Mike O'Brien, Author at Multichannel Merchant

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.

Livestream Shopping Enhanced by Newegg to Attract Creators

February 24, 2023 | Mike O'Brien

Newegg is adding enhancements to its livestream shopping program in an effort to attract more creators who can earn commissions by selling tech products on eight different social media channels plus its own website and app, using the company’s upgraded production studios in California for free.

Compostable Apparel: A Conversation with Eric Liedtke of Unless Collective

February 23, 2023 | Mike O'Brien

Unless Collective, a Portland, OR startup creating plant- and mineral-based footwear and apparel, is one of a handful of companies making a difference by its conscious choice of materials and manufacturing. Co-Founder and CEO Eric Liedtke, a nearly 30-year veteran of Adidas, talks about the company’s vision in our MCM CommerceChat podcast.

Moosejaw Being Acquired by Dick’s Sporting Goods

February 23, 2023 | Mike O'Brien

Moosejaw Mountaineering, the outdoor lifestyle retailer acquired by Walmart as it was building up its stable of digital native brands in the last decade, has now been purchased by Dick’s Sporting Goods, a more natural home for its products and audience as Dick’s looks to expand its vendor base.

Branded Group Sued by Acquired Seller for Non-Payment

February 22, 2023 | Mike O'Brien

Branded Group, a New York-based acquirer of digitally native brands, is being sued by Austin Naturals, a company it purchased in 2021, whose principals allege they are due $1.25M million as part of their agreement. The deferred payment was contingent on Austin Naturals hitting a first-year EBITDA target, which it claims it did.

Walmart Cautious in 2023 Outlook

February 22, 2023 | Mike O'Brien

Walmart reported ecommerce growth of 17% in Q4 to $80 billion, representing 13% of total sales, and beat expectations overall, but warned of a challenging climate for the rest of the year based on consumer sentiment and macro signals, sending uneasiness through the industry and the markets.

ChatGPT, Generative AI and How They’re Impacting Retail

February 21, 2023 | Mike O'Brien

ChatGPT, the generative AI tool based on Microsoft-backed OpenAI technology, is creating media buzz on a new level, with its much-touted ability to create human-seeming language, content and interactions for just about any business or private context. It’s also causing major disruption in retail, even as ethical and legal issues arise.

Instacart Plans to Launch SMB Service

February 17, 2023 | Mike O'Brien

Instacart is launching a new service aimed at SMBs, including possibly smaller niche and specialty grocers as well as office supply firms, in a bid to increase revenue lost to major grocers that have taken back fulfillment, as it looks to boost a sagging valuation ahead of an expected IPO.

Descope, Password-Free Authentication Firm, Raises $53M

February 16, 2023 | Mike O'Brien

Descope, a company touting a low-code, password-less authentication solution, has raised $53 million in a seed round, looking to tackle the issue of costly password fraud as well as the consumer friction that comes both at account creation and with tracking numerous user IDs and passwords.

E-Grocery Sales Down, But Pandemic Gains Stay Sticky

February 15, 2023 | Mike O'Brien

E-grocery sales were down both sequentially and year-over-year in January, driven mostly by declines in the ship-to-home category, but gains from pre-pandemic levels have mostly held even though delivery options have been impacted by inflation, according to a Brick Meets Click/Mercatus report.

American Eagle, Gap B2B Units Sign Partners

February 14, 2023 | Mike O'Brien

American Eagle Outfitters and Gap, who both launched B2B outsourcing units in 2022 to monetize their large shipping and fulfillment networks, have been adding partners lately to expand their capabilities, providing SMB and omnichannel retailers access to capacity and optimization they wouldn’t have otherwise.

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