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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