Buy Now, Pay Later has been growing in popularity, especially with economic uncertainty impacting buying patterns. Unfortunately, the model is ripe for unscrupulous companies to take advantage of consumers, prompting the CFPB to take action.

The agency outlined its guidelines in a post on its site.

Accordingly, Buy Now, Pay Later lenders must provide consumers some key legal protections and rights that apply to conventional credit cards. These include a right to dispute charges and demand a refund from the lender after returning a product purchased with a Buy Now, Pay Later loan. The CFPB launched its inquiry into the rapidly expanding Buy Now, Pay Later market more than two years ago and continues to see consumer complaints related to refunds and disputed transactions. Today’s action will help bring consistency to this market.

The CFPB highlights how much Buy Now, Pay Later has expanded, being used for both products and services that traditionally were never considered for the model.

The Buy Now, Pay Later market has expanded rapidly over the past few years. Lenders advertise buying products over four simple payments. Products are marketed as a way to help consumers pay for expensive products and services over time without having to pay interest. Today, both products, like televisions and gaming systems, and services, like airline tickets and cruises, can be purchased through Buy Now, Pay Later products. Buy Now, Pay Later products are popular across ages, races, and income levels.

“When consumers check out and choose Buy Now, Pay Later, they don’t know if they will get a refund if they return their product or whether the lender will help them if they didn’t get what was promised,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “Regardless of whether a shopper swipes a credit card or uses Buy Now, Pay Later, they are entitled to important consumer protections under longstanding laws and regulations already on the books.”

Buy Now, Pay Later lenders must meet requirements outlined in the Truth in Lending Act, including:

• Investigate disputes: Buy Now, Pay Later lenders must investigate disputes that consumers initiate. Lenders must also pause payment requirements during the investigation and sometimes must issue credits.
• Refund returned products or canceled services: When consumers return products or cancel services for a refund, Buy Now, Pay Later lenders must credit the refunds to consumers’ accounts.
• Provide billing statements: Consumers must receive periodic billing statements like the ones received for classic credit card accounts.

The guidelines should go a long way toward protecting consumers from unethical lenders.

Walmart has enjoyed being the top retailer and #1 on Fortune’s list for years, but Amazon is closing that gap and may soon take the top spot. According to The Wall Street Journal, Walmart’s sales last year came in at $648 billion, growing at a rate of 6%. Meanwhile, Amazon’s revenue came in at $575 billion, with a growth rate of 12%.

The numbers alone don’t tell the whole story, however, but still pose a major problem for Walmart. The vast majority of the company’s revenue comes directly from retail sales. In contrast, a large portion of Amazon’s revenue comes from its other businesses, such as cloud computing.

WSJ’s sources say this difference is a concern among Walmart executives, since the company’s opportunities to compete with Amazon outside of retail sales are limited. Instead, Walmart execs seem to be focusing on providing the best service and being the best corporate citizen, as opposed to being the biggest, in what may be an acknowledgment of the inevitable.

That narrative appears to already be making its way into the company’s official stance, with a company spokeswoman telling WSJ that Walmart is “constantly striving to be the best version of ourselves, staying true to our values and offering quality, affordable goods and services. Everything else will take care of itself.”

Walmart is trying to diversify its revenue sources. One such attempt involves the company teaming up with Salesforce to sell its fulfillment and delivery software and solutions to other companies. Despite such efforts, Walmart still can’t compare to Amazon’s extra-retail revenue.

As WSJ points out, the one stronghold Walmart still has is groceries, but Amazon is making headway even there, with the company projected to take 20% of the US grocery market by the end of the decade.

Walmart is working to streamline operations, shutting down its Walmart Health initiative and eliminating hundreds of corporate jobs. The company is also taking a page out of Amazon’s book, launching its Walmart+ subscription service to take on Amazon Prime.

Only time will tell if such measures—along with its diversification efforts—help the retail giant fend off Amazon

Amazon has been investing in its drone service, working to speed up the last stage of the delivery process. The company previously launched the service in College Station, Texas in mid-2022. The company says it is now adding West Valley Phoenix Metro Area to its service area.

We’re now adding a new location and entering into the next stage of the program’s evolution. Later this year, drone deliveries are coming to the West Valley of the Phoenix Metro Area in Arizona.

