Both Walmart and Amazon made some big add-ons and/or acquisitions this week as they attempt to widen their sphere of retail influence in a post-pandemic world. Amazon made a big push into the automotive world, while Walmart doubled down on secondhand clothing sales. It was a busy week in the race...
Main Street’s Pandemic-Led Shift To Digital Innovation
The lockdown of the United States economy, which was designed to slow the coronavirus’ spread, changed the way consumers browse, shop and pay for purchases. Businesses that didn’t have eCommerce channels could not sell their products, while eateries that lacked online ordering couldn’t serve diners. Small and medium-sized companies faced the choice...
Nordstrom Plays The eCommerce Card
The digital shift has come to Nordstrom, and not a moment too soon. The department store chain earned a respectable first quarter as announced Thursday (May 28) through a mix of shrewd inventory management, financial reorganization and eCommerce strength. While pointing out that it ended calendar 2019 in solid condition,...
Ad Platform Gives SMBs A Shot At Media Revenue
Self-service retail tools have gained momentum over the last week, as SMBs look to make the digital shift a consistent part of their business. Facebook, Instagram and Shopify’s social selling tools have been met with a positive reception, and now the advertising platform Criteo is giving SMBs access to consumer...
UPS Adds Peak Delivery Surcharge To Manage eCommerce Demand Amid Pandemic
Seeking to manage the overflow of cases during the pandemic, UPS is adding a new ‘peak’ surcharge similar to how they do for the busy holiday season, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday (May 28). The surcharges will add an extra 30 cents to packages shipped by UPS Ground and...
USDA’s SNAP Benefits Can Used In 25 States, DC To Buy Groceries From Amazon
Amazon customers can now use Supplemental Nutrient Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in more states, according to a statement from the eCommerce giant. As of this week, customers with SNAP in the states of Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin can now...