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Adding to cart can provide the rush of shopping, without costing a cent.

How to spot the sinister tricks retailers use to manipulate your spending

Forget straight-up digital marketing and targeting, online retailers are using “dark patterns” to convince consumers into parting with money they didn’t intend.

  • Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon

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Amazon’s robotic fulfilment centre in Ravenhall, Melbourne, a warehouse almost double the size of Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Australia’s addiction to Amazon is set to blow past $5 billion

The numbers show how rapidly the online giant is growing with shoppers as it begins to make more money from ads, subscriptions and fees than by selling goods.

  • Jessica Yun
Donald Trump has been a long-time critic of the WTO.

Trump’s attempt to protect big tech and remake WTO fails

The Trump administration sent its most senior trade official to the World Trade Organisation’s annual meeting to protect its big tech companies from digital taxes – to no avail.

  • Stephen Bartholomeusz
When it comes to tedious tasks like selecting a mattress from the endless options available, AI can help.

I used ChatGPT to help me choose a new mattress. I didn’t expect it to go so well

Millions of people around the world are already using AI to help them shop – so we asked the experts which prompts you should and shouldn’t use.

  • Jessica Yun
Sendle founder James Chin Moody. Sendle has abruptly ceased operations in Australia and Canada.

‘Halting all bookings’: Sendle keeps customers in the dark amid abrupt closure

The Australia Post challenger has suddenly ceased operations, leaving small businesses scrambling to find alternative providers to get their parcels delivered.

  • Jessica Yun

We spent $69 billion online shopping last year, so why is delivery still such a nightmare?

Getting a barrage of delivery alerts for a package ordered online? It’s creating a dopamine-driven loop.

  • Amy Molloy
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It’s a matter of time before Australians start using artificially intelligent bot “agents” to search for products, compare prices and execute transactions, experts say.

Would you let a bot choose your insurance for you?

Artificially intelligent bot “agents” that search and compare products could revolutionise how we shop, including making it easier to switch insurers.

  • Elias Visontay
Button batteries warning as Halloween draws near.

‘Horrifying’: Consumer Protection WA’s warning over Halloween toys

The deaths of three children from ingesting button batteries prompted an investigation by Consumer Protection WA. What the found was alarming.

  • Rebecca Peppiatt
The Iconic CEO Jere Calmes at the warehouse.

The Iconic once led the online fashion game. Now, it’s fighting to stay ahead

Rapid delivery, customer service, and now loyalty programs: these are the frontiers of e-commerce where fashion retailer The Iconic is fighting to keep its leading position.

  • Jessica Yun
Universal Store chief executive Alice Barbery.

Subway’s new challenger, the next Penfolds: Six ASX chiefs on what’s next

Furniture, wine, milk and pies: the chiefs of Australia’s biggest retailers reveal what they’re plotting for the new financial year.

  • Jessica Yun