Business Wars
Wondery
Netflix vs. HBO. Nike vs. Adidas. Business is war. Sometimes the prize is your wallet or your attention. Sometimes, it’s just the fun of beating the other guy. The outcome of these battles shapes what we buy and how we live. Business Wars gives you the unauthorized, real story of what drives these companies and their leaders, innovators, investors and executives to new heights -- or to ruin. Hosted by David Brown, former anchor of Marketplace. From Wondery, the network behind Against the Odds and American History Tellers.Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/business-wars/ now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 5, 2020 • 32min
Sponsored: When Small Businesses Think Big - Atari & Red Bull (Dell Podference) | 1
Discover how Atari revolutionized gaming with its iconic creation, Pong, turning the company into a powerhouse in the arcade scene. Meanwhile, learn about Dietrich Mateschitz’s rocky journey from concept to creation as he faced rejections for his energy drink. Eventually, clever marketing helped Red Bull soar in popularity, embodying the thrill of nightlife and extreme sports. Their stories underline the power of innovation and perseverance in the competitive worlds of gaming and beverages.
May 4, 2020 • 23min
Amazon vs Walmart - Food Fight! | 5
Amazon takes on Walmart by diving headfirst into the competitive world of fresh groceries, but it’s proving tougher than expected. Meanwhile, Walmart successfully blends its online grocery service with physical stores, boosting customer convenience. A new aggressive leader at Walmart, who has a personal grudge against Bezos, intensifies the competition. As tensions mount, both giants strategize to outmaneuver each other, with Amazon's surprising moves shaking up the retail landscape once again.
Apr 29, 2020 • 22min
Amazon vs Walmart - There’s No Business Like Shoe Business | 4
In a riveting discussion, Jeff Bezos, the visionary founder of Amazon, shares insights on the fierce e-commerce rivalry with Walmart. He details how Walmart pivoted to boost its online sales by acquiring successful retailers, unaware that Amazon was eyeing the same strategy. The conversation dives into the cutthroat tactics that both giants employed, particularly in the shoe market. Bezos reveals how this fierce competition shapes not only their businesses but also the future of online shopping.
Apr 27, 2020 • 24min
Amazon vs Walmart - Priming the Public | 3
Walmart starts to falter amid bad press and sluggish growth, prompting debates about its online sales strategy. Meanwhile, Amazon initiates a controversial program that shakes its internal structure while redefining e-commerce. A striking meeting reveals the stark contrasts in visions between the two retail titans. The challenges facing Walmart workers, especially amid ICE raids, highlight the human cost of corporate decisions. As tensions rise, both companies gear up for an intense battle in the evolving retail landscape.
Apr 22, 2020 • 24min
Amazon vs Walmart - Provoking the Giant | 2
In the late 90s, Walmart reigns supreme in retail, but a shifting landscape looms as Jeff Bezos disrupts the industry with Amazon. Warehouse chaos grips Bezos as he attempts to match Walmart's scale, even poaching its execs. Amid fierce competition, Walmart scrambles to adapt, launching RetailLink to modernize its supply chain. The holiday rush intensifies the pressure on Amazon's culture, revealing the toll of rapid growth. As toys become the battleground, strategies intensify, setting the stage for an epic clash between these retail giants.
Apr 20, 2020 • 23min
Amazon vs Walmart - The Big Bang Theory of E-Commerce | 1
Jeff Bezos, the visionary founder of Amazon, discusses the monumental shift in retail as he battles industry titan Walmart in the late 90s. Listeners will discover how Bezos's ambition to sell books online sparked a revolution in e-commerce. Hear about Walmart's initial dominance and its response to the online threat. As Bezos navigates numerous challenges, he reflects on the transformative power of digital sales against traditional giants. This clash ignites a fascinating conversation about the future of shopping.
Apr 15, 2020 • 23min
An Inside Look at The North Face with Former CEO Hap Klopp | 7
Hap Klopp, the visionary former CEO of The North Face, shares his journey of transforming a small outdoor store into a global powerhouse. He discusses innovative strategies he implemented, including unique product designs like the geodesic dome-shaped tent. Klopp reflects on the brand's evolution from functional gear to fashion icon and the challenges faced in sustainability. He also delves into the competitive dynamics of the outdoor industry, highlighting the balance between competition and collaboration in a rapidly changing market.
Apr 13, 2020 • 25min
The North Face vs Patagonia - Eco-Samurai | 6
In a bold move, Patagonia challenges consumers to buy less gear, sparking a revolutionary shift in sustainability. Meanwhile, The North Face scrambles to enhance its eco-initiatives, struggling to keep pace with its rival. The conversation thickens as both brands confront ethical dilemmas, including a significant wool sourcing scandal. Patagonia also stands firm against political pressures, rallying the outdoor industry to protect sensitive environments like Bears Ears. It's a thrilling tale of competition amid a greater commitment to the planet.
Apr 8, 2020 • 26min
The North Face vs Patagonia - Rescue Mission | 5
In the late 1990s, The North Face aimed for mass appeal by launching Summit Shops, but sales fell short, revealing deeper issues. As the brand battled inventory woes and financial struggles, VF Corporation saw an opportunity for acquisition. Meanwhile, Patagonia focused on sustainability, introducing innovative textile tech and its Common Threads program. The rivalry intensifies as both brands compete for eco-conscious consumers, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown over Black Friday strategies.
Apr 6, 2020 • 26min
The North Face vs Patagonia - Zen and the Art of Business | 4
In the early '90s, Yvon Chouinard grapples with his new identity as a successful entrepreneur while Patagonia navigates the tension between growth and sustainability. The North Face, under new ownership, races to dominate the market but faces financial woes. Both brands confront tough economic conditions, with Patagonia opting for organic materials despite cost challenges. Meanwhile, The North Face revels in an IPO, showcasing different strategic paths taken in an era marked by competition and environmental concerns.
