Episode 557: Accelerating e-commerce with Pattern

Posted on Jan 27, 2025 in Podcasts

The New Warehouse Podcast welcomes back Rob Hahn, Chief Operations Officer at Pattern. This episode explores the complexities of supply chain management in the ever-evolving world of e-commerce. Pattern, an e-commerce accelerator known for its global brand partnerships and cutting-edge technology, leverages its expertise to simplify logistics and boost growth for sellers worldwide. Rob shares insights from his Amazon career, dives into recent Amazon supply chain shifts, and provides actionable strategies for sellers preparing for 2025.

Unpacking the Role of Pattern as an E-Commerce Accelerator

Pattern’s approach to accelerating e-commerce stands out for its comprehensive services, blending logistics, inventory management, and proprietary technology. Rob explains,“We think of ourselves as a tech company at our core. We have hundreds of developers chasing big problems and using our platform to accelerate brands globally.” By investing in inventory and managing logistics, Pattern acts as an extension of its partner brands, empowering them to scale effortlessly across marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and beyond.

This unique model positions Pattern as a critical ally for brands navigating complex global marketplaces. Their emphasis on innovation ensures brands stay competitive in a fast-changing landscape.

Challenges and Lessons from Amazon’s Q4 Supply Chain Disruptions

Amazon’s Q4 2024 disruptions were a significant focus of the discussion. Rob outlined how new policies, such as regionalized cross-dock systems and introducing a two-tier network, created bottlenecks for sellers. “The regionalization Amazon went through in 2024 forced many changes,” Rob notes. Sellers faced increased costs and complexity, often needing to split shipments into multiple smaller loads.

He emphasized that while these structural shifts aimed to improve delivery speed and proximity to consumers, execution issues led to widespread delays and frustrations, particularly during peak season. Smaller sellers, lacking the density to mitigate costs, were hit hardest.

Preparing for a Better 2025: Collaboration and Strategic Planning

Rob’s advice for 2025 centers on early preparation and collaboration among sellers. “Amazon won’t solve these problems for us. We need to figure this out together,” he asserts. Pattern has embraced this philosophy by opening its state-of-the-art facility in Las Vegas, offering services like middle-mile logistics and direct-to-consumer fulfillment. With Pattern, “Sellers can share transportation costs and reduce friction by leveraging our network.” By pooling resources and adopting proactive strategies, sellers can navigate Amazon’s evolving requirements while maintaining profitability and efficiency. Hahn adds, “ I really do believe that sellers banding together and not relying on Amazon will end up being the most frictionless way.”

Key Takeaways

• Pattern supports brands globally through logistics, inventory management, and tech-driven solutions.
• Amazon’s regionalized cross-dock system increased complexity but aims to improve delivery proximity.
• Sellers can mitigate challenges by starting preparations early and leveraging collaborative opportunities like shared transportation.