TECHNOLOGY

Google is testing a feature that allows users to search for specific products nearby or in a specific area using voice commands.    According to a report by MediaPost, the feature, similar to a search experience, provides the users with a response (verbal in this case) based on local inventory around them.   

Regardless of when retailers start their sales, Black Friday weekend is shaping up to feature the biggest deals yet.   According to BlackFriday.fm, a website that tracks the best Black Friday deals, news, and ad scans, “the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are going to be bigger than ever this year, “ said Rene Kirschbaum, director of BlackFriday.fm.   Among the retailers to watch include:  

Despite gains in the third quarter, Amazon’s stock fell 6% in extended trading.   The pure-play retailer’s net sales increased 29% to $32.7 billion for the third quarter ending Sept. 30, 2016, compared with $25.4 billion in third quarter 2015. The company credits the jump to $52 million in year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates throughout the quarter.  

Knowing frazzled customers are in search of overall value, Walmart is emphasizing customer service this holiday season.   

Journeys’ new gifting program is primed to personalize the shopping experience among its young customer base.   While this segment is too young to carry credit cards, teens are digitally savvy and increasingly mobile-driven. Leveraging these factors, Journeys is launching an online and digital gift card program across three of its brands.   

Starting Nov. 1, more than 5 million Sears MasterCard holders whose cards are linked to the Shop Your Way program will earn more Shop Your Way points at Kmart and many of their favorite retailers.   These Sears MasterCard holders will automatically earn more Shop Your Way points on a complimentary basis through December 31, 2017, including:

• 5% back in points on eligible purchases made at gas stations;
• 3% back in points on eligible purchases at grocery stores and restaurants

Amazon is amping up the breadth of AmazonFresh, giving competitors a run for their money — and customer wallet-share.   Starting Oct. 26, AmazonFresh has expanded into Chicago and Dallas. These new cities bolster the growing list of regions where AmazonFresh is available, including recently launched Northern Virginia, Boston, Baltimore, and London. AmazonFresh is also available in Seattle, New York, Philadelphia, Stamford, Trenton, and seven regions across California.  

Looking to attract shoppers in what is expected to be a highly competitive season, Best Buy is waiving online shipping fees.   For the second year in a row, the electronics retailer is offering free shipping on all online purchases — with no minimum threshold — made during the holiday shopping season. The perk will run between Oct. 25, and Jan. 2. Best Buy typically charges a fee for all orders below $35.