With this new location, we’ll be fully integrated into Amazon’s delivery network, meaning, for the first time, drones will deploy from facilities next to our Same-Day Delivery site in Tolleson. These smaller sites are hybrid—part fulfillment center, part delivery station. They allow us to fulfill, sort, and deliver products all from one site so we can get packages out to our customers even quicker. Our Same-Day Delivery sites are situated close to the large metro areas they serve, which means customers get their orders faster. And with connections to the larger Amazon fulfillment centers nearby, we are able to offer Same-Day Delivery on millions of items.

“As Amazon embarks on the national expansion of its Amazon Drone Delivery Program, we’re proud to have their innovative presence in our community. By bringing this service to new communities, they’re not just delivering goods; they’re delivering opportunities and economic growth for all,” said Juan F. Rodriguez, mayor of Tolleson. “Amazon’s commitment to innovation exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our city forward.”

“This kind of delivery is the future, and it’s exciting that it will be starting in the Phoenix Metro Area,” said Kate Gallego, mayor of Phoenix. “The shift toward zero-emission package delivery will help us reduce local pollution and further cement our city as a hotbed for the innovative technology of tomorrow.”

At the same time, the company says it is closing a location in California.

As we look to the future and prioritize our resources to continue growing the program, we’ve also made the decision to close our delivery site in Lockeford. We’ll offer all current employees opportunities at other sites, and will continue to serve customers in Lockeford with other delivery methods. We want to thank the community for all their support and feedback over the past few years.

Amazon gave no reason for its decision to close the Lockeford site.

Mickey Drexler, Chairman of Alex Mill and former Chairman and CEO of J.Crew, is renowned for his keen understanding of merchandising and consumer behavior. He offers a sobering assessment of department stores’ challenges in today’s rapidly evolving market landscape. “It’s a little scary, a little stunning,” he remarks, reflecting on the subdued atmosphere in a recently visited Macy’s store. “This business is never one that’s a sure bet,” he adds, emphasizing the retail industry’s inherent unpredictability.

With decades of experience in the retail trenches, Drexler pulls no punches in describing the Herculean task of steering Macy’s and Nordstrom through turbulent waters. “I don’t know who could actually turn, all due respect to Tony Spring, a good friend and now CEO of Macy’s Corp. That job, I said to Tony, ‘Tony, you know, this is the hardest job in the world,'” he confides, underscoring the daunting nature of the challenges ahead.

Central to Drexler’s analysis is the imperative for retailers to establish a clear and compelling brand identity in an era of heightened consumer expectations. “The world is becoming so much more focused, attempting to be more focused on what they stand for,” he observes. “If you look at the companies that are very successful, they stand for something,” he adds, highlighting the importance of authenticity and differentiation in a crowded marketplace.

The conversation delves into the pervasive practice of relentless discounting in the retail industry, with Drexler lamenting its corrosive effects on businesses and consumers. “I went into a shop the other day, and I said, ‘What’s on sale today?'” he recounts, expressing frustration at the prevalence of inconsistent pricing strategies across different channels. “It’s not fair,” he asserts, decrying the lack of transparency and coherence in retail pricing.

Drexler underscores the importance of maintaining optimal stock levels to meet consumer demand by discussing the intricacies of inventory management. “The best 15 styles in our company go well over 50% of the business,” he reveals, shedding light on the strategic significance of inventory optimization in driving sales and profitability.

Despite traditional retailers’ myriad challenges, Drexler remains cautiously optimistic about the industry’s future. “I’m optimistic about the future, but it’s not easy,” he acknowledges. “It’s never easy,” he reiterates, recognizing the resilience and adaptability required to navigate the ever-changing currents of retail.

As Macy’s and Nordstrom navigate potential transitions and confront the shifting sands of consumer behavior, the broader retail industry watches with bated breath, awaiting the next chapter in this unfolding saga of commerce. In an unprecedented disruption and transformation age, one thing remains certain: the retail landscape will continue to evolve, driven by innovation, consumer preferences, and the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship.

According to Bradley, the current state of the US retail sector reflects a broader trend of consumer belt-tightening and economic challenges, including high interest rates and credit constraints. With prices hitting their ceiling and traditional methods of driving revenue proving ineffective, Bradley believes that the key to growth lies in innovation and technology.

Rather than pouring capital into speculative marketing campaigns, Bradley advocates for a strategic shift towards enhancing the customer experience through technology integration. He emphasizes the importance of investing in technologies such as augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and smart devices to revolutionize the retail landscape.

