Strategic collaboration is finding the right partners to reach customers
By Chris H. Petersen
If you ask friends about eBay, most remember it as the "old auction site" where you put your stuff up for bid. Yes, many sellers still post used items on eBay auctions. To remain competitive, eBay quickly evolved to a marketplace where brands and retailers post new items for sale. However, what many have missed is how eBay is also transforming to be collaborative partner for bricks and mortar retailers. EBay has unveiled a new "Always Open" program that enables retailers to continue to market and sell products after their stores close. Always Open will be a fascinating case study of how previous "competitors" are now strategically collaborating in new ways to meet the rising expectations of customers.
Why this is important: In responding to customers escalating demands, most retailers do not have the resources to do everything in house. Finding the right partners can bridge gaps to create win-wins that will be critical for future survival.
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