Seasonal

Amazon set new records this holiday season, and its first-party sellers, especially those selling gadgets, are reaping the rewards.   Besides shipping more than 1 billion items worldwide the week follow-ing Christmas, Amazon welcomed 3 million new Amazon Prime members who signed up in the days leading up to Dec. 25, according to the retail behemoth.   

The Amazon Marketplace, an online mall that that allows third-party sellers to reach customers around the world, hit big milestones during the holiday season.  

New app allows shoppers to skip the checkout line

Sam’s Club is no stranger to embracing digital disruptors. In one of its most recent initiatives, the retailer is rolling out a free app that allows members to use their smartphone to completely bypass the checkout lane at any Sam’s Club location nationwide. The chain sees the program — called Scan & Go — as an early holiday gift for its harried, time-starved shoppers.

Initial reports about holiday spending bode well for retailers.      Consumers spent 16% more on holiday purchases this year than in 2015, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers Post-Holiday Shopping Survey.   

While results were conservative, holiday digital sales surpassed 2015 figures.  

Initial reports about holiday spending bode well for retailers.   Consumers spent 16% more on holiday purchases this year than in 2015, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers Post-Holiday Shopping Survey.  

As the new year begins, it’s not looking very good for the ailing Limited Stores.   Reports are coming in from around the country of Limited store closings, The Columbus Dispatch reported. In Florida, some stores closed after business hours on Christmas Eve.  

While most retailers have already bid adieu to the 2016 holiday shopping season, Amazon has one more trick up its sleeve.