In this MCM CommerceChat podcast, we talk to Matthew Cowan, general partner of Next47, a Siemens-backed venture firm that has invested in startups including last mile platform Bringg and on-demand transportation mapping service provider rideOS, about the critical need for real-time data sharing across supply chain partners.
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos addressed the company’s response to and operations during the coronavirus outbreak, saying they’re doing all they can to keep workers safe amid reports of growing positive tests, a worker death and walkouts. Bezos also discussed possible company-wide COVID-19 testing, a process that is taking top priority.
Multichannel Merchant is thrilled to announce that Ecommerce Operations Summit 2020 is rescheduled for Sept. 9-10 at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, TN. In addition to our usual great content, we also plan to have lots of fun networking opportunities and functions taking full advantage of our location in the heart of Music City.
Just two months after announcing it was exploring strategic alternatives, including selling off one or more of its business units but keeping its LTL services intact, the company pulled this option off the table due to the effects of the coronavirus on markets. XPO had been looking at divestiture after a two-year, $8 billion acquisition spree.
Carol Tomé, who has been CFO of Home Depot for 18 years and helped manage its strong growth, will be the new CEO of UPS. She succeeds David Abney, who will stay on as executive chairman until retiring from the board in September and acting as a transitional consultant through the end of 2020.
This was a busy M&A week among operations and fulfillment vendors. FOG Software Group acquired shipping software firm ProShip from Quadient; Hy Tek Material Handling acquired Johnson Stevens Consulting; Dematic acquired Digital Applications International Ltd; and Aptean acquired TMS firm Paragon Software Systems.
What major trends are driving rapid changes in ecommerce and DTC, and what do they mean for your business? Multichannel Merchant’s annual MCM Outlook survey helps uncover how our audience is reacting to today’s business challenges and market shifts. Complete the survey today and be entered to win a $100 Amex card!
Order fulfillment can be overwhelming, particularly as your subscription box business grows and evolves. You’ve put considerable time and effort into building your business, and you want to find a fulfillment partner who can help meet your goals and give them the tools to succeed. These 7 strategies can help guide the process.
Amazon is severing delivery contracts in five states, affecting about 1,300 drivers, eliminating partners it says aren’t meeting delivery standards, according to Bloomberg and other reports. Two years ago, Amazon began a program to help entrepreneurs start up delivery businesses, creating less of a need for the existing contractors.
FedEx is diverting some Express deliveries into its less expensive Ground network to drive efficiency and build ecommerce package density after parting ways with Amazon in 2019, according an internal memo obtained by the WSJ. FedEx will redirect residential Express packages to Ground as they get close to their destination.