AR technologies offer consumers the opportunity to virtually sample products before making purchases, reducing the likelihood of costly returns and driving engagement with virtual stores. AI-powered customer behavior analysis enables retailers to provide personalized recommendations, enhancing the shopping experience and maximizing spend-per-visit. Smart devices, such as internet-enabled fridges, facilitate seamless re-ordering and increase convenience for consumers while driving repeat orders for retailers.

Bradley underscores the untapped potential of tech-enabled shopping in the US market, highlighting the lucrative demographic of consumers who embrace emerging retail technologies. He asserts that early adopters of these technologies stand to gain a competitive advantage, driving growth without resorting to price increases or costly marketing battles.

As US retailers stand at a crossroads, Bradley urges executives to navigate these challenges with a steady hand. He emphasizes the long-term benefits of investing in technology amid high interest rates. With the right strategic approach, Bradley believes that US retailers can unlock new opportunities for growth and prosperity in an increasingly tech-driven marketplace.

Harley Finkelstein, COO of Shopify, discusses how COVID has dramatically sped up the timeline for commerce moving online and has also moved Shopify closer to its goal of becoming the world’s first retail operating system:

Shopify Evolving Into World’s First Retail Operating System

Most people assume that Shopify is an ecommerce provider. We have more than a million stores on Shopify. If you were to aggregate our stores in the US we’d be the second-largest online retailer in America. Of course, we’re not a retailer but we’re a platform. But we now have these great economies of scale that we’re using to level the playing field for entrepreneurs and small businesses. That being said, what really Shopify is evolving into is the world’s first retail operating system. 

What we’re trying to figure out is what do brands and entrepreneurs and retailers need, not just now but in the future? We think the future of retail is retail everywhere. A brand that’s going to be successful in 5, 10 or 15 years from now needs to sell across any platform and across any channel where they have customers. This idea of enabling Shopify merchants to very easily push their products to the Amazon Marketplace or the eBay marketplace or now the Walmart marketplace, that gives them access to a new set of consumers. The idea is that it all feeds back in one centralized back-office, the retail operating system, which is Shopify. 

Then we’ve gone ahead and asked what else can we do for these merchants? Can we do capital? We’ve now given out about a billion dollars worth of cash advances and loans to small businesses. We’re doing fulfillment and we’re doing shipping. We’re increasing the scope and the relationship that we have with the million stores on Shopify. This is allowing them to become category leaders.

COVID Speeds Up The Ecommerce Revolution

From our view, it seems like the commerce world that would have existed in the year 2030 has really been pulled into the year 2020 (as a result of the COVID crisis). We’ve seen ecommerce as a percent of total retail go from 15 percent to 25 percent in the last three months. That’s the same growth rate that we’ve seen over the last 10 years. What really has emerged here is sort of this tale of two retail worlds. On one side you have these resilient retailers that are doing great, they’re pivoting, and they’re expanding their businesses. On the other side, you have these resistant retailers who have not made it. In many ways, it’s probably the most exciting time for retail in a very long time. 

We talk a lot about these direct to consumer brands that are becoming category leaders. The Allbirds and the Gymsharks who started on Shopify when they were very small and have grown to become the incumbents in their industry. Every 25 seconds a brand new entrepreneur makes his or her (products) for sale on Shopify. We talk a lot about those new startups, those new DTC brands. But actually, what we’re also seeing on Shopify are companies like Lindt Chocolate or Heinz ketchup or Chipotle. They are signing up for Shopify and basically from like five days from contract to launch they are completely changing their businesses. 

This resiliency isn’t simply in the hands of just the smallest of brands. Big companies are also beginning to think a lot more about how to stay resilient in this time. They’re moving well beyond ecommerce or thinking about offline commerce now. They’re thinking about how do they sell across social media? How do they sell across different marketplaces? So no, I don’t think it’s too late (to enter ecommerce) but I do think they have to rethink their strategies.

Farfetch plans to use their IPO windfall to dramatically improve their technology which they see as the best way to improve the consumer experience.

Farfetch Founder and CEO José Manuel Ferreira Neves recently discussed Farfetch and the online luxury brand industry on Bloomberg:

Online Luxury is Growing 25 Percent a Year

It’s a very unique opportunity. You have this amazing global industry. It’s $300 billion, the personal luxury goods industry and only 9 percent is online. There are two opportunities here really. One is the growth of online luxury which is going to grow to 25 percent a year for the next seven years. This is a $100 billion opportunity shift in online luxury.

