Several self-made billionaires became richer during this coronavirus pandemic, but it was the ones with family money who grew their wealth threefolds.

A recent study has revealed that the rich families of the US such as the Walmart family have seen a huge increase in their assets’ value as the combined net worth of the families grew manifolds.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coca-cola-loses-4-billion-as-cristiano-ronaldo-removes-soft-drink-bottles-at-a-presser-391777" hreflang="en">Coca Cola loses $4 billion as Cristiano Ronaldo removes soft drink bottles at a presser</a>

The report, titled ‘Silver Spoon Oligarchs’ and carried out by the Institute for Policy Studies, claims the wealthy families of the US have not only worked to increase their current value but have also devised methods to make sure their future generations experience exponential growth.

"If the system is functioning as it should, we should not see wealth accelerating over generations, it should be dispersing,"&nbsp;said Chuck Collins, a co-author of the report and director at IPS.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-raining-rats-now-huge-spiders-gossamer-web-blankets-bushland-in-australia-391898" hreflang="en">After 'raining' rats, now huge spiders' gossamer web blankets bushland in Australia</a>

The Walmart family, founded by Sam Walton in 1983, was worth $2.15 billion during its founding years. However, by the end of the pandemic year, 2020, the family’s net worth had grown over $247 billion.

Interestingly, the family behind the famous candy bar, Mars, has increased their worth by $21 billion within a year — from March 2020 to May 2021.

The researchers have observed that these rich families practice limiting charitable donations and avoiding taxation in form of dynasty trusts and fighting tax increases, amongst many more.

"One reason we should be concerned about the ProPublica release, the amount of tax avoidance, is that maybe a sliver will end up in philanthropy, but most of it will be passed down the generational line,"&nbsp;Collins said. "So in a sense they are setting up the next generation of inherited wealth dynasties."

Several self-made billionaires became richer during this coronavirus pandemic, but it was the ones with family money who grew their wealth threefolds. A recent study has revealed that the rich families of the US such as the Walmart family have seen a huge increase in their assets’ value as the combined net worth of the families grew manifolds.

Several self-made billionaires became richer during this coronavirus pandemic, but it was the ones with family money who grew their wealth threefolds. A recent study has revealed that the rich families of the US such as the Walmart family have seen a huge increase in their assets’ value as the combined net worth of the families grew manifolds. Also read | Coca Cola loses $4 billion as Cristiano Ronaldo removes soft drink bottles at a presser The report, titled ‘Silver Spoon Oligarchs’ and carried out by the Institute for Policy Studies, claims the wealthy families of the US have not only worked to increase their current value but have also devised methods to make sure their future generations experience exponential growth. "If the system is functioning as it should, we should not see wealth accelerating over generations, it should be dispersing," said Chuck Collins, a co-author of the report and director at IPS. Also read | After 'raining' rats, now huge spiders' gossamer web blankets bushland in Australia The Walmart family, founded by Sam Walton in 1983, was worth $2.15 billion during its founding years. However, by the end of the pandemic year, 2020, the family’s net worth had grown over $247 billion. Interestingly, the family behind the famous candy bar, Mars, has increased their worth by $21 billion within a year — from March 2020 to May 2021. The researchers have observed that these rich families practice limiting charitable donations and avoiding taxation in form of dynasty trusts and fighting tax increases, amongst many more. "One reason we should be concerned about the ProPublica release, the amount of tax avoidance, is that maybe a sliver will end up in philanthropy, but most of it will be passed down the generational line," Collins said. "So in a sense they are setting up the next generation of inherited wealth dynasties."

'Nothing better than being born in rich family': Study reveals wealthy families getting richer

Walmart reported a drop in first-quarter profits Tuesday with pandemic-related sales growth moderating somewhat, but shares rallied as the results still topped expectations.

Profits in the quarter ending April 30 came in at $2.7 billion, down 32 percent from the year-ago period. Revenues were $138.3 billion, up three percent.

The world's biggest retailer, Walmart has seen strong sales growth over the last year, having operated during the early days of the pandemic as an "essential" business and notching robust online sales increases throughout the period.

In the most recent quarter, Walmart's US division scored six percent growth in comparable sales -- an impressive level that was above analyst expectations, but which lagged the 10 percent growth in the first quarter of last year.

A similar trend was seen in Walmart's US e-commerce sales, which grew 37 percent in the most recent quarter, half the level in the year-ago period.

Sales were also negatively affected by divestitures in businesses in Britain, Argentina and Japan. 
"We're encouraged by traffic and grocery market share trends," said Walmart Chief Executive Doug McMillon. "In the US customers clearly want to get out and shop."

McMillon said US stimulus payments "had an impact" during the quarter and "we anticipate continued pent-up demand throughout 2021."

Shares rose 3.0 percent to $143.00 in pre-market trading.

Walmart reported a drop in first-quarter profits Tuesday with pandemic-related sales growth moderating somewhat, but shares rallied as the results still topped expectations.

Walmart reported a drop in first-quarter profits Tuesday with pandemic-related sales growth moderating somewhat, but shares rallied as the results still topped expectations. Profits in the quarter ending April 30 came in at $2.7 billion, down 32 percent from the year-ago period. Revenues were $138.3 billion, up three percent. The world's biggest retailer, Walmart has seen strong sales growth over the last year, having operated during the early days of the pandemic as an "essential" business and notching robust online sales increases throughout the period. In the most recent quarter, Walmart's US division scored six percent growth in comparable sales -- an impressive level that was above analyst expectations, but which lagged the 10 percent growth in the first quarter of last year. A similar trend was seen in Walmart's US e-commerce sales, which grew 37 percent in the most recent quarter, half the level in the year-ago period. Sales were also negatively affected by divestitures in businesses in Britain, Argentina and Japan. "We're encouraged by traffic and grocery market share trends," said Walmart Chief Executive Doug McMillon. "In the US customers clearly want to get out and shop." McMillon said US stimulus payments "had an impact" during the quarter and "we anticipate continued pent-up demand throughout 2021." Shares rose 3.0 percent to $143.00 in pre-market trading.

Walmart Q1 profits fall 32 per cent as pandemic sales growth slows

Walmart-owned Flipkart said on Thursday that it will acquire Cleartrip, one of India's oldest online travel technology companies. Flipkart will acquire 100 per cent of Cleartrip's shareholding, it said in a statement.

Cleartrip will continue to operate as a separate brand. However, its operations will be acquired by Flipkart. All employees of Cleartrip will be retained.

The value of the deal has not been disclosed.

"The Flipkart Group is committed to transforming customer experiences through digital commerce. Cleartrip is synonymous with travel for many customers, and as we diversify and look at new areas of growth, this investment will help strengthen our wide range of offerings for customers," Flipkart Group CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/over-20-chinese-tech-giants-make-public-pact-to-abide-by-anti-monopoly-guidelines-377734">Over 20 Chinese tech giants make public pact to abide by anti-monopoly guidelines</a>

He added that the Cleartrip team, with its deep industry knowledge and technology capabilities, will help Flipkart Group provide deeper value and travel experiences for customers.

Stuart Crighton, CEO and co-founder of Cleartrip, said the company has been a pioneer in capitalising on technology to simplify the travel experience for our customers.

"This product-driven focus has enabled us to become the preferred travel partner of choice for consumers in a wide range of markets in the region," he added.

The deal closing will be subject to applicable regulatory approvals.

(With inputs from agencies)

Walmart-owned Flipkart said on Thursday that it will acquire Cleartrip, one of India's oldest online travel technology companies. Flipkart will acquire 100 per cent of Cleartrip's shareholding, it said in a statement.

Walmart-owned Flipkart said on Thursday that it will acquire Cleartrip, one of India's oldest online travel technology companies. Flipkart will acquire 100 per cent of Cleartrip's shareholding, it said in a statement. Cleartrip will continue to operate as a separate brand. However, its operations will be acquired by Flipkart. All employees of Cleartrip will be retained. The value of the deal has not been disclosed. "The Flipkart Group is committed to transforming customer experiences through digital commerce. Cleartrip is synonymous with travel for many customers, and as we diversify and look at new areas of growth, this investment will help strengthen our wide range of offerings for customers," Flipkart Group CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy said. Also Read | Over 20 Chinese tech giants make public pact to abide by anti-monopoly guidelines He added that the Cleartrip team, with its deep industry knowledge and technology capabilities, will help Flipkart Group provide deeper value and travel experiences for customers. Stuart Crighton, CEO and co-founder of Cleartrip, said the company has been a pioneer in capitalising on technology to simplify the travel experience for our customers. "This product-driven focus has enabled us to become the preferred travel partner of choice for consumers in a wide range of markets in the region," he added. The deal closing will be subject to applicable regulatory approvals. (With inputs from agencies)

Walmart-owned Flipkart to acquire Cleartrip

People who get <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> shots at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club stores may soon be able to verify their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> status at airports, schools and other locations using a health passport app on their smartphones.

The retail giant said Wednesday that it had signed on to an international effort to provide standardized digital vaccination credentials to people. The company joins a push already backed by major health centers and tech companies including Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce, Cerner, Epic Systems, the Mitre Corp. and the Mayo Clinic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-uk-regulator-shrug-off-astrazeneca-vaccine-concerns-371478">EU, UK regulator shrug off AstraZeneca vaccine concerns</a>

“Walmart is the first huge-scale administrator of vaccines that is committing to giving people a secure, verifiable record of their vaccinations,” said Paul Meyer, chief executive of the Commons Project Foundation, a nonprofit in Geneva that has developed health passport apps. “We think many others will follow.”

The company said people who get COVID shots at Walmart and Sam’s Club stores will be able to use free health passport apps to verify their vaccination records and then generate smartphone codes that could allow them to board a plane or enter a sports area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-is-a-vaccine-passport-all-you-need-to-know-369934">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-is-a-vaccine-passport-all-you-need-to-know-369934/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The apps include Health Pass developed by Clear, a security company that uses biometric technology to confirm people’s identities at airports, and CommonPass, developed by the Commons Project.

JetBlue and Lufthansa are already using the CommonPass app to verify passengers’ negative virus test results before they can board certain flights.

People who get COVID-19 shots at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club stores may soon be able to verify their vaccination status at airports, schools and other locations using a health passport app on their smartphones.

People who get COVID-19 shots at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club stores may soon be able to verify their vaccination status at airports, schools and other locations using a health passport app on their smartphones. The retail giant said Wednesday that it had signed on to an international effort to provide standardized digital vaccination credentials to people. The company joins a push already backed by major health centers and tech companies including Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce, Cerner, Epic Systems, the Mitre Corp. and the Mayo Clinic. Also read | EU, UK regulator shrug off AstraZeneca vaccine concerns “Walmart is the first huge-scale administrator of vaccines that is committing to giving people a secure, verifiable record of their vaccinations,” said Paul Meyer, chief executive of the Commons Project Foundation, a nonprofit in Geneva that has developed health passport apps. “We think many others will follow.” The company said people who get COVID shots at Walmart and Sam’s Club stores will be able to use free health passport apps to verify their vaccination records and then generate smartphone codes that could allow them to board a plane or enter a sports area. Watch | The apps include Health Pass developed by Clear, a security company that uses biometric technology to confirm people’s identities at airports, and CommonPass, developed by the Commons Project. JetBlue and Lufthansa are already using the CommonPass app to verify passengers’ negative virus test results before they can board certain flights.

Walmart joins push for digital vaccination credentials

Walmart said on Tuesday that its Free Assembly and Scoop apparel brands will be soon designed by Brandon Maxwell, known for dressing Lady Gaga on numerous occasions, including at recent Met Galas. 
 
Maxwell, who has previously been a judge on the reality show Project Runway and has also dressed Michelle Obama and Meghan Markle, will be responsible for designing and helping with sourcing, marketing, and production, Walmart said. 
 
The world`s biggest retailer - which launched Free Assembly in 2020 and Scoop the prior year - has been trying to make its brands more trendy. It seeks to grow its position in the U.S. fast-fashion market, an area in which rival big box stores like Target have also invested heavily. 
 
Walmart said Maxwell will oversee four collections annually for the two brands, starting with helping with this year`s important holiday season wardrobe before his full collections drop in spring 2022.

Walmart said on Tuesday that its Free Assembly and Scoop apparel brands will be soon designed by Brandon Maxwell, known for dressing Lady Gaga on numerous occasions, including at recent Met Galas.

Walmart said on Tuesday that its Free Assembly and Scoop apparel brands will be soon designed by Brandon Maxwell, known for dressing Lady Gaga on numerous occasions, including at recent Met Galas. Maxwell, who has previously been a judge on the reality show Project Runway and has also dressed Michelle Obama and Meghan Markle, will be responsible for designing and helping with sourcing, marketing, and production, Walmart said. The world`s biggest retailer - which launched Free Assembly in 2020 and Scoop the prior year - has been trying to make its brands more trendy. It seeks to grow its position in the U.S. fast-fashion market, an area in which rival big box stores like Target have also invested heavily. Walmart said Maxwell will oversee four collections annually for the two brands, starting with helping with this year`s important holiday season wardrobe before his full collections drop in spring 2022.

Lady Gaga's favourite, Brandon Maxwell, to design some of Walmart's clothing

TikTok is about to outlast President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>. Now, the company could become an early test of President-elect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden’s</a> stance toward Chinese tech companies.

Trump demanded last year that TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, sell the viral video app. He said TikTok raised urgent national security concerns, on the grounds that the Chinese government could get access to users’ data. The dispute disrupted the app’s stratospheric rise.

ByteDance and the Trump administration are still talking, people familiar with the matter said. But it looks increasingly likely that the fate of the app will not be decided by Trump, who announced his demands with great fanfare over the summer, backed away from a deal he approved a month later and then turned his attention elsewhere.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-orders-coronavirus-drugs-that-cured-donald-trump-358977" hreflang="en">Germany orders coronavirus drugs that cured Donald Trump</a>

Instead, TikTok’s future will fall into the hands of Biden, who has said little about the company or the broader, bipartisan concerns about the growing influence of Chinese technology companies.

On Tuesday, the U.S. government agreed to extend a deadline in a court battle over restrictions targeting TikTok. The new deadline is Feb. 18 — almost a month after Biden takes office.

“My gut is that they’re hoping to ride this out and hope that this is on the back burner, and they can kind of skirt by under the radar,” Samm Sacks, a fellow at think tank New America, said about ByteDance’s approach to the final days of the Trump administration.

Biden has said America must be tougher toward Beijing, calling China’s president, Xi Jinping, a “thug.” But he has offered few details about how that approach would play out. He has said only that he will try to have a more consistent policy toward the country — in contrast to Trump’s patchwork aggression — while pressuring it on issues like its theft of American intellectual property.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jim-carrey-bids-farewell-to-worst-first-lady-melania-trump-with-a-cartoon-thx-for-nothing-358980" hreflang="en">Jim Carrey bids farewell to 'Worst First Lady’ Melania Trump with a cartoon: ‘Thx For Nothing’</a>

A spokesman for Biden’s transition team declined to comment on the president-elect’s plans. TikTok declined to comment.

