Coronavirus crisis slashes H&M 2020 earnings by 90 pct

High street fashion icon H&M said Friday the coronavirus pandemic had slashed its 2020 net profit by 90 percent, with about a third of its some 5,000 stores currently closed.

For its financial year to November, the company reported a net profit of 1.24 billion Swedish kronor (120 million euros) as sales fell 20 percent to 187 billion kronor.

"Our measures to mitigate the negative effects of ongoing restrictions and closures are continuing," chief executive officer Helena Helmersson said in a statement.

"Although the situation at the time of writing is highly challenging, the H&M group stands strong."

Despite continued lockdowns and restrictions, H&M said it would not increase the number of outlets -- 350 -- targeted for closure in the current year.

At the same time, it would open 100 other stores, as planned.

The business was especially hard hit in its second quarter, the height of the first wave of the pandemic when up to 80 percent of its outlets had to close, H&M said.

Among the worst affected markets, sales in France plunged 28 percent, with Italy down 24 percent, the United States 17 percent and Britain 16 percent.

China and Germany did better, registering losses of just 3.0 percent.

H&M said that conditions had worsened again in the later part of the year as a second wave of the pandemic swept through.

For the three months to November -- its fourth quarter -- sales tumbled 15 percent to 52.55 kronor, with net profit down 41 percent at 2.49 billion kronor.

Agence France-Presse

In era of online retail, Black Friday still lures a crowd

NEW YORK — It would have been easy to turn on their computers at home over plates of leftover turkey and take advantage of the Black Friday deals most retailers now offer online.

But across the country, thousands of shoppers flocked to stores on Thanksgiving or woke up before dawn the next day to take part in this most famous ritual of American consumerism.

Shoppers spent their holiday lined up outside the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, by 4 p.m. Thursday, and the crowd had swelled to 3,000 people by the time doors opened at 5 a.m. Friday morning. In Ohio, a group of women was so determined, they booked a hotel room Thursday night to be closer to the stores. In New York City, one woman went straight from a dance club to a department store in the middle of the night.

Many shoppers said Black Friday is as much about the spectacle as it is about doorbuster deals.

Kati Anderson said she stopped at Cumberland Mall in Atlanta Friday morning for discounted clothes as well as "the people watching." Her friend, Katie Nasworthy, said she went to the mall instead of shopping online because she likes to see the Christmas decorations.

"It doesn't really feel like Christmas until now," said Kim Bryant, shopping in suburban Denver with her daughter and her daughter's friend, who had lined up at 5:40 a.m., then sprinted inside when the doors opened at 6 a.m.

Brick-and-mortar stores have worked hard to prove they can counter the competition from online behemoth Amazon. From Macy's to Target and Walmart, retailers are blending their online and store shopping experience with new tools like digital maps on smart phones and more options for shoppers to buy online and pick up at stores. And customers, frustrated with long checkout lines, can check out at Walmart and other stores with a salesperson in store aisles.

Consumers nearly doubled their online orders that they picked up at stores from Wednesday to Thanksgiving, according to Adobe Analytics, which tracks online spending.

Priscilla Page, 28, punched her order number into a kiosk near the entrance of a Walmart in Louisville, Kentucky. She found a good deal online for a gift for her boyfriend, then arrived at the store to retrieve it.

"I've never Black Friday-shopped before," she said, as employees delivered her bag minutes later. "I'm not the most patient person ever. Crowds, lines, waiting, it's not really my thing. This was a lot easier."

The holiday shopping season presents a big test for a U.S. economy, whose overall growth so far this year has relied on a burst of consumer spending. Americans upped their spending during the first half of 2018 at the strongest pace in four years, yet retail sales gains have tapered off recently. The sales totals over the next month will be a good indicator as to whether consumers simply paused to catch their breath or feel less optimistic about the economy in 2019.

The National Retail Federation, the nation's largest retail trade group, is expecting holiday retail sales to increase as much as 4.8 percent over 2017 for a total of $720.89 billion. The sales growth marks a slowdown from last year's 5.3 percent, but remains healthy.

The retail economy is also tilting steeply toward online shopping. Over the past 12 months, purchases at non-store retailers such as Amazon have jumped 12.1 percent as sales at traditional department stores have slumped 0.3 percent. Adobe Analytics reported Thursday that Thanksgiving reached a record $3.7 billion in online retail sales, up 28 percent from the same year ago period. For Black Friday, online spending was on track to hit more than $6.4 billion, according to Adobe.

Target reported that shoppers bought big ticket items like TVs, iPads, and Apple Watches. Among the most popular toy deals were Lego, L.O.L. Surprise from MGA Entertainment and Mattel's Barbie. It said gamers picked up video game consoles like Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One.

Others reported stumbling onto more obscure savings. At a Cincinnati mall, Bethany Carrington scored a $29 all-in-one trimmer for her husband's nose hair needs and, for $17, "the biggest Mr. Potato Head I've ever seen."

Black Friday itself has morphed from a single day when people got up early to score doorbusters into a whole month of deals. Plenty of major stores including Macy's, Walmart and Target started their deals on Thanksgiving evening. But some families are sticking by their Black Friday traditions.

"We boycotted Thursday shopping; that's the day for family. But the experience on Friday is just for fun," said Michelle Wise, shopping at Park Meadows Mall in Denver with her daughters, 16-year-old Ashleigh and 14-year-old Avery.

By mid-day Friday, there had not been widespread reports of the deal-inspired chaos that has become central to Black Friday lore — fist fights over discounted televisions or stampedes toward coveted sale items.

Two men at an Alabama mall got into a fight, and one of the men opened fire, shooting the other man and a 12-year-old bystander, both of whom were taken to the hospital with injuries. Police shot and killed the gunman. Authorities have not said whether the incident was related to Black Friday shopping or if it stemmed from an unrelated dispute.

Candice Clark arrived at the Walmart in Louisville with her 19-year-old daughter Desiree Douthitt, looked around and remarked at how calm it all seemed. They have long been devotees of Black Friday deals and for years braved the crowds and chaos. Clark's son, about 10 years ago, got hit in the head with a griddle as shoppers wrestled over it. They saw one woman flash a Taser and threaten to use it on anyone who came between her and her desired fondue pot.

They've watched over the years as the traditional madness of the day has dissipated as shopping transitioned to online and stores stretched their sales from a one-day sprint to a days-long marathon.