The big question is how is technology going to help brands and retailers really improve the consumer experience in the physical store. This is something at Farfetch that we are very passionate about.

China is an Incredible Opportunity for Online Luxury

China is a very exciting opportunity. Chinese citizens are at the onset of the luxury industry, whether they shop at home or when they’re shopping abroad. Online penetration is very low in China so this means that there is an incredible growth runway for Farfetch in the territory.

That led to our partnership with JD.com where we have our own team. We have the Farfetch China app and website, we have local customer service, local payment systems, and local marketing. It’s a truly localized service. That is what’s driving incredible growth to the Farfetch brand in that region.

José Neves, founder and CEO of @farfetch, told us about the company’s grand ambitions for China at the WWD’s Men’s Wear Summit this week. https://t.co/MrMj7y5VCG

— Jing Daily | 精日传媒 (@JingDaily) March 29, 2018

WeChat is an amazing app with over 900 million users. It is the Instagram, plus WeChat, plus PayPal, etc. of China in one app. That is very powerful and very interesting. Now with our acquisition CuriosityChina we are powering the retail presence of 80 luxury brands. We think that is very interesting for the industry and we think that is probably something that we will see for the western world.

How Farfetch plans to capture the growth in online luxury e-commerce https://t.co/t9HI0igMFV pic.twitter.com/RjvAel79li

— Bloomberg TV (@BloombergTV) September 21, 2018

Brands Now Using Social and Digital Marketing Extensively

I think brands move cautiously and they choose their marketing channels very carefully. As these newer channels have developed the brands have adapted to them and their now using social media and digital media extensively to create desire, to drive discovery of new products obviously transactions as well.

It’s a gradual pace but it’s really exciting that were at that inflection point where the brands see this as a tremendous opportunity.

GeekWire reports, that Amazon “confirmed that it recently began testing a partnership with pet giant Petco, which will accept returns from customers who purchased items on Amazon.com.”

Amazon already has partnerships with Kohl’s and Staples. The partnerships are a win-win, giving Amazon’s customers a convenient option for returns while driving traffic to the partner chains.

There is no word on how long the test phase will last.

Google Pixel 8 Pro Overview

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is the latest flagship smartphone from Google, taking the tech world by storm with its impressive features and high-end specifications. One standout feature is the upgraded camera system, which delivers stunning photo and video quality. The phone also introduces game-changing editing tools for an elevated photography experience.

In addition, the vibrant OLED actual display, measuring 6.7 inches, supports a 120Hz refresh rate, offering users an immersive and fluid visual experience. Whether scrolling through social media, watching videos, or playing games, the Pixel 8 Pro ensures a smooth and responsive interaction.

Under the hood, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is powered by the Tensor G3 chipset, backed by a substantial 12GB RAM. This powerful processor ensures swift performance, quick app launches, and seamless multitasking. Depending on your storage needs, you can choose between 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and even 1TB options.

Why Your Google Pixel 8 Pro Needs a Quality Case

Just picture this – your brand new Google Pixel 8 Pro is with you daily. It’s in your pocket, desk, or even in your hand as you navigate a bustling city. Life happens. A little slip here, a slight bump there, and before you know it, your top-of-the-line device could be marred by an ugly scratch or a shattered screen.

That’s where a quality phone case comes to the rescue. It acts like a personal bodyguard for your Pixel 8 Pro, shielding it from the rough and tumble of daily life. But remember, it’s not just about protection. A good phone case can also be a canvas for expressing your unique style. From vibrant colors and sleek designs to cases featuring your favorite superheroes, there’s a world of options to make your Pixel 8 Pro truly yours.

So, don’t leave your Pixel 8 Pro vulnerable. Arm it with a quality case. It will keep your device looking its best for longer and let you add a dash of personal flair to it.

The Top 3 Cases for Google Pixel 8 Pro Available on Amazon

1. Caseborne Google Pixel 8 Pro Military-Grade Protection Case

Here comes a phone case that combines exceptional durability with a commitment to environmental sustainability.

This case is crafted from 100% recycled Polycarbonate and Thermoplastic Polyurethane. By using recycled materials, we’re helping to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability2. But don’t let its eco-friendly nature fool you; this case doesn’t compromise on protection.

With a full-body wrap and five layers of defense, it offers unbeatable durability that surpasses the standard 4X MIL-STD 810G-516.6 drop tests. It boasts an impressive 21 feet of drop protection3.