A spokeswoman for the Treasury Department said in a statement that the risks associated with the app “have not changed, and the order requiring the divestiture stands.”

The government has been working with ByteDance and others to resolve the concerns, the spokeswoman said, adding, “That work continues, and the attorney general is authorized to take any steps necessary to enforce the order.”

TikTok is far from the only company with a stake in Biden’s approach to Chinese technology giants, which have increasingly tried to reach customers around the world. Trump’s administration spent years pressing U.S. carriers and its allies abroad to drop Chinese telecom equipment from 5G wireless networks. It tried to keep crucial equipment from Chinese semiconductor makers. Then it turned its gaze to consumer apps, trying to ban TikTok and WeChat and forcing the sale of dating app Grindr.

This month, Trump banned Alipay, owned by a branch of Chinese giant Alibaba, and a collection of other apps. The bans don’t take effect for 45 days, meaning designing and putting them in place will fall to Biden’s administration.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jim-carrey-bids-farewell-to-worst-first-lady-melania-trump-with-a-cartoon-thx-for-nothing-358980" hreflang="en">Jim Carrey bids farewell to 'Worst First Lady’ Melania Trump with a cartoon: ‘Thx For Nothing’</a>

TikTok has soared in popularity in the last year, particularly among younger users, who record lip-sync videos, comedy bits and riffs on other videos. TikTok says the national security concerns are unfounded, noting that its data is stored in the United States, with a backup in Singapore.

Trump’s efforts to pry the service from its Chinese parent company began this summer when he issued two executive orders targeting the app. One barred American firms from working with the app, effectively banning it. A second order demanded that ByteDance sell the app. The approach gave the government leverage: If the company made the sale, the administration would nix the other restrictions.

In September, ByteDance announced that it had reached a deal it hoped would satisfy the U.S. government. Software giant Oracle and Walmart would take their own stakes in TikTok, Oracle would manage the data that flows over the app, and leaders at the service would be American citizens.

Trump said Sept. 19 that he approved of the deal. But then he backtracked, expressing concerns that it would not put enough of the app’s ownership in American hands. The talks to complete the deal have continued ever since.

TikTok received multiple extensions from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, a group of federal officials who vet deals involving international companies. The Trump administration decided it would not extend the deadline beyond Dec. 4 but has declined to act on the time limit. Under Trump’s executive order, the Justice Department has the authority to enforce his demands.

Federal judges have also put the administration’s ban on hold, eliminating some of its leverage over the app. The government has appealed the rulings.

Walmart declined to comment. Oracle did not respond to a request for comment.

Some people on ByteDance’s side of the negotiating table believe there are advantages to getting a deal done before Trump leaves. It would give the company more certainty about the app’s future, rather than waiting to see what Biden would do.

At the moment, if ByteDance wants to delay a deal beyond the Trump administration, “they don’t have to do anything, and they can outlast him,” said James Lewis, director of the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He said that if the administration launched a legal effort to force the sale of the app, ByteDance would “just stall it in court.”

But TikTok’s fate under Biden is far from certain.

If he wanted to offer TikTok some immediate relief from the pressure, Biden could rescind the executive order that was designed to cut it off from U.S. companies. He could also rescind the order commanding ByteDance to sell the app.

Biden’s administration could also consider a wider range of measures, short of an outright sale, to mitigate the federal panel’s concerns about TikTok, experts said.

That may take time. The new administration is still staffing important positions that would tackle the issue, meaning it could be months before ByteDance is able to resolve the government’s divestiture order. And without rescinding the policies aimed at TikTok, the Biden administration might find it hard to back down from the government’s defense of those policies in court.

Biden could also decide to pursue a harder line against the app as he looks to balance a desire for a coherent China policy with pressure from lawmakers from both parties who worry about the risks associated with Chinese tech companies.

While the talks between ByteDance and the government continue in private, TikTok has maintained its lobbying effort to convince government officials they have nothing to fear from the app, which uses the cheery slogan “Make Your Day.”

On Dec. 18, the company sent an edition of its email newsletter for policymakers in Washington. It reported that small businesses in Austin, Texas, were using the app to reach customers, that the company was donating $10 million to academic institutions that have public health programs, and that the service had updated its terms of service to better police bullying.

The footer of the newsletter ended with the same message it always does: “We hope this made your day.”

TikTok is about to outlast President Donald Trump. Now, the company could become an early test of President-elect Joe Biden’s stance toward Chinese tech companies.

TikTok is about to outlast President Donald Trump. Now, the company could become an early test of President-elect Joe Biden’s stance toward Chinese tech companies. Trump demanded last year that TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, sell the viral video app. He said TikTok raised urgent national security concerns, on the grounds that the Chinese government could get access to users’ data. The dispute disrupted the app’s stratospheric rise. ByteDance and the Trump administration are still talking, people familiar with the matter said. But it looks increasingly likely that the fate of the app will not be decided by Trump, who announced his demands with great fanfare over the summer, backed away from a deal he approved a month later and then turned his attention elsewhere. Also read| Germany orders coronavirus drugs that cured Donald Trump Instead, TikTok’s future will fall into the hands of Biden, who has said little about the company or the broader, bipartisan concerns about the growing influence of Chinese technology companies. On Tuesday, the U.S. government agreed to extend a deadline in a court battle over restrictions targeting TikTok. The new deadline is Feb. 18 — almost a month after Biden takes office. “My gut is that they’re hoping to ride this out and hope that this is on the back burner, and they can kind of skirt by under the radar,” Samm Sacks, a fellow at think tank New America, said about ByteDance’s approach to the final days of the Trump administration. Biden has said America must be tougher toward Beijing, calling China’s president, Xi Jinping, a “thug.” But he has offered few details about how that approach would play out. He has said only that he will try to have a more consistent policy toward the country — in contrast to Trump’s patchwork aggression — while pressuring it on issues like its theft of American intellectual property. Also read| Jim Carrey bids farewell to 'Worst First Lady’ Melania Trump with a cartoon: ‘Thx For Nothing’ A spokesman for Biden’s transition team declined to comment on the president-elect’s plans. TikTok declined to comment. A spokeswoman for the Treasury Department said in a statement that the risks associated with the app “have not changed, and the order requiring the divestiture stands.” The government has been working with ByteDance and others to resolve the concerns, the spokeswoman said, adding, “That work continues, and the attorney general is authorized to take any steps necessary to enforce the order.” TikTok is far from the only company with a stake in Biden’s approach to Chinese technology giants, which have increasingly tried to reach customers around the world. Trump’s administration spent years pressing U.S. carriers and its allies abroad to drop Chinese telecom equipment from 5G wireless networks. It tried to keep crucial equipment from Chinese semiconductor makers. Then it turned its gaze to consumer apps, trying to ban TikTok and WeChat and forcing the sale of dating app Grindr. This month, Trump banned Alipay, owned by a branch of Chinese giant Alibaba, and a collection of other apps. The bans don’t take effect for 45 days, meaning designing and putting them in place will fall to Biden’s administration. Also read| Jim Carrey bids farewell to 'Worst First Lady’ Melania Trump with a cartoon: ‘Thx For Nothing’ TikTok has soared in popularity in the last year, particularly among younger users, who record lip-sync videos, comedy bits and riffs on other videos. TikTok says the national security concerns are unfounded, noting that its data is stored in the United States, with a backup in Singapore. Trump’s efforts to pry the service from its Chinese parent company began this summer when he issued two executive orders targeting the app. One barred American firms from working with the app, effectively banning it. A second order demanded that ByteDance sell the app. The approach gave the government leverage: If the company made the sale, the administration would nix the other restrictions. In September, ByteDance announced that it had reached a deal it hoped would satisfy the U.S. government. Software giant Oracle and Walmart would take their own stakes in TikTok, Oracle would manage the data that flows over the app, and leaders at the service would be American citizens. Trump said Sept. 19 that he approved of the deal. But then he backtracked, expressing concerns that it would not put enough of the app’s ownership in American hands. The talks to complete the deal have continued ever since. TikTok received multiple extensions from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, a group of federal officials who vet deals involving international companies. The Trump administration decided it would not extend the deadline beyond Dec. 4 but has declined to act on the time limit. Under Trump’s executive order, the Justice Department has the authority to enforce his demands. Federal judges have also put the administration’s ban on hold, eliminating some of its leverage over the app. The government has appealed the rulings. Walmart declined to comment. Oracle did not respond to a request for comment. Some people on ByteDance’s side of the negotiating table believe there are advantages to getting a deal done before Trump leaves. It would give the company more certainty about the app’s future, rather than waiting to see what Biden would do. At the moment, if ByteDance wants to delay a deal beyond the Trump administration, “they don’t have to do anything, and they can outlast him,” said James Lewis, director of the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He said that if the administration launched a legal effort to force the sale of the app, ByteDance would “just stall it in court.” But TikTok’s fate under Biden is far from certain. If he wanted to offer TikTok some immediate relief from the pressure, Biden could rescind the executive order that was designed to cut it off from U.S. companies. He could also rescind the order commanding ByteDance to sell the app. Biden’s administration could also consider a wider range of measures, short of an outright sale, to mitigate the federal panel’s concerns about TikTok, experts said. That may take time. The new administration is still staffing important positions that would tackle the issue, meaning it could be months before ByteDance is able to resolve the government’s divestiture order. And without rescinding the policies aimed at TikTok, the Biden administration might find it hard to back down from the government’s defense of those policies in court. Biden could also decide to pursue a harder line against the app as he looks to balance a desire for a coherent China policy with pressure from lawmakers from both parties who worry about the risks associated with Chinese tech companies. While the talks between ByteDance and the government continue in private, TikTok has maintained its lobbying effort to convince government officials they have nothing to fear from the app, which uses the cheery slogan “Make Your Day.” On Dec. 18, the company sent an edition of its email newsletter for policymakers in Washington. It reported that small businesses in Austin, Texas, were using the app to reach customers, that the company was donating $10 million to academic institutions that have public health programs, and that the service had updated its terms of service to better police bullying. The footer of the newsletter ended with the same message it always does: “We hope this made your day.”

Tiktok is poised to outlast Trump and to test Biden

The snow was falling outside Ali Haberstroh’s apartment in late November when the idea came to her.

At the time, Canada was nearing a second lockdown to curb rising coronavirus cases. In anticipation, the owner of a vintage clothing store in Toronto who is a friend of Haberstroh’s had put together a list of other local vintage shops offering curbside pickup and deliveries in lieu of being able to open their doors.

“It was a wake-up call,” Haberstroh, 27, said of the list, which reminded her how enormous retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon had thrived during the pandemic while many smaller, local businesses had been shut. “I thought if there is one tiny thing I can do to help, then I should get on it.”

Inspired to build a more comprehensive list, Haberstroh promptly created an Instagram post, tagging independent businesses and shopkeepers across Toronto. Included was a new website, Not-Amazon.ca — a URL that she had bought for $2.99.

Introduced as a local list to help keep small businesses alive, Not Amazon was created “so you don’t have to give any money to Amazon this year!” the post read.

What began as a Google spreadsheet with more than 160 businesses collated initially from Haberstroh’s memory and research became a directory of hundreds that have a website and a high-quality photo and offer nationwide shipping, curbside pickup or delivery.

So far, the website has garnered more than half a million page views and grown to include 4,000 businesses across Toronto, Calgary, Halifax and Vancouver. The site is now submission-based, and thousands of businesses are awaiting Haberstroh’s approval.

“In a big city like Toronto, where it feels like most businesses are local, I think it’s so easy to think these things will be here forever,” said Haberstroh, who works as a social media manager at a marketing firm and plans to expand Not Amazon to even more cities. “You don’t think that they’re going to go anywhere.”

Small and medium-size businesses contribute more than 50% to Canada’s gross domestic product. But since the pandemic lockdowns, 40% of small businesses have reported layoffs while 20% have deferred rent payments, according to government data.

At the same time, Amazon and big-box retailers with more robust e-commerce platforms have far outpaced small competitors, turning online shopping from a convenience into a necessity for consumers worldwide.

Haberstroh’s attempt to even the playing field has been welcomed by small-business owners like Tannis and Mara Bundi, twin sisters who opened the Green Jar in Toronto last December. The store specializes in bulk items, like soap and honey, that customers buy to refill their own containers, reducing single-use plastics and household waste.

When the pandemic took hold in March, the sisters swiftly focused on their online operations and offered pickup and delivery, but even as restrictions eased, business remained touch and go. Since being on the Not Amazon site, the Green Jar has seen online orders rise 500% and has been “incredibly busy,” Tannis Bundi said.

“This type of initiative really gave an opportunity for small businesses to be seen and appreciated,” she said. “Large corporations, like Amazon, they’re making millions and millions of dollars, and there’s a disconnect and a detachment. As a small business I have a much smaller carbon footprint, I have a vested interest in my community, and I’m more likely to invest back into my community through charity and hiring locally.”

Amazon declined to comment for this article.

Local campaigns by independent sellers have also popped up in the United States, with bookstores in particular fearing that they won’t survive the pandemic. In France, there was a nationwide backlash against Amazon and other big retailers as “nonessential” businesses closed in November. In August, Canada’s competition watchdog started an investigation into the company’s business practices.

While there have been some shifts in consumer behavior, Daniel Kelly, president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, estimated that 1 in 7 Canadian businesses, or 225,000, will close because of the pandemic.

“While I’m thrilled the movement is there, it’s competing against a pretty significant crosswind, and that is the business restrictions pushing newer customers into big-box and Amazon,” Kelly said. “I think coming out of this, the ‘buy local’ initiatives will have stemmed some of the losses, but it will sadly not be enough to help most small retailers survive.”

Not all is grim. One Toronto business, Stainsby Studios, was astonished by the threefold increase in pottery sales after being featured on Not Amazon. Another, Glad Day Bookshop, offering a variety of LGBTQ titles, said the initiative had increased holiday sales 30%.

Like many other store owners, Mary Oliveira was scared when the country’s first lockdown took effect in March. But her 5-year-old Toronto chocolate shop, Mary’s Brigadeiro, was fortunate to have an existing online presence that brought in steady income throughout the pandemic, she said.

In recent weeks, numerous new customers informed Oliveira that they had found her store through Not Amazon, which she had been added to but had never heard of.

“We noticed more people had the impetus to shop local,” said Oliveira, 30, who was surprised to find 27% of her online shoppers had come through Not Amazon. “With that, we sold out for the entire season a week ago. That’s never happened before.”

In November, she hired four more employees and now is considering opening other locations in Toronto. Oliveira, a native of Brazil, said the “buy local” initiative had brought a renewed sense of belonging, especially as she saw the numerous Amazon deliveries happening while local businesses struggled.

