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.
Looking to meet the needs of ecommerce shippers facing a shortage of warehouse space – as well as those who need excess capacity at specific times but aren’t interested in fixed asset investments – Flexe has been building out its network of partner-based fulfillment locations.
PetSmart announced it would acquire Chewy.com in an effort to further enhance the online and in-store experience for both companies. See what this means for both companies as each move forward with this acquisition.
App-driven startup Darkstore, which matches ecommerce shippers with urban fulfillment centers that have excess capacity to facilitate same-day delivery, will use a new cash infusion to expand beyond the three markets it currently serves.
App-driven startup Darkstore, which matches ecommerce shippers with urban fulfillment centers that have excess capacity to facilitate same-day delivery, will use a new cash infusion to expand beyond the three markets it currently serves.
UPS recently announced it was adding Saturday pickup and delivery for its ground division, initially in 15 markets and expanding to 4,700 U.S. cities and towns by the busy holiday season, and to 5,800 locations next year. Multichannel Merchant talks with Jerome Roberts, vice president of marketing for UPS, about the rationale for the expanded service and its implications.
In a move designed to save on shipping costs while offering flexibility to customers, Walmart will begin offering discounts when shoppers opt to pick up an online order in store. See what industry observers have to say about the move, including Walmart’s positioning against Amazon.
Catherine Harrison, director of operations for eBags, talks about her company’s approach to keeping its customers in the loop and satisfied. eBags is a finalist in the category of brand communication for the third annual Excellence in Customer Experience Awards, to be presented at a March 29 luncheon ceremony at Operations Summit 2017 in Pittsburgh.
Next week the team at Multichannel Merchant is eager to join 800+ professionals from across the spectrum of direct-to-customer and ecommerce operations and fulfillment at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA for our fifth annual event. Looking forward to seeing you all there!
eBay is wading into the fast shipping wars, taking on Amazon Prime and Walmart with its new Guaranteed Delivery offering that will launch this summer on its selling platform with more than 20 million eligible items. Shoppers on eBay will also be able to search and filter items by one- and two-day delivery.