Host speaks with Matthew, Media Strategy Director at Melody (part of SMP Group), about Melody’s evolution from SMP’s shopper marketing roots into a full-service Amazon growth agency now expanding into broader retail media and off-Amazon channels.
Matthew shares his 15-year e-commerce background and explains how shifting consumer behavior in the EU mirrors the US: Amazon is critical but only one part of the purchase journey, with research and discovery happening elsewhere and across other marketplaces.
They discuss supporting retailers like Bol and MediaMarkt via platforms such as CitrusAds and Criteo, and outline how Melody evaluates international expansion through transparent opportunity and margin analysis, factoring in hidden costs like VAT, EORI, and recycling/EPR-style fees, logistics considerations post-Brexit, and the need for long-term investment.
Matthew also mentions tools like Helium 10, Jungle Scout, Perpetua, Pacvue, and Teikametrics, and directs listeners to melody.com for a free performance audit.
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:42 Matthew’s Ecommerce Origin Story
01:28 SMP to Melody Evolution
03:46 Beyond Amazon Growth
04:47 EU Shift and Marketplaces
06:27 Retail Media Outside Amazon
08:14 Expanding Internationally
09:50 Margins Fees and Reality
13:59 Tools and Data Stack
15:36 Brexit VAT and Compliance
17:46 Recycling Fees and EPR
20:44 How to Work With Melody
21:40 Wrap Up and Thanks
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