Tipsheet: Sears to Shutter | Amazon In-Garage | Icahn Out of D.Tree
Sears to ask bankruptcy judge to liquidate at Reuters. “Sears…may have to close hundreds of stores it is still operating…the sources said. Its vast inventories of tools, appliances and store fixtures will be sold in fire sales, the sources added.” Read more
…“We are down, but not out” Sears, via its official Twitter account (@Sears), said in reply to one of the many posts Monday morning about the 126-year-old company potentially going out of business. at Reuters. Read more
IT’S OFFICIAL NOW – Shoppers Drug Mart launches ecommerce platform for medical cannabis Press release
GeekWire checks out the new high-tech store from Microsoft and Kroger by Kurt Schlosser at GeekWire. “A small kiosk near the front of the store, labeled “Scan, Bag, Go,” is stocked with handheld devices. Shoppers have the option of connecting their QFC account to one of these or using the QFC app on their smartphone as a guide and scanning device throughout the store.” Pics/Read more
Amazon unveils in-garage package delivery service in 37 cities by Taylor Soper at GeekWire. “Customers will need to purchase a Chamberlain or LiftMaster myQ garage door opener ($180) or affix their existing door opener with a $80 hub.” Read more
Activist investor Carl Icahn backs out of Dollar Tree at NY Post. Read more
Banana Republic to Reissue Ruth Bader Ginsburg Dissent Collar With Proceeds Going to ACLU at Hollywood Reporter. Read more
Seattle officials visit New York with warnings about Amazon: ‘They thought they could bury us’ by Monica Nickelsburg at GeekWire. “You guys have the leverage,” Mosqueda said. “You have the opportunity that Seattle didn’t. We weren’t able to keep up with the demand on housing because we couldn’t respond fast enough.” Read more
Overstock will become the first company in the US to pay its taxes in bitcoin at NY Post. Read more
Amazon is using your data to send you free samples at Fast Company. “Essentially, Amazon’s robust data on its users is figuring out who would be more likely to buy a certain product. If someone fits that mold, they may end up randomly receiving a package from Amazon.” Read more
**A message from the Megaphone sound enhancing phone case – Boosts sound 2X and filters the sound for a smoother “stereo” listening experience. Website/Video | Sample
Wegmans to open first NYC store Press release
Food stamps for millions of Americans become pawn in shutdown fight at Politico. “Senior administration officials said last week they think the program has enough money for January, but not enough to cover all benefits in February.” Read more
Amazon is getting more serious about Alexa in the car at TechCrunch. “Amazon announced a significant partnership with Telenav, a connected car and location-based services provider.” Read more
How Retail Changes When Algorithms Curate Everything We Buy by Bobby Gibbs & Nick Harrison at Harvard Business Review. “A new generation of retail choice engines will work more clearly on behalf of customers by offering transparency, neutrality, and an unlimited catalog. Just as flight intermediaries such as Google Flights, Hopper and Skyscanner find the lowest possible prices, agnostic digital retail curators could direct consumers to the retailer offering the best deals.” Tiered subs.
Magic mushroom legalization gets closer in Denver at Denver Post. Tiered subs.
Amazon Struggles To Reach Gen Z Shoppers by Walter Loeb at Forbes. “Kennedy says this is in large part because the platform’s main value proposition – namely convenience and cost – doesn’t speak to them…Kennedy feels that Amazon’s biggest downfall in attracting Gen Z customers is its failure to meet them on social media.” Read more
Tipsheet Extra Stories
Kroger Apologizes for Racial Profiling in Dallas
Burberry is running its first Lunar New Year ad — but some are calling it creepy
Bass Pro Shops to continue partnership with Martin Truex Jr.
The Love Bug Hits Bloomingdale’s
More blood pressure medication recalled over carcinogen concerns
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