"It seems pretty normal in here," said Roy Heller, as he arrived at the Louisville Walmart, a little leery of Black Friday shopping, but pleasantly surprised to find that he didn't even have to stand in line.

He had tried to buy his son a toy robot on Amazon, but it was sold out. Friday morning, he frantically searched the internet and found one single robot left, at a Walmart 25 miles from his home. He bought it online and arrived an hour later to pick it up.

Employees delivered his bag, he held it up and declared: "I got the last one in Louisville!"

____

Galofaro is based in Louisville, Kentucky. Associated Press writers Jeff Martin in Atlanta, Ryan Tarinelli in Dallas, Katie Foody in Denver, Angie Wang in Cincinnati, Amy Taxin from Costa Mesa, California also contributed to this report.

source: philstar.com

Google faces hefty EU fine in shopping case by August: sources

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM | EU antitrust regulators aim to slap a hefty fine on Alphabet unit Google over its shopping service before the summer break in August, two people familiar with the matter said, setting the stage for two other cases involving the U.S. company.

The European Commission’s decision will come after a seven-year investigation into the world’s most popular internet search engine triggered by scores of complaints from both U.S. and European rivals.

The EU competition authority accused Google in April 2015 of distorting internet search results to favor its shopping service, harming both rivals and consumers.

The Commission and Google declined to comment. The U.S. company has in the past rejected the charges, saying that regulators ignored competition from online retailers Amazon and eBay Inc.

Fines for companies found guilty of breaching EU antitrust rules can reach 10 percent of their global turnover, which in Google’s case could be about $9 billion of its 2016 turnover.

Apart from the fine, the Commission will tell Google to stop its alleged anti-competitive practices but it is not clear what measures it will order the company to adopt to ensure that rivals get equal treatment in internet shopping results.

The regulator could set out general principles or specific instructions for Google to follow, said an observer.

The Commission’s tough line is in sharp contrast with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission which settled its own web search case with the company in 2013 by requiring Google to stop “scraping” reviews and other data from rival websites for its own products.

Google made three unsuccessful attempts to settle the case with the previous European Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia in a bid to stave off a possible fine and a finding of wrongdoing.

May’s lead falls to 3 percentage points, YouGov poll shows a week before election
Almunia’s successor Margrethe Vestager, however, has shown no willingness to settle with Google.

The company has also been charged with using its Android mobile operating system to squeeze out rivals and with blocking competitors in online search advertising related to its “AdSense for Search” platform.

The platform allows Google to act as an intermediary for websites such as online retailers, telecoms operators or newspapers. The Commission has warned of massive fines in both cases.

source: interaksyon.com

Investors eyeing retail stocks revival unlikely to be cheered by holiday shopping

SAN FRANCISCO - The holiday shopping rush that kicked off on Friday is unlikely to bring much cheer to investors looking for a revival in retail stocks.

After months of uninspiring sales growth and recent disappointments from Macy's and Nordstrom, shareholders of apparel sellers have had little to be thankful for and face a challenging holiday season.

Those stocks have reflected a shift by consumers away from discretionary items like designer-label clothes and cosmetics toward smartphones, televisions, home goods and travel, as well as an ongoing migration to online spending.

Early indications suggested this year's holiday season was off to a slow start. Crowds were thin at U.S. stores and shopping malls in the early hours of Black Friday and on Thanksgiving evening, as shoppers responded to early holiday discounts with caution.

Macy's stock has plummeted 39 percent this year while Nordstrom is down 22 percent and Tiffany & Co is 23 percent lower - all far worse than the benchmark S&P 500 index's 1-percent gain.

On the other hand, Home Depot has surged 29 percent in 2015 and discount store Dollar Tree is up 6 percent.

The S&P 500 retail index .SPXRT has risen 27 percent this year, with much of that gain driven by its largest component, Amazon.com, which continues to undercut brick-and-mortar rivals and has seen its stock more than double this year.

Earnings expectations vary for the holiday shopping quarter; Lowe's on average is expected to grow its earnings by 29 percent from a year ago while videogame store GameStop is seen growing earnings by 9 percent, according to Thomson Reuters data.

Gap Inc., which warned this month about weak sales and a strong dollar, is seen posting a 24 percent drop in fourth-quarter earnings.

"You really have to bifurcate between the largely apparel retailers and hard-goods retailers," said Anthony Chukumba, an analyst at BB&T Capital Markets.

His top picks include discount retailer Big Lots as well as Best Buy, which specializes in the electronic goods consumers are buying these days and also has a compelling valuation at 12 times expected earnings. By comparison, Nordstrom trades around 17 times earnings and Target has a price-earnings ratio of 15.

Polls going into holiday season have been mixed: A Reuters/Ipsos survey found more people planned to cut holiday spending than to boost it, while Gallup reported Americans plan to spend an average of $830 each on gifts this season, up from $720 a year ago at this time.

U.S. retail sales edged up a meager 0.1 percent last month after staying unchanged in both September and August, according to the Commerce Department.

FBR technology analyst Daniel Ives and his team planned to visit at least 25 Best Buys and other big-box stores over the weekend in New York and other major cities to gauge consumer appetite for Microsoft's Xbox One game console and Apple's smartwatch, launched in April.

"It's not quantitative, but it gives you anecdotal data points that become part of the mosaic of your thesis about whether to be bullish or bearish on trends, names and products," Ives said.

Since 2008, early sales estimates following Black Friday and Cyber Monday have had little or no bearing on retail stock performance for the holiday quarter, according to a report by LPL financial.

The short-term performance of stocks in the week after Thanksgiving has also been similarly inconsistent.

For the past three years, Wal-Mart Stores has lost as much as 3.9 percent or gained as much as 2.6 percent in the week following Black Friday, according to Thomson Reuters data.

By comparison, the S&P 500 has been flat to up 0.5 percent in the week following Black Friday for the past three years.

Amazon.com's stock performance in the week following Thanksgiving has been even more erratic. It lost 8 percent last year, lost 2 percent in 2013 and jumped 5 percent in 2012.

source: interaksyon.com

Tech world waits for iPhone news and hopes for magic

SAN FRANCISCO — The tech world on Wednesday will have its eyes on Apple, expecting new versions of the company’s coveted iPhone but hoping for magic in the form of unexpected innovation.

Apple remained mum even as rumors ran rampant about what is in store at an upcoming San Francisco media event.

