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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How Did You Get Into eCommerce? And Why Reputation Travels

Discover insights into how reputation shapes success in the eCommerce industry, the importance of relationships over leads at conferences, and why the ever-changing landscape of software vendors keeps the industry dynamic. Learn from Rick Watson's journey in eCommerce, starting from the early days of the Internet, and understand why reputation and connections are crucial in this tightly-knit community.

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Retail Rick Watson Retail Rick Watson

Walmart Earnings: Tem-who? Amaz-who? Get Behind the Retail Leader

Explore Walmart's impressive Q1 FY2025 earnings, with key highlights including 3.8% comparable store sales growth, a 12.9% rise in operating income, and a 22% surge in eCommerce. Learn how new business ventures like ads, memberships, and data contributed significantly to their success. Discover strategic lessons for investing in higher margin activities and understanding true growth metrics.

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Consulting Rick Watson Consulting Rick Watson

RMW Commerce Content Manifesto: Why do I do what I do?

In my writing and content production, I focus on providing valuable insights to a mid-market and enterprise-level eCommerce audience, including brands, retailers, marketplaces, agencies, and investors. My content is designed to help decision-makers make better choices, gain new perspectives on familiar topics, and uncover important truths.

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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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eCommerce Rick Watson eCommerce Rick Watson

I'm Baaaaaaaaackkkkkk - Hot Takes From January

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.

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