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The festive season is here and with it, you are likely to make several purchases from e-commerce platforms, be it for yourself or for your friends and family. Choosing the right credit card for <keyword id="19957108" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-shopping" source="keywords">online shopping</keyword> can make a significant difference in how much you save and earn from your purchases.<br /><br /><keyword id="19953671" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="credit-cards" source="keywords">Credit cards</keyword> not only allow you to easily get products on credit, they can also make them cheaper thanks to cashback and reward points. You also get access to airport lounges, railway lounges, dining offers and more.<br /><br />In this post, we look at some of the <keyword id="23600028" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="best-credit-cards-for-online-shopping" source="Orion">best credit cards for online shopping</keyword> in India.<br /><br /><h2><keyword id="3294523" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="best-credit-cards" source="Orion">Best credit cards</keyword> for online shopping in India</h2><h3><keyword id="23600026" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon-Pay-ICICI" source="keywords">Amazon Pay ICICI</keyword> credit card</h3>    <div type="image" title="Amazon Pay ICICI credit card" msid="114354421" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Amazon Pay ICICI credit card&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />The Amazon Pay ICICI Credit card is among the most popular co-branded credit cards, offered by ICICI Bank in partnership with e-commerce giant Amazon India. It’s great for those who regularly shop on Amazon, as it offers a 5% cashback on all purchases on the platform.<br /><br /><strong>Key Features:</strong><br /><br /><ul><li><strong>Cashback:</strong> Up to 5% cashback on Amazon purchases, and 2% cashback on other online shopping.</li><li><strong>Additional cashback: </strong>Earn 2% cashback at partner stores, and 1% on all other spends.</li><li><strong>No annual fee:</strong> Lifetime free credit card.</li><li><strong>Fuel surcharge waiver:</strong> 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps.</li></ul>     <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113123752" title="Here are the benefits you get with India’s most expensive credit card with a ₹3.54 lakh annual fee" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br /><h3>HDFC Millenia credit card</h3>    <div type="image" title="HDFC Millenia credit card" msid="114354433" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;HDFC Millenia credit card&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />The HDFC Millenia is a popular credit card from HDFC Bank and is among the most sought-after cards from the bank. This card offers good rewards on Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra and other online platforms. It is also good for utility bills and fuel spending.<br /><br /><strong>Key Features:</strong><br /><br /><ul><li><strong>Cashback:</strong> 5% cashback on Amazon, BookMyShow, Swiggy, Flipkart, Myntra and more. It offers 1% cashback on all other spends.</li><li><strong>Lounge access:</strong> 1 complimentary lounge access per quarter.</li><li><strong>Fuel surcharge waiver:</strong> 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps.</li></ul><h3>Flipkart Axis Bank credit card</h3><br />    <div type="image" title="Flipkart Axis Bank credit card" msid="114354438" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Flipkart Axis Bank credit card&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />With Amazon partnering with ICICI Bank, Flipkart joined the race and partnered with Axis Bank to launch the Flipkart Axis Bank credit card. The card offers 5% cashback on Flipkart and Cleartrip.<br /><br /><strong>Key Features:</strong><br /><br /><ul><li><strong>Cashback:</strong> 5% cashback on Flipkart and Cleartrip, 4% on preferred partners and 1% on other spends.<br /><strong><br /></strong></li><li><strong>Lounge access:</strong> 4 complimentary lounge access per year on spending ₹50,000 during the previous 3 months.</li><li><strong>Fuel surcharge waiver:</strong> 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps.</li></ul>     <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="98090488" title="How to use credit card to make UPI payments" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br /><h3>Cashback SBI Card</h3><br />    <div type="image" title="Cashback SBI credit card" msid="114354449" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Cashback SBI credit card&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />The Cashback SBI Card has quickly emerged as one of the most popular cards from the state-owned bank, beating its SimplyClick card, which was one of the preferred cards for online spending. The USP of this card is that it offers a flat 5% cashback on all online spending.<br /><br /><strong>Key Features:</strong><br /><br /><ul><li><strong>Cashback:</strong> 5% cashback on all online spends, without any merchant restrictions. It also offers 1% cashback on all offline transactions.</li><li><strong>Fuel surcharge waiver:</strong> 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps.</li><li><strong>Annual fee waiver:</strong> Fee waiver on spending ₹2 lakh in the preceding year.</li></ul><h3><keyword id="23600027" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Axis-Bank-Ace" source="keywords">Axis Bank Ace</keyword> credit card</h3><br />    <div type="image" title="Axis Bank Ace credit card" msid="114354458" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Axis Bank Ace credit card&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />The Axis Bank Ace credit card is another excellent card, especially for those looking for a card for bill payments, utility spending and more. It is also one of the few credit cards that can be added to Google Pay.<br /><br /><strong>Key Features:</strong><br /><br /><ul><li><strong>Cashback:</strong> 5% cashback on all bill payments, mobile recharges and DTH recharges via Google Pay. It also offers 4% Swiggy, Zomato and Ola.</li><li><strong>Lounge access:</strong> 4 complimentary lounge access per year on spending ₹50,000 during the previous 3 months.</li><li><strong>Fuel surcharge waiver:</strong> 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps.</li></ul>    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="102133212" title="HDFC Bank and Swiggy launch co-branded credit card – cashback, offers and more" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br /><h3>American Express SmartEarn credit card</h3><br />    <div type="image" title="American Express SmartEarn credit card" msid="114354467" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;American Express SmartEarn credit card&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />While it is more challenging to get American Express cards than other cards on the list, getting your hands on the SmartEarn credit card is relatively easy compared to other cards offered by American Express.<br /><br /><strong>Key Features:</strong><br /><br /><ul><li><strong>Reward points:</strong> 10X membership reward points on Flipkart, Zomato, Myntra, Uber, Ajio and more. 5X membership reward points on every ₹50 spent on Amazon.</li><li><strong>Monthly spends:</strong> Earn 500 membership reward points on spending ₹2,500 in a month on 10X reward point partners.</li><li><strong>Annual fee waiver:</strong> Fee waiver on spending ₹40,000 in the preceding year.</li></ul><strong>SEE ALSO:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/here-are-the-benefits-you-get-with-indias-most-expensive-credit-card-with-a-3-54-lakh-annual-fee/articleshow/113123752.cms">Here are the benefits you get with India’s most expensive credit card with a ₹3.54 lakh annual fee</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/bigger-they-are-harder-they-fall-a-look-at-how-the-countrys-biggest-ipos-have-fared/articleshow/114307997.cms">Bigger they are, harder they fall – A look at how the country’s biggest IPOs have fared</a><br /><br /></strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/hdfc-bank-and-swiggy-launch-co-branded-credit-card-to-offer-discount-to-customers/articleshow/102133212.cms"><strong>HDFC Bank and Swiggy launch co-branded credit card – cashback, offers and more</strong></a><br />

