
Bridging European and American Markets with Luca Niccolai
02/09/24 • 32 min
Luca Niccolai, Italian origins, with 25 years of experience in fulfillment, transport and commercial developments. CEO of various European companies and entrepreneur, globe trotter for work and passion, 10 months ago he moved from Germany to Chicago to contribute to the strategic commercial development of Arvato in the Consumer Products sector: Fashion & Apparel, Beauty & Cosmetics, Luxury and Sport.
SHOW SUMMARY
In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan and Ninaad are joined by Luca Niccolai to share his insights on the challenges and strategies for European companies looking to enter the US market. He discusses the differences between the European and US supply chain strategies, the importance of system integration, and the expectations of clients in both markets. Luca also highlights the need for networking and partnerships to generate leads and the growing demand for real-time visibility in the supply chain.
HIGHLIGHTS
[00:01:57] Overview of Arvato Supply Chain Solutions
[00:05:25] Luca's move to the US market and focus on consumer products
[00:09:40] Challenges European companies face in the US market
[00:11:50] Importance of preparing and finding the right logistics partner
[00:13:12] Considerations for system integration and understanding the local market
[00:15:00] Importance of partnering with a logistics company for IT integration
[00:18:59] Differences in client expectations between European and North American markets
[00:22:45] Interest in integrating operations with new sales channels like the Metaverse
[00:25:34] Adaptation to the difference between just-in-time manufacturing in Europe and just-in-time delivery in the US
[00:28:26] Approach to expanding sales in the US and comparison to European tactics
QUOTES
[00:11:43] “European companies need to prepare themselves in the right way before entering the US market.”
[00:18:59] "US clients expect new solutions and are open to testing new technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics."
Find out more about Luca Niccolai in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-niccolai/
Subscribe and Keep Learning!
If you’re a logistics leader looking to scale sustainably, don’t miss out! Subscribe for more expert strategies on tackling modern supply chain challenges.
Be sure to follow and tag the eCom Logistics Podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube
Luca Niccolai, Italian origins, with 25 years of experience in fulfillment, transport and commercial developments. CEO of various European companies and entrepreneur, globe trotter for work and passion, 10 months ago he moved from Germany to Chicago to contribute to the strategic commercial development of Arvato in the Consumer Products sector: Fashion & Apparel, Beauty & Cosmetics, Luxury and Sport.
SHOW SUMMARY
In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan and Ninaad are joined by Luca Niccolai to share his insights on the challenges and strategies for European companies looking to enter the US market. He discusses the differences between the European and US supply chain strategies, the importance of system integration, and the expectations of clients in both markets. Luca also highlights the need for networking and partnerships to generate leads and the growing demand for real-time visibility in the supply chain.
HIGHLIGHTS
[00:01:57] Overview of Arvato Supply Chain Solutions
[00:05:25] Luca's move to the US market and focus on consumer products
[00:09:40] Challenges European companies face in the US market
[00:11:50] Importance of preparing and finding the right logistics partner
[00:13:12] Considerations for system integration and understanding the local market
[00:15:00] Importance of partnering with a logistics company for IT integration
[00:18:59] Differences in client expectations between European and North American markets
[00:22:45] Interest in integrating operations with new sales channels like the Metaverse
[00:25:34] Adaptation to the difference between just-in-time manufacturing in Europe and just-in-time delivery in the US
[00:28:26] Approach to expanding sales in the US and comparison to European tactics
QUOTES
[00:11:43] “European companies need to prepare themselves in the right way before entering the US market.”
[00:18:59] "US clients expect new solutions and are open to testing new technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics."
Find out more about Luca Niccolai in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-niccolai/
Subscribe and Keep Learning!
If you’re a logistics leader looking to scale sustainably, don’t miss out! Subscribe for more expert strategies on tackling modern supply chain challenges.
Be sure to follow and tag the eCom Logistics Podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube
Previous Episode

Creating Integrated Supply Chain Solutions with Sean Henry
Sean Henry is the CEO and co-founder of Stord, a logistics and technology provider for high-growth, omnichannel brands like Athletic Greens, Seed Health, Native, Tula, and many more. Stord has been on the Inc 5000 list for three years in a row, and was valued at $1.3 billion at its most recent funding round.
SHOW SUMMARY
In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, we delve into the intricacies of eCommerce logistics with Sean Henry. From the fragmented nature of third-party logistics to the importance of integrated supply chain solutions, Sean shares insights garnered from his journey and highlights the critical role of sophisticated parcel TMCs in optimizing costs and speeds for brands of all sizes.