Oliveira said dealing with shipping delays as a small-business owner was frustrating while hearing customers say Amazon is much faster.

Her store’s success also coincided with more public awareness of and support for Black- and Indigenous-owned businesses, she said, after Black Lives Matter protests to address racism and police brutality in Canada this summer. Giving a boost to businesses with Black, Indigenous or queer owners is also one of the goals of Not Amazon.

“I think people realized that we are here as well, and we struggle with a bunch of things people don’t see,” said Oliveira, “being Black and being an immigrant in Canada.”

The snow was falling outside Ali Haberstroh’s apartment in late November when the idea came to her. At the time, Canada was nearing a second lockdown to curb rising coronavirus cases.

The snow was falling outside Ali Haberstroh’s apartment in late November when the idea came to her. At the time, Canada was nearing a second lockdown to curb rising coronavirus cases. In anticipation, the owner of a vintage clothing store in Toronto who is a friend of Haberstroh’s had put together a list of other local vintage shops offering curbside pickup and deliveries in lieu of being able to open their doors. “It was a wake-up call,” Haberstroh, 27, said of the list, which reminded her how enormous retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon had thrived during the pandemic while many smaller, local businesses had been shut. “I thought if there is one tiny thing I can do to help, then I should get on it.” Inspired to build a more comprehensive list, Haberstroh promptly created an Instagram post, tagging independent businesses and shopkeepers across Toronto. Included was a new website, Not-Amazon.ca — a URL that she had bought for $2.99. Introduced as a local list to help keep small businesses alive, Not Amazon was created “so you don’t have to give any money to Amazon this year!” the post read. What began as a Google spreadsheet with more than 160 businesses collated initially from Haberstroh’s memory and research became a directory of hundreds that have a website and a high-quality photo and offer nationwide shipping, curbside pickup or delivery. So far, the website has garnered more than half a million page views and grown to include 4,000 businesses across Toronto, Calgary, Halifax and Vancouver. The site is now submission-based, and thousands of businesses are awaiting Haberstroh’s approval. “In a big city like Toronto, where it feels like most businesses are local, I think it’s so easy to think these things will be here forever,” said Haberstroh, who works as a social media manager at a marketing firm and plans to expand Not Amazon to even more cities. “You don’t think that they’re going to go anywhere.” Small and medium-size businesses contribute more than 50% to Canada’s gross domestic product. But since the pandemic lockdowns, 40% of small businesses have reported layoffs while 20% have deferred rent payments, according to government data. At the same time, Amazon and big-box retailers with more robust e-commerce platforms have far outpaced small competitors, turning online shopping from a convenience into a necessity for consumers worldwide. Haberstroh’s attempt to even the playing field has been welcomed by small-business owners like Tannis and Mara Bundi, twin sisters who opened the Green Jar in Toronto last December. The store specializes in bulk items, like soap and honey, that customers buy to refill their own containers, reducing single-use plastics and household waste. When the pandemic took hold in March, the sisters swiftly focused on their online operations and offered pickup and delivery, but even as restrictions eased, business remained touch and go. Since being on the Not Amazon site, the Green Jar has seen online orders rise 500% and has been “incredibly busy,” Tannis Bundi said. “This type of initiative really gave an opportunity for small businesses to be seen and appreciated,” she said. “Large corporations, like Amazon, they’re making millions and millions of dollars, and there’s a disconnect and a detachment. As a small business I have a much smaller carbon footprint, I have a vested interest in my community, and I’m more likely to invest back into my community through charity and hiring locally.” Amazon declined to comment for this article. Local campaigns by independent sellers have also popped up in the United States, with bookstores in particular fearing that they won’t survive the pandemic. In France, there was a nationwide backlash against Amazon and other big retailers as “nonessential” businesses closed in November. In August, Canada’s competition watchdog started an investigation into the company’s business practices. While there have been some shifts in consumer behavior, Daniel Kelly, president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, estimated that 1 in 7 Canadian businesses, or 225,000, will close because of the pandemic. “While I’m thrilled the movement is there, it’s competing against a pretty significant crosswind, and that is the business restrictions pushing newer customers into big-box and Amazon,” Kelly said. “I think coming out of this, the ‘buy local’ initiatives will have stemmed some of the losses, but it will sadly not be enough to help most small retailers survive.” Not all is grim. One Toronto business, Stainsby Studios, was astonished by the threefold increase in pottery sales after being featured on Not Amazon. Another, Glad Day Bookshop, offering a variety of LGBTQ titles, said the initiative had increased holiday sales 30%. Like many other store owners, Mary Oliveira was scared when the country’s first lockdown took effect in March. But her 5-year-old Toronto chocolate shop, Mary’s Brigadeiro, was fortunate to have an existing online presence that brought in steady income throughout the pandemic, she said. In recent weeks, numerous new customers informed Oliveira that they had found her store through Not Amazon, which she had been added to but had never heard of. “We noticed more people had the impetus to shop local,” said Oliveira, 30, who was surprised to find 27% of her online shoppers had come through Not Amazon. “With that, we sold out for the entire season a week ago. That’s never happened before.” In November, she hired four more employees and now is considering opening other locations in Toronto. Oliveira, a native of Brazil, said the “buy local” initiative had brought a renewed sense of belonging, especially as she saw the numerous Amazon deliveries happening while local businesses struggled. Oliveira said dealing with shipping delays as a small-business owner was frustrating while hearing customers say Amazon is much faster. Her store’s success also coincided with more public awareness of and support for Black- and Indigenous-owned businesses, she said, after Black Lives Matter protests to address racism and police brutality in Canada this summer. Giving a boost to businesses with Black, Indigenous or queer owners is also one of the goals of Not Amazon. “I think people realized that we are here as well, and we struggle with a bunch of things people don’t see,” said Oliveira, “being Black and being an immigrant in Canada.”

A Canadian ‘buy local’ effort fights Amazon on its own turf

The United States has sued Walmart over its role in the opioid crisis.

The US Justice Department Tuesday alleged the giant retailer wrongly filled prescriptions and worsened a public health disaster.

The suit accuses Walmart of irresponsible handling of orders, filling thousands of "invalid" prescriptions and ignoring red flags about problem orders as it sacrificed public health in a drive to boost sales.

Authorities could seek up to billions of dollars in penalties in the litigation that followed a multi-year investigation, the Justice Department said in a press release.

Walmart, which initiated its own suit against the Justice Department in October, called the charges baseless on Tuesday.

It accused US authorities of embarking on a "transparent attempt to shift blame from the Drug Enforcement Administration's well-documented failures in keeping bad doctors from prescribing opioids in the first place."

The litigation cites one official in the compliance unit who said "driving sales" was more important than flagging refusal-to-fill reports and comments from managers who urged the quick filling of prescriptions because "shorter wait times keep patients in store."&nbsp;

Walmart dismissed these arguments, decrying the complaint as "riddled with factual inaccuracies and cherry-picked documents taken out of context."&nbsp;

The Justice Department case marks the latest instance of government crackdown in response to the opioid crisis, which authorities said has driven the first significant reduction in US life expectancy since the AIDS epidemic in the 1990s.

(with inputs from AFP)

The United States has sued Walmart over its role in the opioid crisis. The US Justice Department Tuesday alleged the giant retailer wrongly filled prescriptions and worsened a public health disaster.

The United States has sued Walmart over its role in the opioid crisis. The US Justice Department Tuesday alleged the giant retailer wrongly filled prescriptions and worsened a public health disaster. The suit accuses Walmart of irresponsible handling of orders, filling thousands of "invalid" prescriptions and ignoring red flags about problem orders as it sacrificed public health in a drive to boost sales. Authorities could seek up to billions of dollars in penalties in the litigation that followed a multi-year investigation, the Justice Department said in a press release. Walmart, which initiated its own suit against the Justice Department in October, called the charges baseless on Tuesday. It accused US authorities of embarking on a "transparent attempt to shift blame from the Drug Enforcement Administration's well-documented failures in keeping bad doctors from prescribing opioids in the first place." The litigation cites one official in the compliance unit who said "driving sales" was more important than flagging refusal-to-fill reports and comments from managers who urged the quick filling of prescriptions because "shorter wait times keep patients in store." Walmart dismissed these arguments, decrying the complaint as "riddled with factual inaccuracies and cherry-picked documents taken out of context." The Justice Department case marks the latest instance of government crackdown in response to the opioid crisis, which authorities said has driven the first significant reduction in US life expectancy since the AIDS epidemic in the 1990s. (with inputs from AFP)

US sues Walmart over opioid crisis

In a bid to push Indian-made goods, Walmart on Thursday said it would triple its exports from the country to $10 billion each year by 2027.

Walmart to triple exports from India to $10 billion each year by 2027

Coronavirus is once again on a rampage, China especially is seeing a really high number of cases, due to which the country is undertaking preventive measures like lockdowns and mass testing. According to reports, Beijing has fired more than 70 officials as a “punishment” for failing to control the virus.

In other news, the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues for the 27th day. The world is seeing ramifications, Indonesia is facing a "noodle crisis". Meanwhile, continuing its crackdown on dissent, a Russian court has found Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny guilty of embezzlement, this can increase his jail sentence by&nbsp;up to ten years.

Towards the end of the newsletter, we also bring you some exciting science news.

Click on the headlines to read the full story

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-continues-to-break-covid-case-record-officials-face-the-brunt-for-laxity-464579">China continues to break Covid case record, officials face the brunt for 'laxity'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/22/249315-covid.jpg" />

As a resurgent COVID-19 wreaks havoc in China, more than 70 officials have been let go as a “punishment” in the past one month for failing to control the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-brutal-repression-of-dissent-opposition-leader-navalny-found-guilty-of-embezzlement-464536">Russia's brutal repression of dissent: Kremlin critic Navalny found guilty of embezzlement</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/22/249277-stories.jpg" />

With Moscow working hard to wipe out any and every remaining pocket of dissent, a Russian court has found jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny guilty on charges of embezzlement.&nbsp;The charges could see Navalny's sentence being significantly extended.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ukraine-conflict-creates-noodle-crisis-in-indonesia-464590">Ukraine conflict creates 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/22/249320-noodles.jpg" />Ukraine conflict has caused a shortage of the iconic and heavily popular 'Indomie' noodles in Indonesia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-even-one-country-met-who-air-quality-standards-in-2021-india-5th-most-polluted-country-report-464595">Not even one country met WHO air quality standards in 2021, India 5th most polluted country: Report</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/22/249322-stories-4.jpg" />

A survey of pollution data from 6,475 cities showed that no country managed to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) air quality standard in 2021, and smog even rebounded in some regions after a COVID-related dip.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/interviews-begin-in-downing-street-lockdown-parties-scandal-investigation-464551">Interviews begin in Downing Street lockdown party scandal investigation</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/22/249283-stories-2.jpg" />

In connection with their investigation into alleged breaches of lockdown rules at gatherings held at Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office and residence, the Metropolitan Police reported&nbsp;that they have begun interviewing witnesses.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-sexual-abuse-charges-slapped-against-state-mp-gareth-ward-464645">Australia: Sexual abuse charges slapped against state MP Gareth Ward</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/22/249367-gareth-ward.jpg" />

Police in Australia has confirmed that Gareth Ward (40), a state MP from Australia's New South Wales (NSW) has been charged with sexually abusing a man and a teenage boy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-water-day-2022-know-the-significance-tell-your-story-to-the-un-464548">World Water Day 2022: Know the significance, tell your story to the UN</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/22/249284-world-water-day.jpg" />

Each year, World Water Day is celebrated on March 22. The UN observes such special days and weeks to educate public about issues facing humanity. The effort is also focused on mobilising political will and resources.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-confirms-a-celestial-milestone-5000-exoplanets-confirmed-so-far-464644">NASA confirms a 'celestial milestone', 5000 exoplanets confirmed so far</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/22/249359-download.jpg" />

The number of confirmed exoplanets just surpassed 5,000, marking the culmination of a 30-year journey. In a milestone celebration, NASA announced that its space telescopes helped confirm thousands of new exoplanets.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-slows-down-star-formation-in-a-galaxy-this-is-the-answer-464620">What slows down star-formation in a galaxy? This is the answer</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/13/226464-hubble.jpg" />

What is the reason behind these varying rates of star formation? What causes the rate of star formation to lower? These and some other questions have been in focus of space research for decades.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;'Putin is weighing use of biological and chemical weapons,' says Joe Biden

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-is-weighing-use-of-biological-and-chemical-weapons-says-joe-biden-464654/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Coronavirus is once again on a rampage, China especially is seeing a really high number of cases, due to which the country is undertaking preventive measures like lockdowns and mass testing.

Coronavirus is once again on a rampage, China especially is seeing a really high number of cases, due to which the country is undertaking preventive measures like lockdowns and mass testing. According to reports, Beijing has fired more than 70 officials as a “punishment” for failing to control the virus. In other news, the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues for the 27th day. The world is seeing ramifications, Indonesia is facing a "noodle crisis". Meanwhile, continuing its crackdown on dissent, a Russian court has found Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny guilty of embezzlement, this can increase his jail sentence by up to ten years. Towards the end of the newsletter, we also bring you some exciting science news. Click on the headlines to read the full story China continues to break Covid case record, officials face the brunt for 'laxity' As a resurgent COVID-19 wreaks havoc in China, more than 70 officials have been let go as a “punishment” in the past one month for failing to control the virus. Russia's brutal repression of dissent: Kremlin critic Navalny found guilty of embezzlement With Moscow working hard to wipe out any and every remaining pocket of dissent, a Russian court has found jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny guilty on charges of embezzlement. The charges could see Navalny's sentence being significantly extended. Ukraine conflict creates 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia Ukraine conflict has caused a shortage of the iconic and heavily popular 'Indomie' noodles in Indonesia. Not even one country met WHO air quality standards in 2021, India 5th most polluted country: Report A survey of pollution data from 6,475 cities showed that no country managed to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) air quality standard in 2021, and smog even rebounded in some regions after a COVID-related dip. Interviews begin in Downing Street lockdown party scandal investigation In connection with their investigation into alleged breaches of lockdown rules at gatherings held at Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office and residence, the Metropolitan Police reported that they have begun interviewing witnesses. Australia: Sexual abuse charges slapped against state MP Gareth Ward Police in Australia has confirmed that Gareth Ward (40), a state MP from Australia's New South Wales (NSW) has been charged with sexually abusing a man and a teenage boy. World Water Day 2022: Know the significance, tell your story to the UN Each year, World Water Day is celebrated on March 22. The UN observes such special days and weeks to educate public about issues facing humanity. The effort is also focused on mobilising political will and resources. NASA confirms a 'celestial milestone', 5000 exoplanets confirmed so far The number of confirmed exoplanets just surpassed 5,000, marking the culmination of a 30-year journey. In a milestone celebration, NASA announced that its space telescopes helped confirm thousands of new exoplanets. What slows down star-formation in a galaxy? This is the answer What is the reason behind these varying rates of star formation? What causes the rate of star formation to lower? These and some other questions have been in focus of space research for decades. Watch | 'Putin is weighing use of biological and chemical weapons,' says Joe Biden

Walmart to triple exports from India to $10 billion each year

The chinese short-video app TikTok is requesting a&nbsp;federal court to block the US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> from banning the app in the US.

