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
46 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 40min
Price Wars: The Fall of Dollar Stores | Shrinkage | 2
Dollar stores face a rocky road after rapid growth. Issues like rats, burglaries, and unhappy workers plague their profitability. Community leaders voice concerns about their impact on food deserts and public health. The pandemic shifts the landscape, benefiting some stores but leaving others, like Family Dollar, struggling with renovations. A former CEO aims to revive Dollar Tree amid rising inflation. New competitors like Temu add more pressure, making survival in the discount retail sector more challenging than ever.
114 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 40min
Price Wars: The Fall of Dollar Stores | Billionaire Tug of War | 1
Explore the fascinating rise and fall of dollar stores as Wall Street's darlings turn into financial woes. Discover how Dollar General cleverly adapts to shifting demands while Family Dollar grapples with takeover threats. The rivalry intensifies with corporate maneuvers and strategic shifts creating a thrilling landscape of discount retail wars. Understand the emotional toll on budget-conscious shoppers and the high-stakes negotiations behind the scenes, all set against the backdrop of America's changing economy.
50 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 40min
Spanx vs Skims | Kim-Oh-No | 2
Kim Kardashian's leap into the shapewear game creates sparks as she challenges industry giant Spanx. From her early fandom of Spanx to launching Skims, the tension between celebrity and entrepreneurship unfolds. Navigating backlash over cultural sensitivity reveals the challenges of brand identity. The competition heats up as Kardashian employs innovative marketing, while Spanx grapples with maintaining its dominance amidst evolving consumer preferences. The rivalry showcases the volatile dynamics of the shapewear industry and the pursuit of body positivity.
37 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 42min
Spanx vs Skims | Not Your Grandmother’s Girdle | 1
Discover how a fashion emergency at the Cannes Film Festival led to a revolutionary idea for shapewear. Dive into the fierce competition between Spanx and Skims, and witness the incredible journey from a pair of modified pantyhose to industry-changing innovations. Learn about the challenges faced by the fearless founder, including a high-stakes pitch and the monumental moment of appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show. It’s a tale of resilience, empowerment, and the quest for body positivity in the evolving fashion landscape.
Mar 13, 2025 • 39min
What Killed Red Lobster? | Chain Reaction | 3
Join Jordan Myrick, a food enthusiast and writer for Sporked, as he dishes on the surprising comeback of chain restaurants like Red Lobster. He tackles why nostalgia is driving this trend and whether frozen versions of beloved dishes like Cheddar Bay biscuits can save the brand. Myrick shares his tasting adventures and muses on the cultural shift towards chain dining that resonates with millennials and Gen Z. Expect laughs and food revelations as he questions what it truly means to savor a nostalgic meal.
Mar 12, 2025 • 32min
What Killed Red Lobster? | Swimming with Sharks | 2
Red Lobster aims for a comeback with bold ideas, including the allure of endless shrimp. However, the chain grapples with surprising consumer appetites and service issues. The conversation dives into financial turmoil and ownership struggles, with the new CEO facing harsh critiques. Marketing missteps lead to significant setbacks, including bankruptcy concerns. Despite daunting challenges, there's a flicker of hope as new strategies aim to draw in younger diners and rejuvenate the brand.
81 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 41min
What Killed Red Lobster? | Caught in the Net | 1
Red Lobster revolutionized how Americans enjoyed seafood, but its rise came with hidden pitfalls. The infamous 'endless shrimp' promotion backfired, dragging the chain into financial strife. Mismanagement and outdated software added to the turmoil. As it fights to modernize under new leadership, the restaurant faces the challenge of appealing to a younger crowd while honoring its loyal base. The story offers crucial lessons in consumer behavior and the complexities of restaurateur decisions.
59 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 32min
TikTok vs the U.S.A. | A Ticking Clock | 4
In this discussion, Sho-Zi Chu, the CEO of TikTok, navigates the stormy waters of U.S. legislation requiring ByteDance to sell the app or face a ban by January 2025. He sheds light on TikTok's legal strategies to challenge the government and the uncertainty looming over the company's future. The conversation highlights declining user retention and dissatisfaction, the rivalry with Meta, and the shifting political landscape that influences TikTok's fate. Chu also touches on the rallying support from users and the interest of billionaires in acquiring the platform.
80 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 32min
TikTok vs the U.S.A. | Too Big to Fail | 3
TikTok faces intense scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers over data privacy and potential Chinese government access. The app ramps up lobbying efforts, trying to rally its millions of American users against proposed bans. As tensions escalate, TikTok prepares for a legal battle while navigating the complex political landscape. Lawmakers grapple with the challenge of addressing public fears without stifling innovation. The podcast highlights the high stakes and potential consequences for the platform's future in America.
96 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 34min
TikTok vs the U.S.A. | Reeling | 2
TikTok faces mounting pressure from the U.S. government, forcing a potential sale to survive. The fallout from President Trump's executive order brings challenges while a new administration offers a glimmer of hope. With reports questioning TikTok's honesty on user privacy and competition from Facebook intensifying, the platform's future hangs in the balance. This tumultuous period showcases the intricate dance of geopolitics and corporate survival in the social media landscape.