Analysts and industry insiders predict that Apple will unveil updated iPhones along with an Apple TV revamp that may signal a push into the online television streaming sector, dominated by Netflix.

In trademark enigmatic style, Apple has provided little more than the time and place of the event.

An update to the iPhone lineup is considered a sure thing, since the company has a pattern of doing just that every September.

Improvements are expected to include faster processing and better cameras.

New iPhone models might also feature the “force touch” technology used in the Apple Watch, which allows a user to control a device based on how hard the screen is pressed.

The iPhone remains a hot seller, accounting for the bulk of Apple’s revenue, but upgrades are needed to keep iPhone “at the top of the heap” in the competitive smartphone market, according to Gartner analyst Van Baker.

Apple consistently entices the market with tricked-out new iPhones in time for the crucial year-end holiday shopping season.



Apple TV tuned


Another expected star at the event could be Apple TV, which may get an App Store open to outside developers and perhaps focus on game-play, in a challenge to video game consoles.

The third-generation Apple TV was introduced slightly more than three years ago. The California-based company long downplayed Apple TV as a “hobby” after the original version was released in 2007.

“They are finally revisiting their hobby, the Apple TV,” said Forrester analyst Frank Gillett.

Apple is dabbling with the idea of making online television programming, a move that would challenge established players such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, according to a recent report in show-business magazine Variety.

“Original programing is the only solution to Apple’s biggest problem in the video world — that is, that nobody wants to sell Apple content rights,” said Forrester analyst James McQuivey.

“After watching what happened to the music business when Apple was given the keys to the kingdom, video producers and programmers are more than gun shy about handing the same power to Apple in the world of TV shows.”

Apple became a power to be reckoned with in digital music sales due to the popularity of its mobile devices and iTunes online shop.

While Apple was at the forefront of the shift to digital music, the world of Internet-streamed television already has powerful players such as Netflix and Amazon.


Watching for magic


There is weaker speculation that Apple could introduce a new, bigger iPad in what would be a break from the company’s tradition of unveiling tablet news at a separate event in October.

Tablet sales have cooled overall, and Apple faces the challenge of coming up with an innovation that re-ignites interest in iPads, according to analysts.

One way could be by tying iPads to more cloud services that better anticipate what users do using Apple products.

“I think they can make more magic happen,” Gillett said of App. “That is what I am going to look for.”

source: interaksyon.com

Protesters gather at America's biggest shopping mall

WASHINGTON DC - Hundreds of demonstrators filed into America's largest shopping mall Saturday as part of an ongoing wave of protests against racially charged police violence, interrupting one of the holidays' busiest shopping days.

Protesters gathered at the Mall of America, in Bloomington in the Midwestern state of Minnesota, and held up signs with slogans such as "Black Lives Matter," which has become a rallying cry for nationwide demonstrations against police.

Photos posted on Twitter showed dozens of demonstrators -- including several shopkeepers -- placing their hands in the air. The gesture is a tribute to Michael Brown, a black teen killed by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri.

Some witnesses claim Brown had his hands in the air when he was shot on August 9. His death and the subsequent grand jury decision not to charge the officer involved touched off weeks of nationwide protests over what demonstrators say is the police's disproportionate use of deadly force against African Americans.

According to the Mall of America protest's Facebook page, more than 3,000 people said they would attend the demonstration. Photos posted on social media showed throngs of people gathered across several levels of the sprawling shopping center, with more outside.

Police and mall security were quick to respond, but there were no immediate reports of arrests, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune newspaper.

Several protesters tweeted an image of a mall information screen warning people they faced arrest.

"This demonstration is in clear violation of mall of America policy," the warning read. "Those who continue to demonstrate are subject to arrest."

Most protesters appeared to have dispersed by mid-afternoon.

The grand jury decision last month not to indict police officer Darren Wilson over Brown's death was followed by a similar grand jury verdict that declined to charge another white policeman in the "chokehold" death in Staten Island of Eric Garner, a black father of six.

These and other deaths, including that of 12-year-old Tamir Rice -- shot dead by Cleveland police as he brandished a toy gun -- have unleashed simmering resentment of police tactics in the United States and highlighted uneasy relations between black men and law enforcement officials.

The Mall of America sees some 40 million visitors annually and is an important tourist draw for Minnesota, according to the mall's website.

It would take a shopper 86 hours to visit all the shops in the mall if they spent 10 minutes in each shop.

source: interaksyon.com

Microsoft joins fitness bandwagon

NEW YORK — Microsoft unveiled its first fitness band Thursday, joining a crowded market of connected devices for tracking and analyzing personal health data.

The Microsoft Band, which went on sale Thursday in the US market, was released along with a new Microsoft Health software platform that includes a cloud service for consumers and the industry to store and combine health and fitness data.

“Today, we are taking our first steps with the industry to empower people to achieve more with their fitness and wellness,” Microsoft’s Todd Holmdahl said in a blog post.

The new fitness band has 10 smart sensors to monitor the heart rate around the clock, as well as measure the amount of calories burned, track sleep quality and provided guided workouts.

Holmdahl said “the Microsoft Band will keep you connected at a glance with helpful, smart notifications including incoming calls, emails, texts and social updates as well as access to Cortana,” Microsoft’s personal assistant software.

The device is selling online and in Microsoft stores for $199.

the software platform will also work with devices from rival makers, including UP by Jawbone, MapMyFitness, MyFitnessPal and RunKeeper.

“Soon, Microsoft Health will also allow you, at your choosing, to connect your Microsoft Health data to HealthVault to share with your medical provider,” Holmdahl said.

The platform works with Android and Apple’s iOS in addition to Windows Phone.

Holmdahl said the software includes an “intelligence engine” that will help people determine which exercises burned the most calories during a workout, the recommended recovery time from a workout and the amount of restful and restless sleep.

source: interaksyon.com

From Badgley Mischka to Isaac Mizrahi, here are 8 must-have shoes and bags

MANILA, Philippines - With cooler weather ahead – and the latest collections set to hit the racks – what’s a girl to do to update her shoe and bag wardrobe for the season?  The good news is that you can be on-trend with the latest looks abroad with the SM Store’s Shoes and Bags Department.  Here are eight must- haves you’ll love to have for the season and beyond.