TikTok has alleged that Trump is using their app as an agenda to further his campaign for the upcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>, scheduled for November 03.

The lawyers will be advocating their case in front of the judges on Thursday in which they will be arguing to prove that Trump has been using the TikTok ban issue as a motive to further his agenda in the US elections and woo the right-wing audience, rather than worrying about 'national security'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/us-tv-shows-try-a-new-election-playbook-making-voting-part-of-the-story-329808">Also read:&nbsp;US TV shows try a new election playbook: making voting part of the story</a>

Trump, on the other hand, states that the only reason he wants to ban the app is because he is worried the Chinese parent company ByteDance has been breaching the privacy of the billions of users and providing data to the Chinese government.

The issue was raised by trump after the two countries — China and US — started a diplomatic and wordly war citing security concerns which has resulted in corporations and journalists bearing the heat of it.

The President had announced that he will be willing to let the app entertain its millions of American users only if ByteDance gives up the control over its US operations and let an American company take control. TikTok offered a deal with Oracle and Walmart as its partners. The deal, which earlier got 'blessings' from Trump, has not been approved yet as Trump has vowed to block every offered deal if ByteDance holds majority shares.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-refuses-to-commit-on-peaceful-transition-of-power-after-us-elections-329798">Also read:&nbsp;Trump refuses to commit on peaceful transition of power after US elections</a>

As per the latest deal offered, Oracle Corp was to take over as the data partner and the&nbsp;retail giant Walmart would have held minority shares in the new entity being set up under the name of TikTok Global.

Trump, known for his indecisiveness, had earlier unofficially announced his intentions of agreeing with the deal. However, he later told Fox News in an interview that ByteDance&nbsp;"will have nothing to do with it, and if they do, then we just won't make the deal."

He further explained that he would be oka with the deal only if&nbsp;Oracle and Walmart "are going to own the controlling interest. Everything is going to be moved into a cloud done by Oracle... and it's going to be controlled — totally controlled by Oracle."

Now, as per the new case filed by tikTok in a federal court,&nbsp;the US government's conduct has been "arbitrary and capricious in multiple respects." The social media giant argues that Trump's repeated tries of banning the app violates the Constitution.

ANother reason why Trump wants to ban the app is because of the reports that claimed that&nbsp;some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/k-pop-fans-and-tiktok-users-played-trump-hundreds-of-seats-remain-empty-in-tulsa-rally-307532">TikTok users and K-Pop fans pranked Trump</a> and registered for free tickets for his Tulsa campaign rally. However, close to zero showed up to the rally, leaving hundreds of seats vacant. Some believe this might be another reason for Trump wanting the app to be banned before the upcoming&nbsp;US elections.

The chinese short-video app TikTok is requesting a federal court to block the US President Donald Trump from banning the app in the US. TikTok has alleged that Trump is using their app as an agenda to further his campaign for the upcoming US elections, scheduled for November 03.

The chinese short-video app TikTok is requesting a federal court to block the US President Donald Trump from banning the app in the US. TikTok has alleged that Trump is using their app as an agenda to further his campaign for the upcoming US elections, scheduled for November 03. The lawyers will be advocating their case in front of the judges on Thursday in which they will be arguing to prove that Trump has been using the TikTok ban issue as a motive to further his agenda in the US elections and woo the right-wing audience, rather than worrying about 'national security'. Also read: US TV shows try a new election playbook: making voting part of the story Trump, on the other hand, states that the only reason he wants to ban the app is because he is worried the Chinese parent company ByteDance has been breaching the privacy of the billions of users and providing data to the Chinese government. The issue was raised by trump after the two countries — China and US — started a diplomatic and wordly war citing security concerns which has resulted in corporations and journalists bearing the heat of it. The President had announced that he will be willing to let the app entertain its millions of American users only if ByteDance gives up the control over its US operations and let an American company take control. TikTok offered a deal with Oracle and Walmart as its partners. The deal, which earlier got 'blessings' from Trump, has not been approved yet as Trump has vowed to block every offered deal if ByteDance holds majority shares. Also read: Trump refuses to commit on peaceful transition of power after US elections As per the latest deal offered, Oracle Corp was to take over as the data partner and the retail giant Walmart would have held minority shares in the new entity being set up under the name of TikTok Global. Trump, known for his indecisiveness, had earlier unofficially announced his intentions of agreeing with the deal. However, he later told Fox News in an interview that ByteDance "will have nothing to do with it, and if they do, then we just won't make the deal." He further explained that he would be oka with the deal only if Oracle and Walmart "are going to own the controlling interest. Everything is going to be moved into a cloud done by Oracle... and it's going to be controlled — totally controlled by Oracle." Now, as per the new case filed by tikTok in a federal court, the US government's conduct has been "arbitrary and capricious in multiple respects." The social media giant argues that Trump's repeated tries of banning the app violates the Constitution. ANother reason why Trump wants to ban the app is because of the reports that claimed that some TikTok users and K-Pop fans pranked Trump and registered for free tickets for his Tulsa campaign rally. However, close to zero showed up to the rally, leaving hundreds of seats vacant. Some believe this might be another reason for Trump wanting the app to be banned before the upcoming US elections.

TikTok asks court to block Trump's ban claiming it to be US elections' agenda

The Chinese government is unlikely to approve the deal China's ByteDance has struck with Oracle Corp and Walmart Inc over the future of its video-streaming app TikTok in the United States.

ByteDance has said it will create a US subsidiary partly owned by American majors Oracle and Walmart to pacify the administration of President Donald Trump which had planned to ban TikTok on security grounds.

"It is clear that these articles (terms) extensively show Washington's bullying style and hooligan logic. They hurt China's national security, interests and dignity," said a Global Times report.

The Global Times is a tabloid published by the People's Daily, the official newspaper of China's ruling Communist Party, but does not speak on behalf of the party and government unlike its parent publication.

The article's unidentified author objected to a requirement that four of the five board seats of TikTok Global be occupied by Americans and only one reserved for a Chinese national, as well as the inclusion of a US-approved "national security director".

It also denounced a requirement that ByteDance reveal TikTok's source code to Oracle as part of the latter's stake purchase, as well as the separate management of TikTok from Chinese equivalent Douyin.

"As TikTok and Douyin should have the same source code, this means the US can get to know the operations of Douyin," the editorial continued.

"If the reorganisation of TikTok under US manipulation becomes a model, it means once any successful Chinese company expands its business to the US and becomes competitive, it will be targeted by the US and turned into a US-controlled company via trickery and coercion, which eventually serves only US interests," the author wrote.

ByteDance and Oracle have announced they had reached a deal that would satisfy Trump's call for TikTok to be sold to an American buyer or face shutdown in the United States.

However, both sides have framed the deal differently in public statements.

ByteDance has said TikTok Global will be its subsidiary of which it will own 80%, while Oracle has said the former's ownership would be distributed to its investors, many of which are US-based and that the Beijing-based firm itself would have no stake in TikTok Global.

The Chinese government is unlikely to approve the deal China's ByteDance has struck with Oracle Corp and Walmart Inc over the future of its video-streaming app TikTok in the United States.

The Chinese government is unlikely to approve the deal China's ByteDance has struck with Oracle Corp and Walmart Inc over the future of its video-streaming app TikTok in the United States. ByteDance has said it will create a US subsidiary partly owned by American majors Oracle and Walmart to pacify the administration of President Donald Trump which had planned to ban TikTok on security grounds. "It is clear that these articles (terms) extensively show Washington's bullying style and hooligan logic. They hurt China's national security, interests and dignity," said a Global Times report. The Global Times is a tabloid published by the People's Daily, the official newspaper of China's ruling Communist Party, but does not speak on behalf of the party and government unlike its parent publication. The article's unidentified author objected to a requirement that four of the five board seats of TikTok Global be occupied by Americans and only one reserved for a Chinese national, as well as the inclusion of a US-approved "national security director". It also denounced a requirement that ByteDance reveal TikTok's source code to Oracle as part of the latter's stake purchase, as well as the separate management of TikTok from Chinese equivalent Douyin. "As TikTok and Douyin should have the same source code, this means the US can get to know the operations of Douyin," the editorial continued. "If the reorganisation of TikTok under US manipulation becomes a model, it means once any successful Chinese company expands its business to the US and becomes competitive, it will be targeted by the US and turned into a US-controlled company via trickery and coercion, which eventually serves only US interests," the author wrote. ByteDance and Oracle have announced they had reached a deal that would satisfy Trump's call for TikTok to be sold to an American buyer or face shutdown in the United States. However, both sides have framed the deal differently in public statements. ByteDance has said TikTok Global will be its subsidiary of which it will own 80%, while Oracle has said the former's ownership would be distributed to its investors, many of which are US-based and that the Beijing-based firm itself would have no stake in TikTok Global.

Beijing unlikely to approve ByteDance's TikTok deal with Oracle, report says

The TikTok debacle seems to be coming to an end as the Chinese company has proposed for Oracle to be its US technology provider and Walmart as a commercial partner.

This decision has been taken after weeks of closed-door meetings, proposals and legal wars after the US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;ordered a ban on the Chinese app <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tiktok">TikTok</a>&nbsp;citing national security concerns.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-asks-us-to-stop-bullying-after-trump-bans-tiktok-and-wechat-threatens-retaliation-328547">Also read:&nbsp;China asks US to stop 'bullying' after Trump bans TikTok and WeChat; threatens retaliation</a>

"We are pleased that the proposal by TikTok, Oracle, and Walmart will resolve the security concerns of the US Administration and settle questions around TikTok's future in the US," a spokeswoman for TikTok said.

The deal has been proposed to the Trump administration but has not received an official yes yet. However, Trump had earlier, while talking to reporters, hailed this deal as "fantastic".

"I have given the deal my blessing," Trump said. "I approve the deal in concept."

As per the new deal, ByteDance will be setting up a new portion called TikTok Global in which the US shareholders are expected to control 53 per cent of the shares, and the Chinese investors will hold 36 per cent. While it is not yet finalised which company will be the majority share holder, Oracle is rumoured to hold 12.5 per cent of the TikTok Global shares.

Trump has claimed that the new company will be based in Texas and hire nearly 25,000 people. He has also reportedly claimed that the new company will be contributing nearly $5 billion to a fund dedicated to education for Americans.

"Well, we have a deal worked out I think with Wal-Mart is going to buy it, along with Oracle, Larry Ellison. It's going to be an incredible combination and I said, you know, do me a favour, could you put up 5 billion dollars into a fund for education so we can educate people as to real history of our country? The real history. Not the fake history. Because we're getting very close to that deal and all of the technology will be maintained here. They're going to move probably to the great state of Texas. Sorry, we've got you (North Carolina) a lot of business, but we couldn't...but they're going to move into the United States, which is what's important, move it to the United States. Unbelievable company. They're going to have 25,000 jobs if it all goes. I gave them the preliminary approval," he told local reporters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-not-happy-with-oracle-having-minority-shares-in-tiktok-328040">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump not happy with Oracle having minority shares in TikTok</a>

The unofficial agreement has come after weeks of declining all other deal that the Chinese parent company ByteDance proposed.

The US Treasure has said, "Oracle will be responsible for key technology and security responsibilities to protect all U.S. user data. Approval of the transaction is subject to a closing with Oracle and Walmart and necessary documentation and conditions to be approved by" the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.

Considering the new deal, the US Commerce Department has extended the deadline of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-ban-tiktok-and-wechat-downloads-from-september-20-328428">US ban</a> of the popular short-video sharing app.&nbsp;

However,&nbsp;the deal still has to go through the official nods by China and the US.

The TikTok debacle seems to be coming to an end as the Chinese company has proposed for Oracle to be its US technology provider and Walmart as a commercial partner.

The TikTok debacle seems to be coming to an end as the Chinese company has proposed for Oracle to be its US technology provider and Walmart as a commercial partner. This decision has been taken after weeks of closed-door meetings, proposals and legal wars after the US President Donald Trump ordered a ban on the Chinese app TikTok citing national security concerns. Also read: China asks US to stop 'bullying' after Trump bans TikTok and WeChat; threatens retaliation "We are pleased that the proposal by TikTok, Oracle, and Walmart will resolve the security concerns of the US Administration and settle questions around TikTok's future in the US," a spokeswoman for TikTok said. The deal has been proposed to the Trump administration but has not received an official yes yet. However, Trump had earlier, while talking to reporters, hailed this deal as "fantastic". "I have given the deal my blessing," Trump said. "I approve the deal in concept." As per the new deal, ByteDance will be setting up a new portion called TikTok Global in which the US shareholders are expected to control 53 per cent of the shares, and the Chinese investors will hold 36 per cent. While it is not yet finalised which company will be the majority share holder, Oracle is rumoured to hold 12.5 per cent of the TikTok Global shares. Trump has claimed that the new company will be based in Texas and hire nearly 25,000 people. He has also reportedly claimed that the new company will be contributing nearly $5 billion to a fund dedicated to education for Americans. "Well, we have a deal worked out I think with Wal-Mart is going to buy it, along with Oracle, Larry Ellison. It's going to be an incredible combination and I said, you know, do me a favour, could you put up 5 billion dollars into a fund for education so we can educate people as to real history of our country? The real history. Not the fake history. Because we're getting very close to that deal and all of the technology will be maintained here. They're going to move probably to the great state of Texas. Sorry, we've got you (North Carolina) a lot of business, but we couldn't...but they're going to move into the United States, which is what's important, move it to the United States. Unbelievable company. They're going to have 25,000 jobs if it all goes. I gave them the preliminary approval," he told local reporters. Also Read: Trump not happy with Oracle having minority shares in TikTok The unofficial agreement has come after weeks of declining all other deal that the Chinese parent company ByteDance proposed. The US Treasure has said, "Oracle will be responsible for key technology and security responsibilities to protect all U.S. user data. Approval of the transaction is subject to a closing with Oracle and Walmart and necessary documentation and conditions to be approved by" the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. Considering the new deal, the US Commerce Department has extended the deadline of the US ban of the popular short-video sharing app. However, the deal still has to go through the official nods by China and the US.

TikTok proposes new deal with Oracle and Walmart; Trump gives his blessings

The announcement comes hours after TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer quit his job as the video-sharing app faces criticism from US President Donald Trump

Walmart is joining Microsoft in Tiktok bid

US retail giant Walmart said Thursday it had teamed with Microsoft in a bid to buy Chinese-owned short-form video app TikTok.

