25 Years on the Digital Rails: 10 Lessons I’ve Learned in Ecommerce
Richard Davies
Managing Director | Hatton’s Model Railways Ltd
Richard Davies is the Managing Director of Hatton’s Model Railways Ltd, a pioneering ecommerce family business that served a global community of railway enthusiasts for over 25 years. Under his leadership, Hatton’s transformed from a small family business into a respected online retail brand — before closing its doors in 2024 due to market shifts.
Since launching Hatton’s Model Railways online in the dial-up days of the late ’90s, I’ve spent over two decades riding the highs, lows, and unexpected turns of online retail. I’ve learned a thing or ten ecommerce lessons about building an ecommerce business in a niche market.
Join me to uncover:
- The evolution of online retail — from basic websites to global brand platforms;
- The power of community — and why your best customers should also be your biggest advocates;
- The importance of adaptability — and how to thrive when the only constant is change;
- How staying customer-focused can turn a niche business into an international success story.
If you want real-world ecommerce insights from the long haul, hop aboard — this session is for you.
Watch the Session
Richard shares 25 years of ecommerce lessons — from dial-up days to global success — revealing how niche brands can grow by staying adaptable and customer-first.
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