Today In Retail: Amazon Grows Palm Biometrics In Washington State; Toyota, Lexus Take Control Of Online Buying Platforms

In today’s top retail news, Amazon Go stores in Seattle are reportedly being equipped with Amazon One palm-reading scanners, while automotive brands are taking control of digital purchasing platforms. Plus, fashion-based small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are getting a new marketplace option.

Amazon Expands Palm Biometrics In Seattle

Three additional Amazon Go stores in Seattle are reportedly being equipped with Amazon One palm-reading biometric scanners. The eCommerce retailer initially rolled out the technology in September as an alternative to harnessing a quick-response (QR) code or app to walk into its automated Go stores. The tech lets shoppers use their palms as an ID and payment method.

Lexus, Toyota Take Control Of Digital Buying Platforms Amid Pandemic

Auto brands are taking control of online purchasing platforms by revealing new experiences for the buying, financing or leasing of new vehicles. Lexus is experimenting with an initiative it says will provide shoppers with more control over how they purchase their vehicles, additional clarity into current inventory and in-the-moment pricing and the “flexibility to shop when and how they want.”

With Amazon Growing Share, Fashion-Based SMBs Get New Marketplace Option

The clothing market is a quickly evolving place, a fact showcased by Amazon’s quickly increasing share of the market. A year ago, PYMNTS research indicates, Amazon claimed 9.5 percent of the market. Currently, that has grown to 14.5 percent. And for smaller stores and merchants, Jane CEO Taleeb Noormohamed told PYMNTS, that is something of a troubling trend.

Cuomo: NYC Restaurants Might Open Indoor Seating Again On Feb 14

In the event COVID-19 cases remain at a stable level, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said restaurants in the Big Apple could open once more for indoor seating beginning on Valentine’s Day — but not at full volume. Restaurants in the city were instructed to close indoor dining beginning in the middle of December amid a jump in COVID-19 cases.