You’d be forgiven for thinking Amazon keeps their warehouses organized. By eschewing the concept of fixed stocking locations, Amazon has managed to increase the efficiency of their warehousing and fulfillment. | learn more
This week in irony, former Walmart CEO Bill Simon complains that Amazon’s prices are too low, putting retailers out of business! Oy vey. | learn more
Three authors writing for Harvard Business Review take a skeptical view of the prospects for Amazon Go. They make the case that tech adoption in retail often falters, using comparisons like RFID and self-checkout. I think they are missing the […]
Ben Thompson of Stratechery offers his analysis of the business model behind Amazon Go. Amazon is moving variable costs to fixed costs. “The best way to build a moat, though, is to actually put in the effort to dig it, […]
“Internet Retailer asked retailers and consumers how they think a ruling—expected by the end of June after arguments this spring—will impact them.” Notably, this isn’t impactful for Amazon because they already collect sales tax everywhere. It’s also inevitable, in my […]
A reporter at The Atlantic reports on the world of “fake” brands tapping into AliExpress as a new model of direct-to-consumer e-commerce. This is a very enlightening piece! | learn more
This is some nice data-driven content published by Shopify. It’s wordy, so I suggest skimming, but the bones are useful and the insights are there. | learn more
I’ve heard speculation about Amazon’s influence being the source of the recent stock-outs. This convincing article instead lays the blame on a new inventory efficiency campaign that’s working well – maybe too well. | learn more
“Ikea Wants You to Pee on This Ad. If You’re Pregnant, It Will Give You a Discount on a Crib” | learn more
“The shift comes, analysts say, as Americans flock from the suburbs to city centers, where space is at a premium. Big-box stores on the outskirts of town are no longer convenient nor practical for millennials with tiny apartments and no […]