Mike O'Brien
Mike O’Brien has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for … well, quite a while. At Multichannel Merchant he focuses on the world of direct-to-customer operations and fulfillment, editing MCM’s weekly O+F Advisor newsletter, and programs the annual Ecommerce Operations Summit conference. Previously Mike was a senior account executive for Marx Communications, a boutique public relations firm working with marketing and advertising technology companies. Other past work includes stints as a media relations consultant for a concert promoter, a marketing communications specialist for a pharma software firm, a research analyst covering corporate e-learning and a daily newspaper reporter on every beat imaginable – except sports.
Merchants Differentiating in the Last Mile, Returns, Outsourcing
As merchants search for ways to contend with the behemoth of Amazon – which accounted for about half of ecommerce sales in 2017 – many are focusing on the last mile, returns and outsourcing to battle back. This MCM Outlook report, based on our annual survey of Multichannel Merchant readers, looks at trends and stats in all three areas.
Toys R Us Closing 200 More Stores, Prospects Growing Dim
Embattled toy and game chain Toys R Us plans to close another 200 stores, and its web relaunch didn’t happen on schedule, prompting many observers to cast doubts on its future viability. This is on top of a previously announced closure of 170 stores in April.
Texas Grocer H-E-B Acquires Austin-Based Favor Delivery
In a smaller version of December’s Target-Shipt deal, Dallas-based grocery chain H-E-B is acquiring Favor Delivery of Austin, an app-based service with access to 50,000 “runners” across Texas.
Mercado Libre to Open First Distribution Centers in Mexico
Leading Latin American online marketplace provider Mercado Libre is adding its first distribution centers, building two in Mexico to help improve its logistics in that country and better compete with Amazon.
Amazon Reportedly Merging Amazon Fresh and Prime Now
As it continues to integrate its Whole Foods acquisition and deal with pullback in Amazon Fresh, Amazon is reportedly looking to consolidate that service with its Prime Now same-day delivery offering.
Sam’s Club Creates Amazon Prime-Like Free Shipping Service
Walmart subscription bulk buying subsidiary Sam’s Club is rolling out an Amazon Prime-like service offering unlimited free shipping on nearly all items for its Plus members at $100 a year, $1 more than Prime charges, with no minimum order threshold.
Whole Foods Two-Hour Delivery Already Booming in Austin
Whole Foods just started offering free two-hour delivery for Amazon Prime members in four markets last week and the service is already starting to take off, at least in Austin, TX. See what else is cooking in the hot e-grocery sector.
L.L. Bean Makes Changes to Longstanding Returns Policy
Nearly a year after signaling changes, iconic outdoor clothing manufacturer L.L. Bean is now limiting its returns window to a year after purchase and requiring proof of purchase. See why the company made the move, and how some customers are reacting.
Amazon Reportedly Expanding Its Shipping Service Plans
Once again Amazon is in the news about logistics and the potential for encroachment on territory owned by UPS and FedEx, both of which have Amazon as a major client, the next iteration of what began as Amazon Seller Flex last fall.