Amazon laying off about 14,000 corporate workers as it invests more in AI at CNBC. “This generation of AI is the most transformative technology we’ve seen since the Internet, and it’s enabling companies to innovate much faster than ever before (in existing market segments and altogether new ones),” Beth Galetti, SVP of people experience and technology at Amazon, wrote. “We’re convinced that we need to be organized more leanly, with fewer layers and more ownership, to move as quickly as possible for our customers and businesses.” Read more

 

Wayfair Q3 total net revenue +8.1% Press release

 

PayPal to launch digital payments feature inside ChatGPT at Quartz/Yahoo

 

The Fight to Restore Chicago’s Magnificent Mile to Its Glory Days at WSJ. “The area is still a far cry from its peak period about 15 years ago, when the vacancy rate was 7%. The rate today is about 25%…But it is finally moving in the right direction, down slightly from 2023 when the number of empty storefronts peaked at 26%…Lower rents have also helped. Prices have fallen about 24% on Michigan Avenue since 2019…” WSJ subs.

 

Children’s clothing company Carter’s to close 150 stores Press release

 

Yes, weirdly hot Santa is back at Target at USA Today. “According to Target’s news release, last year, more than 70 million people viewed a previous video on TikTok of #TargetSanta inside a store. Shortly after, his fanbase dubbed him “Hot Santa.” Read more

 

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. Q3 net loss narrowed to $4.5 million, a 93% improvement YoY Press release

 

Walmart’s Whoville-Inspired Ads Tackle Holiday Chaos With Cheer at Adweek. “In the ads, the retailer positions itself as a stress reliever, as Mindy Lou Who, the Grinch, and other Whos find the perfect gifts on Walmart’s app…The campaign includes 50 “WhoKnewVille” executions…developed by Publicis Groupe agencies including Fallon, Leo NY, the Community, Contender, and Digitas.” Read more/Video

 

…Walmart Announces 2025 Black Friday Deals Events Press release

 

What it’s like to wear Amazon’s new smart glasses for delivery drivers at GeekWire. “The best thing about them is being hands-free,” Pangan said…Without needing to look down at a handheld device, he can keep his eyes up and stay alert for potential hazards…In initial tests, Amazon has seen up to 30 minutes of time savings per shift.” Read more

 

Texas attorney general sues Tylenol company over autism claims at The Texas Tribune/Yahoo

 

Macy’s Employs Warehouse Robots to Speed Up Deliveries at WSJ. “At the $640 million, 2.5 million-square-foot building in China Grove, N.C., near Charlotte, robots pick clothes, shoes, cosmetics and home goods for online orders and to restock stores…Sean Barbour, the company’s senior vice president of supply chain, said the building fulfills orders in less than a day on average, compared with about a day and a half to two days previously.” WSJ subs.

 

Former Bud Walton homesite to become botanical garden at Talk Business

 

DoorDash offers emergency response to SNAP crisis at The Hill. “With food assistance benefits set to run out starting Saturday, DoorDash…said it would waive merchant fees for food banks, food pantries and community organizations with whom it partners…” Read more

 

Office equipment from former Zulily HQ in Seattle donated to Goodwill at GeekWire

 

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