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.
Walmart is expanding its fleet of shelf-scanning robots, adding 650 this year for a total of 1,000 as it looks to address nettlesome grocery out-of-stock issues and battle competitors with the technology like Ahold Delhaize’s Stop & Shop, Giant Eagle and Schnuck’s. It has also launched a micro fulfillment center at a New Hampshire store.
To combat the growing problem of returns, which continue to eat away at profit margins, the Retail Value Chain Federation and returns prevention software provider Newmine have created the Product Returns Council to work on solutions. Both will take part in a returns workshop at Ecommerce Operations Summit, April 14-16 in Orlando.
SEKO Logistics has acquired New York-based freight forwarder and cross-border ecommerce firm Air-City, Inc. for an undisclosed sum as it looks to expand its shipping capabilities into China and add resources and infrastructure in the critical New York area. A year ago, SEKO acquired GoodShip International Inc. in Chicago.
A state court judge in California ruled in favor of truckers seeking an exemption from AB5, which broadly restricted use of contractors by requiring reclassification as employees. On Dec. 31, a federal judge issued a similar ruling temporarily exempting truck drivers from the Jan. 1 implementation of AB5; it was extended on Jan. 13.
Pier 1 Imports said it plans to close up to 450 stores, nearly half of its 942 locations, reduce headcount and shutter some distribution centers along with other expense reductions as the company is reportedly weighing bankruptcy. The company reported a 11.4% drop in same-store sales and a 13.3% drop in net sales in Q3.
Continuing a shakeup begun when six executives were let go last month by the new CEO, Bed Bath & Beyond plans to sell half its real estate assets, including its headquarters and an unknown number of its 1,500 stores, to a private equity firm, the Wall Street Journal is reporting.
Another Sears brand is being peeled off as Advance Auto Parts will acquire the DieHard brand and its popular, iconic battery line from Sears’ parent company for $200 million, providing a much-needed cash infusion, according to CNBC. This follows acquisitions of Craftsmen and Sears Hometown brands.
A federal court judge issued a restraining order on New Year’s Eve that temporarily exempts 70,000 truck drivers from the Jan. 1 implementation of California’s new gig worker law AB5, after a legal challenge from a trucking group. The group contends AB5 was preempted by a 1994 federal statute; a hearing is scheduled for Jan. 13.
Just a month into the job from Target, new Bed Bath & Beyond CEO Mark Tritton has let go six executives as part of a major shakeup at the struggling home goods retailer after years of negative results. Tritton saw great success as chief merchandising officer at Target, launching private label brands, some now north of $1 billion.
Multichannel Merchant has published its fifth annual MCM Top 3PL listing for 2020, a searchable directory of leading third-party logistics (3PL) providers in ecommerce and direct-to-customer operations. 3PLs have been growing in importance as ecommerce grows and more merchants look to outsource operations and fulfillment.