HIGHLIGHTS
[00:02:48] Unlocking Innovation - The Power of Young Entrepreneurs in Industries
[00:08:08] Amazon-Like Experience - Integrating Digital and Logistics Coordination
[00:09:36] Overcoming Fragmentation - Challenges in Achieving Optimal Logistics Efficiency
[00:10:59] E-commerce Fulfillment Challenges - Navigating Shipping Speeds and Real-Time Tracking
[00:13:30] Prime-Like Logistics - Coordinating Delivery Speeds Across Multiple Channels
[00:19:15] Revenue Volatility - Sustainable Models for Logistics Success
[00:29:16] Business Model Adaptability - Navigating Disruptions in Organizations
[00:30:00] Evolution of "For People" Model - Technology's Role in Optimizing Warehouse Capacities
[00:31:12] Software in Warehouse Operations - Shift towards High-Touch E-commerce Fulfillment
QUOTES
[00:20:38] "Quality of revenue is kind of point one and premise... if I can't point to why every dollar of my revenue is getting what that customer is getting from me that they can't get elsewhere and how they're getting a return on their investment, then it's fickle revenue."
[00:37:18] "Logistics needs to go a little beyond and get into the commercial side of the universe... logistics has a direct implication for you to be able to make a good margin decision on that inventory."
Find out more about Sean Henry in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shenry96/
Subscribe and Keep Learning!
If you’re a logistics leader looking to scale sustainably, don’t miss out! Subscribe for more expert strategies on tackling modern supply chain challenges.
Be sure to follow and tag the eCom Logistics Podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube
Next Episode

Manifest 2024 Recap: From Tech Innovations to Strategic Partnerships with Peter Sheldon and Harshida Acharya
With over 20 years of experience in eCommerce technologies, Peter Sheldon is a recognized industry leader and former VP and Principal Analyst at Forrester Research. He has helped numerous eCommerce executives and brands to challenge their thinking and lead change in their digital transformation and commerce technology programs.
As the SVP Strategy and Growth at Maergo, Peter sets the strategic vision and drives the market expansion for a first-of-its-kind parcel delivery platform, purpose-built for branded direct-to-consumer delivery. He leverages his deep expertise and network in eCommerce platforms, mobile commerce, content management, payment systems, and supply chain technologies to create innovative solutions and partnerships that disrupt the incumbent carriers and empower the largest and fastest growing brands to increase sales and customer satisfaction. Peter is passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences and enabling the future of eCommerce.
Harshida Acharya, Partner and CSO at Fulfillment IQ, has played a significant role in the company's multi-million-dollar growth. She is recognized as a top eCom Influencer by Shopify. Her expert insights have been published in Forbes, Industry Dive, and Supply Chain and Demand Executive, to name a few.
Harshida wears multiple hats. She's also the creator and producer of the eCom Logistics Podcast, a podcast ranked amongst the top 5% globally and is one of the most shared business podcasts of all times. She is also actively involved in venture capital firms, serving as an investor, member, and advisor to emerging startups.
Harshida's a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, actively fostering a community of women in supply chain and mentoring the next generation of professionals. Her efforts have earned her recognition, including the Women in Supply Chain 2023 Award.
SHOW SUMMARY
In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya share their experiences and key takeaways from Manifest 2024, a premier e-commerce and logistics conference. During the conference, Ninaad is joined by Harshida and Peter to discuss the focus on the evolving landscape of returns, last-mile delivery challenges, and the transformative power of partnerships and emerging technologies in the e-commerce supply chain.
HIGHLIGHTS
[00:00:22] Partnering for Data Power: Explore the transformative potential of partnerships in the e-commerce space, emphasizing the sharing of data among vendors to drive efficiency and overcome challenges.
[00:01:42] Manifest 2024 Highlights: A deep dive into the significance of Manifest 2024, discussing the unique mix of attendees, emerging companies, and the event's LinkedIn in real life (IRL) vibe.
[00:05:19] E-commerce Market Opportunities: Insights into integration work as a growing opportunity in the market, with a focus on transportation, last-mile delivery, and the strategic placement of investment dollars.
[00:08:43] Last Mile Evolution: Uncover the importance of last-mile delivery in the e-commerce landscape, exploring strategies to streamline and optimize this critical aspect of the supply chain.
[00:11:29] AI and People in Harmony: Understand the role of AI in e-commerce while emphasizing the synergy between technology and human involvement, particularly in the context of automation and upskilling.
[00:18:40] Data-Driven Returns Management: A closer look at leveraging data to tackle the challenges of returns, including bracketing and the potential for retailers to adjust return policies based on consumer behavior.
[00:22:18] Resale and Circular Economy: Delve into the rising importance of the circular economy, resale markets, and how brands are actively participating in sustainable practices.
[00:27:29] 2024 Tech Outlook: Explore the shifting dynamics in technology investments for 2024, with a focus on enhancing the consumer experience, accelerating shipping, and adapting to the changing economic landscape.
QUOTES
[00:05:52] "There's a big opportunity in the market for integration work, and a lot of conversation around all things integrations."
[00:11:11] "As leaders focus on providing the right tools to your employees, it enriches the quality of their life and work."
[00:18:40] "The data allows us to challenge the norms of, 'It's either free returns or it's not.'"
[00:22:18] "The dynamics are changing so fast, between liquidation B2B, B2C, and things like resale."
Find out more about Peter Sheldon in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petersheldon/
Subscribe and Keep Learning!
If you’re a logistics leader looking to scale sustainably, don’t miss out! Subscribe for more expert strategies on tackling ...
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