31 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 28, 2026
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§ 01 The architecture issue — brand systems for the second hire. Latest pieces
Branding 4 min · Jul 9

Why Branded Merch is Trending Again

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Tips & Insights Jul 8

With Google's Search Generative Experience reducing organic traffic, businesses must adapt by diversifying marketing channels like direct mail, social media, and email marketing. Focus on creating memorable in-person experiences, such as pop-up stores and events, to build stronger brand loyalty and engage customers beyond digital platforms.

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

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Digital Marketing Jul 3

Working with a DTC Marketing Agency – A Comprehensive Guide

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Field notes Apr 26
This comprehensive guide delves deep into the core elements of brand development, including — developing brand personality, understanding brand identity elements, and mastering visual identity creation—to ensure your…
— From the studio · No. 4
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

E-commerce in B2B Manufacturing: The Shift towards DTC

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Packaging Aug 8

Packaging is one of the most important attributes of a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) business. Think of it as the ship that sets sail with precious cargo. You want it to deliver its haul safely, right?

Unboxing Your Packaging Strategy

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Ads Apr 11

Understanding Google Ads Transparency Center

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Branding Apr 3

What is a Brand Identity Studio?

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§ 02 The growth issue — numbers that survive the next board meeting. Earlier pieces
eCommerce Mar 31

Should you use Shopify Plus for Wholesale Accounts?

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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
Shopify Mar 15

According to Digital Commerce 360, Ecommerce sales grew 7.7% in 2022 year over year reaching $1.03 trillion in 2022, passing $1 trillion for the first time ever.

Unleashing The Power of Video on Your Shopify Store

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Design Feb 1

Design Systems: How, What, and Why?

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Shopify Jan 5
Online Store 2.0 was a huge step forward in the eCommerce space. Developers and online business owners agree - the new features and improvements have changed how they run their businesses.
— From the studio · No. 16
Strategy Dec 7

Four Ways to Crush Ecommerce Holiday Marketing

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Strategy Nov 1

Five Tips to Make Black Friday / Cyber Monday Successful

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View the full archive · 2024–2026
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