How Social Commerce is Reshaping Canadian Retail: Insights from SOTI’s Rishi Kohli

The rise of social commerce is transforming the retail landscape, with 48% of Canadian consumers finding purchasing through social media quick and effortless. As social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok become integral to shopping behavior, retailers are faced with the challenge of integrating these platforms into their sales strategies. We spoke with Rishi Kohli, Senior Manager of Product Innovation at SOTI, to gain deeper insights into the rise of social commerce.

The report indicates that 48% of Canadian consumers find purchasing through social media quick and effortless. How can retailers effectively integrate social commerce into their strategies to meet this demand, and what challenges might they face in doing so?

Retailers need to treat social media as a brand-building tool and a fully functional sales channel. This means directly integrating shoppable posts, in-app checkout, and creator collaborations into platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The key is to make discovery and purchase seamless.

A cohesive operational strategy is also critical: fulfillment, inventory management, and customer support must work in harmony to maintain trust. Aligning messaging across social and traditional channels provides a consistent shopping experience, while responding to feedback and appreciating user-generated content fosters loyalty. Finally, protecting customer data and incorporating AI-driven personalization can keep shoppers engaged, delivering a secure, tailored journey from click to delivery.