Connected Economy

The innovations in technology, connected devices, software, payments and cellular technology make it possible for people and businesses to connect with each other and do business via any device, an in any digital or physical location safely, securely, and in real time. This integration of the digital and physical worlds will transform the economy across the ten pillars that today represent its key cornerstones – pillars that are already experiencing the impact of disruptive innovation as new blended, digital-first experience-driven ecosystems are now taking shape.

Walmart App Lets Customers Shop Via Text
Walmart App Lets Customers Shop Via Text
December 15, 2022  |  News

A new Walmart app feature lets customers fulfill orders by texting the grocery giant. Unveiled Wednesday (Dec. 14), Walmart’s Text to Shop service is rolling...

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Grocery Delivery Expands as Retailers Compete for Digital Spending
Grocery Delivery Expands as Retailers Compete for Digital Spending
December 14, 2022  |  Delivery

This week, Food Lion expands eCommerce, Target invests in grocery delivery, and Getir buys Gorillas. Ahold Delhaize subsidiary Food Lion, which has more than 1,100...

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Walmart Offers US ‘Inflation Free’ Holiday Goods
Walmart Offers US ‘Inflation Free’ Holiday Goods
December 14, 2022  |  Retail

 Walmart is offering consumers in the U.S. “inflation-free” holiday baskets through Dec. 26.  Launched ahead of Thanksgiving and continuing through the day after Christmas, this...

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Cashierless Grocery Shopping Expands With Germany’s First Fully Autonomous Store
Cashierless Grocery Shopping Expands With Germany’s First Fully Autonomous Store
December 14, 2022  |  Retail

Trigo and Rewe expand cashierless grocery shopping with Germany’s first fully autonomous store. The computer vision startup and the major German grocery chain announced Wednesday (Dec. 14) the launch...

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Middle East Becomes IPO Oasis Amid Cooling Financial Markets
Middle East Becomes IPO Oasis Amid Cooling Financial Markets
December 14, 2022  |  IPO

The Middle East has become a bright spot among financial markets as IPO activity declines. Initial public offerings (IPOs) in that part of the world...

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Repayment of PPP Business Loans Threatens Struggling Main Street SMBs
Repayment of PPP Business Loans Threatens Struggling Main Street SMBs
December 14, 2022  |  SMBs

For Main Street SMBs, PPP business loans were once lifelines but now could become anchors. This, as the loans that were offered as federal aid...

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JPMorgan Payments’ Merchant Acquiring Business Passes $2T Milestone
JPMorgan Payments’ Merchant Acquiring Business Passes $2T Milestone
December 12, 2022  |  Payment Methods

J.P. Morgan Payments’ merchant acquiring business has settled more than $2 trillion globally in 2022.  This is the most that the business has settled through its...

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Grill Maker Weber to Go Private and Get $350M Loan 
Grill Maker Weber to Go Private and Get $350M Loan 
December 12, 2022  |  Retail

Grill maker Weber is to go private with its planned acquisition by BDT Capital Partners.  Subject to customary conditions, the 70-year-old company is being acquired for $8.05 per...

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AutoNation Moves Into Mobile Car Servicing With $190M RepairSmith Acquisition
AutoNation Moves Into Mobile Car Servicing With $190M RepairSmith Acquisition
December 12, 2022  |  Retail

AutoNation says it will expand its post-sale vehicle service offerings by acquiring mobile car repair platform RepairSmith. The $190 million deal, announced Monday (Dec. 12), is happening when...

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