The app has been at the center of a diplomatic storm between Washington and Beijing after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 6 giving Americans 45 days to stop doing business with its Chinese parent company ByteDance.&nbsp;

The move effectively set a deadline for a sale of TikTok to a US company.

"We are confident that a Walmart and Microsoft partnership would meet both the expectations of US TikTok users while satisfying the concerns of US government regulators," the retailer told AFP.

Walmart is likely interested in TikTok to better connect with younger shoppers who turn to the internet for lifestyle trends, according to analysts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-in-trouble-again-with-an-offensive-holocaust-trend-323437">Also read|&nbsp;TikTok in trouble again with an 'offensive' Holocaust trend</a>

Younger people are much less likely to shop at Walmart, whether online or in real-world stores, according to GlobalData Retail managing director Neil Saunders.

"A social platform like TikTok would give Walmart easy access to the very audience it wants and needs to attract," Saunders said.

Having access to the social media sensation could help Walmart's marketing campaigns while tapping into "a rich seam of data" or product development and more, according to Saunders.

Walmart teaming with US technology colossus Microsoft was "the final piece of the puzzle that ultimately cements Microsoft successfully acquiring TikTok's US operations for likely $35 billion to $40 billion," according to Wedbush analyst Dan Ives.

'High stakes poker'

"While deal negotiations will be complex with a number of technology and data privacy issues that need to be worked out before an agreement is inked, we believe ByteDance is playing a game of high stakes poker with Microsoft looking like the only true white knight around," Ives said in a note to investors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-have-decided-to-leave-the-company-tiktok-ceo-kevin-mayer-resigns-amid-us-government-crackdown-323355">Also read|&nbsp;'I have decided to leave the company': TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer resigns amid US government crackdown</a>

TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer said Wednesday he had quit the company as tensions soar between Washington and Beijing over the Chinese-owned video platform.

Mayer's departure was taken by some in the market as a sign that a deal to sell TikTok is imminent. Oracle is also said to be in the bidding

Mayer's resignation came just days after TikTok filed a lawsuit challenging a crackdown by the US government over claims the wildly popular social media app can be used to spy on Americans.

TikTok, which has been downloaded 175 million times in the US and more than a billion times around the world, argued in the suit that Trump's order was a misuse of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

The platform — on which users share often playful short-form videos — is not "an unusual and extraordinary threat," it said.

The platform's kaleidoscopic feeds of clips feature everything from dance routines and hair-dye tutorials to jokes about daily life and politics.&nbsp;

The company holds firm that it has never provided any US user data to the Chinese government, and Beijing has blasted Trump's crackdown as political.

US retail giant Walmart said Thursday it had teamed with Microsoft in a bid to buy Chinese-owned short-form video app TikTok. The app has been at the center of a diplomatic storm between Washington and Beijing after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 6 giving Americans 45 days to stop doing business with its Chinese parent company ByteDance.

US retail giant Walmart said Thursday it had teamed with Microsoft in a bid to buy Chinese-owned short-form video app TikTok. The app has been at the center of a diplomatic storm between Washington and Beijing after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 6 giving Americans 45 days to stop doing business with its Chinese parent company ByteDance. The move effectively set a deadline for a sale of TikTok to a US company. "We are confident that a Walmart and Microsoft partnership would meet both the expectations of US TikTok users while satisfying the concerns of US government regulators," the retailer told AFP. Walmart is likely interested in TikTok to better connect with younger shoppers who turn to the internet for lifestyle trends, according to analysts. Also read| TikTok in trouble again with an 'offensive' Holocaust trend Younger people are much less likely to shop at Walmart, whether online or in real-world stores, according to GlobalData Retail managing director Neil Saunders. "A social platform like TikTok would give Walmart easy access to the very audience it wants and needs to attract," Saunders said. Having access to the social media sensation could help Walmart's marketing campaigns while tapping into "a rich seam of data" or product development and more, according to Saunders. Walmart teaming with US technology colossus Microsoft was "the final piece of the puzzle that ultimately cements Microsoft successfully acquiring TikTok's US operations for likely $35 billion to $40 billion," according to Wedbush analyst Dan Ives. 'High stakes poker' "While deal negotiations will be complex with a number of technology and data privacy issues that need to be worked out before an agreement is inked, we believe ByteDance is playing a game of high stakes poker with Microsoft looking like the only true white knight around," Ives said in a note to investors. Also read| 'I have decided to leave the company': TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer resigns amid US government crackdown TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer said Wednesday he had quit the company as tensions soar between Washington and Beijing over the Chinese-owned video platform. Mayer's departure was taken by some in the market as a sign that a deal to sell TikTok is imminent. Oracle is also said to be in the bidding Mayer's resignation came just days after TikTok filed a lawsuit challenging a crackdown by the US government over claims the wildly popular social media app can be used to spy on Americans. TikTok, which has been downloaded 175 million times in the US and more than a billion times around the world, argued in the suit that Trump's order was a misuse of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The platform — on which users share often playful short-form videos — is not "an unusual and extraordinary threat," it said. The platform's kaleidoscopic feeds of clips feature everything from dance routines and hair-dye tutorials to jokes about daily life and politics. The company holds firm that it has never provided any US user data to the Chinese government, and Beijing has blasted Trump's crackdown as political.

Walmart says teaming with Microsoft in bid for TikTok

Walmart banned a couple from entering any of its store for at least a year after they came for shopping wearing a mask with Nazi symbols in Minnesota, United States.

Police were called in on Saturday, who did not arrest the couple, but gave them no-tresspass notice.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/flipkart-buys-parent-walmarts-indian-wholesale-business-315351">Flipkart buys parent Walmart's Indian wholesale business</a>

Raphaela Mueller, who was also shopping during that time, posted a video on Facebook of the duo being confronted by others in the store.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-walmart-shooter-a-former-employee-309270">US: Walmart shooter a former employee</a>

"If you vote for (Democratic presidential candidate Joe) Biden, you’re going to be living in Nazi Germany, that’s what it’s going to be like," the woman, who was wearing the Swastika mask, said in the video.&nbsp;

Mueller, a vicar of a southwest Minnesota parish said when she felt "nauseated" and wanted to "cry" when she first noticed the couple.&nbsp;

"I was speechless and shocked. I have heard of (things like this) happening in other places but I never thought I would see something like that," she said, reported The Associated Press on Sunday.

Walmart, in a statement, said the Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer "will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment in any aspect of our business."

The couple were given an alternative mask, which they refused to wear, following which they "became belligerent and were asked to leave the store by store management," the statement added.&nbsp;

Walmart banned a couple from entering any of its store for at least a year after they came for shopping wearing a mask with Nazi symbols in Minnesota, United States.

Walmart banned a couple from entering any of its store for at least a year after they came for shopping wearing a mask with Nazi symbols in Minnesota, United States. Police were called in on Saturday, who did not arrest the couple, but gave them no-tresspass notice. Also read | Flipkart buys parent Walmart's Indian wholesale business Raphaela Mueller, who was also shopping during that time, posted a video on Facebook of the duo being confronted by others in the store. Also read | US: Walmart shooter a former employee "If you vote for (Democratic presidential candidate Joe) Biden, you’re going to be living in Nazi Germany, that’s what it’s going to be like," the woman, who was wearing the Swastika mask, said in the video. Mueller, a vicar of a southwest Minnesota parish said when she felt "nauseated" and wanted to "cry" when she first noticed the couple. "I was speechless and shocked. I have heard of (things like this) happening in other places but I never thought I would see something like that," she said, reported The Associated Press on Sunday. Walmart, in a statement, said the Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer "will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment in any aspect of our business." The couple were given an alternative mask, which they refused to wear, following which they "became belligerent and were asked to leave the store by store management," the statement added.

US: Walmart bans couple who came to shop wearing Nazi masks

Flipkart said on Thursday it had acquired parent Walmart Inc`s local cash-and-carry business, as the e-commerce firm strengthens its wholesale offerings to compete better with Amazon.com Inc.

The deal will allow Flipkart to launch a digital marketplace called Flipkart Wholesale next month, the Bengaluru-headquartered firm said, without disclosing any financial details of the deal.

Walmart, which has been running Best Price wholesale cash-and-carry stores in India since 2009, bought a controlling stake in Flipkart in 2018 for $16 billion.

The brand has 28 wholesale stores, two fulfillment centers and more than 1.5 million members, largely comprising mom-and-pop stores, but Walmart has not been able to make money from this business.

The Flipkart deal, which local daily Economic Times had said&nbsp;was in the offing in January, comes as e-commerce players including Amazon look to woo India`s mom-and-pop stores that are considered the backbone of the economy.

Flipkart also faces competition from local online grocery upstart JioMart, backed by billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries, whose digital arm has raised around $20 billion.

India does not allow foreign investors to control and market their own inventory on their e-commerce platforms, which is seen as giving JioMart and other local players an edge in a key growth market for e-commerce.

Walmart India employees will join the Flipkart Group as part of the deal, Flipkart said.

Flipkart said on Thursday it had acquired parent Walmart Inc`s local cash-and-carry business, as the e-commerce firm strengthens its wholesale offerings to compete better with Amazon.

Flipkart said on Thursday it had acquired parent Walmart Inc`s local cash-and-carry business, as the e-commerce firm strengthens its wholesale offerings to compete better with Amazon.com Inc. The deal will allow Flipkart to launch a digital marketplace called Flipkart Wholesale next month, the Bengaluru-headquartered firm said, without disclosing any financial details of the deal. Walmart, which has been running Best Price wholesale cash-and-carry stores in India since 2009, bought a controlling stake in Flipkart in 2018 for $16 billion. The brand has 28 wholesale stores, two fulfillment centers and more than 1.5 million members, largely comprising mom-and-pop stores, but Walmart has not been able to make money from this business. The Flipkart deal, which local daily Economic Times had said was in the offing in January, comes as e-commerce players including Amazon look to woo India`s mom-and-pop stores that are considered the backbone of the economy. Flipkart also faces competition from local online grocery upstart JioMart, backed by billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries, whose digital arm has raised around $20 billion. India does not allow foreign investors to control and market their own inventory on their e-commerce platforms, which is seen as giving JioMart and other local players an edge in a key growth market for e-commerce. Walmart India employees will join the Flipkart Group as part of the deal, Flipkart said.

Flipkart buys parent Walmart's Indian wholesale business

Walmart on July 21 said that it would spend about $428 million on cash bonuses for hourly employees as a reward for continuing to work during the coronavirus pandemic. Watch report.

Mega employee bonus of Walmart amid COVID-19 pandemic

On Sunday, a man in his early 30s, drove into a Walmart distribution center in Northern California and open fired at the crowd. The shooting rampage wounded four people and killed one person, and the shooter.

The man has been identified as a former employee of the same Walmart distribution center.

Louis Wesley Lane, 31, was fired in February 2019 from the distribution center near Red Bluff in February. the reason stated for his termination of employment was his lack of attendance at work, Tehama County Assistant Sheriff Phil Johnston told media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-walmart-shooting-kills-2-people-4-wounded-309110">Also read|&nbsp;US: Walmart shooting kills 2 people; 4 wounded</a>

Lane had started firing at people with a semi-automatic gun in the parking lot and the building. He exchanged 20 to 30 rounds of fire with the&nbsp;Red Bluff police officers who were first to get to the scene, the sheriff's office said. He was later shot by the police, and taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The motive of the shooting is not clear. However, officials are now assuming it to be the shooter's termination of employment from Walmart.

The employee who died was Martin Haro-Lozano, 45, from Orland, California, and had been working at the Walmart for 12 years. He was taken to the hospital by a sheriff's deputy due to the extent of his injuries, but later succumbed to injuries.

"We are shocked and heartbroken about the horrific event that occurred," John Furner, President and CEO of Walmart US&nbsp;said in a statement.

The wounded victims are being treated in&nbsp;St. Elizabeth Community Hospital.

On Sunday, a man in his early 30s, drove into a Walmart distribution center in Northern California and open fired at the crowd. The shooting rampage wounded four people and killed one person, and the shooter.

On Sunday, a man in his early 30s, drove into a Walmart distribution center in Northern California and open fired at the crowd. The shooting rampage wounded four people and killed one person, and the shooter. The man has been identified as a former employee of the same Walmart distribution center. Louis Wesley Lane, 31, was fired in February 2019 from the distribution center near Red Bluff in February. the reason stated for his termination of employment was his lack of attendance at work, Tehama County Assistant Sheriff Phil Johnston told media. Also read| US: Walmart shooting kills 2 people; 4 wounded Lane had started firing at people with a semi-automatic gun in the parking lot and the building. He exchanged 20 to 30 rounds of fire with the Red Bluff police officers who were first to get to the scene, the sheriff's office said. He was later shot by the police, and taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The motive of the shooting is not clear. However, officials are now assuming it to be the shooter's termination of employment from Walmart. The employee who died was Martin Haro-Lozano, 45, from Orland, California, and had been working at the Walmart for 12 years. He was taken to the hospital by a sheriff's deputy due to the extent of his injuries, but later succumbed to injuries. "We are shocked and heartbroken about the horrific event that occurred," John Furner, President and CEO of Walmart US said in a statement. The wounded victims are being treated in St. Elizabeth Community Hospital.

US: Walmart shooter a former employee

As some U.S. states look to start reopening their coronavirus-battered economies amid protests from supporters of President Donald Trump anxious to get back to work, hardest hit New York state began mandating the wearing of masks or face coverings in public to contain the pathogen's spread.

Saturday ends another week in which millions of Americans went without paychecks. More than 20 million have filed for unemployment benefits in the past few weeks alone as closures of businesses and schools and severe travel restrictions to try to curb the highly contagious virus have hammered the U.S. economy.

In a bit of welcome news on the employment front, Walmart Inc said on Friday that it would hire 50,000 more workers at its stores, clubs and distribution centers to meet a surge in demand for groceries and household essentials from consumers forced to stay home during the outbreak.

One business deemed essential to keeping Americans fed that has been hit hard by the epidemic is meat processing plants. Facilities in South Dakota, Georgia, Iowa and elsewhere have reported hundreds of infections among employees forced to work in close proximity, prompting some plants run by Tyson Foods and Smithfield Foods to shift production or shut and sparking calls by unions for safer working conditions.

Even with huge companies such as Walmart and Amazon.com Inc hiring, some Americans who live in parts of states with lower infection rates have been made restless by the restrictions, leading to protests this week by flag-waving Trump supporters in the capitols of Minnesota, Michigan and Virginia.

The demonstrations, which featured large crowds of people neither practicing social distancing nor wearing protective face coverings, angered governors who have been trying to bring coronavirus outbreaks in their states under control.

Also angering those governors, all Democrats, were a series of Twitter posts on Friday by the Republican president - "LIBERATE MICHIGAN!" "LIBERATE MINNESOTA!" and "LIBERATE VIRGINIA!" - that appeared to be egging on the protests.

