Commerce at a Crossroads

Hosts Renee Hartmann and Chris Baker deliver a candid conversation on global commerce as Q1 2025 closes. Drawing from recent travels across Europe, Asia, and North America, they share firsthand perspectives on how brands navigate geopolitical shifts, economic changes, and consumer uncertainty. The discussion spans regional outlooks — Europe’s cautious optimism, China’s steady rebound, and North America’s fragile consumer confidence — examines global trade realignment driven by tariffs and deglobalization, explores how Chinese brands thrive through innovation, and analyzes evolving e-commerce strategies including live commerce and creator-led marketing. The episode emphasizes that “uncertainty is the new normal—but it’s also a catalyst for creativity.”