Skip to main content
BoF Logo

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

BoF LIVE: The Dos and Don’ts of Livestream Shopping

Live selling via streaming has been a huge success in China — but whether it will catch on in the US and Europe remains to be seen. BoF sits down with a panel of experts to talk strategy.
Livestream shopping
The author has shared a YouTube video.You will need to accept and consent to the use of cookies and similar technologies by our third-party partners (including: YouTube, Instagram or Twitter), in order to view embedded content in this article and others you may visit in future.

This #BoFLIVE event was based on the ‘Who Is Actually Livestream Shopping?’ article. Click here to read our full analysis.

Over the past few years, livestream platforms have received an onslaught of venture capital investment in the US and Europe in hopes of replicating the staggering success of livestreaming shopping in China. This year, Chinese consumers are expected to spend $300 billion on products featured in livestreams videos, which take place on platforms like Alibaba’s Taobao Live, according to Coresight Research. But startups in the US, all angling to be the next QVC, have different strategies. Broadcast shopping tool Buywith leverages influencer talent to host events that are accessible through links the influencer in question shares on Instagram, whereas platform CommentSold lets brands host events on Facebook Live, and shoppers can make purchases by leaving comments.

BoF’s Alexandra Mondalek and Cathaleen Chen sat down with some of the biggest players in western livestreaming, including Adi Ronen, Buywith’s chief executive and co-founder, NTWRK chief executive Aaron Levant and Brandon Kruse, chief executive and founder of CommentSold, to discuss the method’s pain points, as well as lessons for brands.

“The best sessions are the sessions that you get real value through watching the live,” said Ronen. “It’s not only about entertainment, or if I admire someone, it’s also if I’m getting really good tips on how to use some makeup item or how to combine some fashion products together… that makes people purchase eventually.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles:

Luxury’s Livestreaming Gamble

Live Stream Apps Are Changing the Way People Shop

The New Normal: Digital Is Set For a Step Change

To participate in #BoFLive, BoF’s digital events series offering insight, advice and inspiration, visit our calendar where you can find details of upcoming digital events.

In This Article
Topics
Series

© 2026 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

More from Retail
Analysis and advice from the front lines of the retail transformation.

The New Reality of Shipping to Saks

While $1.75 billion in court-approved funding has brought labels back to the fold, the real test for vendors will come when that temporary safety net vanishes later this year.


The Step-by-Step Guide to Brand Elevation | Case Study

A growing number of mass and premium brands are pushing upmarket with a more luxe look, better materials and, often, higher prices. This case study unpacks how these labels are navigating the tricky challenge of elevating a brand.


view more
Latest News & Analysis
Unrivalled, world class journalism across fashion, luxury and beauty industries.

Can Big Luxury Find Its New Look?

Sex sells — if anyone can figure out what sexy means in 2026. Robert Williams tracks the search for a new silhouette at Kering’s Gucci, LVMH’s Dior and more.


VIEW MORE
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
CONNECT WITH US ON