Several states, including Ohio, Michigan, Texas and Florida, have said they aim to reopen parts of their economies, perhaps by May 1 or even sooner.

But health experts have cautioned that to avoid a second wave of infections as people return to work, extensive testing must be available to track infections, as well as contact tracing and antibody testing to learn who had been previously infected and might have some immunity.

Vice President Mike Pence said on Friday that the United States had the capacity to do a sufficient amount of testing for states to move into a phase one of reopening.

However, governors and health officials in the states say there is nowhere near enough test kits and equipment available to do that kind of widespread testing.

Andrew Cuomo, governor of hardest hit New York, said federal funding was necessary for that magnitude of testing, and accused Trump of passing off responsibility to the states while not providing much needed financial help.

"He's passing the buck without passing the bucks," Cuomo quipped.

While rates of hospitalizations and need for intensive care beds have slowed in New York, the daily death toll continues to be gut-wrenching with over 600 fatalities a day.

To help slow the spread of the virus, Cuomo implemented statewide mandatory wearing of masks for anyone out in public and unable to practice social distancing. The rules, which cover all those using public transport or for-hire vehicles, came into effect on Friday night.

The United States has by far the world's largest number of confirmed coronavirus cases, with more than 700,000. The U.S. tally of lives lost from COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus, has also soared to more than 35,000. New York state accounts for nearly half those deaths.

But there was more evidence that social distancing and stay-at-home measures affecting more than 90% of Americans was working.

An influential university research model lowered its projected U.S. coronavirus death toll on Friday, saying the virus will take 60,308 U.S. lives by Aug. 4, down from 68,841 deaths forecast earlier in the week.

As some U.S. states look to start reopening their coronavirus-battered economies amid protests from supporters of President Donald Trump anxious to get back to work, hardest hit New York state began mandating the wearing of masks or face coverings in public to contain the pathogen's spread.

As some U.S. states look to start reopening their coronavirus-battered economies amid protests from supporters of President Donald Trump anxious to get back to work, hardest hit New York state began mandating the wearing of masks or face coverings in public to contain the pathogen's spread. Saturday ends another week in which millions of Americans went without paychecks. More than 20 million have filed for unemployment benefits in the past few weeks alone as closures of businesses and schools and severe travel restrictions to try to curb the highly contagious virus have hammered the U.S. economy. In a bit of welcome news on the employment front, Walmart Inc said on Friday that it would hire 50,000 more workers at its stores, clubs and distribution centers to meet a surge in demand for groceries and household essentials from consumers forced to stay home during the outbreak. One business deemed essential to keeping Americans fed that has been hit hard by the epidemic is meat processing plants. Facilities in South Dakota, Georgia, Iowa and elsewhere have reported hundreds of infections among employees forced to work in close proximity, prompting some plants run by Tyson Foods and Smithfield Foods to shift production or shut and sparking calls by unions for safer working conditions. Even with huge companies such as Walmart and Amazon.com Inc hiring, some Americans who live in parts of states with lower infection rates have been made restless by the restrictions, leading to protests this week by flag-waving Trump supporters in the capitols of Minnesota, Michigan and Virginia. The demonstrations, which featured large crowds of people neither practicing social distancing nor wearing protective face coverings, angered governors who have been trying to bring coronavirus outbreaks in their states under control. Also angering those governors, all Democrats, were a series of Twitter posts on Friday by the Republican president - "LIBERATE MICHIGAN!" "LIBERATE MINNESOTA!" and "LIBERATE VIRGINIA!" - that appeared to be egging on the protests. Several states, including Ohio, Michigan, Texas and Florida, have said they aim to reopen parts of their economies, perhaps by May 1 or even sooner. But health experts have cautioned that to avoid a second wave of infections as people return to work, extensive testing must be available to track infections, as well as contact tracing and antibody testing to learn who had been previously infected and might have some immunity. Vice President Mike Pence said on Friday that the United States had the capacity to do a sufficient amount of testing for states to move into a phase one of reopening. However, governors and health officials in the states say there is nowhere near enough test kits and equipment available to do that kind of widespread testing. Andrew Cuomo, governor of hardest hit New York, said federal funding was necessary for that magnitude of testing, and accused Trump of passing off responsibility to the states while not providing much needed financial help. "He's passing the buck without passing the bucks," Cuomo quipped. While rates of hospitalizations and need for intensive care beds have slowed in New York, the daily death toll continues to be gut-wrenching with over 600 fatalities a day. To help slow the spread of the virus, Cuomo implemented statewide mandatory wearing of masks for anyone out in public and unable to practice social distancing. The rules, which cover all those using public transport or for-hire vehicles, came into effect on Friday night. The United States has by far the world's largest number of confirmed coronavirus cases, with more than 700,000. The U.S. tally of lives lost from COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus, has also soared to more than 35,000. New York state accounts for nearly half those deaths. But there was more evidence that social distancing and stay-at-home measures affecting more than 90% of Americans was working. An influential university research model lowered its projected U.S. coronavirus death toll on Friday, saying the virus will take 60,308 U.S. lives by Aug. 4, down from 68,841 deaths forecast earlier in the week.

Some US states eye economic reopening; New Yorkers told to wear masks

Walmart Inc said on Friday it would hire 50,000 more workers at its stores, clubs and distribution centers to meet a surge in demand for groceries and household essentials from consumers stockpiling during the coronavirus outbreak.

Walmart to hire 50,000 more workers in coronavirus-driven hiring spree

Walmart&nbsp;Inc said on Friday it would hire 50,000 more workers at its stores, clubs and distribution centers to meet a surge in demand for groceries and household essentials from consumers stockpiling during the coronavirus outbreak.

The retailer said it had reached its earlier target of hiring 150,000 workers six weeks ahead of schedule, taking in 5,000 people per day on average at a time when millions of Americans are losing their jobs amid unprecedented "stay-at-home" orders from state and local governments.

The measures to control the spread of the disease have brought economic activity to a virtual standstill, forcing companies to take drastic steps to save cash.

The S&amp;P 500 index has fallen 15% from its February record high, while&nbsp;Walmart's stock has surged more than 10% in the same period.

Walmart&nbsp;said it had worked with more than 70 companies that furloughed workers due to the pandemic to hire its 150,000 new employees, many of whom came from the restaurant and hospitality industries.

The company said 85% of the workers being hired are going into temporary or part-time roles. (https://bit.ly/2RJHbCS)

Skyrocketing demand for food, hand sanitizer, toilet paper and other household products has also prompted retailers Kroger, Target and Amazon.com Inc to hire by the thousands.

Separately,&nbsp;Walmart&nbsp;said it will now require its U.S. staff to wear masks or other face coverings at work, making its face-covering policy mandatory from optional in line with public health guidance.

"This includes our stores, clubs, distribution and fulfillment centers as well as in our corporate offices",&nbsp;Walmart&nbsp;U.S. President John Furner said in a memo.

The company is also extending its emergency leave policy through the end of May, according to the memo.

Walmart Inc said on Friday it would hire 50,000 more workers at its stores, clubs and distribution centers to meet a surge in demand for groceries and household essentials from consumers stockpiling during the coronavirus outbreak. The retailer said it had reached its earlier target of hiring 150,000 workers six weeks ahead of schedule, taking in 5,000 people per day on average at a time when millions of Americans are losing their jobs amid unprecedented "stay-at-home" orders from state and local governments. The measures to control the spread of the disease have brought economic activity to a virtual standstill, forcing companies to take drastic steps to save cash. The S&P 500 index has fallen 15% from its February record high, while Walmart's stock has surged more than 10% in the same period. Walmart said it had worked with more than 70 companies that furloughed workers due to the pandemic to hire its 150,000 new employees, many of whom came from the restaurant and hospitality industries. The company said 85% of the workers being hired are going into temporary or part-time roles. (https://bit.ly/2RJHbCS) Skyrocketing demand for food, hand sanitizer, toilet paper and other household products has also prompted retailers Kroger, Target and Amazon.com Inc to hire by the thousands. Separately, Walmart said it will now require its U.S. staff to wear masks or other face coverings at work, making its face-covering policy mandatory from optional in line with public health guidance. "This includes our stores, clubs, distribution and fulfillment centers as well as in our corporate offices", Walmart U.S. President John Furner said in a memo. The company is also extending its emergency leave policy through the end of May, according to the memo.

Corporate America joined the fight against the spread of coronavirus on Friday, as President Donald Trump and executives announced that Google would offer a website to help people determine whether they needed tests and retailers would set up drive-through testing in parking lots.

Also read:<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/trump-suspends-travel-from-europe-to-us-in-coronavirus-crisis-285714"> Trump suspends travel from Europe to US in coronavirus crisis</a>

Shares of Google parent Alphabet Inc, Walmart Inc, Target Corp and drugstore owner CVS Health Corp all closed up more than 9%, in line with the broad stock market, though Alphabet dropped 2% after hours.

Pressure has been rising on U.S. officials to increase and improve testing for the fast-spreading virus, which has reached almost every U.S. state and infected more than 1,660 people in the country.

Also read:<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/coronavirus-effect-after-macron-trump-does-a-namaste-285974"> Coronavirus effect: After Macron, Trump does a 'Namaste'</a>

"I want to thank Google. Google is helping to develop a website, it's gonna be very quickly done, unlike websites of the past, to determine whether a test is warranted and to facilitate testing at a nearby convenient location," Trump said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/trump-announces-declaration-of-national-emergency-over-coronavirus-286294/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Google has 1,700 engineers working on this right now, made tremendous progress."

An administration presentation showed a potential user would be asked several questions on the website and then given a recommendation as to whether they should get a coronavirus test.

Those requiring a test would be referred to a store that can provide assistance, potentially including a drive-through test, according to the administration's presentation. Results would be available online in 24 to 36 hours.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said the website's launch date would be known by Sunday night.

Verily, a healthcare tech company also owned by Alphabet, said it was leading the effort to develop the web tool, with the help of an undisclosed number of Google employees.

"We are in the early stages of development, and planning to roll testing out in the (San Francisco) Bay Area, with the hope of expanding more broadly over time," Verily spokeswoman Kathleen Parkes said.

About 1,700 Google workers have volunteered to help with coronavirus-related efforts, according to a person familiar with the matter, but it is unclear whether all of them are involved with developing the new website.

Carolyn Wang, another Verily spokeswoman, said it initially aimed to assess testing needs for people more prone to catching the virus, such as healthcare workers. But she said Verily now plans to trial the system more broadly at several sites around the San Francisco region.

Wang added that Verily was "collaborating closely with organizations like Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp who are also working on additional approaches to making testing more accessible and expedient in other areas."

Quest Diagnostics Inc and Laboratory Corp of America Holdings did not respond to after-hours requests for comment.

The Verily spokeswomen did not respond to questions on how data submitted by website visitors would be protected and used.

Leading U.S. retailers will work with the government to assist with drive-through coronavirus testing, the Retail Industry Leaders Association said. Senior leaders of Walmart, Target, Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc and CVS stood with Trump at the announcement.

The tests will be conducted in retail store parking lots and sent to labs to complete testing in partnership with local health departments and diagnostic labs. The testing sites will not be run by the companies.

The cooperation with the Trump administration comes as Alphabet faces several antitrust investigations from state and federal agencies over its search and digital advertising businesses.

Trump has accused Google of skewing its search results to portray him negatively. The company has also attracted the administration's ire for not renewing a contract to provide its artificial intelligence technologies for a military drone program.

"Google cosying up to the government doesn't hurt," said Andre Barlow, an antitrust expert with the law firm Doyle, Barlow and Mazard. "Obviously there are a lot of factors that are weighed in the antitrust investigation, which could go either way."

Trump also is eager to increase testing after efforts were hampered by flawed kits distributed by the federal government in February, which gave some false results.

Corporate America joined the fight against the spread of coronavirus on Friday, as President Donald Trump and executives announced that Google would offer a website to help people determine whether they needed tests and retailers would set up drive-through testing in parking lots.

Corporate America joined the fight against the spread of coronavirus on Friday, as President Donald Trump and executives announced that Google would offer a website to help people determine whether they needed tests and retailers would set up drive-through testing in parking lots. Also read: Trump suspends travel from Europe to US in coronavirus crisis Shares of Google parent Alphabet Inc, Walmart Inc, Target Corp and drugstore owner CVS Health Corp all closed up more than 9%, in line with the broad stock market, though Alphabet dropped 2% after hours. Pressure has been rising on U.S. officials to increase and improve testing for the fast-spreading virus, which has reached almost every U.S. state and infected more than 1,660 people in the country. Also read: Coronavirus effect: After Macron, Trump does a 'Namaste' "I want to thank Google. Google is helping to develop a website, it's gonna be very quickly done, unlike websites of the past, to determine whether a test is warranted and to facilitate testing at a nearby convenient location," Trump said. × "Google has 1,700 engineers working on this right now, made tremendous progress." An administration presentation showed a potential user would be asked several questions on the website and then given a recommendation as to whether they should get a coronavirus test. Those requiring a test would be referred to a store that can provide assistance, potentially including a drive-through test, according to the administration's presentation. Results would be available online in 24 to 36 hours. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said the website's launch date would be known by Sunday night. Verily, a healthcare tech company also owned by Alphabet, said it was leading the effort to develop the web tool, with the help of an undisclosed number of Google employees. "We are in the early stages of development, and planning to roll testing out in the (San Francisco) Bay Area, with the hope of expanding more broadly over time," Verily spokeswoman Kathleen Parkes said. About 1,700 Google workers have volunteered to help with coronavirus-related efforts, according to a person familiar with the matter, but it is unclear whether all of them are involved with developing the new website. Carolyn Wang, another Verily spokeswoman, said it initially aimed to assess testing needs for people more prone to catching the virus, such as healthcare workers. But she said Verily now plans to trial the system more broadly at several sites around the San Francisco region. Wang added that Verily was "collaborating closely with organizations like Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp who are also working on additional approaches to making testing more accessible and expedient in other areas." Quest Diagnostics Inc and Laboratory Corp of America Holdings did not respond to after-hours requests for comment. The Verily spokeswomen did not respond to questions on how data submitted by website visitors would be protected and used. Leading U.S. retailers will work with the government to assist with drive-through coronavirus testing, the Retail Industry Leaders Association said. Senior leaders of Walmart, Target, Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc and CVS stood with Trump at the announcement. The tests will be conducted in retail store parking lots and sent to labs to complete testing in partnership with local health departments and diagnostic labs. The testing sites will not be run by the companies. The cooperation with the Trump administration comes as Alphabet faces several antitrust investigations from state and federal agencies over its search and digital advertising businesses. Trump has accused Google of skewing its search results to portray him negatively. The company has also attracted the administration's ire for not renewing a contract to provide its artificial intelligence technologies for a military drone program. "Google cosying up to the government doesn't hurt," said Andre Barlow, an antitrust expert with the law firm Doyle, Barlow and Mazard. "Obviously there are a lot of factors that are weighed in the antitrust investigation, which could go either way." Trump also is eager to increase testing after efforts were hampered by flawed kits distributed by the federal government in February, which gave some false results.