In addition to its robust build, this case is fully compatible with MagSafe. This feature allows you to attach and use magnetic accessories effortlessly. It also works seamlessly with most wireless chargers, providing an uninterrupted charging experience.

For added protection, this case comes with a tempered glass screen protector. This ensures your device’s screen is free from scratches.

Priced at just $34.98, the Caseborne Google Pixel 8 Pro Military-Grade Protection Case is a worthy investment for your device. Plus, with the lifetime warranty it offers, you can rest easy knowing your purchase is protected.

2. OtterBox Google Pixel 8 Pro Defender Series Case

Constructed from 50% recycled plastic, this case is durable and environmentally friendly. The screenless design ensures flawless touch response, allowing you to interact with your device without hindrance.

The raised edges around the camera and screen provide additional security, guarding these delicate parts of your device against potential damage. It is a multi-layer defense system that combines a solid inner shell with a resilient outer slipcover, providing comprehensive protection from all angles. The case also features port covers that effectively block dirt, dust, and lint from getting into jacks and ports, preserving their functionality.

It includes a holster that doubles as a belt clip and a hands-free kickstand for convenience. This feature lets you securely attach your device to your belt and set up your phone for comfortable viewing.

Priced at $64.95, the OtterBox Commuter Series Case offers excellent value for money, considering its top-notch features and robust design

3. Spigen Rugged Armor Designed for Pixel 8 Pro Case 

This case is made from Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), a material highly prized for its durability and resilience. TPU cases are known for their ability to withstand impacts, resist scratches, and maintain their shape over time.

The Spigen Rugged Armor case also stands out with its military-grade drop protection. Thanks to the innovative Air Cushion Technology, your device is well-protected from accidental bumps and drops. This technology employs strategically placed air pockets that absorb shock, significantly reducing potential damage to your device.

The case features precise cutouts that align perfectly with your device’s ports and features. Thus ensuring they remain fully accessible at all times. Moreover, it has tactile buttons that enhance the user experience by providing a responsive feel and easy accessibility.

For $15.99, the Spigen Rugged Armor case presents a remarkable blend of quality and affordability. 

These 3 best-rugged phone cases are now available on Amazon, the world’s largest online marketplace. This means you can enjoy the convenience and speed of Amazon’s trusted shopping platform to get your hands on this top-tier phone case.

Amazon’s popularity among consumers is unparalleled. Its user-friendly interface, vast product range, and reliable delivery services have become a go-to platform for online shopping. Furthermore, Amazon offers a secure payment gateway, ensuring your transactions remain safe and private.

To find these rugged phone cases for Google Pixel 8 Pro, simply head over to Amazon’s website or app, type in the product name in the search bar and hit enter. 

Final Thoughts

Getting a top-notch phone case for your Google Pixel 8 Pro is more than just about keeping it safe. It’s also about making sure it lasts longer, stays looking sharp, and reflects your personal style. After some serious web surfing, we’ve found three standout cases that are stealing the show on Amazon for the Pixel 8 Pro.

The best part? These premium cases are all available on Amazon, making protecting your Google Pixel 8 Pro as easy as pie. With Amazon’s easy-to-navigate platform, speedy delivery, and stellar customer service, hunting for your perfect phone case turns into a breeze.

Don’t wait until those first heart-stopping scratches or cracks sneak up on your Pixel 8 Pro! Dive into these top 3 phone cases on Amazon right now. Make a smart choice and pick a case that not only shields your device but also matches your vibe. We appreciate you dropping by and reading our article.

Companies have been turning to drones to help speed up deliveries to consumers, but companies need FAA approval to reach their full potential. UPS has cleared a major hurdle, receiving authorization to fly drones beyond the visual range of the drone operators.

The agency announced its decision in a news release:

The FAA authorized two more companies to operate drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). UPS Flight Forward with its Matternet M2 can conduct small package delivery and uAvionix with its Rapace can use the Vantis Network to test its detect and avoid technology.

On August 24 the agency authorized Phoenix Air Unmanned to operate SwissDrones SVO 50 V2 drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) for aerial work, aerial photography, survey and powerline and pipeline patrol and inspection.

The FAA issued the approvals after asking for public input on four BVLOS requests. The agency is reviewing one additional request. Data collected from these operations will inform the FAA’s ongoing policy and rulemaking activities. Learn more here and here.

The decision should help drone deliveries see wider deployment.

