Nathan Bush: Before we get into today's chat, I want to share a little resource that we've just released. As you might know, in our checkout episodes, I ask our e commerce guests, do you have a book or a podcast that you recommend our listeners get into? Well, I've taken all of those book recommendations and there's over a hundred of them, plus the stories that go behind them and put them into their own book called the Book Recommendations of E Commerce Experts. Yeah, I know, it's totally original. You will never, ever run out of reading ideas again. You can download that one now for free over on addtocart.com
[Voiceover]: welcome to the checkout. We catch up with previous add to cart guests and ask them five quick questions to get to know them better and leave you with a little extra inspiration to get through your Friday. Here's your host, Joanne Hugh Miller.
Nathan Bush: Today's checkout features Sean Ashby, founder and managing director of Aussie Bum, the iconic menswear swimwear company born on Bondi beach back in 2000. Unable to find the nylon swimmers he loved amidst a sea of Lycra, Sean created his own and set about knocking on doors. Today, Aussie Bums, swimwear, underwear and lifestyle apparel has a cult following and sells in 183 countries worldwide. Sean, what is the weirdest thing you've ever bought online?
Sean Ashby: Soap that makes my hair go black.
Nathan Bush: Okay.
Sean Ashby: You can buy soap that makes your hair go black. Oh, yeah. And you don't have to dye it or rinse it like I'm 56, Jo, you know?
Nathan Bush: No, get out.
Sean Ashby: I am. I am.
Nathan Bush: Who is your favorite retailer?
Sean Ashby: Gstaff.
Nathan Bush: Amazing. Which e commerce practice do you wish was history?
Sean Ashby: The browser.
Nathan Bush: The browser.
Sean Ashby: I can't wait for ar. I can't wait for AR Augmented reality. I can't wait until the world becomes a pair of glasses. And that's happening.
Nathan Bush: I love it. Can you recommend a book or a podcast?
Sean Ashby: Yes, yes, yes, I can. It is a book that I read probably three times a year. It's called the Republican and it's Plato. It's very philosophical and it talks about society and the construction of society and how our society works. And it is. It's a long read, it's a difficult read, but once. Once you understand it, it's like tapping into the matrix. Once you understand the code, the world is your oyster and the Republican is exactly that.
Nathan Bush: Three times a year, that's a commitment.
Sean Ashby: No, I fly a lot, don't forget. And I'm pretty short dumb sighted, so.
Nathan Bush: And lastly, finish this sentence. The future of retail is augmented reality. You really love it, don't you?
Sean Ashby: Well, all right. Virtual reality, augmented reality, AI, it's not going to scare you. It is going to uplift you and it's going to make your life even more livable and should embrace what you fear rather than fear what other people want you to fear because they don't want you near it so they can have it.
Nathan Bush: Sean, thank you so much for today.
Sean Ashby: You're welcome. Good to talk to you.
Nathan Bush: To hear more from Shawn, jump back into episode 324 where Shawn recounts his incredible journey from beach bum to international mega brand. He shares how he stays close to his customers, why he refused to take no for an answer and how he came up with one of his biggest selling products, the Wonder Jock. Basically, it's time to male version of the Wonder Bra.
Nathan Bush: Thanks for listening and until next time, keep adding to cartoon.
