On October 7, Shopify and Domaine hosted a gathering of industry leaders, uniting visionaries from influential home brands around a dinner table that served as a dynamic platform for a discussion on how new technologies can drive growth and enhance customer experience in the home furnishings sector. The evening was hosted by The Business of Home Podcast’s Dennis Scully, and it underscored a unified vision for the future: a harmonious blend of e-commerce, retail and trade, supported by cutting-edge technology.
Zach Gibbs of The Shade Store shared insights on leveraging digital tools to create seamless shopping experiences that bridge the gap between online and in-store interactions. Chad Stark of Stark Carpet and Stephen Kuhl from Burrow emphasized the importance of innovating web design to meet evolving customer expectations. John Foley, founder of Ernesta and Peloton, highlighted the role of leadership in fostering a culture of innovation within an organization—with partners like Shopify playing a crucial role in executing that vision. Anna Payne, VP of retail at EQ3, and Allyson McGrath, SVP of customer experience at Serena & Lily, discussed the potential of AI and data analytics in personalizing customer journeys. Lee Mayer joined the conversation to touch on the strategic acquisitions by Havenly, including The Citizenry and St. Frank, both of which utilize Shopify’s robust platform to power their e-commerce capabilities. Farooq Kathwari of Ethan Allen and Ralph Bennett of Waterworks shared experiences in adapting to changing market dynamics and the importance of maintaining brand integrity while embracing technological advancements.
“The dinner was a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives the home furnishings industry forward,” said Domaine co-founder Mac King. “By bringing together diverse perspectives, we can harness the power of technology and design to not only meet the demands of today’s consumers, but also anticipate the needs of tomorrow. Domaine is excited to be part of this journey, working alongside partners like Shopify to shape the future of home furnishings.”
“The dinner with Business of Home and Domaine was an incredible opportunity to delve into the evolving landscape of home furnishings,” said Kim Seabrook, head of enterprise revenue at Shopify. “It’s clear that the mandate is unified commerce: e-commerce, retail and trade working tightly together to drive growth and enhance brand awareness. This aligns perfectly with Shopify’s mission because we are committed to empowering brands with what they need to thrive seamlessly in both physical and digital spaces. We’re proud to be at the forefront, supporting innovative companies like Arhaus, Lulu & Georgia, and Ruggable as they navigate this dynamic environment.”
“Our thanks to Shopify and Domaine for their partnership in supporting this vibrant discussion,” said Business of Home founder Julia Noran Johnston. “Our goal for these events is to facilitate connections among peers and colleagues for important conversations—and create a brighter future of our industry.”
“The beautiful room and delicious meal inspired candid conversation and important connections that led to significant insights,” added Scully. “The evening was an important reminder of the generosity of this community.”
