Consulting Rick Watson Consulting Rick Watson

Why Use an Outside Consultant to Help you Solve a Problem?

Discover why hiring an outside consultant can be the game-changer your business needs. This article explores the value of an independent perspective, expertise in digital transformation, and access to extensive industry networks that help businesses solve complex challenges, uncover new opportunities, and make confident decisions.

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SaaS Rick Watson SaaS Rick Watson

Travis Hess @ BigC Getting the Band Back Together: More To Be Done

This article explores BigCommerce's leadership evolution under CEO Travis Hess, focusing on the strategic appointments of trusted executives and the critical roles still open. It delves into BigCommerce’s competitive positioning, particularly against Shopify, and its potential "Blue Ocean" opportunities in the eCommerce market. Expect insights on how BigCommerce plans to innovate, make big bets, and secure its place in the future of digital commerce.

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Retail Rick Watson Retail Rick Watson

Walmart Invests In Its Digital Future With Seth Dellaire as Chief Growth Officer

In this article, readers will explore Walmart's digital transformation under the leadership of Seth Dellaire, recently appointed Chief Growth Officer. With a strong background in advertising and digital services, Dellaire is set to drive growth across Walmart's omnichannel product, design, and marketing teams. The article also highlights Walmart's strategy to compete with Amazon, leveraging digital services and data-driven solutions for enhanced customer experiences.

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Consulting Rick Watson Consulting Rick Watson

Growth While Shrinking? It's Called Optimization, and It's Possible

Discover how businesses can achieve growth while reducing costs by optimizing people, processes, and technology. This article explores why cutting expenses without a clear strategy can backfire and provides a step-by-step approach to aligning your operations with growth goals. Learn how even modest growth can translate into gaining market share in a competitive landscape.

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Supply Chain Rick Watson Supply Chain Rick Watson

Is Shop Promise a Broken Promise Based on a Flawed Premise?

This article explores the challenges facing Shopify's "Shop Promise" after the company's decision to sell Deliverr to Flexport. It delves into how Shopify's estimated delivery date system is struggling, the implications of recent layoffs at Flexport, and why Shopify may need to rethink its logistics strategy by outsourcing to specialized third-party providers.

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Marketplaces Rick Watson Marketplaces Rick Watson

Marketplaces Fees Dropping Like It’s Hot - Is It Enough for eBay?

This article explores eBay's recent move to lower seller fees in the UK, comparing it to competitors like Facebook Marketplace and Amazon. It raises critical questions about whether fee reductions alone can attract more sellers and buyers, and highlights eBay's latest AI innovation, "Magic Bulk Listing," aimed at simplifying the listing process. With increasing competition, the article examines whether these changes are enough to reverse eBay's decade-long stagnation.

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SaaS Rick Watson SaaS Rick Watson

Bolt CEO Moves from Founder Mode to Grift Mode

This article examines the troubling financial maneuvers of Bolt's CEO, highlighting ethical concerns surrounding new investments and the company's shift from a checkout network to a super app. Readers will explore the implications of raising $250 million in "marketing credits," question the credibility of Bolt's revenue claims, and analyze the CEO's outrageous compensation demands. It offers a critical look at the potential fallout from these controversial decisions and what they mean for existing investors.

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Retail Rick Watson Retail Rick Watson

2025 Primer: It's a Walmart and Temu Economy, We Are Just Living In It

Explore how Walmart and Temu are shaping the retail landscape as we head into 2025. This article examines Walmart’s strategic positioning and Temu’s rapid growth amid economic uncertainty. Learn how these retail giants are influencing consumer behavior, market dynamics, and what it means for brands and investors in the evolving marketplace.

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Consulting Rick Watson Consulting Rick Watson

Eisenhower was Right: Plans are Nothing, Planning is Everything

This article explores why businesses may stop growing, often due to people and process issues rather than website or technology failures. It emphasizes the importance of having a clear plan, ownership, and alignment within teams to overcome growth barriers in eCommerce. Expect practical insights into diagnosing and resolving these challenges for sustained business growth.

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SaaS Rick Watson SaaS Rick Watson

Shopify Hired a New CTO - Platform Ambitions Ahead?

Discover how Shopify’s recent hire of Mikhail Paraikh, a seasoned expert in advertising and machine learning, signals a pivotal shift for the platform. Explore Shopify's strategic ambitions in enhancing the Shop App, advancing advertising solutions, and leveraging AI for content creation. Learn how this new leadership could transform Shopify’s approach to scaling and innovation in the eCommerce space.

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Consulting Rick Watson Consulting Rick Watson

Envy is Part of the Trade-Down / Consolidation Economy

Explore how the trade-down phenomenon is reshaping B2B and B2C sectors, driving companies to adopt strategies outside their core competencies. Discover how envy and consolidation impact major players like Target, Walmart, and Amazon, and learn how businesses can navigate this shifting landscape by either doubling down on their unique value propositions or redefining their market approach.

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SaaS Rick Watson SaaS Rick Watson

BigCommerce Not Selling: Revitalizing

This article delves into the latest insights on BigCommerce, revealing why the company is no longer for sale and exploring its strategic shift towards B2B and up-market focus. Discover how new leadership is navigating the challenges of the current market, the impact of payment flexibility on enterprise clients, and the future trajectory of BigCommerce as it restructures to meet evolving industry demands.

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Marketplaces Rick Watson Marketplaces Rick Watson

Amazon Peak Season Fulfillment Planning Coin Flip: Heads You Lose, Tails They Win

This article provides an in-depth analysis of Amazon's peak season fulfillment policies and pricing updates for 2024. Learn about the implications of increased fulfillment fees, tighter deadlines for sending items to FBA, and the challenges posed by a shortened peak season. Discover strategic insights on how sellers can navigate these changes, manage cash flow, and consider alternatives like Seller-Fulfilled Prime to optimize their holiday season performance on Amazon.

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eCommerce Rick Watson eCommerce Rick Watson

The Simplicity Imperative: And The Move to the Age of Personality

Discover how brands and retailers are transitioning from over-built technology to embracing simplicity and personality. This article explores the shift from traditional eCommerce IT to investing in brand message, personality, and high-quality content to stand out in a noisy world. Learn why the age of technology has passed and the age of personality is here to stay.

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