In Part 1, I laid out how to think about physical networks. For logistics, that means lots of warehouses and trucks doing various routes between them. In Part 2, I talked about one of the big competitive advantages of logistics networks, which is network effects. Note: These are significantly different than the network effects we […]
Category Archives: Bargaining Power with Suppliers / Purchasing Economies
Can Dingdong Win in Groceries and Specialty Ecommerce? (Tech Strategy – Podcast 90)
Dingdong is a Chinese specialty ecommerce player focused on fresh groceries. It has gone public while still operating profit negative, but brings to mind a similar situation with Meituan at IPO. Jeffrey Towson argues that Dingdong’s success will depend on its ability to build a strong logistics network and scale its operations.
Walmart, JD and Purchasing Economies at Traditional and Online Retailers (Tech Strategy – Daily Lesson / Update)
When you look for big competitive advantages on the cost side, it is usually about economies of scale – when a company with a larger volume has a lower per unit cost. Or, to be more precise, when a company has… …lower per unit costs based on a higher volume of production or throughput being […]
When Will Didi Become Profitable? (Asia Tech Strategy – Daily Lesson / Update)
The Didi financials are finally out. And they are an interesting mix of good and bad. Didi has market dominance and tech leadership in the largest market for shared mobility. But it is also chronically unprofitable. For investors, this could be a fantastic opportunity. Because Didi’s ongoing losses will scare off investors and likely lower […]
Shein Is Low-Priced DTC Apparel at the Speed of Algorithms. Is This a New Moat or Just Table Stakes? (Tech Strategy – Podcast 83)
In this podcast, Jeffrey Towson discusses the rise of Shein, a Chinese fast fashion retailer that has become one of the most popular online apparel brands in the world. He argues that Shein’s success is due to its low prices, its use of algorithms to design and market its products, and its rapid shipping times. He concludes that Shein is a disruptive force in the fashion industry and that its success could have implications for other retailers.
Is Shein’s “Ultra-Fast Fashion” Model Hype? I Think It’s Mostly a Low-Priced Apparel Story. (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)
Shein, a cross-border online DTC retailer, is transforming the fashion industry with its agile digital marketing and real-time fashion strategies. Founded by Chris Xu in 2008, Shein has grown to become a dominant player in the US fashion market, with its business model drawing significant attention. This article provides a comprehensive look into how Shein has upgraded fast fashion and its impact on the fashion industry.
How Coupang Is Building a Competitive Fortress in South Korea (Tech Strategy – Podcast 70)
Coupang is a South Korean e-commerce company that is building a competitive fortress in its home market. The company has a number of advantages, including economies of scale, a strong distribution network, and a focus on customer service. Coupang is also investing heavily in technology, which could give it an edge over its competitors.
Economies of Scale and Switching Costs According to 7 Powers (Tech Strategy – Podcast 64)
In this insightful episode of Tech Strategy Podcast, we explore the concepts of economies of scale and switching costs. Understand how these key business principles impact the competitive dynamics in the tech industry. Join us for a deep dive into the strategies that successful tech companies in Asia employ to gain a competitive edge.