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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Retail Rick Watson Retail Rick Watson

Walmart In Talks to Buy Vizio TV - Not Clear It Will Work: "It's The Streaming Apps Stupid"

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.

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SaaS Rick Watson SaaS Rick Watson

Shopify Winter Editions Enterprise Update: Missed Opportunities Abound

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.

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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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