32 essays · Updated weekly Now reading: 2,418 of you this week

Field notes on
commerce that works
& what compounds.

Long-form essays, short field notes, and the occasional opinion. Written from inside the studio for founders, operators, and the people who carry the budget.

Editor's pick · this week

The one we'd hand-deliver — if we could.

Curated by Kylie S. · May 7, 2026
Editor’s pick
Branding Apr 29

Brand Architecture Is The Missing Piece in Your Commerce Strategy

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Editor's pick · this week
Branding· Apr 29, 2026

Brand Architecture Is The Missing Piece in Your Commerce Strategy

Most commerce strategies fail not because of the tech, but because brand and system were built separately. Here's why brand architecture is the missing layer.

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§ 01 The architecture issue — brand systems for the second hire. Latest pieces
Design Jul 23

CONFIG 2024: Commence Studio’s Design Immersion In San Francisco

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Branding 4 min · Jul 9

The merch craze is only getting bigger, and it's clear why. Done right, branded merchandise can enhance brand loyalty, extend reach, and build community. Whether you're a brand looking to launch your own merch line or just a consumer trying to decide if that branded hoodie is worth it, understanding the nuances of successful merch design is crucial. At Commence Studio, we're excited to help brands navigate this exciting trend and create merch that truly stands out.

Why Branded Merch is Trending Again

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Tips & Insights Jul 8

How to Thrive in the Age of Google’s Search Generative Experience with Brand Activation

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Digital Marketing Jul 3
First, business owners would have to rely on department stores to market and sell their products, missing out on critical touch points with customers. Second, there would only…
— From the studio · No. 4
Field notes Apr 26

Master Your Brand’s Development

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Growth Apr 26

The Role of a Full-Service Ecommerce Agency in Growing Your Brand

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Brand Apr 26

How to build a brand launch strategy

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eCommerce Dec 22

Commence Studio launches CPG Shopify Theme, Praise

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Branding Dec 15

Why 2024 is going to be the Year of the Challenger Brand

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eCommerce Aug 31

The 21st century has seen the digital revolution impacting our personal lives as well as businesses. With this change, B2B companies are increasingly adopting e-commerce strategies to reach their customers.

E-commerce in B2B Manufacturing: The Shift towards DTC

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Packaging Aug 8

Unboxing Your Packaging Strategy

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Ads Apr 11

Understanding Google Ads Transparency Center

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§ 02 The growth issue — numbers that survive the next board meeting. Earlier pieces
Branding Apr 3

What is a Brand Identity Studio?

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The Brief · monthly

One letter. One commerce thesis. First Tuesday of every month.

No "thought leadership." No 12-step funnels. Just a single argued point of view from inside the studio, plus the three links we'd send a friend running a $5–50M brand.

4,182 founders & operators ~3 min · 1× per month · easy unsub
eCommerce Mar 31

Today, we wanted to talk about something that's rarely covered. Using Shopify Plus for wholesale channels. Features like customer tags, tiered pricing and quick order forms are can't-miss features you'll love.

Should you use Shopify Plus for Wholesale Accounts?

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Shopify Mar 15

Unleashing The Power of Video on Your Shopify Store

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Design Feb 1
It’s no secret that branding is the cornerstone of a business’s identity. But how to seismic brands keep a consistent image across all marketing mediums? The answer to that is two words - “Design Systems”.
— From the studio · No. 16
Shopify Jan 5

Why Shopify Online Store 2.0 is a Significant Upgrade v.s 1.0

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Strategy Dec 7

Four Ways to Crush Ecommerce Holiday Marketing

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View the full archive · 2024–2026
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