IRCE 2009 Session Descriptions

Overstock.com is a survivor. It sailed through one recession and lived through a problematic technology implementation. Today, it is racking up sales growth at three times the rate of the overall market. At the same time, Overstock has narrowed its net loss by 71% and created a huge swing in operating profitability. In addition, the company recognizes that now is the time to invest in marketing and customer acquisition: In Q3, it increased marketing and advertising spending by 35% and started a nationwide mass-media campaign. CEO Patrick Byrne understands that survivors redouble their efforts as the economy shrinks. He will discuss what Overstock is doing to rise above the economic storm and how others can learn from the Overstock experience. He will talk about why the company is increasing marketing as others pull back, the important role new media and social networking play in today's economy, where Overstock is controlling costs that will not affect customers' online experience, and how the company is positioning itself to be stronger than ever when the economy recovers.