Our marketing guru asked whether we should start talking about other topics aside from the Amazon Effect since there are a vast number of key topics occurring in manufacturing and distribution, and she wondered if it was becoming stale (and it’s her job to make us look at timely as possible). The answer came in from all angles – conference leaders continue to request this topic, news reporters continue to ask about it (including the Wall Street Journal in a recent conversation) and everyone is STILL talking about it.

For example, when the Ontario Chamber CEO mentioned this topic for Good Morning Ontario, it drew the largest audience to date!  OurAmazon Effect: Pass or Play: the New Sales & Distribution Game and How it Affect Manufacturers panel at the Manufacturers Summit was packed.  It was fun to participate with two heavyweights,BJ Patterson andDan Vest talking about this hot topic.  Here is a short snippet from that panel:

 Why is the Amazon Effect so compelling?

1. We are in the year of the customer – According to the 2018 predictions by the Tech Girl in thePress Enterprise, the customer was a common theme.  You don’t have to read the paper to figure that out; just look around you. Every client talks about elevated customer expectations, stemming from Amazon-like offerings.  Even my Mom’s expectations have been raised significantly – 2 day deliveries are a bit slow in her mind now.
2. Innovation trumps all – Amazon is constantly innovating and trying new ideas.  Testing drones, delivering food, leveraging technology (with their e-commerce site, in their warehouses and more), and even the classics such as Amazon Prime (one of the most successful subscription services). Are you innovating?
3. Collaborating with strange bedfellows – From the start, we have been fascinated with Amazon’s collaboration strategies.  Starting with an entity known for the opposite of innovation, the U.S. Postal Service – Amazon has been partnering with them to provide deliveries. Did you ever think you’d see a U.S. Postal truck delivering on a Sunday? Whatever you think about the recent news on this topic, it is an interesting choice for a partner.  It has not stopped there. They are partnering with Kohl’s and Whole Foods – the Whole Foods CEO spoke at the APICS International conference (after the purchase) on the collaboration, etc.
4.  Sheer size and impact – Amazon is bigger than most brick and mortar retailers put together.  As of Dec 2016, Amazon’s market value exceed Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Macy’s, Kohl’s, JC Penney, Nordstrom and Sears put together.  Currently their market value is $681 billion. In February, Amazon surpassed Microsoft for the first time. Thus, it is worth paying attention.

Are you paying attention to the Amazon effect?  You should be! If you’d like help in positioning your organization for success in today’s Amazonian environment and the year of the customer, contact us.