Today in retail, Amazon is debuting an eCargo bike delivery program in London, with plans to scale the program nationally. Plus, most Amazon competitors are letting Prime Day happen without trying to slow it down, and Lululemon is expanding its footprint in Spain.
Amazon Launches eCargo Bike Delivery in Strict, Congested Central London
Amazon U.K. is adding a fleet of pedal-assisted eCargo bikes as part of plan to make 5 million deliveries annually into central London.
In a blog post announcing the launch of the latest tool within its “micro mobility hub” strategy, Amazon said it is looking to scale the program nationally, using a mix of bikes, walkers and fully electric vans. The eCommerce giant said its micro-mobility hub strategy will directly replace millions of traditional van trips each year, while also taking thousands of traditional gas-powered vans off the road across the country.
The company said it planned to launch more eCargo hubs across the country in the coming months and would be making a major additional investment in solar energy.
Lululemon Eyes Adidas Backyard, Adding Local Website, 2 Stores in Spain
Lululemon said Tuesday (July 5) it will add a local market website and two physical retail stores in Spain, calling it the first such moves in Europe since 2019. The Vancouver-based athletic apparel retailer said it would launch a dedicated local website for Spanish customers later this month, followed by the opening of physical stores in Madrid and Barcelona in September.
“As a brand which supports wellbeing, lululemon has a strong synergy with the active, balanced lifestyle enjoyed in Spain,” Lululemon Executive Vice President of International André Maestrini said in a press statement. He added that the brand’s cultural and community ties would give it “a unique advantage” as the retailer expands into its newest market.
With Amazon Prime Day One Week Away, Competitors’ Sales Are Missing
At a time when cash-strapped shoppers are hunting for bargains and looking for deals on everything they can amid rising inflation rates and a slowed supply chain, most Amazon competitors have chosen not to launch their own sales to compete with Prime Day.
Best Buy temporarily slashed prices on a slew of TVs, laptops, appliances, furniture and other tech to kick off the long July 4 weekend, but other than Target, there haven’t been too many other retailers stepping into the arena to compete with Amazon this year.
Only about one-third of Walmart’s customers were even aware that the company offered Walmart+ Weekend in early June, compared to almost 94% of Amazon shoppers making their lists and checking them twice in anticipation of this year’s Amazon Prime Day offerings.
15% of Restaurant Customers Are Regulars, Visiting Three or More Times a Week
The greatest share (38%) of U.S. restaurant consumers visit restaurants once or twice a week, according to “The Digital Divide,” a PYMNTS and Paytronix collaboration based on a survey of 2,391 U.S. restaurant consumers. The next greatest share of restaurant consumers — 32% — visit restaurants once or twice a month, while 16% visit once a month or less and 15% visit three times a week or more.
Among customers who visit only chain restaurants, 38% go once or twice a week, 30% go a couple times a month, 18% go three times a week or more and 14% go once a month or less. Meanwhile, among the consumers who visit only independent restaurants, 37% go a couple times a month, 33% go once or twice a week, 20% go once a month or less and 11% go three times a week or more.
We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to partner with innovators and disruptors.
Learn More