Walmart has been rolling out its drone delivery service, already offering it in seven states and 36 stores. Dallas-Fort Worth is the company’s latest expansion, adding coverage for some 60,000 homes.

According to Walmart, the service will initially launch from a single store before expanding to include more in the area:

The Walmart Supercenter at 8555 Preston Road in Frisco, Texas, will be the first to launch, joining our existing network of 11 drone hubs already operating in the Dallas area. Once operations begin, customers can download the Wing app from the App Store or Google Play and enter their address to determine if their home is within the Wing drone delivery range. Customers will be able to order items like frozen treats (when those ice cream cravings hit), household essentials, last-minute meal solutions like macaroni and cheese, and even fragile items like eggs.

Wing says customers within six miles of one of the supported stores will be eligible for drone delivery:

It will be available to homes within approximately 6 miles of the stores. But if you’re looking for a pilot with a joystick, you’re not going to find that. Our drones are highly automated! Wing’s technology allows operators to oversee the system from a remote location, which means pilots won’t need to be stationed at stores or customer homes. The aircraft essentially fly themselves, so each operator is approved to safely oversee many drones at the same time.

The companies plan to launch the service at the first store in the coming weeks, with the second store coming online before the end of the year.

One of the biggest issues online shoppers face is finding the products they’re interested in. This can especially be apparent when comparing retail platform search capabilities with the Google Search features customers have become accustomed to.

Google Cloud is now bringing the power of its search to retail clients, with Retail Search, which the company unveiled in a blog.

This fully managed service is easily customizable, enabling organizations to craft shopper-focused search experiences. Our site search solution builds upon decades of Google’s experience and innovation in search indexing, retrieval, and ranking. Retailers can make product discovery even easier for shoppers, while optimizing for their business goals with advanced capabilities

Retail Search gives clients the ability to offer advanced query understanding, meaning customers will have better success finding what they’re looking for even with the broadest of search terms. The service also includes semantic search, which matches product attributes with relevant products.

Customers are already seeing the benefit of Retail Search.

“With limited customer signals and no historical data, descriptive long-tail searches are some of the most challenging queries to understand,” said Neelima Sharma, senior vice president, technology, e-commerce, marketing and merchandising at Lowe’s. “We have been partnering with Google Cloud to give our customers relevant results for long-tail searches and have seen an increase in click-through and search conversion and a drop in our ‘No Results Found’ rate since we launched.”

Google Cloud customers interested in learning more can visit Discovery Solutions for Retail or contact their Google Cloud field sales representative.

Amazon Fresh began as a grocery delivery service exclusively for Amazon Prime subscribers. According to GeekWire, however, the company is expanding its grocery delivery service to non-Prime customers in select metro areas.

The outlet reports that non-Prime customers will pay roughly $4 more for delivery than Prime members. The fees break down to $13.95 for orders under $50, $10.95 for orders between $50 and $100, and $7.95 for orders in excess of $100.

Unlike Prime members, who receive free delivery for orders over $150, it appears that $7.95 is the cheapest delivery option for non-Prime customers.

Amazon Prime is one of the company’s most popular services, providing members with discounted prices and same or next-day delivery. According to a tweet by Jassy, the company has hit a new record in terms of Prime deliveries:

We’re now delivering for U.S. Prime members faster than we have in the 18-year history of Prime (over 1.8B same-day or next-day deliveries so far this year). Customers really appreciate being able to get their items this quickly, and I’m proud of the invention and hard work from our teams to get to this point. We’re not done inventing here.

— Andy Jassy (@ajassy) — July 31, 2023

Doug Herrington, CEO of Worldwide Amazon Stores, credits “regionalizing” US operations with the improved service:

In short, we divided the country into smaller, easier-to-reach regions. Previously, we fulfilled orders from any of our operational sites across the country. Now we have eight interconnected regions serving smaller geographic areas. We keep a broad selection of inventory in each region, making it faster and less expensive to get those products to customers. Today, more than 76% of the orders we fulfill come from within the customer’s region. Items shipped from nearby fulfillment centers or delivery stations helps packages get to customers not only faster, but also with fewer emissions.

Herrington also says the company has started using smaller, same-day delivery facilities to facilitate faster processing and delivery:

As a result, the average time from picking a customer’s items to positioning the customer’s package on the outbound dock is 11 minutes in Same-Day facilities, more than an hour faster than our traditional fulfillment centers. And these hybrid facilities allow us to fulfill, sort, and deliver all from one site—making the entire process of delivering customer packages even faster.

