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.
Alpha Industries has seen gains in cross-border ecommerce sales and customer satisfaction after partnering with UPS i-parcel on international fulfillment. See what issues Alpha was facing, and how they were solved through outsourcing the handling of its international transactions.
Ecommerce-only luxury denim seller DSTLD has seen the benefits of outsourcing its operations, including returns, allowing it to focus on growing its brand. See how the company transitioned from operating its own facility, saving on shipping and giving its customers hassle-free returns.
Looking to play to a core category strength, Sears Holdings announced plans to open a pilot standalone appliance store in Fort Collins, CO on May 19. If the concept is a success, it would quickly be rolled out in other markets.
Looking to increase traffic on its marketplace, eBay is making it easier for members to sell their stuff by dropping it off at 1,600 FedEx stores through a new partnership with the carrier. Learn more about this arrangement and what it means for sellers and eBay.
Again taking square aim at Amazon Prime, Walmart plans to offer free two-day shipping as part of its $50 a year ShippingPass program. See what else the retail giant has in the works as it looks to gain ground against its online rival.
A federal court judge has ruled in favor of the Federal Trade Commission’s decision to block the proposed Staples-Office Depot merger, upholding the FTC’s December lawsuit which claimed the resulting monopolistic company would harm consumers by adversely affecting office supply prices.
The U.S. Postal Service reported operating revenue of $17.7 billion in Q2, up $788 million or 4.7% from 2015. The increase was primarily due to an 11.4% gain in shipping and package volume and pricing changes. While the USPS keeps posting double-digit parcel gains, it continues to drown in pension-driven red ink, with a $2 billion quarterly net loss, up from $1.5 billion a year ago.
After a successful pilot in three markets started in January, J.C. Penney plans to expand appliance sales to 500 stores this year, going head to head with Best Buy, Sears, Home Depot and Lowe’s. See what other moves the retail chain is making.
Following on the heels of FedEx’s move earlier this year, UPS plans to update its fee structure for larger parcels, decreasing the size of items that incur an extra $10.50 handling charge. Under the new rule, packages with a long side of 48″ or more will be subject to the charge as of June 6. The previous threshold was 60″.
Continuing its relentless push into logistics to shore up carrier network capacity issues, Amazon has struck a deal with major air transport firm Atlas Air of Purchase, NY, leasing 20 of its Boeing 767-300 jets and taking up to a 30% stake in the company. Atlas is also a supplier of transport planes to UPS.