Business Wars
Audible
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.Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of Business Wars ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.
Episodes
Mentioned books
13 snips
Jul 5, 2023 • 35min
Subway vs Quiznos | Subs Rising | 1
Discover the surprising origins of Subway as a young Fred DeLuca faces early challenges in Bridgeport. Their first day turns into a success amidst kitchen chaos. Meanwhile, across the country, Quiznos emerges with unique toasted subs and innovative recipes. Learn about the pivotal partnership that transforms DeLuca's venture into a sandwich empire, as both brands navigate fierce competition and strategic growth. It's a tasty tale of ambition, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of success in the fast-food industry!
26 snips
Jun 29, 2023 • 37min
Best of Business Wars Daily | Slicing Up the Sandwich King | 6
Join Sam Oches, the editorial director of Nations Restaurant News, and comedian Kyle Kinane as they tackle the evolving fast food landscape. Discover how Subway is revamping its image with in-store meat slicers and family-friendly setups. They also discuss the impact of technology, like AI and EV charging stations, on attracting younger diners. Plus, engage in a humorous exploration of Chipotle's grain bowl ambitions and the innovative, sometimes wacky, future of dining with robots and pneumatic tubes!
25 snips
Jun 28, 2023 • 38min
Target vs Walmart | 'Target' Demographics | 5
Retail reporter Sarah Nassauer, who has spent nearly a decade at the Wall Street Journal covering giants like Target and Walmart, shares fascinating insights into the competitive dynamics of these two retail titans. She discusses their contrasting cultures, innovative marketing strategies, and how each is adapting to the e-commerce surge. Nasauer highlights unique approaches to consumer engagement, especially in grocery sales and fashion offerings, revealing how community dynamics and demographics shape shopper loyalty in today’s evolving market.
25 snips
Jun 21, 2023 • 37min
Target vs Walmart | Bricks and Bytes | 4
In 2013, Target grapples with a massive data breach, stirring chaos as it struggles to regain consumer trust. Meanwhile, Walmart zeroes in on the threat from Amazon. Target's new CEO must make swift moves to salvage the Canadian expansion amidst potential retreat. As Target launches innovative brands like Cat& Jack, financial anxieties loom. The rivalry intensifies with Target's $7 billion store remodel versus Walmart's grocery-driven stability, setting the stage for a captivating retail showdown.
25 snips
Jun 14, 2023 • 40min
Target vs Walmart | Wardrobe Malfunction | 3
In 2005, Walmart was reeling from a tough holiday season and needed a strategy to counter Target's growing success with chic fashion lines. The confrontation between their executives revealed Walmart’s bid to launch Metro 7 to reclaim shoppers. As Walmart celebrated growth, Target faced crises, including a staggering inventory inaccuracy that rattled operations. The battle for expansion in Canada further intensified the rivalry, showcasing how both giants navigated economic pressures and shifting consumer trends.
22 snips
Jun 7, 2023 • 38min
Target vs Walmart | The Beast from Bentonville | 2
In the 1990s retail showdown, Walmart faces intense scrutiny over ethical practices as Target positions itself as the friendly alternative. Target seizes on Walmart's vulnerabilities, sparking fierce competition. Explore Target's bold leap into upscale design through collaborations, transforming its image. Meanwhile, Walmart struggles to adapt with aggressive pricing strategies during the holidays. The podcast dives deep into the rivalry, examining how both giants navigate shifts in consumer expectations and market dynamics.
27 snips
May 31, 2023 • 37min
Target vs Walmart | Retail Rumble | 1
In the fiery landscape of 1960s retail, two giants emerge: Walmart and Target. Discover how Sam Walton courageously launches Walmart amid fierce competition and financial struggles, while Target navigates its identity crisis. The podcast dives into Walmart's bold acquisition strategies and technological leaps that reshape the retail game. Customers face frustrations at Target, prompting urgent calls for service improvements. The rivalry escalates with dramatic bidding wars, showcasing the relentless battle for market dominance.
17 snips
May 25, 2023 • 29min
Best of Business Wars Daily | Add to Cart | 7
Join comedian Kat Alvarado, known for her debut comedy album 'Off-White', and Karin Vembar, editor at Retail Dive, as they dive into the booming trend of secondhand fashion and the rise of e-commerce platforms like Depop. They explore how fast-fashion brands are rebranding for Gen Z, the ethical dilemmas consumers face, and the complexities surrounding diversity initiatives in fashion. With humor and insight, they unpack the evolving landscape of retail, sustainability, and consumer behavior.
May 24, 2023 • 28min
Encore: Crypto Wars | Zuckerpunch | 6
In 2017, the cryptocurrency bubble is about to burst, revealing the volatile nature of the market. The Winklevoss twins are challenged by Mark Zuckerberg's ambitious plans to position Facebook in global finance. As Bitcoin soars past $10,000, scammers flourish, particularly the infamous BitConnect scheme, ensnaring unsuspecting investors. Meanwhile, Coinbase faces a legal battle over data reporting amidst fierce competition with Binance. The podcast highlights the striking contrasts between crypto culture and traditional finance, capturing a pivotal moment in financial disruption.
8 snips
May 24, 2023 • 27min
Encore: Crypto Wars | New Kids on the Blockchain | 5
Vitalik Buterin, the 19-year-old creator of Ethereum, shares his journey of revolutionizing the blockchain landscape. He discusses the inception of Ethereum, its smart contract capabilities, and the subsequent explosion of new cryptocurrencies. He highlights the chaos of Coinbase amid a surge of new investors and the impact of celebrity endorsements on the crypto market. Buterin also touches on the rising tensions within companies navigating fluctuating cryptocurrencies and the intense competition from emerging platforms like Robinhood.
