This episode offers an invaluable mid-year audit of ecommerce trends and strategies for 2026. The operators discuss navigating geopolitical impacts on consumer spending, the surprising resurgence of Amazon as a high-growth channel, and the evolving landscape of channel-specific product assortments. Key insights include leveraging Amazon's current low competition and the strategic advantage of tailoring products for platforms like Amazon and TikTok Shop.
Key takeaways
Amazon is experiencing a resurgence in 2026 as a high-growth channel due to decreased competition; leaning into it can yield significant YOY growth even for established brands.
Develop channel-specific product assortments for platforms like Amazon and TikTok Shop, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, to optimize for each channel's unique demands and customer base.
Prioritize maximizing total dollar profit over strict adherence to high gross margins, especially when expanding into new channels, as increased volume can lead to higher overall EBITDA.
Leverage AI tools like Claude Code for supply chain optimization and operational efficiency, integrating them with existing ERP systems to automate tasks and improve data access.
Stay agile and be prepared to adapt to unforeseen global events and their impact on consumer behavior and supply chains. Regularly audit performance and pivot strategies quickly based on changing market conditions.
“Whoever can spend the most money is going to win.” Sean Frank (CEO, Ridge), Matt Bertulli (CEO, Pela Case & Lomi), Jason Panzer (President, HexClad), and Mike Beckham (CEO, Simple Modern) audit the first half of 2026. The focus is a sound ecommerce growth strategy for Q3 and Q4. No guests, no fluff. Just what worked, what blew up, and where they’re placing their bets. Amazon leads the conversation, with Sean up over 100% year over year on full assortment parity and Mike beating Liquid IV on a $4 blended CAC. Wholesale gets a harder look, with Sean holding a big-three PO and an 18-month runway to shelf. The group then pulls apart margin profile as a competitive weapon, why most consumable brands are quietly heading toward a reckoning, and what it takes to set a spending floor competitors cannot match. Powered ByFulfilhttps://9ops.co/fulfil Aftersellhttps://9ops.co/4i3bb5Richpanelhttps://9ops.co/richpanelNorthbeamhttps://www.northbeam.io/Saras Analyticshttps://bit.ly/4a3gzVvPostscripthttps://9ops.co/postscriptOperators Newsletterhttps://9operators.com/
What does this episode say about amazon & marketplaces?
Amazon is experiencing a resurgence in 2026 as a high-growth channel due to decreased competition; leaning into it can yield significant YOY growth even for established brands.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Develop channel-specific product assortments for platforms like Amazon and TikTok Shop, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, to optimize for each channel's unique demands and customer base.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Prioritize maximizing total dollar profit over strict adherence to high gross margins, especially when expanding into new channels, as increased volume can lead to higher overall EBITDA.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Leverage AI tools like Claude Code for supply chain optimization and operational efficiency, integrating them with existing ERP systems to automate tasks and improve data access.
What does this episode say about amazon & marketplaces?
Stay agile and be prepared to adapt to unforeseen global events and their impact on consumer behavior and supply chains. Regularly audit performance and pivot strategies quickly based on changing market conditions.