Google, Walmart join US effort to speed up coronavirus testing

Walmart's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-court-stalls-amazon-flipkart-antitrust-probes-report-280715">Flipkart</a> has filed a legal challenge against an antitrust investigation ordered against the company in India, a court filing seen by Reuters showed, following a similar petition by its rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-court-stalls-amazon-flipkart-antitrust-probes-report-280715">Amazon.com Inc</a>.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-and-flipkart-to-quash-antitrust-investigation-legal-battles-to-follow-280047">Competition Commission of India</a> (CCI) in January ordered a probe into alleged violations of competition law and certain discounting practices by the two e-commerce giants, but a state court put the investigation on hold last week following a challenge by Amazon.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-court-stalls-amazon-flipkart-antitrust-probes-report-280715">India court stalls Amazon, Flipkart antitrust probes: Report</a>

Flipkart's legal filing was aimed at signalling the company is aggrieved by the CCI's probe order, a person familiar with the matter said.

The filing comes days ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to India, and amid US concerns about India's tightening of foreign investment rules for the e-commerce sector.

In its February 18 court filing in southern Bengaluru city, which is not public, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-court-stalls-amazon-flipkart-antitrust-probes-report-280715">Flipkart </a>argues the CCI ordered its probe without initial evidence that the company's practices were harming competition.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-court-stalls-amazon-flipkart-antitrust-probes-report-280715">Flipkart </a>said the CCI order was "perverse (and) passed without any application of mind".

"Such an order exposes responsible corporate entities ... to the rigors of an intrusive investigation prejudicially affecting not only its credibility and reputation, but also its commercial prospects," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-court-stalls-amazon-flipkart-antitrust-probes-report-280715">Flipkart</a>, urging the court to quash the probe.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-and-flipkart-to-quash-antitrust-investigation-legal-battles-to-follow-280047"> Amazon and Flipkart to quash antitrust investigation; legal battles to follow</a>

A spokesman for Flipkart did not comment on the contents of the filing, saying it was a "procedural matter". The case is likely to be heard next week.

The CCI did not respond to a request for comment.

Amazon and Flipkart have faced criticism from Indian retailers which accuse them of violating local laws by racking up billions of dollars of losses to fund deep discounts and discriminating against small sellers.

The companies deny the allegations.

The antitrust probe was ordered after a New Delhi-based trader group complained that the e-commerce giants were promoting select sellers and in turn hurting business for other smaller players.

Flipkart in its filing said the CCI had "failed in its duty" to close the frivolous complaint and an investigation would harm the company's reputation, lead to significant managerial time loss and legal costs.

Walmart's Flipkart has filed a legal challenge against an antitrust investigation ordered against the company in India, a court filing seen by Reuters showed, following a similar petition by its rival Amazon.

Walmart's Flipkart has filed a legal challenge against an antitrust investigation ordered against the company in India, a court filing seen by Reuters showed, following a similar petition by its rival Amazon.com Inc. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) in January ordered a probe into alleged violations of competition law and certain discounting practices by the two e-commerce giants, but a state court put the investigation on hold last week following a challenge by Amazon. India court stalls Amazon, Flipkart antitrust probes: Report Flipkart's legal filing was aimed at signalling the company is aggrieved by the CCI's probe order, a person familiar with the matter said. The filing comes days ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to India, and amid US concerns about India's tightening of foreign investment rules for the e-commerce sector. In its February 18 court filing in southern Bengaluru city, which is not public, Flipkart argues the CCI ordered its probe without initial evidence that the company's practices were harming competition. Flipkart said the CCI order was "perverse (and) passed without any application of mind". "Such an order exposes responsible corporate entities ... to the rigors of an intrusive investigation prejudicially affecting not only its credibility and reputation, but also its commercial prospects," said Flipkart, urging the court to quash the probe. Also read: Amazon and Flipkart to quash antitrust investigation; legal battles to follow A spokesman for Flipkart did not comment on the contents of the filing, saying it was a "procedural matter". The case is likely to be heard next week. The CCI did not respond to a request for comment. Amazon and Flipkart have faced criticism from Indian retailers which accuse them of violating local laws by racking up billions of dollars of losses to fund deep discounts and discriminating against small sellers. The companies deny the allegations. The antitrust probe was ordered after a New Delhi-based trader group complained that the e-commerce giants were promoting select sellers and in turn hurting business for other smaller players. Flipkart in its filing said the CCI had "failed in its duty" to close the frivolous complaint and an investigation would harm the company's reputation, lead to significant managerial time loss and legal costs.

After Amazon, Walmart's Flipkart challenges India antitrust probe

The Walmart Twitter page went on&nbsp;trolling-mode when it cracked a joke that referred to the late Hollywood actor Paul Walker. 
 
The brand page had apparently posted an edgy one-liner&nbsp;on a user's comment who seemed immensely stoked about getting his hands on the Pillsbury cinnamon rolls with pink strawberry-and-cream icing that Walmart had on offer according to its recent Tweet. 
 
To express his joy, the user&nbsp;commented with a gif of a car snaking dangerously through the traffic. In the caption, he wrote: "*me racin&nbsp;to the nearest Wally World*".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
*me racin to the nearest Wally World* <a href="https://t.co/JYzQaCzCQ0">pic.twitter.com/JYzQaCzCQ0</a>
— LSM (@iamlaurenmiles) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamlaurenmiles/status/1217175548314771460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Walmart Twitter responded by saying: "Hey, Paul Walker, Click it, or ticket", which is a slogan by America's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to encourage seatbelt use.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/EKWsEx6RTY">pic.twitter.com/EKWsEx6RTY</a>
— Darth Ramious (@darthramious) <a href="https://twitter.com/darthramious/status/1217947918784593920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Ironically, Paul Walker lost his life in a burning Porsche Carrera GT as he couldn't manage to take off his seat belt when the car caught fire after an accident. 
 
The insensitive move by Walmart became a butt of jokes itself, with Twitter users giving the retail giant a nice roasting with funny texts and gif comments. 
 
Although Walmart has taken down the Twitter joke, people continued to post its screenshots which were followed by comments such as "RIP" and "Look what you have done".&nbsp;

The Walmart Twitter page went on trolling-mode when it cracked a joke that referred to the late Hollywood actor Paul Walker. The brand page had apparently posted an edgy one-liner on a user's comment who seemed immensely stoked about getting his hands on the Pillsbury cinnamon rolls with pink strawberry-and-cream icing that Walmart had on offer according to its recent Tweet.

The Walmart Twitter page went on trolling-mode when it cracked a joke that referred to the late Hollywood actor Paul Walker. The brand page had apparently posted an edgy one-liner on a user's comment who seemed immensely stoked about getting his hands on the Pillsbury cinnamon rolls with pink strawberry-and-cream icing that Walmart had on offer according to its recent Tweet. To express his joy, the user commented with a gif of a car snaking dangerously through the traffic. In the caption, he wrote: "*me racin to the nearest Wally World*". *me racin to the nearest Wally World* pic.twitter.com/JYzQaCzCQ0 — LSM (@iamlaurenmiles) January 14, 2020 × Walmart Twitter responded by saying: "Hey, Paul Walker, Click it, or ticket", which is a slogan by America's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to encourage seatbelt use. pic.twitter.com/EKWsEx6RTY — Darth Ramious (@darthramious) January 16, 2020 × Ironically, Paul Walker lost his life in a burning Porsche Carrera GT as he couldn't manage to take off his seat belt when the car caught fire after an accident. The insensitive move by Walmart became a butt of jokes itself, with Twitter users giving the retail giant a nice roasting with funny texts and gif comments. Although Walmart has taken down the Twitter joke, people continued to post its screenshots which were followed by comments such as "RIP" and "Look what you have done".

Walmart Twitter gets slammed after making an insensitive Paul Walker joke

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos who is in India for an annual Amazon event yesterday visited the Mahatma Gandhi memorial in New Delhi. Also read: 'E-commerce firms shouldn't offer heavy discounts' — Antitrust chief says ahead Amazon CEO Bezos' visit Bezos posted a video where he can be seen in a white kurta and an orange half-jacket, carrying a colourful wreath of flowers on the lawns of the memorial at Raj Ghat.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos who is in India for an annual Amazon event yesterday visited the Mahatma Gandhi memorial in New Delhi. Also read: 'E-commerce firms shouldn't offer heavy discounts' — Antitrust chief says ahead Amazon CEO Bezos' visit Bezos posted a video where he can be seen in a white kurta and an orange half-jacket, carrying a colourful wreath of flowers on the lawns of the memorial at Raj Ghat. Just landed in India and spent a beautiful afternoon paying my respects to someone who truly changed the world. “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." - Mahatma Gandhi. pic.twitter.com/xDXAT9cBgf — Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) January 14, 2020 × The e-retailer giant's chief executive's visit to India comes at a time when the country's anti-trust body competition commission of India is looking into alleged unfair practices by Amazon and Walmart's Flipkart. Bezos will appear on stage at Amazon’s Smbhav event for a fireside chat alongside Amit Agarwal, who heads amazon’s India operations. According to the sources, Bezos has also sought meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other government officials. Meanwhile, a complaint by the Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh, whose members include thousands of traders dealing in smartphones and related accessories. Have accused amazon of anti-competitive practices like preferential listing, exclusive tie-ups and private labels. The traders have said they will hold a massive protest during Bezos' visit to India. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), an organisation representing 70 million physical retailers, said it will dissent across 300 cities during Bezos' stay in the nation. CAIT has since 2015 pursued a fight against online retailers Amazon and Walmart-controlled Flipkart, blaming them for profound limits and spurning India's foreign investment rules. Both the retail conglomerates have denied the claims.

Jeff Bezos' India visit: Amazon CEO pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, to address  'Smbhav'

India's anti-trust chief on Tuesday said that big e-commerce companies should offer massive discounts and urged them to disclose their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/antitrust-probe-ordered-against-amazon-walmarts-flipkart-in-violation-of-competition-law-274073">discount policies on their websites </a>to have a more transparent system.

"If you are absolutely clean, come out, put it (details) on your website. So that everybody knows and there is nothing opaque," news agency Reuters quoted&nbsp;Ashok Kumar Gupta, chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) as saying.

"Otherwise there will be complaints, we will inquire - why do you want to subject yourself to this type of investigation if you are open about it," Gupta also said.

Gupta further said that there is no problem in giving discounts you are not among the main players of the market, but, once a firm acquires "market power, you cannot continue with these practices becaus eyou will start hurting incumbent players".

He then stressed on openness about discounting policies and said that&nbsp;how companies use customers' data is essential.

The latest comments come ahead of &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-boss-jeff-bezos-to-face-protests-from-traders-during-india-trip-273640">Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos' visit to India</a> which expected to face several protests by brick-and-mortar retailers.

According to a report, protests by the&nbsp;country's small business owners are planned against Bezos in 300 cities to step up their campaign against what they see as unfair business practices.

In particular, the shopkeepers accuse the two US giants of indulging in heavy discounts and giving preferential treatment to select sellers which is a violation of India's foreign investment rules. The companies deny any wrongdoing.

In Reuters' report, Gupta also said there was nothing wrong in giving discounts if you were an insignificant player, but "once you acquire market power, you cannot continue with these practices because you will start hurting the incumbent players."

Bezos will likely participate in an Amazon event in New Delhi, sources have said. He has also sought meetings with the prime minister and other government officials, according to one source.

Amazon has committed $5.5 billion in India investments, while Walmart in 2018 pumped in $16 billion to buy a majority stake in Flipkart, its biggest deal.

The CCI has said India is the world's fastest-growing e-commerce market, expected to grow at an annual rate of 51% between 2017 and 2020. It estimates the sector will generate revenues of $120 billion this year.

On Monday,&nbsp;an investigation against Amazon.com Inc and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/walmart-sacks-around-50-executives-in-india-restructuring-sources-273864">Walmar</a>t's Flipkart was ordered over alleged violations of competition law.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) said it was ordering a wider probe following a review of allegations that Amazon and Flipkart were promoting some "preferred sellers" and in turn hurting business for other, smaller sellers.

(With inputs from Reuters)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India's anti-trust chief on Tuesday said that big e-commerce companies should offer massive discounts and urged them to disclose their discount policies on their websites to have a more transparent system.

India's anti-trust chief on Tuesday said that big e-commerce companies should offer massive discounts and urged them to disclose their discount policies on their websites to have a more transparent system. "If you are absolutely clean, come out, put it (details) on your website. So that everybody knows and there is nothing opaque," news agency Reuters quoted Ashok Kumar Gupta, chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) as saying. "Otherwise there will be complaints, we will inquire - why do you want to subject yourself to this type of investigation if you are open about it," Gupta also said. Gupta further said that there is no problem in giving discounts you are not among the main players of the market, but, once a firm acquires "market power, you cannot continue with these practices becaus eyou will start hurting incumbent players". He then stressed on openness about discounting policies and said that how companies use customers' data is essential. The latest comments come ahead of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos' visit to India which expected to face several protests by brick-and-mortar retailers. According to a report, protests by the country's small business owners are planned against Bezos in 300 cities to step up their campaign against what they see as unfair business practices. In particular, the shopkeepers accuse the two US giants of indulging in heavy discounts and giving preferential treatment to select sellers which is a violation of India's foreign investment rules. The companies deny any wrongdoing. In Reuters' report, Gupta also said there was nothing wrong in giving discounts if you were an insignificant player, but "once you acquire market power, you cannot continue with these practices because you will start hurting the incumbent players." Bezos will likely participate in an Amazon event in New Delhi, sources have said. He has also sought meetings with the prime minister and other government officials, according to one source. Amazon has committed $5.5 billion in India investments, while Walmart in 2018 pumped in $16 billion to buy a majority stake in Flipkart, its biggest deal. The CCI has said India is the world's fastest-growing e-commerce market, expected to grow at an annual rate of 51% between 2017 and 2020. It estimates the sector will generate revenues of $120 billion this year. On Monday, an investigation against Amazon.com Inc and Walmart's Flipkart was ordered over alleged violations of competition law. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) said it was ordering a wider probe following a review of allegations that Amazon and Flipkart were promoting some "preferred sellers" and in turn hurting business for other, smaller sellers. (With inputs from Reuters)

'E-commerce firms shouldn't offer heavy discounts': Antitrust chief says ahead Amazon CEO Bezos' visit

India ordered an investigation of Amazon.com Inc and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/walmart-sacks-around-50-executives-in-india-restructuring-sources-273864">Walmar</a>t's Flipkart on Monday over alleged violations of competition law in the latest setback for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-looks-into-flipkart-amazon-festive-discounts-after-retailer-complaints-256043">US e-commerce giants operating</a> in the country.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) said it was ordering a wider probe following a review of allegations that Amazon and Flipkart were promoting some "preferred sellers" and in turn hurting business for other, smaller sellers.

