Amazon wants to depose Trump, accuses him of ‘bias’ after losing $10 billion Pentagon cloud contract at CNBC. “Amazon Web Services told CNBC in a statement: “President Trump has repeatedly demonstrated his willingness to use his position as President and Commander in Chief to interfere with government functions – including federal procurements – to advance his personal agenda…” Read more

 

Simon Property Group to acquire Taubman Centers for $52.50 a share in cash at CNBC. “The news sent Taubman’s stock soaring up 52% after it resumed trading following a halt for the announcement.” Read more

 

Mattel closing factories with plan to outsource at Fox Business. “…its Mega Bloks factory in Montreal, Canada, will shutter in 2021 after opening in 2014. Before that, the company said it would consolidate two factories in Mexico (meaning one factory would close)…” Read more

 

‘Jeff Bezos is so rich … ‘: Amazon CEO called out in multiple jokes during opening of Oscars at CNBC. “Jeff Bezos is so rich, he got divorced and he’s still the richest man in the world!” (Chris) Rock said. “He saw ‘Marriage Story’ and thought it was a comedy,” he added, about the Oscar-nominated movie starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson.” Read more

 

Oscars 2020: The Complete Winners List at Variety. List

 

L Brands nears sale of Victoria’s Secret to Sycamore Partners at CNBC. “The private equity firm is one of the few to continue to invest in retail…Sycamore financed its $6.9 billion acquisition of beleaguered office retailer Staples in a way that allowed it the flexibility to wind down its retail business while retaining its stronger business-to-business segment.” Read more

 

Zulily is searching for a new PR agency by Thomas Moore at PR Week. “The brand is looking for a consumer PR firm to handle media relations and media strategy…Next Fifteen subsidiary M Booth is the incumbent on the account.” Tiered subs.

 

**A message from Sweets & Snacks Expo: The Most Innovative New Product Awards program showcases the most innovative ideas, concepts & products in candy and snacks! View the 2019 award winners | Register/Website

 

Amazon drops out of major European tech show over virus at AP. “…it’s scrapping its appearance at Mobile World Congress, the world’s biggest mobile industry trade fair, in Barcelona, Spain, this month.” Read more

 

In Amazon’s Bookstore, No Second Chances for the Third Reich by David Streitfeld at NY Times. “…the increasing number of banished titles has set off concern among some of the third-party booksellers…Amazon, they said, seems to operate under vague or nonexistent rules. “Amazon reserves the right to determine whether content provides an acceptable experience,” said one recent removal notice that the company sent to a bookseller.” Tiered subs.

 

Microsoft, Twitter and Walmart want to help you get a job in tech — without racking up student loans at CNBC. Read more

 

Target veterans put their personal style and retail know-how on display in Edina boutique by Kavita Kumar at Star Tribune. “As he walked around the store on a recent day, Casey Carl, Target’s former chief innovation and strategy officer, had a story to share or a recommendation about nearly every item, from the casual lifestyle brand Sol Angeles he has worn for years to an infused alcohol kit that he was thrilled to discover after several failed attempts of trying to do it on his own…” Tiered subs.

 

Amazon challenges India antitrust probe in court: filing at Reuters. “Amazon.com Inc has begun legal action in India to quash an antitrust investigation against the company, saying it could cause “irreparable” loss and damage to its reputation, according to its court filing seen by Reuters.” Read more

 

Tipsheet Extra

Food prices are soaring in China

SmileDirectClub lands in 3,800 Walmart stores

Valentine’s Day: Zoo will name a rat after your ex before feeding it to a snake

Dangerous Domain Corp.com Goes Up for Sale

Dunkin’ Brands to Shutter 450 Speedway Locations

Read Tipsheet Extra Stories

 

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