1. Booties: Bold booties in edgy metal hardware and deli-scene in stylish pairs from Joe’s Jeans and Parisian.cate cutouts are making great strides in today’s fashion

2. Fab Flatties: Yes, the world is flat, and pretty ballerina flats from Life Stride and Marie Claire are not only cool and comfy, but also fun and fab.

3. Pointy Toe Pumps: El- egant eve- ning pumps from L.A.M.B. and Parisian are simply sleek and sophisticated.

4. Evening Heels: Shining, shimmering, splendid evening shoes from Badgley Mischka and Nina will defi- nitely take you to new fashion heights.

5.  The City Backpack: Life is a journey, so go the distance with urban backpacks with attitude from Parisian.

6. The Modern Satchel: Colorbringsa fresh new at- titude to this to-go bag.

7. The Classic Tote: Uptown or downtown, there’s nothing like a classic tote to pack in all the things you need and give you time- less style.

8 . Bold Clutches: Mini bags from Isaac Mizrahi and French Connection bring high impact to your evening style.

source: philstar.com

The gadgets to bring home this Christmas

While the merriment and cheer abound, finding that perfect gadget to give is by no means a walk in the park.
Well, if that “walk” means a stroll through your neighborhood mall or shopping lane, it can even be more perilous and confusing, as you may not have even the slightest idea of the ONE gadget that should take your loved one’s breath away.

With a deep pocket at your disposal, you can search for these luscious items on anyone’s Christmas wish list — a rundown of sure fire first rate gadgets, so you won’t think twice on what to give to the naughty or nice.

Dell XPS 12
Who would not get their hands on this versatile hybrid laptop that doubles as a tablet (depending on your mood)? The Dell XPS 12 is a gorgeous eye candy with a 1080p 12” display that provides an awesome visual treat whenever you turn it on. This display flips backward within its bezel and transform into a 12”, 3.2 lb. tablet you can easily carry and use anywhere. It has 9 hours of battery life, comfortable keyboard, and a large touchpad.

Jabra Solemate Mini
This incredible piece of Bluetooth speaker perfection is even smaller than your average soda can yet the sound (and bass) is as big as it gets. It has an eye-catching design and long battery life. Called the Solemate, particularly because it resembles a sneaker, is arguable one of the best in its crop with its surprisingly solid sound despite its size. And it can be water-proof as well with its “sound bag” accessory, which is its splash-resistant cover and protective carrying case.

Samsung Note III with Gear
What else can you want for Christmas other than a smart watch that can make or receive calls? Packaged as the Gear that accompanies the Samsung Note III, the smartwatch is a revolution in itself as it became the first commercially available wearable gadget. Still pricey and a bit too dependent on the Note III, Gear is still a fun item to see beneath the Christmas tree as it gives you the distinction of being the first to adopt and use. And of course, there’s the impeccable Note III to boot.

iPad Air
Think about Apple’s mouthwatering gadgets since the Macintosh days and how its innovative flair had made the magic even spellbinding, one product after another, the evolution of one of its sterling accomplishments, the iPad, is no surprise. The iPad Air is again the toast of the 10” tablet town, offering the thinnest and lightest form factor in the market, owing the idea to what they did to their robust line of laptops — the MacBook Air. Its incredible performance cloaked by the biggest corporate brand in America is something no one can afford not to consider during the Holidays.

LG G2
This Korean behemoth — after Samsung — surprised us with its G2 phablet that made us who first saw it want to take home right away or maybe place in a gift bag for Christmas. It’s because of camera features you can’t see in any other mobile phone products in the market; the rear button is engaging, allowing you to take pictures properly instead of the front button that could you to hit delete more than just simply carrying on with the next object to shoot. It’s incredibly powerful 2.2 GHz processor and 32-GB memory allows superior multitasking — like checking e-mails while watching a video.

Google Nexus 7
Google is now making smartphones? Yes, largely through ventures and acquisitions (Motorola’s handset business). But this particular product is one of the search giant’s successful forays into mobile device manufacturing in this venture with Taiwan-based Asus. The Nexus 7 is gorgeously crafted with a comfortable soft touch black plastic and weighs lighter than most 7” tablets in the market. It also offers “retina-class” 1920×1200, making it the highest among any tablet existing today, plus top-of-the-line multimedia features—from the camera to the speakers. Surely, it’s something you’d want to show on the Christmas dinner table to your Holiday visitors.

Sony PlayStation 4
The latest coming of Sony’s legendary game console was stuff of incredible hype leading to its eventual release last October. It is seen as everything better than its predecessors, including compact chassis, matte-black and glossy panels, and improved DualShock gamepads with new elongated handles, a large 2” x 1” touchpad, with new share, and options buttons. And above all, it’s considered the most powerful next-gen console, and the only one with an internal power supply. It has upgraded Blu-Ray support and USB ports on the console and DualShock gamepads.

Beats Mixr by Dr. Dre
This piece of headphone design genius makes another rousing success with Mixr. Beats by Dr. Dre came up with another version of its phenomenal product in response to a demand fromk a prominent user, David Guetta, for the “lightest and loudest” headphones. And it did not fail him. Indeed, the beats are more defined, surely enlivening bass hunters everywhere. But the most compelling feature — the headphones’ design that allows incredible comfort, with pivotal earcups, and, yes, you’d look great wearing it over your head.

Dell SS240T
Do you want to look like you’ve stepped out of a Hollywood movie? Well, a touchscreen monitor like the Dell SS240T will surely make you one. Instead of using a mouse to select menus or desktop items to drag, all you need is your finger. Yes, dragging, say, a Photoshop-enhanced image onto my Microsoft Word application was like placing a real photo into a real notebook. And well, movies like The Minority Report always come to mind. But then again, would you want a monitor that works like a tablet — with all the touching, pointing and dragging—and discard the mouse? If you’re a movie fan like me, then it’s one great Christmas present.

MacBook Pro 15-inch with Retina Display
It is considered by critics as the “best laptop” in the world. Who wouldn’t want that for Christmas? The MacBook Pro 15-inch with Retina Display is indeed in a class of its own. With its formidable quad core Intel Core i7 processing power, with 256 GB storage (expandable to 1 terabyte) and 8GB of RAM, advanced graphics and video features, and 2880×1800 pixel display with 220 pixels per inch Retina display, this business performance laptop is more than just Apple’s centerpiece mobile product, it improves your productivity, and yes, defines your life wherever you go.

source: interaksyon.com

From robbers to vendors, Swedes brace for cashless future

STOCKHOLM — Peter, 55 years old and homeless, is standing at a Stockholm supermarket, carrying the two objects that help him make a living: a stack of magazines and a debit card reader.

