Marketplaces have ever-shifting dynamics. Supply chains get disrupted. Cross-border commerce comes with cross-border confusion. How do you stay on top, and, how can you think differently about it?
Each month, Rick Watson’s What's Next newsletter will dive deep into a specific topic and forecast what’s next.
Here are a few items that have appeared in some of my previous newsletters:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Walmart's potential acquisition of Vizio signals a foray into TV advertising, but challenges lie ahead. While access to Vizio's TV operating system opens new advertising avenues, Walmart faces stiff competition from industry leaders like Amazon and Google. The article explores the implications of this move and Walmart's strategy in navigating the complex landscape of advertising.
Shopify's recent Winter Editions update left many questions unanswered and opportunities untapped. From missed partnerships to unclear positioning, the update fell short of addressing key concerns for enterprise users. Learn more about the overlooked aspects of Shopify's latest enterprise offerings and the implications for businesses seeking scalable solutions.
The article delves into the insights of renowned software design expert Martin Fowler, offering a fresh perspective on organizing eCommerce around business capabilities. It navigates through the ongoing architecture debates, drawing parallels with historical technology trends and providing practical advice for decision-making.
The article delves into recent positive revisions in economic forecasts, low unemployment rates, and the normalization of supply chains. It also discusses expectations of interest rate cuts and the anticipated growth and profitability for the year ahead.
In a recent earnings call, Amazon's CEO Andy Jassy offered a profound insight into the challenges of maintaining competitiveness in the e-commerce landscape. His comments shed light on the intricate balance between lowering prices, expanding product selection, and managing operational costs.
Readers can expect an engaging and insightful breakdown of recent developments and hot topics in the world of commerce and technology. From the latest moves by industry giants like Shopify, Amazon, and Walmart to the struggles and triumphs of retail titans such as H&M and Macy's, this article offers a comprehensive overview of the ever-evolving landscape.
Get the latest Shopify news and updates in 2023! In this article, we’ll explore Shopify’s current state, its ambitions and innovations, and the challenges it must overcome to maintain its leadership position in 2023.
This article is about the strengths and weaknesses of Buy With Prime at its current state. How does it help brands and where can it improve?
The future of Shopify depends on its ability to meet the needs of its customers through continuously adapting and evolving. The eCommerce landscape is rapidly changing and Shopify, like many others, will need to continue to find ways to innovate. Learn more about Shopify's approach to payments and the implications for the future of ecommerce.
