Taking a seat at a Starbucks in China? Just make sure you’re also ordering something there. A new policy by Starbucks China takes effect across all its 8,000 stores on Thursday, making it mandatory for people to purchase items if they want to sit in its cafes. Starbucks China said the move was part of
Google on Thursday announced an expansion of its mobile Gemini AI capabilities, a new agentic feature built to handle everyday phone calls for you. Introverts of the world, rejoice — but also pay attention to the fine print, because there are limits to what Gemini can do for you. This technology, which starts with a
Remember when holiday shopping started with a very important research trip through the rainbow-colored doors of Toys “R” Us? To an 8-year-old, it was serious business: Santa needed to know exactly which toys to bring, of course. And inevitably, when the holidays rolled around, there was always a sneaking suspicion that the pogo stick-shaped present
While Silicon Valley is spending billions to make AI agents shop for us, the man who pioneered Apple’s retail stores thinks the industry is overestimating how much of shopping people will hand over to machines — and believes physical stores will continue to thrive. Ron Johnson, 66, has heard predictions about the demise of physical
Phillip Grant is feeling optimistic. He thinks he’s the best man to operate Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s city-run supermarkets. Along with being a former city economic development executive and construction entrepreneur, he’s a New Yorker who’s shocked that an orange costs $2 at his local gas station. We’re walking the perimeter of a vacant city-owned lot
The best gift card deal we’ve spotted this year is happening Saturday, August 22nd, at Best Buy stores for one day only. In celebration of the retailer’s 60th anniversary, you can purchase a $100 Best Buy gift card for $60. The deal is only good for as long as supplies last at your local store,
