Supply Chain Rick Watson Supply Chain Rick Watson

Amazon and FedEx Flirted Last Year?

Dive into the intriguing possibility of Amazon and FedEx reigniting their partnership in this thought-provoking article. Despite years of distancing, recent hints suggest a potential collaboration to enhance Amazon's returns experience. Explore the potential benefits for both giants, from addressing Amazon's logistical gaps to bolstering FedEx's declining volume. Join us as we speculate on the future of this potential union and its implications for the e-commerce landscape.

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Consulting Rick Watson Consulting Rick Watson

Welcome to Shoptalk, VTEX Dinner Exposes Hot Trends, Composability Necessity

Discover the latest insights and trends discussed at the VTEX Executive Dinner, where industry experts gathered to explore the future of retail and commerce. From the evolution of AI in customer interactions to the impact of major marketplaces like Temu and Shein, delve into the strategies shaping the industry in 2024. Learn about the practicality of composable commerce in enterprise settings and the challenges of large-scale replatforming efforts. Gain valuable insights to stay ahead in the ever-changing retail landscape.

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eCommerce Rick Watson eCommerce Rick Watson

The End of The Free Shipping Era Greatly Exaggerated

Explore the shifting dynamics of free shipping in the retail industry with our insightful article. Delve into the findings of a recent survey by PYMNTS and Adobe, revealing the crucial role of free shipping in customer loyalty, even as margins tighten. Discover strategies for retailers to subsidize free shipping and drive growth, drawing from innovations in loyalty programs by giants like Walmart and Target. Uncover fascinating insights into generational shopping preferences, the evolution from eBay to Amazon, and the enduring power of competitive pricing and wide selection.

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Consulting Rick Watson Consulting Rick Watson

Personalization Is Overrated: Won't Save Your Business

Amidst the hype surrounding 'personalization' in business, it's time to reconsider its true impact. Contrary to popular belief, shared experiences and compelling offers often trump personalized marketing tactics. In this article, we delve into why business fundamentals like inventory management and offer quality matter more than ever in today's retail and eCommerce landscape.

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SaaS Rick Watson SaaS Rick Watson

Klaviyo Earnings and Future: Shopify’s Mid-Market E-mail/SMS Automation Tool

From Klaviyo's latest earnings, we've distilled four key takeaways. Notably, there's been significant growth in the mid-market segment, with an 80% increase in customers paying over $50k/year, totaling 143k customers. However, pressure on gross margins, a declining revenue growth forecast for 2024, and concerns regarding non-GAAP measures raise questions about the company's trajectory. Looking ahead, Klaviyo's potential expansion into CRM territory, particularly tailored for Shopify, may shape its future amidst a competitive landscape.

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eCommerce Rick Watson eCommerce Rick Watson

Next Year Shopify GMV Will Reach 50% Amazon Third-Party GMV - What's Next?

Explore the future of eCommerce as Shopify's growth trajectory forecasts it surpassing Amazon's third-party Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) by 2036 and potentially outpacing Amazon's total GMV by 2038. Discover the factors fueling Shopify's ascent, from strategic acquisitions to potential dominance in payment processing, and the challenges Amazon may face with emerging competitors like Shein and Temu. Join us as we delve into the transformative dynamics of the eCommerce landscape, highlighting the opportunities and challenges posed by these industry giants.

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