Retail & Ecommerce

Ford to digitize EV sales: Taking EV sales online while maintaining its dealerships could give Ford a unique advantage, but some franchises might be unwilling to make the switch.

Starbucks’ next CEO will face a host of challenges: The company is looking outside its walls for a leader as it struggles with worker unionization and changing consumer behavior.

Etsy’s new purchase protection program aims to keep buyers and sellers happy: The marketplace hopes the move will improve customer satisfaction and hold off government regulation.

Lululemon thrives while others see demand for athletic apparel soften: The category remains strong overall, but retailers including Macy’s and Gap Inc. are stuck with excess inventory.

Restaurants turn to fees to boost their bottom line: Consumers are less likely to push back against fees and surcharges than if they see rising menu prices.

Pinterest acquires The Yes to grow its social commerce business: The platform plans to leverage the company’s AI capabilities to provide personalized shopping experiences.

Stripe launched its in-store POS system in Singapore as the wider region sees growing digital payment use and demand for unified commerce.

Walmart takes a strategic, high-tech approach to warehouse expansion: The big-box retailer hopes to speed up fulfillment while avoiding Amazon’s mistakes.

Change is coming to Amazon: Amid slowing ecommerce growth, Amazon split its stock, saw its consumer chief resign, and announced plans to shutter its Chinese ebook store.

As cash use declines across Africa, Visa and Safaricom have launched a virtual card to let M-Pesa users transact over Visa’s network.