In this episode, Tom Limongello, Todd Sawicki, and guest Mira Hayashi kick off a multi-part exploration of Shopify’s unique role in the e-commerce landscape. The discussion centers on why direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands are often advised to use Shopify, clarifying that Shopify is not a marketplace like Amazon or Etsy, but rather a highly customizable platform that empowers brands to build and control their own online storefronts.

Mira shares her extensive experience onboarding thousands of Shopify merchants, highlighting the platform’s scalability—from small, independent shops to large, established brands. The conversation covers the importance of owning first-party customer data, the flexibility and complexity of Shopify’s app and theme ecosystem, and the value of working with Shopify experts to set up and optimize stores. The hosts also discuss the real costs behind Shopify’s advertised pricing, comparing it to budget airlines where add-ons can quickly increase expenses.

The episode notes that, unlike marketplaces, Shopify’s independent store model is both a strength and a limitation, particularly when it comes to the development of retail media across the platform. The group concludes by previewing deeper dives into Shopify apps and strategies in future episodes, emphasizing the need for thoughtful planning and expert support to make the most of Shopify’s capabilities.

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