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:
Walmart's FY 2025 earnings show strong growth driven by high-income consumers, boosted by eCommerce, advertising, and membership services. Discover how the retail giant maintains consistent performance with efficient operations and resilient consumer demand.
TikTok is testing a subscription-based shopping feature, but will it truly challenge Amazon? Likely not—but it could be a game-changer for creators. By simplifying eCommerce and lowering customer acquisition hurdles, TikTok is positioning itself as a new kind of shopping platform driven by inspiration rather than just transactions.
Shopify’s Q4 2024 earnings reveal strong growth driven by efficiency. With revenue up 26% year-over-year and free cash flow surging 78%, the company is optimizing expenses while maintaining its market dominance. But how sustainable is this strategy, and what does it mean for Shopify’s future in Enterprise and beyond?
Discover why 2025 is shaping up as the Age of Efficiency, with CFOs doubling down on profitability. Learn how businesses are navigating budget cuts, prioritizing growth, and making strategic decisions in a challenging landscape.
Amazon's Q4 2024 earnings report reveals a 10% increase in net sales to $187.8 billion and a doubling of net income to $20 billion. The North America segment's operating income rose by 43%, while the International segment shifted from a $400 million loss to a $1.3 billion profit. AWS operating income grew by 62%, with a $115 billion annual run rate. The article delves into these financial milestones and Amazon's strategic investments in AI and cloud computing.
AI can do a lot—analyze, automate, and accelerate processes—but it can't replace human intuition, relationships, or experience. As businesses rush to adopt AI, are we forgetting what truly makes companies great? Discover the limits of AI and why human connection still matters.
Discover how UPS is shifting its strategy by reducing reliance on Amazon, optimizing costs, and focusing on higher-margin customers. This article explores key changes in Amazon’s contract, USPS service adjustments, and UPS’s plan to improve domestic operating margins. Learn how these moves impact the supply chain and what it means for businesses relying on UPS for shipping.
Discover common reasons why businesses struggle to grow and how to overcome them. This article explores key factors like brand clarity, customer understanding, competitive positioning, team effectiveness, and strategic consistency. Learn why technology isn’t a silver bullet and why patience and adaptability are essential for sustainable growth. Find out if your business is making critical mistakes and how to get back on track.
Explore how Shopify navigates 2025 as a dynamic force balancing rulemakers, entrepreneurs, and bridge-builders. Dive into risks like hubris, business model challenges, and maintaining innovation while catering to enterprises.
Discover key insights from Mastercard’s 2024 holiday sales report, highlighting eCommerce growth, in-store acceleration, and consumer behavior trends. Learn how discounts, fast shipping, and supply chain strategies shaped this record-breaking season.
Discover the key trends shaping 2025, from the rise of niche-focused businesses to shifts in global trade and supply chain strategies. Learn how SaaS valuations are stabilizing, why "de-Chinafication" is reshaping economies, and what challenges consumers still face.
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.
Explore the intriguing timing of Amazon Haul's launch amidst political shifts and competitive pressures. Was this strategic move a hedge against Temu or a calculated political play? Find out how Amazon is positioning its new 'Low Cost Store' and playing chess on a global stage.
Explore Black Friday and Cyber Monday trends, highlighting how trust, desirability, and a strong value proposition are essential for retailers to thrive. Discover why deep discounts alone won't secure long-term success.
Target's 2024 earnings report shows slower growth and declining operating income compared to competitors like Walmart and Amazon. Despite challenges, plans to expand Target Plus and its ad business offer a glimpse of hope. Explore the retailer's path forward.