Business
Amazon launches Counter in-store pick-up in the US, starting with 100 Rite Aid locations

Amazon’s strategy to bring more brick-and-mortar options into its vast e-commerce empire, and its ambition to sell more pharmaceutical products, today may have found themselves a little more knitted together. The company announced a new service in the US called Counter, a free in-store pick-up service where Amazon shoppers can arrange to collect packages. And its first partner in the new effort? None other than one of the bigger names in drug stores: Rite Aid.
The two will kick off Counter with availability in “over 100” Rite Aid locations across the US. The longer-term plan for Amazon is to expand the pick-up option to 1,500 stores (including other retail partners) by the end of 2019 — a very quick ramp-up in the next six months.
In an interesting geographic reversal of how Amazon rolls out services, this one launched first in Europe, by way of a partnership with the clothes retailer Next in the UK, and Giunti Al Punto Librerie, Fermopoint and SisalPay in Italy. Amazon said the service has so far “been positively received, driving strong customer engagement and additional foot traffic for partners” in those markets.
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The deal is a development on Amazon’s bigger strategy to take its business — born and raised online — into ever-more traditional retail settings, both to increase options for its online shoppers, as well as bring more customers into the fold who prefer to procure their goods in person rather than by post. Other very big moves on that front have included trying out its own cashier-less retail locations, setting up bookshops on university campuses, and of course buying Whole Foods.
This latest deal is one of its blended approaches, where online shoppers are given the option of getting in person.
“Amazon is always looking for innovative and convenient ways for customers to ship and receive their orders,” explains Patrick Supanc, Worldwide Director of Amazon Hub, which also includes its Locker, Locker+ and Apartment Locker pick-up services, in a statement. “With Counter, we’ve leveraged our growing logistics network and invested in new, easy to use technology to give customers yet another delivery option rooted in flexibility and control. We are excited to partner with national businesses like Rite Aid, and local businesses in the future, to create an outstanding experience for our shared customers.”
The expansion to more pick-up options as an alternative to home delivery is partly out of practicality.
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First, people are still spending, overall, way more time and money in physical retail locations than they are in virtual ones, with the latest US census figures putting the figure at just 10 percent of retail sales being made through e-commerce.
Second, having packages delivered at home is not always convenient if you work in an office and do not have suitable back-up neighbors or a porter to sign for your packages, or you have had problems with package theft if parcels are left outside.
Other options Amazon has been adding on the brick-and-mortar retailer front have included Amazon Lockers locations in stores (most recently Stein Mart), as well as partnering with stores to take exchanges (such as its deal with Khol’s). In both cases, the incentive for the stores is to bring people into the stores who will do more than just deal with their Amazon business; they might shop, too.
That will also be a hook that Rite Aid will hope to use.
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“Creating a seamless, convenient customer experience is a key element of our strategy and digital transformation,” said Jocelyn Konrad, Executive Vice President, Pharmacy and Retail Operations of Rite Aid, in a statement. “Being the first store partner for Counter in the U.S. is a differentiator for Rite Aid and we believe our partnership with Amazon, that includes Locker, creates a stronger in-store experience for existing customers and new customers that come in to pick up their packages.”
To be clear, Amazon doesn’t make any mention of Rite Aid’s core business as a pharmacy, but given what else we know about Amazon’s ambitions in that area it seems very notable.
Last year, Amazon acquired online pharmacy PillPack for just under $1 billion (a sum that includes earn-outs and the full value of the deal, sources tell us), prompting many people speculating about how it might use it to move into a deeper into the very lucrative world of pharmaceuticals.
That idea was buffered by the fact that it also launched a healthcare JV in partnership with Berkshire Hathaway and JP Morgan, and it has also been making other gradual moves into the medical sector with the sale of supplies.
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While Amazon never got very far with its investment and partnership years ago with Drugstore.com (which was eventually acquired and shut down by Walgreens, which also has tried to acquire Rite Aid, instead picking up a portion of its), it seems that a retail partnership with a drug store chain could be an obvious way of extending not just its pick-up parcel network, but also a way of bringing PillPack the physical delivery world.