The magazine, Situation Stockholm, is sold by the poor to bring in some income, but for Peter and many other vendors the problem in recent years has been that cash is falling out of use, and passers-by often don’t have 50 kronor (5.70 euros, $7.80) at the ready to buy a copy.

The card reader, provided by the magazine’s publishers, has come to the rescue, and Peter, who asked not to be identified by his last name, couldn’t be happier.

“Customers can follow every step so that they don’t feel cheated,” he said, showing the functions of the device. “I’m impressed by this thing. It’s cool.”

Mattias Stroemberg, a potential customer taking a look at Peter’s magazines, welcomed the opportunity to pay with cards: “I never carry cash around. No one does anymore.”

In Sweden, only 27 percent of retail sales are made with cash, according to a recent paper by the European Central Bank. If online sales were included, the figure would be even smaller.

All the Nordic countries are rapidly on the way towards a cashless society, deepening an existing divide between north and south in Europe. In Greece and Romania, for example, 95 percent of transactions are still in cash.

Not everyone in Sweden cheers the transition. In a celebrated case, a would-be robber entered a Stockholm bank, but had to leave empty-handed, discovering that he had picked a cashless bank.

Criminals are not the only ones affected. From Copenhagen to Reykjavik, the cashless society has profoundly changed the ways people live.

Everything from hot dogs to taxes is paid for online, with bank cards, or by SMS. Many buses refuse cash — confounding foreign tourists — and the newly opened ABBA Museum in the Swedish capital also only accepts credit and debit cards.

“Neither retailers nor banks have any obligation to accept cash,” according to the nation’s central bank, the Riksbank.

‘A society where cash is reduced to a minimum’

“We’ll probably not see a totally cashless society in the near future, but a society where cash is reduced to a minimum and used in very few situations, is probably quite realistic,” said Niklas Arvidsson, a researcher at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, who published a study on the topic earlier this year.

The big winners are the banks and card companies, but in the end, all of society could benefit as cash is more expensive to handle than electronic payments, he said.

But the elderly and rural citizens, as well as the socially marginalised with high credit risk such as the long-term unemployed, would have problems if cash disappeared completely, he argued.

“If our society goes in this direction, that you basically can’t do anything at all without access to debit or credit cards … it might even create further marginalisation and exclusion,” said Leif Oeberg, development director at the Swedish Salvation Army, which offers support to people in need.

“The absolute and almost immediate effect … is that you can’t travel by bus. What we see at the other end of the spectrum is that the most marginalised get around on foot … or travel (by metro) without a ticket, but you can’t do that on the bus. That is the stark reality for people today,” he added.

There exists an alternative — pre-paid debit cards that people can later recharge at convenience stores, but with a minimum of 200 kronor (22 euros, $30) even this can pose difficulties.

Arvidsson also warned that consumers’ rights might be at risk as the electronic trail every card user leaves behind could be misused for marketing purposes.

“There is a concern that today’s laws are insufficient,” said Arvidsson. “The authorities must ensure that the information is used correctly.”

Other losers in the cashless game are smaller shops struggling with high card fees, especially after Sweden implemented a new law in 2010 that banned imposing surcharges on customers for paying with cards.

That means the retailers themselves must deal with the fees to the card-issuing companies — up to 2.50 kronor per transaction, plus an additional percentage fee.

Since 70 percent of all retail transactions in Sweden are by card, both debit and credit, it adds up to a sizable sum.

Retailers include the fee in the prices of their products, but for smaller shops it’s a problem because they don’t have the economies of scale and thus have a hard time keeping prices low.

For reasons such as these, Swedish money is not about to go completely virtual.

The Riksbank, which having been founded in 1668 is one of the world’s oldest central banks, still plans to launch new banknotes and coins in 2015.

“We believe cash will continue to exist in the near future. We can’t foresee it disappearing completely,” said Christina Wejshammar, head of the banknotes and coins division at the Riksbank. “It all depends on how we act as consumers.”

source: interaksyon.com

Lucio Co-owned company operating S&R to hike capital

MANILA – Businessman Lucio Co is beefing up the capital of the firm operating S&R Membership Shopping after merging the companies managing a shopping mall in Divisoria, Manila.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Puregold Price Club Inc said Kareila Management Corp’s board of directors cleared the increase in its authorized capital stock from P500 million to P3 billion. The shares have a par value of P100 apiece.

Kareila, a wholly owned subsidiary of Puregold, operates eight S&R membership shopping warehouses located at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig; Aseana City in Paranaque; Congressional in Quezon City; San Fernando in Pampanga; Davao City; Alabang, Muntilnupa City; Cebu City; and Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.

Cosco Capital Inc, another company owned by Co, has consolidated its subsidiaries that operate the 999 Shopping Mall in Divisoria, Manila.

In a separate disclosure, Cosco said the board of directors of Nation Realty Inc, Go Fay & Co Inc, SVF Corp and 999 Shopping Mall Inc agreed to merge these companies with Nation Realty as the surviving entity.

Nation Realty, Go Fay and SVF Corp are wholly owned subsidiaries of Cosco, while 999 Shopping Mall is owned by 118 Holdings Inc, a subsidiary of Cosco.

Cosco has interests in retail through Puregold, real estate, liquor distribution and oil storage.

 source: interaksyon.com

Microsoft sells over a million Xbox Ones in under 24 hours

Microsoft Corp sold over 1 million of its new Xbox One game consoles within 24 hours of their hitting store shelves on Friday, on par with Sony Corp’s PlayStation 4 despite launching in far more countries.

The new console, which launched in 13 countries, set a record for first-day Xbox sales and is currently sold out at most retailers, Microsoft said in a statement.

Sony said it sold 1 million PS4 units in 24 hours after launching last Friday in just the United States and Canada. The PS4 expands to other regions, including Europe, Australia and South America, from November 29. It then hits Japan in February.

Microsoft is locked in a console war with Sony this holiday season. The software giant hopes the Xbox One not only entices gamers but attracts a broader consumer base of TV fans and music lovers with its interactive entertainment features and media apps.

“We are working hard to create more Xbox One consoles,” said Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president of marketing and strategy at Xbox.

