TECHNOLOGY

Will Amazon fund an IoT network?
A potential partnership could help Amazon enter the wireless business — a move that could further streamline its digital services. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and Charlie Ergen, CEO of Dish, reportedly may be considering partnering on a potential wireless project. With Amazon’s financial backing, sources said the team could create an Internet of Things (IoT) network, reported the Wall Street Journal.
Electronics e-retailer looks to steal some thunder from Amazon
Hoping to woo electronics shoppers away from Amazon’s Prime Day, Newegg is planning its own shopping extravaganza. For the third year, the electronics e-retailer will hold its annual "FantasTech" sale. The three-day event, which kicks off on July 11, will feature will offer “deep discounts” on hundreds of products across all tech product categories.

The most valuable brands in the world are...

Technology giants, including a retailer, dominated an annual ranking of the world's most valuable brands.
Online giant’s fulfillment network enters new territory

Amazon is once again expanding its distribution fleet — this time in the Beehive State. The online giant will open an 855,000 sq. ft. fulfillment center in Salt Lake City — the company’s first warehouse in Utah. The facility, which will employ 1,500 full-time hourly associates, will pick, pack, and ship smaller customer items, such as books, electronics and toys.
Shoptalk Europe attracts diverse lineup of speakers

The CEO of Hudson's Bay Company, the managing director of Harrods, and the president of Pinterest will be among the featured speakers at Shoptalk Europe. The event will take place on October 9-11, 2017, at The Bella Center in Copenhagen. It will feature more than 125 speakers, according to organizers, with 75% of the speakers being C-level executives, including 65 CEOs. More than 2,000 attendees are expected.
Online giant gives ‘voice shoppers’ first dibs on Prime Day deals

Days before Prime Day commences, Amazon is upping the ante once again. Starting Wednesday, July 5, Alexa shoppers will have access to more than 100 exclusive deals on Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show, Amazon Tap, Fire TV or compatible Fire tablets. Voice shoppers will also get first dibs on select Prime Day deals on July 10, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. PST — two hours before the general public, according to Amazon.
Study: Despite slower adoption, e-commerce is making its mark in grocery

Click-and-collect boxed-meal delivery services are encouraging more customers to make online grocery shopping part of their weekly routine. Currently, 97% of all consumer-packaged goods (CPG) dollars are still being spent in brick-and-mortar retail stores. However, the popularity of click and collect boxed-meal delivery services has 28% of shoppers purchasing groceries online regularly.
Walmart installing automated vending machines for online order pickup

Walmart continues to explore new ways to make it easier for customers to pick up goods purchased online. The discounter is expanding its deployment of a giant self-service kiosk, which it calls a Pickup Tower, that spits out online orders to users of Walmart's buy-online-pickup-in-store service. Walmart debuted the technology last fall, in a store in Bentonville, Ark., close its headquarters.
Specialty retailer offers its own version of Prime Day

Sur La Table is inviting shoppers to its version of Black Friday in July. Replacing multiple smaller weekend sales that typically run throughout the month, the kitchenware retailer is introducing a one-day shopping event called “Lime Day.” The sale, which is set to launch on July 10, will feature more than 300 lime-themed items on sale for up to 75% off.
Tech Bytes: Four tips to compete on Prime Day

Amazon has brought the saying, “Christmas in July” to life with its Prime Day global shopping extravaganza and this year's event promises to be bigger than ever.