TECHNOLOGY

Amazon re-launches Dash Wand — with new feature
Amazon is giving its Dash Wand a makeover — make that a “voice over.” The online giant has upgraded its Amazon Dash Wand with its artificial intelligence-based Alexa functionality. Extending Amazon’s signature virtual assistant Alexa beyond the Echo home speaker offering, the Dash Wand is described as the smallest and most inexpensive Alexa-enabled device, according to Geek Wire. The Amazon Dash
Judge rules supermarket chain must make web site accessible
Website accessibility is shaping up as the next big challenge for retailers with regards to ADA compliance. A Miami federal judge has ruled that Winn-Dixie violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by not making its website, which was recently updated, accessible to blind and visually impaired users, the Miami Herald reported. The Jacksonville, Florida-based supermarket chain has set aside $250,000 to revamp its online site and was ordered to pay the plaintiff’s legal fees, according to the report.

Who is cheaper: Costco or Amazon?

A new market study finds that Costco Wholesale Club's online prices are lower than Amazon's -- and not by an insignificant amount.
Amazon brings two-hour deliveries to Denver

Shoppers in Denver are getting their first taste of Amazon Prime Now. The service, which is exclusive to the online giant’s Prime members, provides free two-hour delivery on tens of thousands of items, from household and daily essentials to electronics, games and outdoor supplies. Area Prime members can order through Amazon’s Prime Now app, available on iOS and Android devices, Amazon’s web site, or “speak” orders to their Alexa device.
Panera on pace to hit $1 billion in digital sales this year

The chain, which is known for its signature soups, sandwiches and salads, is slated to report digital sales well above $1 billion on an annualized basis. The chain is on track to be twice as high in two years, according to CNBC.
Regional grocer offers delivery

Wegmans Food Markets is jumping into the on-demand delivery game. Through a new partnership with Instacart, the regional grocer now offers one-hour grocery deliveries. The service is currently available in select locations in Virginia, however, the supermarket chain is preparing to launch the program in Maryland, Boston, Southern New Jersey, and Southeastern Pennsylvania, according to Wegmans.
Amazon training program hits milestone

Amazon’s innovative re-training program has hit an all-time high.
Is Amazon Go readying for prime time?

A recent job listing by Amazon has raised speculation that the online giant plans to roll out its checkout-free convenience store concept, Amazon Go. The online giant recently posted a job listing seeking a senior real estate manager for Amazon Go. The role will be based in Seattle and will include travel.
Amazon in new rewards program for Prime

Amazon is giving shoppers another reason to sign up for Prime—and a reason not to use credit cards. The online giant is launching a new program, called Amazon Prime Reload, that allows Prime members to earn 2% bonus every time they reload their Amazon gift card balance with cash from their checking account and debit card. The bonus is given in the form of rewards that can be used to make purchases on Amazon.
Sears cutting jobs; key digital exec to leave

Sears Holdings is reducing headcount as part of its ongoing effort to deliver $1.25 billion in annualized cost reductions. It's also losing a key online executive. Sears is eliminating some 400 full-time jobs at its corporate offices, in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and from its support functions. In addition, certain positions at the chain's field operations will be impacted. The eliminated jobs represent less than half a percent of the 140,000 full-time and part-time employees Sears had as of the end of January.