Flipkart is "fully compliant" with all laws and is currently reviewing the CCI order, Senior Vice President Rajneesh Kumar said.

Amazon did not respond to a request for immediate comment. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-boss-jeff-bezos-to-face-protests-from-traders-during-india-trip-273640">Amazon boss Jeff Bezos </a>is expected to visit India for potential meetings with government officials this week.

The complaint against the two companies was filed by Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh, a group representing small- and medium-sized businesses. They alleged that several of Amazon and Flipkart`s preferred sellers were affiliated with, or controlled by, the companies themselves, either directly or indirectly.

In its 11-page order, the CCI noted four alleged anti-competitive practices: exclusive launch of mobile phones by the e-commerce firms, promoting preferred sellers on their websites, deep discounting practices and prioritising some seller listings over others.

"Exclusive launch (of mobile phones) coupled with preferential treatment to a few sellers and the discounting practices create an ecosystem that may lead to an appreciable adverse effect on competition," the order said.

The CCI said its investigation unit should complete the probe within 60 days, but typically such cases have taken far longer.

Walmart in 2018 invested $16 billion to buy a majority stake in India's Flipkart, its biggest-ever deal.

The CCI probe will be the latest setback for the US companies that were last year hit with more stringent foreign investment rules.

Some of the allegations reviewed by the CCI have been long levelled against both companies.

Indian brick-and-mortar traders allege Amazon and Flipkart violate the country`s foreign investment rules and burn billions of dollars to offer steep discounts that hurt smaller traders. The two companies say they are in compliance with all rules.

In a recent study, the CCI said India's was the fastest-growing e-commerce market with revenue this year expected to reach $120 billion, triple its size in 2017.

"The e-commerce sector is plagued with several issues, any adverse action by the CCI could scuttle the growth of the sector," said Ram Kumar Poornachandran, competition law lead at law firm TT&amp;A. 
&nbsp;

India ordered an investigation of Amazon.com Inc and Walmart's Flipkart on Monday over alleged violations of competition law in the latest setback for US e-commerce giants operating in the country.

India ordered an investigation of Amazon.com Inc and Walmart's Flipkart on Monday over alleged violations of competition law in the latest setback for US e-commerce giants operating in the country. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) said it was ordering a wider probe following a review of allegations that Amazon and Flipkart were promoting some "preferred sellers" and in turn hurting business for other, smaller sellers. Flipkart is "fully compliant" with all laws and is currently reviewing the CCI order, Senior Vice President Rajneesh Kumar said. Amazon did not respond to a request for immediate comment. Amazon boss Jeff Bezos is expected to visit India for potential meetings with government officials this week. The complaint against the two companies was filed by Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh, a group representing small- and medium-sized businesses. They alleged that several of Amazon and Flipkart`s preferred sellers were affiliated with, or controlled by, the companies themselves, either directly or indirectly. In its 11-page order, the CCI noted four alleged anti-competitive practices: exclusive launch of mobile phones by the e-commerce firms, promoting preferred sellers on their websites, deep discounting practices and prioritising some seller listings over others. "Exclusive launch (of mobile phones) coupled with preferential treatment to a few sellers and the discounting practices create an ecosystem that may lead to an appreciable adverse effect on competition," the order said. The CCI said its investigation unit should complete the probe within 60 days, but typically such cases have taken far longer. Walmart in 2018 invested $16 billion to buy a majority stake in India's Flipkart, its biggest-ever deal. The CCI probe will be the latest setback for the US companies that were last year hit with more stringent foreign investment rules. Some of the allegations reviewed by the CCI have been long levelled against both companies. Indian brick-and-mortar traders allege Amazon and Flipkart violate the country`s foreign investment rules and burn billions of dollars to offer steep discounts that hurt smaller traders. The two companies say they are in compliance with all rules. In a recent study, the CCI said India's was the fastest-growing e-commerce market with revenue this year expected to reach $120 billion, triple its size in 2017. "The e-commerce sector is plagued with several issues, any adverse action by the CCI could scuttle the growth of the sector," said Ram Kumar Poornachandran, competition law lead at law firm TT&A.

Antitrust probe ordered against Amazon, Walmart's Flipkart in violation of competition law

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/walmart-microsoft-in-partnership-to-use-cloud-tech-152321">Walmart</a>&nbsp;Inc, the world's largest retailer, has fired 56&nbsp;of its&nbsp;India&nbsp;executives&nbsp;as part of its&nbsp;restructuring&nbsp;in the country, three&nbsp;sources&nbsp;with direct knowledge told Reuters.

The move underscores the struggles&nbsp;Walmart&nbsp;has faced in expanding its wholesale business in&nbsp;India.

Reuters reported the firings earlier on Monday, citing three people with direct knowledge of the matter, adding the move had mostly affected executives in&nbsp;Walmart's real estate division, which takes care of store expansion, as the wholesale business model did not bring in expected growth.

Eight of the 56 executives fired were in "senior management" roles and the rest from middle or lower management, Krish Iyer, President and CEO of&nbsp;Walmart&nbsp;India said in a statement.

"We are also looking for ways to operate more efficiently, which requires us to review our corporate structure to ensure that we are organised in the right way," Iyer said, adding the fired executives had been offered enhanced severance benefits.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/walmart-told-us-government-indias-e-commerce-rules-regressive-warned-of-trade-impact-235131">India's e-commerce rules regressive, potential to hurt trade ties: Walmart told US government</a>

The Bentonville, Arkansas&nbsp;based company currently operates 28 wholesale stores where it sells goods to small shopkeepers, and not to retail consumers.

The firings mostly affected&nbsp;executives&nbsp;in the company's real estate division because the growth in the wholesale model has not been that robust, two of the&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said.

"It's happening because the focus is shifting to e-commerce rather than physical (stores)," said one source, who declined to be identified as the decision is not public.

Walmart&nbsp;has placed bold bets on&nbsp;India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-proposes-new-e-commerce-regulations-with-focus-on-data-rules-199214">e-commerce</a> sector.

In 2018, it paid $16 billion to acquire a majority stake in&nbsp;India's online marketplace <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-&amp;-economy/walmart-completes-deal-to-acquire-77-stake-in-flipkart-160020">Flipkart</a>, in its biggest global acquisition.

The second source added that while&nbsp;Walmart&nbsp;could slow down the pace of opening new wholesale stores, the focus will increasingly be on boosting sales through business-to-business and retail e-commerce.

Some of the&nbsp;executives&nbsp;were sacked last week and more could be let go on Monday, two&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said.

Walmart&nbsp;has&nbsp;around&nbsp;600 staff in its&nbsp;India&nbsp;head office out of a total of&nbsp;around&nbsp;5,300 nationally, one of the&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said.

Walmart Inc, the world's largest retailer, has fired 56 of its India executives as part of its restructuring in the country, three sources with direct knowledge told Reuters.

Walmart Inc, the world's largest retailer, has fired 56 of its India executives as part of its restructuring in the country, three sources with direct knowledge told Reuters. The move underscores the struggles Walmart has faced in expanding its wholesale business in India. Reuters reported the firings earlier on Monday, citing three people with direct knowledge of the matter, adding the move had mostly affected executives in Walmart's real estate division, which takes care of store expansion, as the wholesale business model did not bring in expected growth. Eight of the 56 executives fired were in "senior management" roles and the rest from middle or lower management, Krish Iyer, President and CEO of Walmart India said in a statement. "We are also looking for ways to operate more efficiently, which requires us to review our corporate structure to ensure that we are organised in the right way," Iyer said, adding the fired executives had been offered enhanced severance benefits. Also read: India's e-commerce rules regressive, potential to hurt trade ties: Walmart told US government The Bentonville, Arkansas based company currently operates 28 wholesale stores where it sells goods to small shopkeepers, and not to retail consumers. The firings mostly affected executives in the company's real estate division because the growth in the wholesale model has not been that robust, two of the sources said. "It's happening because the focus is shifting to e-commerce rather than physical (stores)," said one source, who declined to be identified as the decision is not public. Walmart has placed bold bets on India's e-commerce sector. In 2018, it paid $16 billion to acquire a majority stake in India's online marketplace Flipkart, in its biggest global acquisition. The second source added that while Walmart could slow down the pace of opening new wholesale stores, the focus will increasingly be on boosting sales through business-to-business and retail e-commerce. Some of the executives were sacked last week and more could be let go on Monday, two sources said. Walmart has around 600 staff in its India head office out of a total of around 5,300 nationally, one of the sources said.

Walmart sacks 56 executives in India as part of restructuring

US retailers are&nbsp;expected&nbsp;to ring up record sales on Super&nbsp;Saturday&nbsp;this year, as fewer&nbsp;days than usual between Thanksgiving and&nbsp;Christmas&nbsp;have squeezed shoppers to finish their purchases.

In recent years, the&nbsp;Saturday&nbsp;before&nbsp;Christmas&nbsp;has seen a late surge in shopper traffic. With retailers maintaining deep discounts late into the holiday&nbsp;season, total sales on Super&nbsp;Saturday&nbsp;have edged closer to Black Friday, the&nbsp;day&nbsp;after Thanksgiving which traditionally kicks off the season in November.

Many retail consultants and analysts estimate the surge will bump Super&nbsp;Saturday&nbsp;into the&nbsp;biggest&nbsp;shopping&nbsp;day&nbsp;this year.

Craig Johnson, president at retail consultancy Customer Growth Partners, expects people to spend $34 billion this year on Super&nbsp;Saturday. These estimates include in-store and online purchases but exclude sales generated at gas stations, restaurants, and automobile dealers. In comparison, Black Friday&nbsp;generated $31.5 billion in sales, he said.

"Consumer demand remains strong," Johnson said. "While mall traffic is weak, those that are going to stores are buying more."

Despite slowing global growth,&nbsp;US&nbsp;consumer spending is benefiting from wage growth and a strong labor market, retail consultants and analysts said.

Also, prices have remained steady instead of rising as widely&nbsp;expected, they said, which has spurred spending. According to an analysis, retailers including Walmart Inc and Amazon.com Inc&nbsp;held prices steady for many popular holiday&nbsp;products sold online despite pressure from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-heaps-another-5-tariff-on-chinese-goods-in-latest-tit-for-tat-escalation-245211">US&nbsp;tariffs</a> on Chinese imports.

Many retailers are responding to the late surge in spending by keeping stores open for longer in the&nbsp;days&nbsp;before&nbsp;Christmas. They have also added more staff in stores this year, reversing a trend that saw more workers being added to warehouses to ship online orders.

With store shoppers becoming more deliberate about their purchases, retailers' investments in improving the customer experience is resulting in stronger sales, analysts said.

"The shoppers that are coming into the store during the holidays want the personal touch...otherwise they'd be online," said Andrew Challenger, vice president at placement firm <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/us-job-growth-seen-picking-up-unemployment-rate-falling-164155">Challenger, Gray &amp;&nbsp;Christmas&nbsp;Inc</a>. "They want somebody to guide them through the inventory and in some ways help them select the right products at the right prices," he said.

Target said it is giving employees in stores a serious bump in hours, investing an extra $50 million into the effort. Similarly, Walmart's holiday&nbsp;strategy this year has also focused on customer service improvements.

For instance, its Check Out With Me feature, which allows; shoppers paying by credit card to skip out on long lines by having employees equipped with cellular devices and bluetooth printers check them out anywhere in the store, is available in all big stores.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-cyber-monday-sales-to-hit-record-92-billion-265856">National Retail Federation</a> estimates&nbsp;US&nbsp;holiday&nbsp;retail sales in November and December will increase between 3.8 per cent&nbsp;and 4.2 per cent&nbsp;over 2018, for a total of $727.9 billion to $730.7 billion. That compares with an average annual increase of 3.7 per cent&nbsp;over the past five years .

US retailers are expected to ring up record sales on Super Saturday this year, as fewer days than usual between Thanksgiving and Christmas have squeezed shoppers to finish their purchases.

US retailers are expected to ring up record sales on Super Saturday this year, as fewer days than usual between Thanksgiving and Christmas have squeezed shoppers to finish their purchases. In recent years, the Saturday before Christmas has seen a late surge in shopper traffic. With retailers maintaining deep discounts late into the holiday season, total sales on Super Saturday have edged closer to Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving which traditionally kicks off the season in November. Many retail consultants and analysts estimate the surge will bump Super Saturday into the biggest shopping day this year. Craig Johnson, president at retail consultancy Customer Growth Partners, expects people to spend $34 billion this year on Super Saturday. These estimates include in-store and online purchases but exclude sales generated at gas stations, restaurants, and automobile dealers. In comparison, Black Friday generated $31.5 billion in sales, he said. "Consumer demand remains strong," Johnson said. "While mall traffic is weak, those that are going to stores are buying more." Despite slowing global growth, US consumer spending is benefiting from wage growth and a strong labor market, retail consultants and analysts said. Also, prices have remained steady instead of rising as widely expected, they said, which has spurred spending. According to an analysis, retailers including Walmart Inc and Amazon.com Inc held prices steady for many popular holiday products sold online despite pressure from US tariffs on Chinese imports. Many retailers are responding to the late surge in spending by keeping stores open for longer in the days before Christmas. They have also added more staff in stores this year, reversing a trend that saw more workers being added to warehouses to ship online orders. With store shoppers becoming more deliberate about their purchases, retailers' investments in improving the customer experience is resulting in stronger sales, analysts said. "The shoppers that are coming into the store during the holidays want the personal touch...otherwise they'd be online," said Andrew Challenger, vice president at placement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. "They want somebody to guide them through the inventory and in some ways help them select the right products at the right prices," he said. Target said it is giving employees in stores a serious bump in hours, investing an extra $50 million into the effort. Similarly, Walmart's holiday strategy this year has also focused on customer service improvements. For instance, its Check Out With Me feature, which allows; shoppers paying by credit card to skip out on long lines by having employees equipped with cellular devices and bluetooth printers check them out anywhere in the store, is available in all big stores. The National Retail Federation estimates US holiday retail sales in November and December will increase between 3.8 per cent and 4.2 per cent over 2018, for a total of $727.9 billion to $730.7 billion. That compares with an average annual increase of 3.7 per cent over the past five years .

Saturday before Christmas expected to be the biggest US shopping day of 2019

Another open-air shootout in the U.S. at a Walmart. A woman and a man have been killed and after killing the gunman fatally shot himself as well. Watch this video to find out more in the details.

Another open-air shootout in the U.S., a woman and a man killed

walmart

Walmart, News on Walmart, stories on Walmart, articles on Walmart, Walmart stories at Wion, Walmart news, Walmart latest news