Best credit cards for online shopping this festive season

When it comes to <keyword id="19957108" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="online-shopping" source="keywords">online shopping</keyword>, almost anything can be bought and sold within minutes. People love ordering new stuff from the comfort of their homes and the online shopping trend is growing day by day. However, every coin has two sides and there are some challenges associated with online shopping as well. As per latest reports, e-commerce platform Meesho is facing backlash over its latest product - Lawrence Bishnoi T-shirts. Yes, you read that right.<br /><br /><h2>Meesho faces backlash <br /></h2><br />The popular e-commerce platform is under the scanner for listing merchandise featuring the infamous gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Social media erupted when users discovered T-shirts adorned with his image being sold online, sparking debates about the consequences of idealising criminal figures. Journalist Alishan Jafri highlighted the worrying trend in an X thread, explaining how such merchandise feeds into a broader issue of online <keyword id="23805599" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gangster-glorification" source="keywords">gangster glorification</keyword>, which is influencing real-world violence among the youth. The T-shirts, as per the thread, were being sold on the platform for prices starting from Rs 168.<br /><br />Jafri shared examples of minors inspired by these online depictions committing serious crimes, from violent assaults to murder. For instance, he recounted incidents like a 15-year-old killing a friend after being influenced by gang content and minors in Delhi attempting to emulate “dons” for social media fame. His investigation underlined that while authorities work tirelessly to curb these trends, platforms hosting such merchandise inadvertently contribute to a culture of gang idolisation.<br /><br />Meesho’s listing has drawn widespread criticism, with many questioning the ethics behind promoting figures linked to violent crime. <br /><br />“This should be stopped, we can't encourage the younger generation to think of this gangster as heroes,” a user wrote and another added, “And a kid also wearing a his t shirt. So wrong.” <br /><br />Let us take a look at some more reactions: <br /><br />        <div type="image" title="google (24)" msid="114968112" hostid="261"></div><br />However, when Business Insider India tried finding these T-shirts on Meesho's website, they appear to have been taken down.<br /><br /><h2>Meesho's statement<br /></h2><br />In a statement to Business Insider India, Meesho's spokesperson clarified the situation and said, "We have taken immediate action to deactivate the products. Meesho remains committed to providing a safe and trusted shopping platform for all our users."<br />

