In this QuarterlyStützle update, Karo once again talks to Vanessa Stützle, CEO of the LUQOM Group, about the most exciting developments in german e-commerce. Every three months, the two report on market trends, challenges and opportunities — this time with a particular focus on consumer sentiment, AI and agentic commerce.
To get started, it's about the latest indicators from GfK and ifo: Income expectations are falling, consumer sentiment is subdued — also noticeable at this year's DMEXCO. Vanessa also reports on how LUQOM is developing despite the difficult environment: high-single-digit growth, increasing profitability and a successfully completed refinancing.
Karo and Vanessa then take up the theme of the last episode: Sheglam on dm. Surprisingly strong consumer reactions have shaped the debate — but both remain convinced: dm's move is strategically correct and future-oriented.
This time, there is a focus on AI and Agentic Commerce: The two talk about how companies manage to successfully launch pilot projects, why the right mindset and corporate culture are decisive for the success of AI integration, what role Agentic Commerce could play for retailers and why Vanessa sees a close connection to new hardware such as the Smart Glasses from Meta and Oakley.
Our key insights:
🌐 Agentic Commerce is more than just a hype: AI agents can personalize customer interactions and automate processes.
🧠 Mindset beats experience: Culture and organization are crucial for successful AI integration.
🕶️ Agentic Commerce + Hardware: Smart glasses and similar technologies can completely redesign commerce experiences.
🛍️ Sheglam at dm is causing a stir: The drugstore market shows how to deal confidently with criticism and attention.
An overview of the conversation:
(2:35) Market Situation and Sentiment Indices
(7:07) LUQOMS Successes and Challenges
(13:36) Sheglam at dm and customer responses
(17:51) Looking into the future with AI
(23:38) Agentic Commerce and Customer Experience
(28:52) Challenges for trade
(35:25) Future Visions in E-Commerce
