Mike O'Brien

[email protected] / MikeOBmcm

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.

A La Amazon, Walmart Delivers Groceries to Garage or Kitchen Fridge

| Mike O'Brien

Walmart is launching an in-the-fridge e-grocery delivery service it announced this summer, starting in Pittsburgh, Vero Beach, FL and Kansas City, similar to Amazon’s own delivery service launched last year. Walmart customers can choose either kitchen or garage fridge delivery and pay $19.95 per month with a $30 minimum.

REI, Neiman Marcus to Keynote at Ecommerce Operations Summit 2020

| Mike O'Brien

Keynote presentations from supply chain executives at REI and Neiman Marcus will headline Ecommerce Operations Summit 2020, which will be held April 14-16 at the Marriott Orlando World Center. The show will be packed with great sessions and thought leaders across a range of key topics and disciplines.

Mercato Subscription Program Offers Free Unlimited E-Grocery Deliveries

| Mike O'Brien

Online e-grocery ordering and delivery platform Mercato has announced a subscription offering that provides unlimited free same-day deliveries for members in 25 states, a direct shot at the AmazonFresh program and other competitors. The program comes in Neighborhood and City flavors and uses DoorDash as its delivery partner.

USPS Proposes Rate Hikes of Up to 6.3% for Parcel Shipping in 2020

| Mike O'Brien

The U.S. Postal Service is calling for rate increases of up to 6.3% for its parcel shipping products in 2020, which are being reviewed by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). The USPS is hoping increased rates will partially offset volume declines as UPS, FedEx and Amazon are all diverting volume to their own networks to save costs.

FedEx Adds Returns Service at Walgreens Stores Nationwide

| Mike O'Brien

With returns such a huge piece of the ecommerce experience, FedEx is making it easier by adding return services at thousands of Walgreens stores nationwide next month in a partnership expansion. FedEx’s returns technology, launched in 2018, allows returned items to be dropped off, inspected, packed and in some cases processed.

Robotic Arm Startup Osaro Raises $16 Million in New Funding

| Mike O'Brien

Osaro, a San Francisco startup that makes robotic arms for ecommerce picking as well as vision and control software that can be integrated with other robotic solutions, has raised $16 million in a series B round, according to various reports. Early investors include former Facebook president Sean Parker and PayPal founder Peter Thiel.

eBay CEO Devin Wenig Resigns, Citing Differences with Board

| Mike O'Brien

eBay announced the resignation of President and CEO Devin Wenig, who said in departing after eight years at the helm that he’s been out of sync with the company’s new board, of which he was a member. He will be replaced on an interim basis by Scott Schenkel, eBay’s senior vice president and CFO.

Calling All Top 3PL Providers for MCM List: Do You Have What It Takes?

| Mike O'Brien

Now in its fifth year, Multichannel Merchant’s MCM Top 3PLs is a listing of leading third-party logistics providers in ecommerce and direct-to-customer (D2C) operations and fulfillment. To create the 2020 listing, we’re looking for a few good 3PLs. How does your organization measure up? You have until Nov. 7 to complete a submission.

Agreement Keeps U.S. in the UPU, Rolls Out Self-Declared Postal Rates

| Mike O'Brien

The UPU on Wednesday approved a compromise plan that will let countries set their own inbound postal rates, avoiding a threatened pullout by the U.S. that would have caused shipping chaos ahead of the peak holiday season. The U.S. can begin imposing self-declared rates next July, with others following in 2021.