |  20 mins 22 secs

agency management, agency partnership, agency transition, business playbooks, commerce today podcast, digital asset ownership, ecommerce, ecommerce growth, ecommerce strategy, govern own exit, joshua warren, kpi management, post-contract best practices, quarterly business reviews, vendor drift

In this episode of Commerce Today, host Joshua Warren explores the critical—but often neglected—steps that come after hiring an e-commerce agency. From avoiding "vendor drift" to maintaining control of your digital assets, Joshua outlines the common mistakes brands make post-contract and how to prevent them. He introduces three powerful frameworks—Govern, Own, and Exit—designed to help e-commerce businesses manage agency relationships with confidence and clarity. Whether you're starting a new partnership or re-evaluating an existing one, this episode provides actionable strategies to ensure long-term success. Plus, get a sneak peek at Joshua's upcoming book on e-commerce growth.

Episode 127: Mastering EOS Scorecards - Boost Your E-Commerce Metrics

June 10th, 2025  |  17 mins 53 secs

business operations, business transformation, case studies, creatuity, data-driven, e-commerce, e-commerce strategy, entrepreneurial operating system, eos, joshua warren, leadership team, performance metrics, scorecard, team meetings, vanity metrics, vitality metrics

In this episode of Commerce Today, Joshua Warren, CEO of Creatuity, explores how e-commerce businesses can leverage the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) scorecard to drive meaningful results. He explains why tracking vitality metrics—not vanity ones—matters most, and how a simple five-metric scorecard can boost performance. Joshua also breaks down EOS fundamentals, shares real-world examples, and provides practical tips for building better scorecards and more effective leadership team meetings. A must-listen for anyone looking to transform their e-commerce operations through data-driven leadership.

Episode 126: Personalization in 2025: The 5-Level Ladder from “Hi" to Predictive Service

June 3rd, 2025  |  26 mins 12 secs

b2b, b2c, case studies, commerce today, creatuity, customer engagement, customer experience, data-driven marketing, digital marketing, e-commerce personalization, joshua warren, kpis, litmus test, netflix, personalization ladder, personalization strategy, quick wins, revenue growth, targeted ads, user experience

In this episode of Commerce Today, host and Creatuity CEO Joshua Warren takes a fresh look at e-commerce personalization. Using real-world examples—from Netflix’s smart recommendations to the pitfalls of over-targeted ads—Joshua explores what makes personalization effective versus intrusive. He introduces the five-step "personalization ladder," sharing actionable tips, quick wins, and KPIs at each stage to help brands level up their personalization strategy. The episode wraps with real-life case studies and a five-question litmus test to ensure your efforts stay customer-friendly. Whether you're in B2B or B2C, this episode will help you drive revenue and deliver better customer experiences through smarter personalization.

Episode 125: Optimizing Your E-Commerce Team: Org Charts & Team Design Strategies

June 2nd, 2025  |  23 mins 39 secs

agency resources, b2b e-commerce, commerce today, creatuity, decision-making, e-commerce strategy, e-commerce team structure, enablement pod, growth pod, in-house team, joshua warren, omnichannel retailers, organizational design, platform pod, product owner, project manager, pure play e-commerce, revenue growth, team optimization, team productivity

In this episode of Commerce Today, Joshua Warren breaks down the best practices for structuring e-commerce teams to boost efficiency and profitability. He outlines three core e-commerce business types—sidecar B2B, omnichannel retailers, and pure play companies—and introduces a flexible team model built around three essential pods: Growth, Platform, and Enablement. Joshua explains how outdated org charts can cost you money and shares how to align your team for modern e-commerce demands. He also clarifies the roles of product owners vs. project managers and offers advice on blending internal and agency talent for maximum impact. Whether you're scaling up or streamlining, this episode is packed with actionable insights to strengthen your team and your bottom line.