‘Gangsters are not heroes’: Meesho is selling Lawrence Bishnoi T-shirts and the internet is not happy about it

<ul class="summary-list"><li><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/google-shopping">Google Shopping</a> has a new update with AI-based product context, personalized recommendations, and a deals page.</li><li>The update combines features familiar to Amazon and Pinterest users for a more streamlined shopping experience.</li></ul><p><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google">Google</a> Shopping just got an AI makeover — and the platform is looking more and more like a mix of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-flattered-amazon-seems-worried-about-ai-capabilities-2024-8">Amazon</a> and Pinterest.</p><p>The new update incorporates AI to provide a more streamlined shopping experience that helps users find inspiration and make purchases more conveniently. The update starts rolling out in the US on Tuesday and will continue over the coming weeks, according to an announcement.</p><p>The revamped Google Shopping provides users with an <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-ai-overviews-search-engine-new-openai-searchgpt-competition-2024-8#:~:text=Google's%20AI%20Overviews%2C%20which%20are,cited%20information%20throughout%20the%20response.">AI Overviews-like brief of the top things to consider</a> when looking up a product, as well as recommendations. For example, a quick search of "men's winter jacket for Seattle" generates a response about factors to consider like water resistance or windproof materials.</p><div type="image" title="Google AI jacket search" height="2160" width="2880" msid="114255267" hostid="261" sizebytes="237590"></div><p>The updated Google Shopping homepage features a personalized feed filled with shoppable products and videos based on your preferences. The shopping feed considers inputs from Google surfaces including your shopping activity on Chrome, Search, YouTube and Discover, a Google spokesperson told Business Insider.</p><p>It also allows you to pick up where you left off in your last shopping session after being away. Users can also turn off personalized results in their "Shopping preferences."</p><p>The new update will also include a personalized "Deals" page where users can explore deals picked out for them. The new section is an addition to other available tools tools like price comparison, price insights, and price tracking.</p><div type="image" title="Google Shopping deals page" height="1758" width="834" msid="114255269" hostid="261" sizebytes="57116"></div><p>Google said the shopping service shows the latest information about pricing, shipping, and local availability from its inventory of 45 billion product listings.</p><p>Many shoppers look to Pinterest or social media for product ideas and then head to Amazon or specific retailers to make their purchases. Google's mission is to be a helpful spot for people who value price, convenience, and variety, regardless of where the purchase is ultimately made, a Google spokesperson said.</p><p>"We're not our marketplace, we're not retail, we're an ecosystem, and so for us, we want to be essential for every part of that journey," Lilian Rincon, VP of product for Google Shopping, told Business Insider.</p><p>That could look like many things, such as someone looking for Halloween inspiration like they typically would on Pinterest. Or, it could be to browse the best deals on a specific product, like a tea kettle or hiking boots.</p><p>"We want to also be able to be the best place for you to start those shopping journeys because again, we can do both," Rincon told BI. "We can show you the best of what Gemini and the Google shopping graph have a recommendation for you."</p><p>Google previously introduced a virtual try-on feature to Google Shopping and recently extended the tool to dresses. Earlier this year it released style recommendations, allowing users to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-new-shopping-feature-swipe-clothes-shoes-2024-4#you-can-swipe-left-or-right-as-if-youre-on-a-dating-app-3">swipe left or right on styles to get personalized suggestions</a>.</p>

