eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection

Welcome to eCommerce Fastlane. Today, our guest is Georgiy Slobodenyuk, the Director of Technology of AbsoluteWeb.

In this episode, we chat about the world of Shopify customization and platform migrations. Georgiy, with over a decade of experience in ecommerce development and design, shares his expertise on how AbsoluteWeb helps mid-market and enterprise-level brands thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

We explore a range of topics, including:
  • Shopify’s evolving capabilities and why it has become the preferred choice for 90% of AbsoluteWeb’s clients
  • Real-world case studies of successful migrations and optimizations for brands like OpenFarms, Lashify, and Nation Ltd
  • Leveraging Shopify’s latest features, such as Utopia, flex blocks, and improved native search tools
  • Georgiy debunks common misconceptions about Shopify’s capabilities and shares strategies for overcoming them.
  • He also introduces us to the power of Shopify Flow and other automation tools for creating sophisticated custom workflows.
As we approach the busy holiday season, Georgiy provides invaluable advice on preparing for Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) and maintaining momentum throughout the holiday period. We also discuss the impact of AI and emerging technologies on ecommerce, and how businesses can prepare for these changes.

Throughout our conversation, we examine Georgiy’s unique perspective on the challenges brands face when scaling their ecommerce operations and his practical approach to solving complex technical problems. You’ll leave this episode armed with actionable advice that you can implement immediately to elevate your Shopify store.

This is your opportunity to learn how to create unique, high-performing storefronts, streamline your operations, and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of ecommerce. Don’t miss out on this chance to gain insights from one of the industry’s leading technology experts! 

Reach out to us! We welcome questions and comments about this episode. Connect with us here or through our socials — your feedback is always welcome.
For more ecommerce, marketing, and growth strategies, check out the eCommerce Fastlane Insights Blog.
TOPICS INCLUDE: Advertising, Affiliate Marketing, Amazon, Attribution, Automation, B2B, Brand, Customer Retention, Customer Support, Data + Analytics, Data Trust + Security, Dropshipping, Ecommerce SEO, Email Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Founder Stories, Influencer Marketing, Legal, Logistics, Shipping, Loyalty, Rewards, Retention Marketing, Marketing, Sales, Conversion, Money From Home, Operations, Payments, Finance, Tax, People, Personalization, Post Purchase Experience, Print On Demand, Product Development, Retail, Shopify POS, Reviews, Search, SMS Marketing, Social Commerce, Social Media, Live Shopping, Startup Ideas, Store Design, Mobile Apps, Sustainability, TikTok, Trends, Ultimate Guides, Web3, best Shopify apps, and more. 

What is eCommerce Fastlane: Shopify Growth Strategies—Where AI Efficiency Meets Human Connection?

Running a Shopify store? You already know success isn't about finding the right app—it's about knowing which strategies actually work at your specific stage of growth.

I'm Steve Hutt, and I've lived every level of the ecommerce journey—from eBay Power Seller shipping products myself to Shopify Merchant Success Manager helping 100+ brands from startup to enterprise scale, including working with the teams at Tentree, Dr. Squatch, Bulletproof Coffee, Salt & Straw Ice Cream, MUD/WTR, Bokksu, and many more.

Here's what makes this podcast different: I've been on both sides of the table.

6+ years working inside Shopify gave me access to what's coming before most merchants know it exists. Building and scaling my own businesses taught me what actually works when your money and reputation are on the line. That combination—insider access plus real operator experience—gives you a perspective you won't find anywhere else.

Since 2016, eCommerce Fastlane has delivered over 420 episodes and more than 2 million downloads to ambitious Shopify founders and marketers. Every week, I sit down with operators, developers, and experts who share what's actually moving the needle right now—not theory, but patterns I've seen work consistently across dozens of brands at multiple stages.

Whether you're launching your first store or scaling past seven figures, every episode gives you stage-aware strategies you can implement this week. We cover Shopify apps and best practices, digital marketing and retention tactics, AI and automation tools, as well as operations and logistics that reduce overwhelm while building lasting customer loyalty.

You'll discover how to leverage emerging tech without losing what makes your brand unique, and you'll hear real founder stories—including lessons from my own journey and insights from 400+ industry leaders who've been exactly where you are.

This isn't content for content's sake. It's the insight you'd get sitting at a mastermind table with someone who's succeeded at every level, helped hundreds of others do the same, and has the pattern recognition to show you what actually works at your current stage.

Ready to grow smarter, not just faster? Join 30,000+ merchants in the eCommerce Fastlane community through our podcast, newsletter, blog, and forthcoming book "Thriving with Shopify."

Steve Hutt
DTC Founder | Podcast Host

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