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A New Era of Retail is the Rise and Integration of Social Commerce

Host Melissa Gonzalez speaks with Robert D'Loren, CEO of Xcel Brands and co-founder of ORME, about the convergence of live streaming, social media, and e-commerce in modern retail. D'Loren shares how his ventures have pioneered social commerce, generating over $4 billion in QVC sales. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities brands face as shopping, entertainment, and social platforms continue to merge.

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By Melissa Gonzalez · Melissa GonzalezOrmeRetailRetail Refined
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Key takeaways

01

Live streaming and social commerce are fundamentally reshaping how consumers discover and purchase products in real time.

02

Xcel Brands has driven over $4 billion in sales on QVC by embracing live stream commerce early and at scale.

03

ORME represents a next-generation platform integrating social media, entertainment, and e-commerce into a unified shopping experience.

As the retail landscape changes, the convergence of live streaming, social media, and e-commerce is revolutionizing how consumers interact with brands. This shift, propelled by advancements in technology and changing consumer behaviors, has led to innovative business models that are reshaping the industry. At the forefront of this transformation is Robert D'Loren, an entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience in the consumer products and media industries.

How is the integration of live streaming and social commerce transforming retail?

In this latest episode of "Retail Refined," host Melissa Gonzalez looked into the journey of Robert D'Loren, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Xcel Brands, and co-founder of ORME. Their discussion explored the evolution of D'Loren's career and his visionary approach to reimagining shopping, entertainment, and social media.

Some main points of their conversation covered:

  • The genesis and growth of Xcel Brands and its impact on the retail industry.
  • The innovative concept behind ORME and its role in the live streaming and social commerce landscape.
  • Some of the challenges and opportunities presented by the integration of e-commerce and social media.

Robert D'Loren is a seasoned entrepreneur and pioneer in the consumer products and media sectors. With a background in finance, he has been instrumental in securitizing musical and film copyrights and has led significant ventures in the apparel and franchise industries. Under his leadership, Xcel Brands has become a leader in live stream and social commerce, driving over $4 billion in sales on QVC alone.

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About the author

Melissa Gonzalez
Melissa GonzalezTop Retail Voice, Influencer, and Lead Retail Contributor

Industry-recognized influencer, leader, and storyteller in Retail. Lead Retail Industry Contributor at MarketScale. Principal at MG2 Design. Host of "Retail Refined" Podcast. As a global brand and retail experience disruptor, Melissa possess strong proficiency in consumer insights, experiential design, retail technology integration, and brand innovation. During her career, she have created powerful visual narratives through physical spaces, imprinting complex concepts and ideas to consumers in genuine, tactile, and persuasive manners. She have also served as a consumer engagement trendsetter, “pop-up” industry pioneer, and entrepreneur. Melissa founded and launched a consumer experiential design firm that achieved a successful exit, driving initial client wins, monetization, and exponential revenue growth. "Melissa brings both her industry knowledge and an approachable and educational point of view to her interviewing skills. With an authentic style, she facilitates an engaging dialogue, one where listeners can walk away from with tangible insights and thought provokers!" -Jeffrey Roseman, Vice Chairman of Retail at Newmark "What sets Melissa apart is her ability to cut through the noise and provide actionable insights. Whether you’re a store owner looking to revamp your space or a tech enthusiast curious about the next big thing in retail, you’ll find tangible ideas to build on. From seasoned designers to pioneering tech gurus - ensuring that listeners are always engaged with diverse and forward-thinking perspectives. Retail Refined doesn’t just skim the surface; it dives deep into topics that matter. If staying ahead of the retail curve is important to you, start here." -Nate Frazier, Chief Operating Officer of GNC

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About the Experts

Melissa Gonzalez
Melissa Gonzalez

Host, Retail Refined & Principal, The Gonzalez Group

Melissa Gonzalez is the host of Retail Refined on MarketScale and founder of The Gonzalez Group, a retail consultancy focused on pop-up retail and experiential strategy. She is a recognized retail futurist and speaker who advises brands on bridging physical and digital commerce. Her work spans consumer experience design, store concept development, and emerging retail technology.

RD
Robert D'Loren

Founder, Chairman & CEO

Xcel Brands; Co-founder, ORME

Robert D'Loren is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience in consumer products and media. He founded Xcel Brands, which has driven over $4 billion in sales on QVC through live stream and social commerce. He also co-founded ORME, a platform at the intersection of live streaming, social media, and e-commerce.