Google Shopping just got an AI makeover

The internet has revolutionised our lives, offering convenience and connectivity at our fingertips. With the rapid adoption of digital payments in India, fraudsters have evolved their tactics, devising new scams to exploit the growing user base.<br /><br />Several <keyword id="20182215" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-scams" source="keywords">online scams</keyword> have been reported in India over the past few months, from the standard UPI refund scams to unbelievable scams such as the digital arrest scams.<br /><br />Here's a look at some prevalent online scams and how to protect yourself:<br /><br /><h2><keyword id="23629952" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UPI-refund-scam" source="keywords">UPI refund scam</keyword></h2>UPI refund scam is one of the most common online scams these days. It involves a person sending the victim money and then claiming that it was accidentally sent. The scammer then asks the victim to refund the money, often using excuses such as emergency hospitalisations or other important expenses. If the victim refunds the money, the scammer then contacts their bank and reverses the initial transaction, resulting in the victim losing money.<br /><br /><strong>How to protect yourself from UPI refund scams:</strong><br /><br /><ul><li>Do not resend the money if someone claims they have “accidentally” sent you money.</li><li>If you receive money from an unknown source, contact your bank immediately.</li><li>If someone says they have sent you money, ask them to contact their bank to get a refund.</li></ul><h2><keyword id="19939895" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="phishing-scams" source="keywords">Phishing scams</keyword></h2>Phishing scams have been around for a long time, but they have become more sophisticated in the digital age. Fraudsters often impersonate reputable companies, sending fake emails, messages, or even websites that look almost identical to the real ones. These messages typically contain a sense of urgency—such as a warning that your account is about to be blocked or that you've won a prize.<br /><br />Once you click on the link, you’re directed to a fake site that prompts you to enter your personal information, including login credentials and payment details. This data is then used to steal money or compromise your identity.<br /><br /><strong>How to protect yourself from phishing scams:</strong><br /><br /><ul><li>Be sceptical of unexpected messages or emails, even if they seem to come from trusted sources.</li><li>Check the URLs of websites carefully. Scammers often use misspelt URLs that are designed to look legitimate.</li><li>Never share your personal or financial information without verifying the authenticity of the request.</li></ul><h2><keyword id="23629953" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SIM-swap-scam" source="keywords">SIM Swap scam</keyword></h2>As the name suggests, a SIM swap scam basically involves the scammer getting access to your SIM, either with the help of someone at the mobile service provider or through other means.<br /><br />The scammer often convinces the network provider to activate a SIM card they possess, gaining control of the victim’s phone number. This allows the scammer to gain access to all calls and text messages that the victim may receive, which is important in this day and age where all accounts are linked to your phone number.<br /><br />Once the scammer gets access to the victim’s phone number, they use it to gain access to their bank account and steal money.<br /><br /><strong>How to protect yourself from SIM swap scam:</strong><br /><br /><ul><li>If your SIM stops working, immediately inform the telecom operator.</li><li>Make use of a SIM lock, which prevents your SIM from being used on another smartphone without entering a password.</li><li>Avoid sharing personal information online, especially things which can make it easier to crack your passwords.</li><li>Keep track of your accounts and report any unauthorised transactions.</li></ul><h2><keyword id="20415709" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-shopping-scams" source="keywords">Online Shopping Scams</keyword></h2>Beware of fake online stores offering unbelievable deals. These websites might steal your payment information or deliver counterfeit or non-existent products. These websites often advertise unbelievable deals to lure in unsuspecting customers, either with the intention of stealing their data or selling substandard products.<br /><br /><strong>How to stay safe:</strong><br /><br /><ul><li>Shop from reputable websites. Look for customer reviews and secure payment gateways.</li><li>Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.</li><li>Use a credit card for online purchases. It offers better fraud protection than a debit card.</li></ul><h2>The "Digital Arrest" scam</h2>In this chilling scam, fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials. They may claim you're involved in illegal activities and threaten you with a "digital arrest" or legal action. To avoid this, they'll demand payment or personal information. <br /><br />Victims are often coerced into making payments via UPI or other digital means. The sense of urgency and fear of legal consequences often compels people to act without verifying the legitimacy of the claim.<br /><br /><strong>How to avoid:</strong><br /><br /><ul><li>Know your rights: Law enforcement agencies will never demand payment or personal information over the phone or online.<br /></li><li>Verify identities: If you receive such a call, hang up and directly contact the relevant authorities to verify the claim.</li></ul><h2><keyword id="23629954" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="KYC-scam" source="keywords">KYC scam</keyword></h2>With the increased demand for KYC (know your customer) updates across digital platforms, fraudsters are taking advantage by posing as bank or telecom representatives. They often claim that your account will be blocked if you don’t update your KYC details immediately.<br /><br />Victims are then asked to share their Aadhaar number, PAN, or other personal details via a fraudulent link or over a call. In some cases, they also ask users to complete the process through UPI apps, stealing money from their accounts during the process.<br /><br /><strong>How to avoid it:</strong><br /><br /><ul><li>Banks and financial institutions never ask for personal details over a call, message, or link.</li><li>Always update KYC details through official channels, like the bank’s app or website.</li><li>If you receive a suspicious KYC request, report it to your bank’s customer service immediately.</li></ul><strong>SEE ALSO:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/waaree-energies-to-afcons-infrastructure-ipos-to-look-out-for-this-week/articleshow/114421377.cms">Waaree Energies to Afcons Infrastructure, IPOs to look out for this week</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/best-credit-cards-for-online-shopping-in-india/articleshow/114354358.cms">Best credit cards for online shopping this festive season</a><br /><br /></strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/bigger-they-are-harder-they-fall-a-look-at-how-the-countrys-biggest-ipos-have-fared/articleshow/114307997.cms"><strong>Bigger they are, harder they fall – A look at how the country’s biggest IPOs have fared</strong></a><br />

