Building Customer-Centric Experiences Across B2B & D2C with Joseph Sharplin

March 10, 2026

 

Summary

In this episode, we’re joined by Joseph Sharplin, Head of eCommerce at AS Colour, as he shares how the brand is scaling globally while balancing both B2B and D2C on a single eCommerce platform.

Joseph talks about his journey from product design into eCommerce leadership and how deep product knowledge shapes better digital experiences. He explains how AS Colour manages global distribution, inventory planning, and fast fulfillment while delivering a premium experience to both wholesale and retail customers.

The conversation also explores how the brand differentiates in a competitive blank apparel market through timeless positioning and quality focus. Finally, Joseph shares his perspective on how AI is transforming product discovery, content strategy, and the future of buying behavior in eCommerce.

Conversation Rundown

[ 1:15 - 3:38 ] How a design background led to leading eCommerce?
Anil opens by challenging the traditional path into eCommerce leadership. Joseph shares how his career began in graphic and product design, not sales or marketing. He explains how working hands-on with apparel, prints, and garment construction shaped how he thinks about products today. The conversation walks through his move into AS Colour, his progression into a Head of Design role, and the unexpected opportunity that pulled him into eCommerce. This clip highlights how deep product knowledge can become a strong foundation for leading digital commerce.

[ 7:09 - 10:22 ] How does AS Colour balance B2B and D2C on one eCommerce platform?
Anil asks about the complexity of running B2B and D2C together on a single eCommerce platform. Joseph explains why platform choice matters and how BigCommerce supports both use cases natively. He breaks down how AS Colour intentionally delivers a premium, retail-first experience for all customers, regardless of whether they are B2B or D2C. The discussion covers customer groups, shared UX principles, and why speed, clarity, and ease of checkout matter just as much in wholesale as they do in retail.

[ 11:53 - 14:29 ] How AS Colour scaled from New Zealand to a global eCommerce brand?
Joseph shares AS Colour’s origin story, from a small New Zealand startup to a global apparel brand. Anil and Joseph discuss the early motivation behind the business and how international expansion unfolded over time. Joseph explains how multiple country-specific websites and distribution centers enable global reach while keeping fulfillment local. The clip gives a clear look into how thoughtful logistics, inventory planning, and platform architecture support international growth at scale.

[ 15:40 - 17:09 ] Inventory, cost, and speed: the apparel logistics equation.
Anil digs into the tension between inventory cost, availability, and delivery speed. Joseph explains the scale and complexity behind apparel logistics, from factory ordering to global distribution. He highlights the importance of accurate stock planning, especially for B2B customers who rely on large volumes and fast turnaround. The conversation also touches on how eCommerce teams translate logistics realities into clear stock visibility and delivery expectations on the website.

[ 17:11 - 20:52 ] Why do B2B customers expect the same delivery speed as B2C?
This clip challenges the assumption that B2B buyers are less time-sensitive. Joseph explains that B2B customers behave just like B2C shoppers when it comes to urgency. They wait until the last moment, then expect fast delivery. The discussion covers same-day dispatch, expedited shipping, pallet freight, and real-world use cases like urgent merchandise orders. The key takeaway is simple. Speed, visibility, and communication matter just as much in B2B as they do in D2C.

[ 21:00 - 26:00 ] How does a brand differentiates itself in a competitive apparel market?
Anil asks how AS Colour competes in a crowded global blank apparel market. Joseph explains the brand’s focus on timeless, premium basics instead of chasing trends. He contrasts fast fashion with durable products designed to last across seasons. From the B2B perspective, the conversation addresses intense competition, pricing discipline, and the decision to avoid racing to the bottom. The clip shows how clarity of positioning and long-term thinking help a brand stand out.

[ 21:00 - 26:00 ] How does a brand differentiates itself in a competitive apparel market?
Anil asks how AS Colour competes in a crowded global blank apparel market. Joseph explains the brand’s focus on timeless, premium basics instead of chasing trends. He contrasts fast fashion with durable products designed to last across seasons. From the B2B perspective, the conversation addresses intense competition, pricing discipline, and the decision to avoid racing to the bottom. The clip shows how clarity of positioning and long-term thinking help a brand stand out.

[ 26:25 - 27:17 ] Timeless products in a world of overconsumption
Anil reflects on overconsumption and changing consumer behavior. The discussion centers on a growing preference for fewer, better products that last longer. Joseph reinforces the idea that timeless design matters more than seasonal trends. This short clip connects sustainability, durability, and long-term value to how modern consumers think about apparel purchases.

[ 29:57 - 33:40 ] How AI is reshaping the future of eCommerce?
Anil and Joseph shift the conversation to emerging technology, with a clear focus on AI. Joseph explains why AI feels like a once-in-a-generation shift for eCommerce and digital discovery. They discuss how SEO is changing, whether Google still dominates discovery, and why brands must think beyond traditional search. The clip explores new discovery channels, AI-powered merchandising, and the growing need to stay visible across platforms where customers now search and decide.

[ 33:40 - 36:48 ] How AI is transforming the buying journey?
Anil shares how AI has become a personal assistant in his own buying behavior, from travel planning to product discovery. Anil and Joseph explore how AI moves quickly from research into recommendations and purchasing decisions. The conversation explains why AI tools are becoming powerful influencers, especially in B2B buying journeys. The key message is clear. If AI does not understand your products, values, and strengths, it cannot recommend you.

Meet the Experts

Joseph Sharplin is the Head of Ecommerce at AS Colour, where he leads the company’s digital strategy across both B2B and DTC channels. He has a strong background in apparel design, having previously served as Head of Design at AS Colour and held senior design roles at Icebreaker, Hallenstein Brothers, and The Warehouse. His work spans product development, digital commerce, and brand strategy, with a focus on combining design thinking with commercial execution.

Retail Tips & Tweetables

● You should think of your brand as an AI training company.

● AI is becoming a personal buying assistant.

● AI will influence decisions before customers ever reach your site.

● Understanding the product deeply changes how you think about eCommerce.

● Speed, clarity and ease of checkout matter to everyone.

● Scaling globally is really a logistics problem before it is a marketing one.

● You cannot promise fast delivery unless the warehouse can deliver it.

● Visibility creates confidence in delivery.

● B2B customers want things just as fast as B2C customers.

● Differentiation comes from consistency, not noise.

● You win by knowing exactly who you are not.

● Timeless products matter more in a world of overconsumption.

● If AI cannot understand your product, it cannot recommend it.