Robert W. Baird & Co analyst Colin Sebastian has said he expects shipments of 2.5 million to 3 million units for both the Xbox One and PS4 in the fourth quarter.

Both the PS4, priced at $399 in the United States, and the Xbox One, with a price tag of $499, offer improved graphics for realistic effects, processors that allow faster game play and a slew of exclusive video games.

source: interaksyon.com

Sony’s PS4 tops Xbox One as gamers’ holiday choice: poll

SAN FRANCISCO — More U.S. shoppers prefer Sony Corp’s upcoming PlayStation 4 than Microsoft Corp’s Xbox One, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, as the industry’s two leading videogame console makers prepare to do battle this holiday season.

Asked about their interest in dedicated game devices, 26 percent of 1,297 people surveyed online last week say they are likely to purchase the new PlayStation 4 when available, versus 15 percent opting for the Xbox One.

The rift widens among those below the age of 40. Of that group of 408 people, 41 percent picked Sony’s PS4 versus 27 percent for Microsoft’s Xbox One, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from Sept 23 to Sept 27.

Though based on a limited sample, the results potentially point to a lopsided battle during the crucial holiday season, with Microsoft and Sony hoping to get their newest consoles into U.S. households. Apart from games, they act as conduits for living-room entertainment, from TV shows to music.

Microsoft came under fire from gamers after initially saying it would set restrictions on used games, and require an Internet connection to play. After a flurry of complaints, the company reversed its policies in June. In contrast, Sony has consistently touted support for used games and offline gameplay at industry events. And the PS4 comes $100 cheaper.

Sony said at video game industry trade show in Germany that it had received more than 1 million pre-orders for its upcoming console, while Microsoft has revealed only that preorders for the Xbox One exceeded those of its predecessor, the 360, eight years ago.

Microsoft “couldn’t make up their mind and Sony hadn’t wavered from the beginning,” said 26-year-old gamer Christopher Turner from Salem, Alabama, who intends to spend his cash on the PS4. “The PlayStation 4 is for both hardcore and casual gamers.”

But 56-year-old participant Jon Leigh, who plays six to 10 hours of video games a week and lives in Harlan, Kentucky, thinks the Microsoft controversy won’t sway Xbox fans.

“People who use Microsoft products will continue to use them, he said. Leigh will go with the Xbox One because of its upgraded “Kinect” motion sensor, and because he’s more familiar with the Xbox than the PlayStation.

The $399 PS4 and $499 Xbox One represent the first major upgrades of mainstream gaming hardware in years, setting game developers scrambling to put out new releases that take advantage of better graphics and faster processors.

They are scheduled to hit store shelves from mid-November, about a year after Nintendo’s slow-selling Wii U. Of the 1,297 respondents, only 3 percent said they now played games on the Wii U, versus 20 percent on the Xbox 360, 20 percent on computers, and 18 percent on Sony’s PlayStation 3.

Reversing the tide

More broadly, the shrinking videogames industry hopes the advent of the two new game consoles can breathe fresh life into a sector battered by the proliferation of free games on mobile devices and PCs, as well as on social networks like Facebook Inc’s.

Indeed, 64 percent of total respondents said they would not buy any new game hardware at all this season, when posed with choices ranging from the Xbox and PS4 to Nintendo’s 2DS and Valve’s Steam Box.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll underscored strong interest in Activision Blizzard Inc’s “Call of Duty: Ghosts,” slated for November, which will try and take on Take-Two Interactive Software’s mega-hit, “Grand Theft Auto V.”

GTA V, the latest in the critically acclaimed series that helped ignite a nationwide debate about violence in the media, became the fastest game to hit the $1 billion sales-mark, just three days after sales began on Sept 17.

About a quarter of 715 participants who owned gaming devices said they were likely to buy GTA V, while 22 percent said they would pick up a copy of “Ghosts,” the latest from Activision’s money-spinning Call of Duty franchise.

Analysts say GTA V, which won rave reviews, benefited from pent-up demand as the first major game from the franchise in five years. In contrast, Activision spits out a new Call of Duty game annually. Last year’s “Call Of Duty: Black Ops II” raked in $500 million on its first day.

Ubisoft’s historical action-game “Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag” came in third place in the poll with 19 percent expressing interest. Electronic Arts’ “Madden NFL 25″ and shooter “Battlefield 4″ were the participants’ fourth and fifth choices, respectively.

source: interaksyon.com

Bargain hunters to flock to Divisoria, Baclaran as Christmas Season fast approaches

MANILA, Sept. 15—With the “ber” months now at hand and the Yuletide Season just a few knocks away, Filipino bargain hunters are expected to make an exodus at the various malls in Divisoria and Baclaran that are known to sell cheap but quality goods such as clothes, shoes and even Christmas fares.

Long-time patrons are convinced that items sold in these establishments are cheaper by as much as 40 to 50 percent compared to the other well known malls in Metro Manila.

“Polo shirts (in Divisoria and Baclaran) that are normally sold for P500 in well known malls can be bought for as low as P200 or P150 depending on your ability to bargain with the sales staff,” Eva Alejo, 47, a resident of Barangay Muzon, Malabon said in Filipino.

Aside from shirts, leather and rubber shoes are also for the picking, provided that one is patient enough to walk through the maze of stalls where they are located.

Alejo said that she is now saving money so that she can buy Christmas clothing for her grandchildren.

She added that she will drop by these malls within November or the early weeks of December.

Another bargain hunter, Catherine Encarnacion, also of Malabon City, said that what she likes about these malls is the preponderance of cheap electronic appliances like DVDs and cellphones which are usually sold at very fair prices.

“Prices are usually 50 percent lower than those being sold in high-end malls and the quality is not that bad either,” she stressed.

And for someone working overtime to make both ends meet, Encarnacion said that this is godsend.

Some stalls in Divisoria and Baclaran are also known to sell copies of “designer or signature clothes” 70 to 50 percent lower than the actual cost of the legitimate product.

And since some Filipinos are very brand conscious, the trade in these items are usually brisk despite the risk to the stall owners caught selling such items.

Violators are usually charged with trademark Infringement under the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines or Republic Act 8293.

Recently, P20-million worth of fake “Lee” pants were seized by operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation-Intellectual Property Rights Division (NBI-IPRD) during operations in Pasay City last September 6.