UPI refund to digital arrest scam, here are some online scams you need to be aware of

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Fall has become its own sales season for major retailers.</li><li>This year's fall-themed products include pumpkin samosas from <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-and-worst-fall-foods-at-trader-joes-review">Trader Joe's</a> and candles from Aldi.</li></ul><p><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hiring-picks-up-in-fall-low-openings-hurting-job-seekers-2024-9">Fall</a> has arrived in the US — and it's not just a season, but a shopping event.</p><p><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/starbucks-offer-fewer-deals-under-new-ceo-2024-10">Starbucks</a>' pumpkin spice-flavored drinks have been an autumnal staple since the PSL was introduced in 2003, but multiple retailers are now offering wide selections of other fall-themed products. Depending on where you shop, you can find decor, candles, and samosas in fall flavors or colors.</p><p>The season used to be a relatively slow time for retailers, with no big sales to boost how much shoppers spent at stores. That has changed in recent times. Halloween sales have grown in the last few years, according to data from the National Retail Federation. Retailers have also added early holiday shopping events, such as Amazon's Prime Day, some of which started during the first week of October.</p><p>More widely, fall-themed products represent another way for retailers and brands to fill out their sales schedule, according to Ronald Hill, a professor of marketing at American University's Kogod School of Business.</p><p>"It's between what they can do in the summer and what they can do during the holidays," Hill said in an interview with Business Insider. "It gives you another twist around the calendar and a different season to be able to get people engaged."</p><p>Target's fall selection this year includes about 650 new food items, including 150 from Target's store brands, Rick Gomez, the retailer's chief commercial officer, said on the company's earnings call in August. Products include Glazed Pumpkin Spice donut holes and sandwich cookies shaped like jack-o-lanterns, both sold under Target's Favorite Day brand. "We know consumers are eager for their apple and pumpkin spice favorites," Gomez said.</p><p>Trader Joe's is offering 148 items with fall flavors or themes, from Mini Spicy Pumpkin Samosas to Pumpkin Body Scrub, according to the grocer's <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.traderjoes.com/home/discover/stories/fall-products-2024">website</a>.</p><p>It's not just food. Lowe's is offering items including fall harvest decor and lawn inflatables for Halloween, which is "bigger than ever before," executive vice president of merchandising Bill Boltz said in August. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/home-depot-record-halloween-sales-giant-skeleton-sold-out-october-2020-11">Home Depot's massive skeleton</a> was such a hit in 2020 that it sold out before October; while its website shows the $299 12-foot Skelly is currently out of stock, customers can still buy <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=6d2f70152f9cc21a36eb531c7671809ac77f9b817a8de7a2baf95a01f133f4f4&amp;postID=670fda5d0c43543ec7bcfebb&amp;postSlug=fall-has-become-its-own-shopping-season-retail-2024-10&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.homedepot.com%2Fp%2FHome-Accents-Holiday-7-ft-Skelly-s-Dog-24SV24171%2F328196867">a 7-foot Skelly's Dog for $199</a>.</p><p>On a Facebook page dedicated to discount grocer Aldi, shoppers posted pictures last month of themselves with some of the chain's seasonal candles, which come in scents such as Autumn Lakeside Lodge and Pumpkin S'mores.</p><p>It's not clear how much sales of all fall-themed goods are worth. However, sales of pumpkin spice products alone totaled about $802 million in the 12 months to July 2023, according to NielsenIQ.</p><p>American University's Hill said that pumpkin spice and other flavors common in fall products remind many consumers of farm stands, pumpkin patches, and other attractions in rural areas at this time of the year. Retailers are "trading on the idea that if you want what is natural in the world, you come to us," Hill said.</p><p>"I don't know if there's any pumpkin in it or even any pumpkin flavor to it, but it captures the imagination of having a fresh product," he said.</p>

