Ben Thompson writes in Stratechery, reminds us that “everyone in commerce is, whether they realize it or not, in the Anti-Amazon Alliance, and that provides plenty of motivation.” | learn more
There are a lot of independent retailers on the Shopify platform. This is novel because the platform is normally behind the scenes. This app is consumer-facing, tying together multiple retailers into one experience. | learn more
The strategic concept here is interesting. Also interesting is my apparent ignorance of most hot new consumer brands. Maybe it’s because I don’t use Instagram? “Growing coalitions between brands via community and content is one bet for them to survive. […]
A little lockdown can’t stop this train! “March’s total medical cannabis sales in Illinois were not only up, but seemingly following the same growth curve established in 2019.” | learn more
This recent issue of the newsletter Petition contains a bunch of interesting insights. Retailers are so far notably absent from restructuring. Why? One reason: it’s hard to do a Going Out of Business Sale when stores aren’t open. | learn more
There are some interesting concepts noted here, including “LTV Is Everything, LTV Is Nothing: Meet Your Cash Multiplier.” I also am fond of the notice at the top: “This article was written a week prior to the coronavirus pandemic.” | learn more
There’s a chance of sampling bias here, but the trends are fascinating anyway. Luxury sector conversion rates are up a surprising 35-40% vs benchmark. “[Marketing agency] WITHIN … tracking year-over-year trends in ecommerce revenue, ad spend, and conversion rate relative […]
“It goes without saying that I’m bearish on DNVBs as a whole. As a whole, the industry tends to rely upon left-brain operators with systems and definite plans. But, I’m bullish on the challenger brands who’ve figured out that winning […]
The outbreak of SARS coincided with the 2003 Canton Fair, a GIANT trade show that China chose not to cancel. Alibaba, tiny at the time, channeled the motivation to build Taobao and Alipay – two monster businesses. | learn more
The story of how VC funding ruined a generation of direct-to-consumer startups. Grow, baby grow! | learn more