This is equivalent to around 13,759 pairs of fake “Lee” pants. These items were seized from the two stockrooms of Willie Ang located at One Shopping Center and Khatar Region, Kapitan Ambo, Pasay City and showroom and two stockrooms of Willie Cheng located at New Galleria Baclaran Shopping Mall and at Park Avenue Shoe Plaza (HSP2), Park Avenue, also in Pasay City.

The government is expected to crack down hard on stall owners selling “counterfeit goods” in the coming Yuletide Season due to complaints raised by manufacturers who are claiming that the distribution and selling of such items are detrimental to their product.

source: interaksyon.com

US mobile shopping revenues top $10 billion in 2013

WASHINGTON DC - US mobile shoppers spent more than $10 billion in the first half of 2013, in a segment making strong inroads in retailing, a survey showed Tuesday.

The comScore survey showed retail sales from consumers using smartphones or tablets in the first half rose more than 25 percent from the same period a year ago and now account for 9.5 percent of all digital ecommerce sales.

"While mobile devices are already extremely influential in the overall buying process, they are also beginning to drive a meaningful percentage of digital commerce," said comScore chairman Gian Fulgoni.

"One out of every ten consumer e-commerce dollars is now spent using either a smartphone or a tablet, and growth in this segment of the market is outpacing that of traditional e-commerce by a factor of 2x, which itself is growing at rates in the mid-teens."

The report showed "m-commerce" revenues, which are highly seasonal, at $5.9 billion in the first quarter and $4.7 billion in the second quarter. With the largest spending likely in the fourth quarter, sales are on track to top last year's pace of $20 billion.

The report said smartphones accounted for some six percent of e-commerce sales in the first half of 2013 and tablets for 3.5 percent.

The biggest categories for m-commerce were apparel and accessories, computer hardware, and event tickets. Video game, consoles, and accessories showed the highest percentage of digital commerce spending via m-commerce at 23.7 percent, according to comScore.

More than half of US adults own a smartphone, and about one-third have a tablet computer, according to recent surveys.

source: interaksyon.com

Mothercare launches innovative feeding range

MANILA, Philippines - Mothercare’s new feeding range Innosense is a carefully researched and expertly developed range of feeding products that include 31 completely new lines to help parents find everything they need to feed their baby, in the way that comes most naturally to them.

Created with three years of expert insight, vision and passion, and in collaboration with renowned industrial designer, Daniel Weil, the innovative range has 21 design registrations and five patents pending.  Part of this innovation is the unique bottle with an off-center teat designed for better eye contact for bonding between parent and baby while minimizing air ingestion.

Paul Walker, Mothercare head of design, says, “Over the years bottle shape has evolved in the search for the perfect bottle but each has had its pros and cons.  We’ve worked closely with industry experts and mums, and gathered all our innovative know-how to produce this new and unique Innosense range.”

In independent two-week user trials of 210 babies using the new Innosense bottle, 84 percent of parents found the off-center teat helped to reduce burping and winding, 90 percent of parents stated the bottle was “easy” or “very easy” to use and 84 percent of parents found the bottle was “as good” or “better than” their current bottle.

The new Innosense range is available exclusively at all Mothercare stores in Bonifacio High Street, Greenbelt 5, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Magnolia, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, SM Masinag, Trinoma, Abreeza Mall Davao, Centrio Mall Cagayan de Oro and Harbor Point Subic.

source: philstar.com

Sneakers just got loud

MANILA, Philippines -There’s nothing better than a pair of well-worn sneakers that have been everywhere and back with you. Coming out of the gate running with some new styles of sneakers to “get loud” with, Converse is showcasing their new Fall 2013 collection.

The new collection introduces a new shif, making everything look “premium” and attention-grabbing. While Converse celebrates simplicity in its basic design, the new collections uses simplicity as a foundation, adding stunning and bold details. Fall is the time to throw subtlety out the window: it’s time to get loud.

First look at the Chuck Taylor All-Star line, Converse’s most popular and iconic design. The Chucks have evolved from being a functional basketball shoe into the fundamental definition of sneaker culture — the kind of attitude that turns the amp up to 10. Converse is cranking that up to 11 with studs, spikes, and zippers adorned on the classic silhouette.

Converse also mixes it up with materials and textures, from the sheeny-shiny to the sparkly to the rugged — there’s definitely more variety to mix and match outfits with. Inspiration came from 2012s Converse X John Varvatos Collaboration. Much like the 2012 version, it is made of leather. What’s new is the focus on more solid rugged colors, for that well-worn look, and an all-new designer sole.

The Jack Purcell line reached a new level of popularity in Southeast Asia, specifically Hong Kong and Singapore. Named after the eponymous badminton legend, they’re distinguished by a preppier look and trademark “smile” on the toe.

The Cons line has always been an excellent choice for performance and aesthetics. The new Cons signature skateshoes are now equipped with sister-company Nike’s popular Lunarlon soles for better cushioning. Couple that with awesomely vibrant new colorways and you’ve got every reason to go Con.

New designs will be released periodically until October. Check out the Converse Philippines’s Website (www.converse.com.ph), Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ConversePhilippines), and Twitter (@ConversePH) for release announcements.

source: philstar.com

iGrab everything you want at online shop’s new physical store

Afraid of being duped out of the money, as let’s face it, there are online stories circulating which people who cannot get the items, products, or  services that they want.

Here comes iGrab.ph a new player in the online shopping industry, which was launched in  October last year. iGrab differs from other online stores as it recently launched a physical store at the ground floor of the Newport Mall at Resorts World Manila. Situated beside the mall entrance, the site’s shoppers can redeem the items that they have bought online.

“The physical store is mainly a redemption outlet. For example you bought a watch or a perfume, and you are here in Resorts World Manila, you can claim it here,” Jay Anthony D. Padua, IGrab’s AVP for Marketing discussed. All consumers need to do is provide the coupon they have received through email, proof that they have bought from the online store and the item will be theirs. Some of the items can be purchased on the kiosk using the online platform with the computers provided for. Padua discloses, “if these products are within the store you can buy them outright.”


Just like other online shops and group buying sites, iGrab offers goods from luxury items to vacation getaways at a discounted price.  A brands page can be even viewed for people who want to know what labels plus how much price off they can get from this shopping outlet.

Apart from the usual items, iGrab also has discounted tickets to activities and events. It can give its customers affordable access to Resorts World Manila events as it has a marketing partnership with the one of Manila’s top destination.  iGrab gives discounts to upcoming shows such as Cinderella and even movie deals for PhP80, and more.

