The Journal.
Amazon’s Secret Operation to Gather Intel on Rivals
Apr 29, 2024
Dana Mattioli, a dedicated WSJ reporter, uncovers the secretive world of Amazon's 'Big River,' a covert operation gathering intel on rivals like Walmart and eBay. She delves into Project Curiosity, revealing their unconventional tactics and how it evolved from enhancing seller experiences to invasive competitor research. The podcast highlights Amazon's strategic maneuvers to sell on Walmart.com and the legal implications of these deceptive practices. Mattioli discusses the retail industry's reaction to this undercover operation and the potential for regulatory changes.
21:10
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Quick takeaways
- Amazon used shell company 'Big River' to spy on rivals globally through covert operations.
- The revelation of Amazon's secret intel gathering raises legal concerns and prompts industry reflection on oversight of seller platforms.
Deep dives
Amazon's Shell Company for Rival Intelligence
Big River Services International, a seemingly generic business, was revealed to be an Amazon shell company gathering information on rivals. Amazon's Project Curiosity disguised as Big River researched competitors beyond typical methods. Through Big River, Amazon went global, creating fake brands and gathering competitor pricing and logistics data.
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