US CUSTOMERS SHOPPING
Amazon rolls out text-based shopping through Alexa
Amazon said the new text feature lets users research and compare products, track deals and price drops, and have Alexa for Shopping complete purchases on their behalf.
Frontier Raas opens new store in Ahmedabad, Kangana Ranaut attends inauguration as Chief Guest
Indian ethnic and occasionwear brand Frontier Raas inaugurated its new store in Ahmedabad on November 1, 2026, marking another step in its retail expansion. Actor Kangana Ranaut attended the inauguration as the chief guest, alongside prominent business personalities, leading families and members of the city's fashion and cultural communities.
New York woman wanted American children to experience Diwali. How a mother's rangoli kits became a funded business
Indian American businesswoman Akriti Babaria established Kulture Khazana to enhance the visibility of Diwali and Indian cultural customs in the US. What started as an idea at a kitchen table has expanded into a toy brand serving more than 45,000 families, schools, and organizations, familiarizing American children with Indian festivals via books, rangoli kits, puzzles, and crafts.
AI sharpens cat-and-mouse hacking battle as companies strengthen defences
From hacked supermarket fridges and a record cryptocurrency theft at Binance to an emergency over flaws in widely used web software, companies worldwide are facing a wave of cyber threats executives say AI is accelerating
AI shopping agents could threaten Amazon and Walmart's ad business
Retail powerhouses Walmart and Amazon are also the world's two largest retail media businesses, dominating the estimated $74.4 billion in US retail media spending with a combined 88% share of that market, according to projections from data firm Emarketer. But digital assistants could soon disrupt that business.
Diwali Abroad 2026: How NRIs in the US, UK and Gulf Are Keeping Indian Traditions Alive Thousands of Miles From Home
Diwali 2026 is bringing Indian communities together across the US, UK and Gulf, with celebrations ranging from Times Square and London's Trafalgar Square to Dubai's Festival of Lights and temple gatherings in Abu Dhabi. As November 8 approaches, NRIs are marking the festival through cultural performances, traditional food, diya lighting, family pujas, festive shopping and community events. Here is how the Indian diaspora is celebrating Diwali abroad this year.
Apple’s robust India quarter; Giva’s $100 million funding
Apple posted record sales in India in the September quarter. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Personalised festive experiences key to brand loyalty for 72% of Indian shoppers: Survey
A recent survey indicates that 72 percent of Indian holiday shoppers prefer brands that provide personalized experiences. Consumers are increasingly seeking brands that demonstrate understanding of their preferences and offer seamless engagement. The survey found that 68 percent of respondents favor brands with an omnichannel presence for better communication. Additionally, shoppers are concerned about data security, which influences their loyalty just like festive offers.
Solgram raises Over $1 million in pre-seed funding led by DSG Consumer Partners and Saama Capital
This funding will bolster its cold-chain infrastructure while improving its technological capabilities.
Corning operationalises Pune optical plant; capacity expansion planned by 2027
The company’s other plant in Chennai, has begun production of finishing glass for the first time in India. Inaugurated in December, 2025, it is currently undergoing validation by original equipment manufacturers (OEM), and will commence commercial production within the next few quarters, Pillai said.
Apple Q4 results beat estimates as iPhone 18 Pro demand, price hikes offset rising chip costs
Apple reported better-than-expected Q4 revenue of $114.48 billion and earnings of $2.10 per share, driven by strong iPhone 18 Pro demand and Mac sales. Higher product prices helped offset rising memory-chip costs. The company is also expanding its AI offerings, while addressing supply constraints affecting its first foldable iPhone.
Black Friday 2026: Could buy now, pay later offers leave shoppers facing a bigger financial headache after the holidays?
Black Friday shopping can lead to manageable but potentially harmful financial consequences for consumers, particularly with buy now, pay later services. Many shoppers may face pressure to spend beyond their means during the holiday season, resulting in debt. This type of financial arrangement may seem attractive initially, but it can complicate budgeting for essential expenses. Additionally, shoppers often overlook the cumulative cost of multiple repayments while planning their purchases.
Gen Z rewrites festive gifting with AI-assisted picks, artisanal hampers and self-gifting
Gen Zers are embracing self-gifting while shopping for family and friends. Personalised gifts reflecting interests and lifestyles are becoming the norm during festivals. There is an increasing focus on supporting small businesses and understanding product provenance.
When my AI bargains with your AI: The next great bazaar may be where our agents haggle for milliseconds
AI agents are evolving from simple task execution to negotiating on behalf of users in commerce. These agents can analyze data efficiently, enabling faster negotiations and potentially better deals. Businesses are already preparing for AI-to-AI negotiations, which may reshape the landscape of commerce. While this could benefit consumers, it may also create disparities based on the sophistication of agents.
FTC orders Walmart, Delta and others to share how they use personal data to set prices and pay
"We intend to scrutinize the opaque methodology that some companies in these industries may be using to determine how much consumers pay or how much gig workers are paid for the same product or service," FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson said in a statement.
Walmart, Target, and Kroger are changing how they price groceries — here's what you need to know
Grocery giants like Walmart, Target, and Kroger are embracing technological advancements to refine their pricing strategies. Walmart has opted for automated pricing systems that have also led to price reductions. In contrast, Target tailors its prices based on customer behavior. These adjustments highlight the shifting landscape of retail pricing. Here's what you need to know.
Cognite reports $1 billion in verified AI value, confirming impact of industrial AI solutions
Driving approximately 36% of value verified to date, customers are leveraging AI and automated workflows to prevent costly asset shutdowns across complex industrial operations, help them get back running when the unexpected happens, and lower the costs of running their operations.
A Fresh Brew: Trent set to serve up Caffe Nero at Westside, Zudio outlets
Tata Group's Trent has entered into a licensing agreement with Caffe Nero to establish cafes in their retail stores. This decision follows unsuccessful negotiations with Tata Starbucks over a similar partnership. The differences included store formats, locations, and the desired prominence of the Starbucks brand. The terms of the Caffe Nero deal remain undisclosed, with potential for significant expansion in India.
He wanted coffee lovers to explore new countries through every cup. How Michael Shewmake built a $22 million coffee subscription business
Michael Shewmake started Atlas Coffee Club with $5,000 and a plan to help people discover coffee from around the world. From its colourful packaging to monthly deliveries of single-origin beans, the subscription business grew to $22 million in annual recurring revenue by 2023, according to a 2024 business profile.
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