Commerce Beyond Borders
Commerce Beyond Borders
Podcast Description
A future-forward perspective on the rapidly evolving world of commerce and global growth strategies, “Commerce Beyond Borders” provides critical insights, innovative tactics and transformative trends shaping the future of global commerce.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into themes such as AI innovation, the electric vehicle revolution, digital retail transformation, and the evolving landscape of emerging markets. Specific episodes explore China's AI advancements with experts like Dan Wong, the rise of Chinese EV manufacturers and their impact on traditional automotive markets featuring Tu Le, and the balance of technology and human interaction in retail discussed by Carl Boutet.
Hosted by Renee Hartmann and Chris Baker, Commerce Beyond Borders is a future-forward perspective on the rapidly evolving world of commerce and global growth strategies, providing critical insights, innovative tactics and transformative trends shaping the future of global commerce.
Palmstreet is building what they call the world’s online “Main Street”—and the engagement is wild. In this episode, Chen Li (Founder & CEO, Palmstreet) joins Renee and Chris to unpack the metrics behind their growth: shoppers spend an average of 2.5 hours per day on the app, first-year buyers make ~50–55 purchases, and a $26,000 plant sold live shows how trust plus logistics unlock high-ticket conversions.
We dig into the formula—entertainment + community + trust + operations—and how Palmstreet productized the “unsexy” bits (shipping, weather checks, protection) to turn livestreams into a dependable channel. Chen also shares which categories win, why repeat purchase frequency matters, and what’s next (hint: beauty is heating up).
Highlights
2.5 hours/day average time spent per shopper
~50–55 purchases in year one (per shopper)
95% shipped / 5% local; typical U.S. shipping $8–$18
Platform trust & logistics: even weather checks pre-ship
$26,000 plant sold live—proof that confidence converts
Category patterns: uniqueness, repeat purchase, and showmanship
Why brands think livestream “doesn’t work” (and how to fix it)
Topics we cover
The origin story: from plant ID app to live shopping marketplace
“Shop for the drop, stay for the vibes”: community as a growth engine
What actually entertains in a live: hosts, education, and the hunt
The operations layer that makes live shopping repeatable
Winning categories now (plants, handmade, vintage) and next (beauty)
Building trust fast if you’re a new brand (and when to borrow it via creators)
The TikTok question: coexistence vs. competition
Shipping reality in North America—and how it shapes category fit
Pull quotes
“On average, a shopper spends two and a half hours a day on Palmstreet.”
“Our users make 50–55 purchases in their first year.”
“We sold a $26,000 plant live.”
“Live is entertainment first—but operations make it scalable.”
About Palmstreet
Palmstreet is the online Main Street for plants, handmade, vintage, and unique goods, connecting passionate buyers with charismatic sellers through live shopping.
Guest
Chen Li — Founder & CEO, Palmstreet
Hosts
Renee Hartmann & Chris Baker, Commerce Beyond Borders
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