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Constructor Experiences Rapid Growth and Momentum in EMEA: Helping More Ecommerce Companies Improve Product Discovery with AI

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Capitalising on market need, Constructor increases customer-facing headcount in EMEA by 133% in 2024 and announces Bernd Maehrlein as VP EMEA; See the company’s award-winning tech in action at Shoptalk Europe (stand #H30)

SAN FRANCISCO and BARCELONA, Spain, June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — (SHOPTALK EUROPE) — Constructor, the leading AI-powered product discovery and search platform for enterprise ecommerce companies, today announced growth and momentum across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) — significantly increasing both customers and headcount. As more ecommerce companies in the region tap into Constructor, they’re realising benefits including greater engagement, conversions and revenue.

Constructor works with leading ecommerce brands in EMEA including Birkenstock, Under Armour (EMEA and North American operations), Monica Vinader, Very, home24 and more — as well as many others around the world.

Over the last year, Constructor has seen strong growth in customers in EMEA — particularly in the apparel, home goods and furnishings, toys, grocery, do-it-yourself (DIY), B2B ecommerce and general retail categories. These companies rely on Constructor’s award-winning, AI-based platform to create personalised, revenue-generating experiences across the buyer journey: in search results, browse experiences, product recommendations, landing pages (“Collections”) and more.

UK-based online retailer Very, who went live with Constructor in early 2024, uses the platform to power search, browse and Collections pages for more than 1 million site visitors each day.

“Shoppers have more options than ever when shopping online, and at Very, we’re constantly seeking opportunities to enhance customer experiences,” said Paul Hornby, digital customer experience director, The Very Group. “With Constructor, we’ve been able to do just that – deliver more personalised search results that are optimised for each customer’s unique preferences, and intuitively help them discover great products.”

Announcing Constructor’s VP of EMEA Bernd Maehrlein

Since 2022, Constructor has tripled its revenue in EMEA. The company is also actively hiring globally and has expanded its own team in EMEA to better support local customers. Since the beginning of 2024, Constructor’s customer-facing headcount in the region has grown 133% — and still climbing — through the addition of key new hires.

Chief among them is Bernd Maehrlein, appointed as Constructor’s vice president of EMEA and based out of Heidelberg, Germany. In his role, Maehrlein leads Constructor’s EMEA sales team and helps develop, execute and oversee Constructor’s go-to-market (GTM) strategy in the region. He brings a history of successfully building and expanding U.S. startups and scale-ups in EMEA.

Prior to Constructor, Maehrlein most recently built up cloud security scale-up Lacework in Central and Southern Europe, following build-ups in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for endpoint security company Cybereason, as well as database platform MongoDB. Maehrlein’s software GTM career began with direct sales roles at SAP and Intralinks. Currently, he serves on the advisory board of permanent equity investor Upliift. 

“It’s really gratifying to work at a company where our customers are as excited about the product as we are,” Maehrlein said. “That’s a big part of what drew me to Constructor: its highly differentiated technology and highly satisfied customers, who are realising incredible achievements — resulting in a 98% or greater retention rate the last three years running. As Constructor continues its fast growth trajectory — having recently doubled revenue for the third year in a row — EMEA is a high-priority market for us, with great opportunity. I’m looking forward to helping bring the benefits of Constructor’s technology to many more companies here.”

Constructor CEO Eli Finkelshteyn said: “Bernd’s expertise and on-the-ground experience are incredible assets for us as we further expand our operations in EMEA. We want to make sure that as we grow, we provide the best service we can to our customers, including really catering to regional needs. We’re really excited by the initial feedback we’ve received in those regards, and plan to constantly find new ways to make the experience we give our customers better and better. As ecommerce companies seek to create better digital customer experiences that boost their top and bottom line, we want to do everything we possibly can to help, and we think this expansion in EMEA is a strong step in that direction.”

Meet with Constructor at Shoptalk Europe

Constructor is attending and exhibiting at Shoptalk Europe — a show dedicated to transforming Europe’s retail ecosystem — June 3-5, in Barcelona.

At stand #H30, the company is demonstrating its powerful and proven solutions for improving ecommerce product discovery. These include Constructor’s recently unveiled AI Shopping Assistant (ASA), a conversational product discovery tool blending generative AI with Constructor’s personalisation technology. Recently honoured with a gold Stevie® Award and People’s Choice Stevie® Award for best new ecommerce solution, ASA has — in less than a year since launch — helped major grocery chains, apparel brands and general retailers achieve results including: 10% increase in website revenue, 6% increase in search conversions, 7% increase in clicks and more.

To meet with Maehrlein and others at Constructor at Shoptalk Europe, and see the company’s technology in action, please visit https://info.constructor.io/shoptalk_europe_2024.

About Constructor
Constructor is the only product discovery and search platform tailor-made for enterprise ecommerce where conversions matter. Constructor’s cloud-based solutions use natural language processing, machine learning-enhanced results ranking and collaborative personalisation to deliver powerful user experiences across all facets of product discovery. Optimising specifically for ecommerce metrics like revenue, conversion rate and profit, Constructor generates consistent $10M+ lifts for some of the biggest brands in B2C and B2B ecommerce, such as Sephora, Petco, Birkenstock, The Very Group, home24, Bonobos and Fisheries Supply. Constructor is a U.S.-based company that was founded in 2015 by Eli Finkelshteyn and Dan McCormick. For more, visit: constructor.io.

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

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TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/club-offers-for-travel-enthusiasts-in-canada-302918543.html

SOURCE Travelzoo

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