Spotlight: Tracy Foohey, Unpacking the E-commerce Ecosystem

Tracy's role is to assess the value of a company's inventory, with a special focus on the e-commerce segment. She explains that this isn't a one-size-fits-all process. "I focus on understanding the trends and changes within the e-commerce segment as a whole and how it impacts various industries and the development of our liquidation strategy."

Her expertise spans everything from dedicated e-commerce companies to multi-channel businesses and wholesalers who use platforms like Amazon. With 24 years at the company, Tracy has witnessed firsthand the significant changes in this industry, and this evolution is what keeps her engaged.

She's particularly excited about how new data from full-scale e-commerce and Amazon FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) liquidations are helping her team develop more accurate "real-world values." This experience is crucial for navigating an area where companies' operational models can change from one appraisal to the next.

One of the biggest misconceptions Tracy encounters is the idea that selling online is a simple and straight path to success. She's quick to point out that while it is a good way to reach more people quickly, it can be very costly, and she shares that "advertising and shipping are two very important costs to understand."

To get a realistic picture, Tracy relies on a company's profit and loss statements. This document is key to understanding the revenue, margins, and detailed expenses tied to any e-commerce channel. For a wholesale business, she also stresses the importance of understanding sales by channel and customer to fully grasp the company's relationships with fulfillment partners. This deep-dive approach ensures that her team's appraisals are both efficient and realistic.

Tracy's expertise isn't just limited to the office. As a mom of three teenage daughters, she's constantly on the front lines of consumer trends, whether it's shopping through traditional retail, e-commerce, or social platforms. "They keep me updated with the latest trends," she says.

This personal insight, combined with her decade of experience in the retail industry before joining the company, gives her a unique and valuable perspective. She's seen the retail business from all sides, and she's always open to new ideas, approaching each appraisal with a fresh perspective.