Business
8 Types of Businesses That Could Benefit from Lead Generation Services

Have you been trying to grow your business’ market reach without much success? Customer buying patterns have gone through a huge shift in recent years. Things that used to work in the past, for instance, flash billboards and over-the-top sales pitches, are no longer appealing or even enough to convince people to buy from a brand.
On top of this, customers today are spoilt for choice, with competition relatively high in almost all industries. These two reasons mean it is even harder for businesses, especially startups, and SMEs, to stand out in the market. Even with marketing investment.
But there is something you can do about it- invest in lead generation.
Lead generation is a cost-effective way to grow and expand your business. Basically, the more lead you have, the more customers you have and, consequently, the more revenue you have flowing in.
The best part is you can find a lead generation partner to help your business refine its lead funnel. So, what businesses should hire lead generation services? Here are eight types:
1. Water and Fire Damage Restoration Companies
Getting more customers for your water and fire damage restoration company means tapping into your local market. That’s because most people looking for these services are usually interested in local offerings.
A lead generation service can help you refine your local SEO to target high-quality leads from the geographical location you service. With a professional service, you can make your message more targeted and relevant to locals.
2. Mold Remediation Companies
As with water and fire damage, mold remediation is a highly localized service. And unfortunately, it is quickly becoming more competitive and saturated. That means it is now a lot harder to rank among the top search results in your target location.
A lead generation expert, however, will do the heavy lifting for you. That is, research and figure out how you can stand out from the competition and get the most leads.
3. Plumbing Businesses
Want to grow your plumbing clients? Plumbers are some of the most sought-after personnel today. However, it is hard to build a trusted client base, which you need for your business to be successful.
A plumbing lead generation service is the key to getting in front of ready-to-convert customers (warm leads) fast. With such a service as your marketing partner, you can be sure to have a consistent flow of plumbing jobs. And if you back it up with good service, you will not only attract new customers but also retain your clients and even earn recommendations.
4. HVAC Contractors
Are you an HVAC specialist looking to increase your reach? While a lucrative sector, HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair have grown quite competitive in recent years. And that’s because of the tremendous growth and modification of the HVAC market, which has led to more and more businesses venturing into the space.
However, despite the competition, you can stand out and grow your customer reach pretty fast with a solid lead-generation strategy. And an HVAC lead generation service can help you develop one.
5. Electrical Installation and Repair Services
If an electrical appliance or fixture starts to malfunction, the first place a typical homeowner will start looking for an electrician is online. The internet now allows you to quickly find an electrician and discuss details of your project all remotely.
This ease, however, has created competition, which means you may find it quite hard to get noticed amidst dozens of similar offerings. Lead generation service is your best bet for finding new potentials ready to convert. That said, with the right approach and lead nurturing process, you always have clients.
6. Pest Control Services
Pest control is one of the most thriving sectors today. From cockroaches and ants to termites and even bed bugs, the sheer number of pests and how easily they spread makes pest control still one of the most sought-after services. However, you can get lost in the sea of dozens of competitors, never really reaching your target audience.
Enlisting the help of a lead generation service means that you have someone who knows what works and doesn’t, which pretty much removes the guesswork. Instead, you can implement lead generation strategies that are already tried and proven to reach your target audience, engage them and finally, convert them.
7. Carpet Cleaning Companies
Do you provide residential, commercial, or mobile cleaning services? If not for anything else, carpet cleaning is hugely profitable. The key is figuring out how to reach your potential customers with the right message to make them want to convert.
So, your business can definitely benefit from a digital marketing plan, specifically one that includes a solid lead generation strategy. A specialized lead generation service can help you figure out what your potential customers are searching for so that you can directly market to them. As you gain more leads, your business continues to grow.
8. Asbestos Removal Services
With more people understanding the dangers of asbestos, a popular carcinogenic building material, before the 1980s, the demand for professional detection and removal services has intensified. People now know better than to handle the toxic substance by themselves.
So, want to set yourself apart as your area’s go-to service for asbestos abatement needs? You need to be able to generate leads that have the potential to become customers. A lead generation service can help you identify how to target high-quality leads and position yourself in the market.
Grow Your Market Share & Thrive Well into the Future with Lead Generation Services
The key to any successful business is the ability to generate new customers. While retaining existing customers can sustain your company, new customers will help it grow and survive in the future.
That is why every business, large or small, should have a solid lead generation strategy. If you own or run any of these eight types of companies, consult a specialized lead generation service to build your strategy and start seeing real growth.

Business
Understanding the Influence Of Digital Payments Matching Engines on a Whole Industry

