Why the Gold Coast is the next frontier for eCommerce - and why founders need to know about AI

With the highest number of founders per capita in Australia, the Gold Coast is fast becoming a powerhouse of eCommerce innovation. From fashion and wellness to tech and lifestyle, the region is home to some of the country’s most dynamic brands, many of them led by founders who are scaling globally while living beachside. There’s no denying it’s an exciting place to be, building businesses with a bold vision and relentless drive.

AI: Opportunity meets overwhelm 

BDO and Revere Recruitment recently hosted the Ecommerce and Founders Lunch, bringing together eCommerce founders and operators for an open roundtable discussion focused on the business-critical themes shaping FY26. 

One theme dominated the table: artificial intelligence. According to BDO’s Techtonic States report, 58 per cent of retail and consumer leaders are pursuing AI adoption and other advanced solutions to gain a competitive advantage over the next 12 months.

AI is everywhere, yet, for many retailers, it’s becoming more confusing than empowering. The real opportunity lies in cutting through the hype to find tools that drive margin, retention, and scale. The market is saturated with AI ‘experts’ and products, making it hard to know what’s real, what’s useful, and what’s secure. 

The use of AI is evolving along two paths across businesses: a) as an assistant (like ChatGPT or CoPilot) and b) as a software tool embedded into the business’s other IT systems. AI’s usefulness as an assistant relies on two things - its capabilities (ability to create, summarise, etc.) and its knowledge base (i.e. the information it was trained on, how reliable that is, and whether it’s fit for purpose). 

One analogy shared at the lunch captured this perfectly: AI is like a well-mixed beverage. Neat, it’s raw ChatGPT. Add ice, and it’s trained with your own data. Mix it with coke, and it’s integrated into your systems—potentially messy, but powerful if done right. 

For retailers, synchronisation of complex product and customer value chains was discussed. From product design and manufacturing to customer acquisition and retention - AI can help, but only if it’s applied thoughtfully. 

Imagine syncing your product lifecycle with your customer journey in real time. AI can monitor social media to analyse consumer demand trends, reduce cart abandonment through personalised chatbots, and optimise inventory and pricing dynamically. But it’s not magic, it’s a tool that needs to be embedded into your strategy, not bolted on. 

Privacy and security: Don’t get burned 

Mishandling customer data in AI environments was a red flag raised during the discussion, leading to significant penalties. Retailers must ensure their AI tools operate in secure environments, with clear policies around data handling. If your AI isn’t as secure as your email system, it’s time to rethink your setup. 

Trade disruption: Tariffs and the new reality 

Another hot topic at the lunch was the recent announcement that Australia Post has partially suspended US postage due to tariff changes.

This news is a significant concern for retailers, especially among founders who rely on US markets for growth. The disruption has already impacted some attendees, prompting urgent conversations about supply chain resilience, alternative logistics strategies, and the need for better forecasting tools. 

For eCommerce businesses, this is a wake-up call. Global trade is volatile, and founders need to be prepared to pivot quickly. Whether it’s diversifying shipping partners, rethinking international pricing, or exploring new markets, agility is key. 

How BDO can help 

BDO partners with eCommerce businesses to manage complexity, avoid burnout, and optimise operations. Whether it’s synchronising supply chains, navigating privacy regulations, or leveraging AI for smarter growth, we’re here to support you. 

If you’re a founder looking to scale sustainably, prepare for investment, or simply make sense of the AI noise, contact us today.