Today In Retail: CarParts.com Debuts Hybrid, EV eCommerce Hub; Belk Plans To File For Chapter 11

In today’s top retail news, CarParts.com, Inc. launched a shopping hub for hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs), while Belk has unveiled plans to seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Plus, Amazon has launched Alexa’s newest set of updates and features designed to make the voice assistant more helpful, useful and proactive.

CarParts.com Introduces Shopping Hub For EVs, Hybrids

CarParts.com, Inc., which is based in Torrance, California, debuted a shopping hub for the hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) community. The company’s collection of merchandise for EVs and hybrids has grown over recent months to include over 700,000 applications to revamp, maintain and repair hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs.

Belk Plans Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing

Belk has revealed plans to seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The clothing retailer aims to exit Chapter 11 by the conclusion of February. Belk said it would enter into a restructuring support arrangement with its majority owner, as well as those who have over 75 percent of its first-lien term debt and 100 percent of its second-lien term loan debt.

Amazon’s Alexa Bases Updates On User Behavior

Amazon has rolled out Alexa’s newest collection of updates and functionalities meant to make the voice assistant more helpful and useful — as well as a little more proactive. The eCommerce retailer is also launching its Guard Plus home security subscription offering along with the new Alexa functionalities. Guard Plus will transform Alexa into a security guard of sorts.

Vaccine Distribution Hits Snags; CVS And Walgreens Caught In Crossfire

Creating a functional vaccine for a new virus in less than a year was an incredible feat to surmount. Distributing that vaccine, as it is turning out, may be more difficult. And this week, it seems, the delays keep compounding — and retailers of all sorts are reporting challenges in their distribution processes. Those who signed up as distribution spots have been stuck in the middle.