Can we talk about FedEx acquiring ShopRunner?

Supply Chain
Written By Rick Watson

Rather than trying to predict if it's a good idea, or not, what would have to be true for it to work?

  • FedEx would have to develop a proficiency in consumer marketing that I have not yet seen from them in the past.

  • The founders and principals at ShopRunner would need to stay for a while. Historically that doesn't happen at big company acquisitions.

  • Target or Walmart would have to adopt ShopRunner, which looks increasingly unlikely with Target's success and the launch of Walmart+.

  • FedEx would need to acquire additional consumer assets. And probably a payments company.

  • ShopRunner would need to grow. A lot.

The theory is this - by controlling the distribution channel - in particular the payment relationship, you can control which carrier gets the parcel.

In short, I don't think Amazon is losing a lot of sleep right now.

Rick Watson

Rick Watson founded RMW Commerce Consulting after spending 20+ years as a technology entrepreneur and operator exclusively in the eCommerce industry with companies like ChannelAdvisor, BarnesandNoble.com, Merchantry, and Pitney Bowes.

Watson’s work today is centered on supporting investors and management teams incubating and growing direct-to-consumer businesses. Most recently, in partnership with WHP Global, Rick was a critical resource in architecting the WHP+ platform, a new turnkey direct to consumer digital e-commerce platform that powers AnneKlein.com and JosephAbboud.com.

Watson also hosts a weekly podcast, Watson Weekly, where he shares an unbiased, unfiltered expert take on the retail sector’s biggest players.

In the past year alone, Rick has spoken at many in-person and virtual events as well as podcasts on topics ranging from retail/ecom to supply chain/logistics and even digital grocery including CommerceNext IRL, ASCM Connect, and Retail Innovation Conference.

https://www.rmwcommerce.com/
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