Fall has become its own shopping season

<strong>How India's online shopping preferences differ across India</strong>​

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Tesla's $10 billion Mexico gigafactory is in doubt after Donald Trump regained the presidency.</li><li>Elon Musk paused the project before the election and warned that higher tariffs could affect it.</li></ul><p><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/election-results-trump-harris-presidential-election-2024-11">President-elect Donald Trump</a> has said he wants to crack down on automakers building cars in Mexico — and that could be a problem for <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla">Tesla</a>.</p><p>Trump has floated imposing tariffs higher than 200% on vehicles imported from Mexico, a move analysts told Business Insider could throw the US auto industry into crisis.</p><p>It's also put a $10 billion new factory proposed by one of his biggest backers in limbo.</p><p><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-tesla-still-needs-to-build-in-mexico-2024-4">Tesla announced in March 2023</a> that it was planning to build its seventh gigafactory near the industrial hub of Monterrey, Mexico.</p><p>The project has since been hit by delays and uncertainty, with Elon Musk telling investors earlier this year that it was on pause until the election outcome was clear.</p><div type="image" title="Elon Musk and Donald Trump" height="1333" width="2000" msid="115178406" hostid="261" sizebytes="55710"></div><p>"Trump has said that he will put heavy tariffs on vehicles produced in Mexico, so it doesn't make sense to invest a lot in Mexico if that is going to be the case," the Tesla CEO said in July. Musk <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-won-election-what-that-means-for-elon-musk-2024-11">bet big on the former president's election campaign</a> and could be given a role in his administration.</p><p>Trump's victory has pushed Tesla's project even further into purgatory. Mexico's economy minister told local media last week he planned to set up a meeting with Musk to clarify the factory's status.</p><p>Trump vowed to clamp down on automakers building cars in Mexico on the campaign trail, and the prospect of new tariffs could force US automakers such as Tesla to make some hard choices about operational or planned factories in Mexico.</p><p>Investment bank UBS warned that any tariffs on Mexico would be "highly disruptive" to the entire US automotive industry, in an analyst note released after the election. Analysts told BI that the tariffs floated by Trump would deter automakers such as Tesla from investing in Mexico.</p><p>"Everything's up in the air with Tesla's plant," said Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions. "Depending on the level of the tariffs, it could complicate the investment in Mexico."</p><h2 id="3ace9d15-1517-423e-b2a0-c7c63a3fcfb9">A looming crisis</h2><p>Fiorani told BI that factories in Mexico were crucial for US manufacturers — particularly the Detroit "Big Three" of Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis — because it offered cheap parts and labor.</p><p>General Motors and Stellantis have around a third of their full-size pickup truck production in Mexico, according to Morningstar analyst David Whiston, while Ford builds its Maverick compact pickup there.</p><p>Mexico is also a crucial production hub for Ford's Mustang Mach-E EV, built at the company's Cuautitlan plant.</p><p>The country's free trade agreement with the United States, which allows automakers to import vehicles across the border without duties and is up for review in 2026, has attracted other automakers outside the Big Three.</p><div type="image" title="Mustang Mach-E" height="3648" width="5472" msid="115178404" hostid="261" sizebytes="876960"></div><p>Toyota, the world's largest carmaker, announced in 2020 it would move production of its Tacoma pick-up from the US to Mexico, while Nissan and Volkswagen also have factories in the country.</p><p>Mexico has also attracted interest from Chinese automakers, sparking fears from <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chinese-ev-companies-byd-mg-plan-factories-mexico-washington-concern-2023-12">some lawmakers that they could use the country as a "backdoor"</a> to the US market.</p><p>Chinese EV giants BYD and MG have both announced plans to build factories in the country. BYD has denied reports that it put those plans on hold to wait out the election outcome.</p><p>Other automakers have expanded their presence in Mexico, despite the uncertainty of the election and the prospect of tariffs under a second Trump term.</p><p>Stellantis brand Jeep is building <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/jeep-first-ev-electric-wagoneer-s-photos-2024-1">its first electric vehicle, the Wagoneer S</a>, at its Toluca plant in Mexico, according to a breakdown of the company's 2024 manufacturing operations.</p><p>The CEO of Chrysler, another Stellantis brand, also recently confirmed it was expanding a factory in Mexico as a "relief valve" for US truck production, after The Wall Street Journal reported the company was considering making its bestselling Ram 1500 truck south of the border.</p><p>German luxury brand BMW, meanwhile, is investing 800 million euros ($861 million) in expanding its factory at San Luis Potosí, Mexico, which is expected to produce the company's next-generation Neue Klasse lineup from 2027.</p><p>"Imposing tariffs would be a deterrent. It would make it difficult if you're planning on exporting to the US," Stephanie Brinley, an automotive analyst at S&amp;P Global, told BI.</p><p>She added: "It makes building a plant in Mexico more expensive and less attractive.</p><h2 id="63cc3482-b0ae-4cf4-b3a3-5bb23c5ee379">Costly dilemma</h2><p>Brinley added that many automakers with a significant US presence had been established in Mexico for decades, meaning it would cost billions and be highly difficult to shift production to the US or other markets in response to tariffs.</p><div type="image" title="The 2023 Toyota Tacoma" height="2468" width="3290" msid="115178408" hostid="261" sizebytes="731616"></div><p>"That would be a massive investment issue ... it would probably require a staggering amount of money and would not be something they could do quickly. Changing that manufacturing footprint would take at least five years," she said.</p><p>Ultimately, Brinley said many US automakers may decide it's in their best interests to stay put, despite the tariffs — something that she said could lead to higher prices for consumers north of the border.</p><p>"That's where the tariff ends up hurting the consumer, because these companies are not going to just eat the tariff. Some, if not all of the cost would be passed on to consumers," Brinley said.</p><p>Tesla, GM, Ford, and Stellantis did not respond to requests for comment from BI.</p>

