The Epic, Decades-Long Battle Between Amazon and Walmart, With Author Jason Del Rey - Episode 295
INTERVIEW WITH JASON DEL REY
DESCRIPTION
In today’s podcast, Kiri is joined by Jason Del Rey, a veteran business journalist, who presents an engaging exploration of the intense Amazon/Walmart rivalry and Walmart's journey of reinvention over the past decade in his latest book, "Winner Sells All."
With extensive experience covering the e-commerce industry and conducting interviews with brands and suppliers, Jason delves into topics such as the Innovator's Dilemma, the changing dynamics of Walmart+ and Amazon Prime, the challenges of building in-house brands, the impact of digital change instigated by Marc Lore at Walmart, Amazon's struggles in physical retail, and the possibility of Amazon facing antitrust actions.
For those eager to grab the book and follow Jason's work, his latest book, "Winner Sells All.", is now available in bookstores.
Make sure you tune in to find out more!
Jason Del Rey has been a business journalist for 15 years and has covered Amazon, Walmart, and the e-commerce industry for the last decade. His new book, Winner Sells All, chronicles the Amazon/Walmart rivalry and Walmart's attempts to reinvent itself over the past decade. Del Rey was also the host of the Land of the Giants podcast series about Amazon and the Code Commerce live journalism event series.
“For as powerful as Walmart is and important as Walmart is, I still think the company is kind of undercovered today, and I get it, Amazon to a lot of people is sexier, but there hadn’t been a really well-read, well-done Walmart-focused book.”
KEY TAKEAWAYS
In today’s episode, Kiri and Jason discuss:
The book discusses the tug-of-war between Amazon and Walmart, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
Amazon is facing an innovator's dilemma similar to what Walmart experienced, where promoting its online sales channel may cannibalize its profitable physical store sales.
The irony in Amazon taking Walmart's place as the retail "bully" in negotiating with suppliers.
The Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) movement promised to cut out retailers, but most brands still face challenges in gaining leverage in their relationships with retailers.
The insights from Walmart CEO Doug McMillon lack direct interviews with current Amazon executives.
The guarded PR tactics of Amazon are discussed, questioning whether it works to their advantage or if it will backfire.
The emergence of Walmart+ and its potential role in the future of Walmart is examined, considering its smaller membership compared to Amazon Prime.
The struggles of large retailers like Walmart and Amazon in building successful in-house brands are explored.
The story of Marc Lore and his attempts to bring digital change to Walmart is a focal point in the book, leaving it up to the reader to judge his success.
The sustainability of Amazon's delivery service is questioned, considering the issues it has faced.
Amazon's difficulties in thriving in physical retail, despite various initiatives, are discussed.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Connect with Kiri Masters
Learn more about Acadia
Connect with Jason Del Rey on LinkedIn, Substack, or Twitter
