Rishi Taparia - Issue #74
This week we look at the best of 2018, the holiday season retail sales, Hans Morris’ view on fintech investing, Apple’s decision to manufacture iPhones in India, Isaac Asimov’s predictions for 2019 (from 1984…) and more! Enjoy.
2018: a word of thanks and a request!
In this final newsletter of the year I wanted to first thank all of you for choosing to add this to your reading list. I do my best to curate relevant and interesting content for your inboxes every week based on what I’ve read, offering my quick take in order to provide context, rationale and spark some curiosity that may not have existed previously. In an effort to improve, I love your feedback and input. Thank you again, and I hope you have a great 2019 ahead!
Newsletter Feedback Form
The 2018 feedback form!
2018's Greatest Hits
The top articles from this newsletter, as determined by your clicks!
Commerce
Stores Finishing the Holidays on a High Note
It’s been quite the holiday season for retailers as stores have met the lofty sales expectations set by analysts. Retail sales were up over 5% Y-o-Y, with in store sales up 4.2%. Ecommerce sales were a major driver, up 18%. Retailers continue to reap the benefits of a strong U.S. economy and rising consumer confidence, but with the continued political uncertainty and turbulent markets, consumer confidence could be waning.
Amazon Alexa Shopping Tripled as Bose, Nerf Topped Holiday Sales
Voice commerce continues to gain popularity, as Amazon reported that Alexa shopping tripled this holiday season compared to last. That being said, no specifics on how many voice orders. What they were specific about: Amazon shipped more than one billion products for free through its Amazon Prime subscription service. Yowza.
Sears Is Dying, but Workers’ Loyalty Lives On
During a week where Sears is looking to get saved from bankruptcy with much of the focus on revenues, store closures and getting beat by Amazon, this was a tremendous piece on the community that Sears built amongst its employees who, despite some having not worked for the retail giant in 20 years, still gather for ‘alumni reunions’.
Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Ralph Lauren
A very cool and interactive look at Ralph Lauren (celebrating their 50th anniversary) and everything you need to know about the brand’s rich history.
FinTech
Nyca Partners’ Hans Morris hunts for great fintech investments amid volatility
I’ve had the chance to get to know Hans Morris of Nyca over the last 4 years since he invested in Poynt. He is among the most thoughtful and experienced fintech investors around. When he talks, it’s worth listening. During this condensed interview between Hans and Gregg Schoenberg of TechCrunch, they discuss the needs of fintech companies, where valuations are going, M&A prospects and more.
Technology
Exclusive: Foxconn to begin assembling top-end Apple iPhones in India in 2019
Incredible India. Apple will begin assembling its top-end iPhones in India through the local unit of Foxconn as early as 2019, the first time the Taiwanese contract manufacturer will have made the product in the country, according to a source familiar with the matter. A important move on a number of levels, not least of which is an Apple’s assessment of the current trade negotiations between the US and China.
How Netflix works: the (hugely simplified) complex stuff that happens every time you hit Play
There’s a lot that goes in to your 12 hour Netflix binge, and no, it’s not the nachos.
Random Tidbits
35 years ago, Isaac Asimov was asked by the Star to predict the world of 2019. Here is what he wrote
35 years ago Isaac Asimov wrote a piece for The Star predicting what the world would look like in 2019. Talk about prescience.
The Relentlessness of Modern Parenting
As a new parent, I’m guaranteed to click a headline like this. I found myself silently nodding along as an argument was made that parenthood in the United States has become much more demanding than it used to be.
New Life for Old Classics, as Their Copyrights Run Out
Get ready for a deluge of classics (and spinoffs!) to hit the market in 2019 thanks to copyrights running out.
Quote I’ve been thinking about: “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language, And next year’s words await another voice.” ― T.S. Eliot