Exchange matching engines are emerging as an increasingly essential technology for crypto exchanges. These digital platforms process the orders of millions of traders in real-time, ensuring a secure and efficient trading environment. By rapidly clamping down on market manipulation and providing top liquidity to customers, they play an integral role in driving profitability across various cryptocurrency markets.
Defining a Order Matching Engine Architecture
An order book matching engine is a sophisticated software that enables efficient trading of cryptocurrencies. It matches buyers and sellers in an instant, utilizing variables such as price, quantity and time to provide the most advantageous trade outcomes with minimal market volatility. This allows traders access to optimal prices at lightning speed within constantly changing markets.
Importance of Matched Orders
Cryptocurrency exchanges are facilitated by specialized trade engines, which act as a secure intermediary between buyers and sellers. These systems actively monitor the order book to ensure that transactions occur efficiently and securely.
An exchange could not operate without a order book matching engine because there would be no way to execute trades or match orders. As a result, the absence of matching engines would significantly impact the crypto industry as a whole.
The smooth and effective operation of the cryptocurrency sector depends on matching engines. Without them, the sector would be disorganized and unable to work efficiently.
In summary: The demand for matched orders software will rise as the cryptocurrency market grows. Exchanges must regularly update their matching engines to provide greater speed, accuracy, flexibility, scalability, and reliability to stay ahead of the competition.

Business
The Complete Manual for Creating a Successful Lifestyle Business on a Limited Budget

Have you been considering starting a lifestyle company but lacking the necessary capital? So stop looking now! This thorough manual will teach you how to build a lucrative lifestyle company on a tight budget. We’ve covered everything, including how to find your specialty and marketing advice. You’ll be well on your way to living life on your terms by the conclusion of this piece, so grab a pen and get ready to take notes!
What is a lifestyle business?
A lifestyle business is a small business that focuses on selling products or services that complement your interests and lifestyle. You can start a lifestyle business by launching an online store, creating a blog, or offering custom design services. Depending on the type of product or service you offer, you may need to invest only a fraction of the money required for a standard small business startup.
To create a successful lifestyle business on a limited budget, start by identifying your niche. Once you know what you’re selling, research which marketing channels are best suited for reaching your target market. Then build an effective website and develop an aggressive marketing strategy that targets your ideal customers. Finally, create customer service policies and procedures to support your success.
What are the benefits of a lifestyle business?
A lifestyle business is a great way to make money on a limited budget. Here are some benefits:
1. You control your schedule.
2. You can work from anywhere.
3. You can set income goals.
4. It’s a low-pressure way to make money.
How to start a lifestyle business on a tight budget
Starting a lifestyle business on a tight budget can be done with some planning and creativity. Here are ten tips for starting:
1. Ensure your products or services align with your unique selling proposition (USP). This is the most important factor in determining whether your business will succeed. Make sure you focus on what makes your product or service special, and don’t try to reinvent the wheel by copying other businesses with a strong presence in your market.
2. Research your competition before launching your business. Learn as much as possible about their marketing strategies, pricing policies, and customer base. This information will help you adjust your marketing plan accordingly and give you an idea of where to start when it comes time to develop your products or services.
3. Choose a niche that interests you and fits within your financial limitations. By focusing on a specific market segment, you’ll be able to create a more targeted product or service that meets the needs of your target audience more effectively than if you tried to appeal to too broad of a demographic.
4. Avoid starting up in a saturated market sector. If many similar businesses are already operating in your chosen sector, it may be difficult for you to gain traction and achieve profitability early on. If this is something that concerns you, consider choosing a smaller niche market rather than trying to enter an already crowded space where competition is fierce from large companies with
Tips for building a thriving lifestyle business
Make your lifestyle business work for you. Whether starting from scratch or tweaking an existing business, these tips will help make your venture successful and sustainable.
1. Know your priorities. When it comes to starting a lifestyle business, there are a few key things you need to focus on. First and foremost is figuring out what brings you joy and creating a business supporting that passion. Once you understand what makes you happy, start creating systems and processes to support your goals and keep everything running smoothly.
2. Stay organized. If everything in your life feels chaotic, keeping your lifestyle business on track will be hard too. Ensure you have all the tools necessary to run a successful business—from invoicing software to tracking Oberlo orders—and establish strict daily/weekly/monthly timeframes for completing tasks so nothing falls through the cracks.
3. Set realistic deadlines and stick to them! You may think that getting things done quickly is key to success, but this isn’t always the best approach to building a thriving lifestyle business. Setting reasonable deadlines allows you to plan, stay on top of progress, and avoid any unnecessary stress—all of which will help ensure your venture stays afloat (pun intended).
4. Think outside the box. Lifestyle businesses can be incredibly versatile and allow for plenty of creativity and flexibility when it comes to setting up shop (especially if you
Conclusion
Congratulations on taking the first step in starting your own lifestyle business! Anyone can start a successful business, but it takes dedication, hard work, and some common-sense steps to avoid common pitfalls. This comprehensive guide outlines everything you need to know to create a successful lifestyle business on a limited budget. From developing an effective marketing plan to securing the right financing options, we have covered everything you need to start. We hope our tips and advice will help you achieve your dream of owning your thriving lifestyle business. Thanks for reading!

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