Amazon is clearly firing on all cylinders, giving Prime customers the price and service they want and demonstrating why Amazon is a growing threat to traditional retailers.

Simon served as President and CEO of Walmart U.S. from 2010 to 2014, giving him a unique perspective on the retail industry. Rather than predicting doom-and-gloom for traditional retail, Simon believe technology has the ability to transform the industry and open all new possibilities.

Even something as simple as trying on clothes may be revolutionized by technology, such as virtual reality.

“Could we have virtual changing rooms so that you can just scan an item in a store with your phone and try it on yourself without actually having to go try it on?” Simon said on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street.”

Simon believes successful retailers will combine online sales with a brick-and-mortar presence, and cites Target and Amazon as two examples of companies that are making it work.

Shopify purchased Deliverr in May 2022 with the goal of challenging Amazon and Walmart in the e-commerce logistics business. Things have not gone according to plan, with the company now selling Deliverr to Flexport.

CEO Tobi Lutke said the deal found the perfect home for Shopify Logistics, including Deliverr:

Flexport, led by CEO Dave Clark and Founder Ryan Petersen, is the best builder and operator in the world of logistics. Contributing our work to Flexport, under the leadership of Harish Abbott, allows everything about Shopify Logistics to be more ambitious and global in nature. Making the global supply chains efficient and software addressable is Flexport’s main quest and so this is the perfect home for this part of Shopify.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Shopify is also selling its 6 River Systems warehouse robotics division to Ocado Group, an automated grocery-fulfillment company in the UK. The outlet also reported Shopify plans to lay off 20% of its staff following the sales.

In his blog post, Lutke says the company periodically must look at its main quest vs side quests and refocus on what’s important. That’s not to say that side quests can’t be important, but they must help further the company’s main quest to continue to make sense. It was this reevaluation that helped lead it to divest itself of its logistics business:

Shopify’s main quest is to make commerce simpler, easier, more democratized, more participatory, and more common. I think that we have built the best commerce platform in the world for that. Technological progress always arcs towards simplicity, and entrepreneurs succeed more when we simplify. But now we are at the dawn of the AI era and the new capabilities that are unlocked by that are unprecedented. Shopify has the privilege of being amongst the companies with the best chances of using AI to help our customers. A copilot for entrepreneurship is now possible. Our main quest demands from us to build the best thing that is now possible, and that has just changed entirely.

Walmart revolutionized the retail market thanks to its focus on logistics, fulfillment, and delivery. The retail giant is looking to make money off of its innovative solutions by selling fulfillment and delivery solutions to other retailers and teaming up with Salesforce to make it happen.

“Through this partnership, retailers can leverage the same innovative and scalable technologies that power Walmart’s pickup and delivery experiences,” said Anshu Bhardwaj, senior vice president, technology strategy and commercialization, Walmart Global Technology. “The same technology that powers Store Assist has enabled Walmart to fulfill over 830 million orders across over 4,700 Walmart stores. Together with Salesforce, retailers can scale their business and deliver the personalized, convenient experiences shoppers expect.”

“Salesforce is thrilled to partner with Walmart as it transforms its business and further expands into the digital technology market,” said Tyler Prince, Executive Vice President, Alliances & Channels, Salesforce. “Through this partnership with Salesforce, Walmart can grow its business in new ways by productizing its proven retail processes – empowering other retailers to create new and personalized experiences for their customers.” 

Walmart says retailers will be able to take advantage of three major features, including Buy Online and Pick Up In-Store (BOPIS), use Walmart GoLocal to manage local deliveries, and take advantage of Salesforce Commerce Cloud and Order Management to manage the entire omnichannel shopping experience.

“Shoppers continue to expect brands to deliver highly connected and frictionless experiences across physical and digital touchpoints. In fact, 1 in 5 online orders placed the weekend before Christmas were picked up in store,” said Rob Garf, vice president and general manager of retail, Salesforce. “With the combined power of Walmart and Salesforce, retailers can drive success with best-in-class technology to advance their omnichannel capabilities, drive efficiency and ensure that every purchase quickly gets into the hands of the shopper – no matter where they are.”

The Wall Street Journal interviewed a number of customers who recount being asked for tips when using self-checkout machines and not a service person in sight. One such store resorting to such behavior is the OTG gift shop in New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport.