According to Padua, iGrab continues to strive to look for new merchants as well as give the consumers new campaigns.  “We thought that this (the physical store, ecommerce and group buying site) is the easiest way to get customers to easily adapt to this marketing platform and promotions for our merchants,” Padua shared.

With great discounts, anyone will definitely start grabbing deals anytime now. Browse through iGrab, and see the bargains for yourself, but if you are afraid of using that credit card, or making a deposit, then go to Resorts World Manila and check out the walloping price off.

iGrab is a virtual shopping  outlet by NetDeals, Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alliance Global Group, Inc.,  Alliance Global Group, Inc. is the group behind Megaworld Corporation, Emperador Distillers, and many more successful brands.

 source: interaksyon.com

The ‘Nail-nia’ chronicles: Fab 4 new polishes to dip your fingers into

Nail lacquer has come a long way since its fire-engine red days of decades past. What once seemed like just a uniform for women has now become the beauty department’s leading tool for self expression. A quick look at any woman’s—and even any man’s—nails will let you in on their personality or feelings. It has even evolved into a bit of an art, with the online community pushing the envelope through photo inspirations and blog tutorials.

Whether you love to have the latest ‘It’ shade the moment it hits the runways, a nail art enthusiast, or even one who isn’t swayed by trends, here’s the latest on nail lacquer brands for your beauty update.

1. Zoya officially arrives in Manila

Known for its friendliness to expectant and nursing moms because of its free-five formulation (free of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toulene, dibutyl phthalate, and camphor) and the first to do away with toxins in nail lacquers, Zoya is now officially being distributed locally. What does that mean? No more scouring online shops for favorite shades nor praying for particular collections to be imported. Now you can easily get your fingertips and toes on Zoya’s 300 shades through partner nail bars, like Posh Nails, and salons. If you’re not one to buy your own bottle, this is still great news—your favorite mani-pedi stop might just have the once cult nail lacquer brand in their selection soon!

Zoya has two new collections, first is Pixie Dust, a heavy glitter textured formula with six colors. Though it’s some serious shine, the speckles are fine which makes nails sparkle like diamonds rather than party confetti. It’s dainty but festive, great for ladies who just want to try the glitter trend. I’ve got the mint green Vespa on as I write and I love how it sparkles under the light.

The Spring 2013 collection is entitled “Lovely”. It features six pastel shades half of which has a metallic finish and the other three are cremes. “Neely”, a crème spring green, and “Jacqueline”, a crème magnolia shade, were custom shades created for fashion designer Peter Som which Zoya recently worked with for Spring 2013 fashion week, as well as Marc by Marc Jacobs. Zoya’s polishes has great consistency especially for DIY mani and pedis, I’m excited to try more of their polishes.


2. Go boho with Orly’s Spring 2013 collection Hope and Freedom Fest.

Love the flower child vibe but don’t have the Kate Moss bod to rock its looks? That’s okay, you’re not alone. Thank the heavens for low on commitment but easy to use “accessories” like nail polish, which helps us regular ladies channel any look we want no matter our body type. Orly’s latest collection features six nail lacquers, Boho Bonnet, Elation Generation, Melodious Utopia, Peaceful Opposition, High on Hope, and Coachella Dweller, which includes a few pastels, a bit of glitter and shimmer, some creamy finishes, and a deep shade. With a collection like this, it seems unreasonable to only paint your nails in one color at a time. And yes, it definitely brings those good vibes everybody keeps chanting into their lives.


3. Caronia gets a makeover.

This isn’t your mother’s kyutiks, ladies. For one, it’s no longer “ca-row-NEE-ya” (cue: commercial jingle), it is now pronounced as CA-row-niyuh. If you’re fickle with your nail color or majorly adventurous and use at least ten shades in one mani session, you will be happy to know that Caronia has caught up with global trends and carries 72 shades and counting. No more breaking the bank just to satisfy your whims. Caronia wants women to keep expressing themselves through their nail colors and doesn’t believe they should dictate nor be limited with trends. You won’t be picking from reds, browns, and mauves anymore, they got their fair share of yellows, blues, and greens, and even neons and glitters now, too.


4. Filipina blogger creates a shade with Rescue Beauty Lounge

Polish Police blogger and Philippine Daily Inquirer‘s Super editor Pam Pastor collaborated with Rescue Beauty Lounge for its Blogger 2.0 collection and created “Liberty,” a soft pale green with blue shimmer. The collection carries five other shades which are also collaborations with other nail polish bloggers. But personally, I’m more than satiated and rejoice that a Filipina worked with an international cult brand and produced such a lovely color. There is no Filipino polish connoisseur who deserves this partnership more than Pam! You can read about the story in her blog Polish Police and visit RescueBeauty.com to find out how you can own a bottle of this beauty. I’ve been on the lookout for a  soft ladylike green, and I think Pam hit the nail on the head with this!

Orly is available at Watsons, Purebeauty, and SM Department Stores and Caronia is available at leading department stores and supermarkets nationwide.

source: interaksyon.com

Google tests same-day delivery service in challenge to Amazon

SAN FRANCISCO — Google on Thursday began testing a service for same-day delivery of toys, clothing, groceries or other items ordered online in what could be a challenge to online retail titan Amazon.

People living in San Francisco or a swath of Silicon Valley from the cities of San Jose to San Mateo were invited to take part in “a new experiment” that the Internet colossus dubbed Google Shopping Express.

“It’s a local delivery service that we hope will make it possible for you to get the items you order online the same day, and at a low cost,” product management director Tom Fallows said in a blog post.

“The pilot will expand as we work out the kinks.”

The service is part of an effort by the Mountain View, California-based firm to “bring the speed of the Web to the real world,” according to Fallows.

People enrolled in the test program will be able to shop at a single online venue for products from retailers such as Target, Walgreens, American Eagle, Toys R Us, and San Francisco’s coveted Blue Bottle Coffee.

“So hopefully, no more trips across town for simple errands,” Fallows said.

Pricing for Google Shopping Express had yet to be determined so people testing the service were being offered six months of free, unlimited orders for same-day deliveries.

Amazon entices shoppers with a Prime service that offers free two-day shipping on orders along with online streaming of films and television shows for an annual subscription fee of $79.A

source: interaksyon.com