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.
Borderfree, a provider of cross-border shipping acquired by Pitney Bowes in 2015, is being acquired by Israeli cross-border platform firm Global-e for $100 million in cash, about a quarter of its original price, the companies announced, adding the two will enter into a strategic partnership. The deal is expected to close in Q3.
Amazon is looking for a big win from Prime Day 2022 (July 12-13) to help restore some mojo to a company unaccustomed to criticism for earnings challenges, overbuilt warehouses and a stock that shed 40% of its value in the past 12 months, pre-split. This is the first time since 2019 it’s been in its accustomed spot in mid-July.
The dynamic nature of ecommerce lets you bypass the constraints of the physical, delivering compelling, engaging visual media experiences. To cut through marketplace noise and win valuable mindshare, you must master visual communication. Learn how a media-first approach is a winning strategy in this MCM POV report.
Amazon aggregators have seen massive investment and deal flow since 2020, but the activity has been slowing as the valuations of top sellers has increased, according to a report on M&A activity in the sector from investment banking firm Capstone Partners. There were just 30 acquisitions of major FBA brands in Q1 vs. 159 in all of 2021.
This special report from Multichannel Merchant will address how the right tools and technology not only provide greater inventory accuracy and visibility, but help you prioritize and track SKU movement within a facility, among network nodes and in partner channels. It will also cover advanced capabilities as well as must-have systems.
Shopify, a certified rock star of the pandemic shutdowns that saw sales and profits soar as consumers flocked to sellers on its platform, is finding itself challenged in 2022 as growth slows significantly and the ardor of investors has cooled off.
Prologis, the largest U.S. player in commercial real estate including warehouses and fulfillment centers, is acquiring Duke Realty in a deal valued at $26 billion, giving Prologis an additional 153 million square feet of active space plus another 11 million square feet under development in 19 markets. Investors were wary of the move.
Dave Clark, the 23-year Amazon veteran who unexpectedly stepped down last week after helping create its vaunted logistics operations, which became grossly overbuilt in the pandemic era, has been tapped as co-CEO of hot supply chain and freight forwarding company Flexport. Photo credit: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
The California Trucking Association (CTA) is petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court, asking it to ignore the recommendation of the California attorney general and instead review an appellate court decision upholding the state’s AB5 law, which calls for recognition of contract drivers as employees.
Onfleet, provider of a last-mile route optimization platform for grocers, restaurants, food service and pharmacies, has raised $23 million in a Series B round to hire engineers, enhance its platform and expand into retail and enterprise accounts while looking to create a European presence in 2023.