“Just the prompt in general is a bit of emotional blackmail,” Garrett Bemiller told the outlet.

“I thought maybe I was going crazy,” says Warren Williamson.

A spokesman for the gift shop says the tips are split among store personnel working that shift.

“It is always our goal to create valuable experiences for our guests while taking care of our crew members, and the option to leave a tip if you have received assistance allows us to do both,” he told WSJ.

In addition to the feeling of being nickel-and-dimed, some critics worry that some tips may not make it to employees since tip protection laws may not cover machines.

As WSJ points out, businesses no doubt see tips as an easy way to increase revenue with little to no risk. Meanwhile, many of the companies involved in the payment process may benefit since they receive a percentage of transactions.

Unfortunately, rampant tipping is increasingly permeating more walks of life, with even some Apple Store employees trying to negotiate tipping into their contracts. As we pointed out in our coverage of that situation, tipping is an important and necessary part of the process in jobs where employees are not paid a standalone fair wage. When they are, however, tipping becomes an unnecessary and unwanted burden on the consumer.

Apple workers at the Towson, Maryland store are the first to unionize in the US. The employees are trying to negotiate a new contract, one that would open the door to tipping, according to Business Insider. Employees want customers to have the option of tipping 3%, 5%, or a custom amount.

“A big ask from our team when preparing for negotiations was to include some sort of profit-sharing or bonus structure,” the union said in the thread. “We thought a lot about the easiest way to accomplish this and we thought adopting a model already used by other workers who provide services to their community might be the simplest to implement.”

Of course, a big difference between services that rely on tips and Apple Store workers is that Apple Store employees are paid a competitive wage. In contrast, restaurants and other services that rely on tips often make less than minimum wage and rely on tips to make up the difference.

Another issue is the premium experience Apple creates with its in-store experience. Apple offers free classes, high-end support, and assistance, and it’s hard to believe the company will be ok with employees expecting customers to tip them. That dynamic is hardly in line with Apple’s image.

It will be interesting to watch how the negotiations proceed, but our bet is that tipping is a non-starter for Apple.

Burt Flickinger, Managing Director of SRG, a consumer industry business consulting firm, discussed how Walmart is winning the retail wars in an interview on Fox Business:

Walmart is the Roman Empire of Retail

This earnings report just reinforces its winning. Amazon is going sideways. This is a reenactment of the Punic Wars, Rome versus Carthage. Walmart is the Roman empire of retail. Like Hannibal and the Carthaginians, Amazon is starting to go the wrong way. Big win for Walmart today and they will accelerate that in the next two to seven years.

What’s doubly impressive, we talk to a lot of vendors and shoppers around the world, what the vendors are saying is Walmart is reinvesting all the PPA (price and promotional allowances) in lower prices. Lower prices normally mean lower margins and lower revenue. But in this case, the shopper is shifting to Walmart.

Walmart strategically saw all the land-based businesses like Payless and all the retailers from toys to sporting goods going out of business. They had great sales on land and not so good online. Walmart is winning both ways. Amazon, with all the trouble they’re having with Whole Foods, can’t capitalize. Walmart is running the table.

This Says it All for US Retail

This says it all for US retail. The well capitalized highly capable retailers are winning and if it’s a one man show, like Bezos running the show, you could be Alexander the Great, you could be Hannibal out of Carthage, but one general isn’t going to win a war. Recent (lower) retail sales numbers were a combination of a couple things. One is Jerome Powell scared the market, especially high to mid-end, didn’t spend as much. Also, consumers were a little bit scared toward the end of the year. Walmart, off price, low price, did very well, but full price full service struggled and that’s why the numbers were bad.

Walmart comp sales increased 4.2 percent, just like Steve Jobs and Apple with their great campaign Think Different with Muhammad Ali, Walmart is thinking different with Doug McMillon. It’s evolved from a company of family management to professional management. Walmart had 40 percent growth online.

Walmart Ads Are Really Connecting

Before, Walmart looked at advertising as an expense. But as Jerry Della Femina said, most of the Super Bowl ads were pretty pathetic. Walmart was one that stood out because it advertised Walmart online and Walmart in-store. The Walmart ads are really connecting with consumers, a United Nations of consumers.

They’re reaching everybody around the world with better prices and better service. Doug McMillon has invested in inventory and has invested in store staffing, first to raise wages with some push from the UFCW. They are hitting on all cylinders. The biggest problem now is they can’t handle all of the volume they are seeing on the weekends.