Trump's tariffs will make it hard for automakers — including Tesla — to set up shop in Mexico

What if your <keyword id="21254544" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shopping-habits" source="keywords">shopping habits</keyword> are influenced by more than just taste or budget? What if the time of day you feel most energetic also dictates whether you find more joy in buying a new gadget or a ticket to a concert? <br /><br />New research, published in the journal <em><keyword id="22853510" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="psychology-marketing" source="keywords">Psychology &amp; Marketing</keyword></em>, suggests that the difference between <keyword id="22853508" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="morning-birds" source="keywords">morning birds</keyword> and <keyword id="22381892" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="night-owls" source="keywords">night owls</keyword> might be more profound than we think — extending into the very way we experience happiness through our purchases.<br /><br />For this study, Dr. <keyword id="22853513" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shashi-Minchael" source="Orion">Shashi Minchael</keyword> (Ph.D., Marketing; M.S., Marketing Research) surveyed nearly 1,100 individuals. Participants were asked to recall both material purchases (like gadgets or clothing) and experiential ones (such as concert tickets), and then indicate which of the two brought them more happiness.<br /><br />After providing details about the price and timing of their purchases, participants were categorised as either morning or evening people.<br /><br />The results revealed a striking contrast: night owls experienced greater happiness and improved well-being from material purchases rather than experiences. On the flip side, morning people found more joy in spending on experiences rather than tangible goods.<br /><br />Dr. Minchael attributes this to “subjective time perception” — a concept describing how people perceive the passage of time.<br /><br />Night owls often feel that past events are more distant, which makes them prefer enduring material items over fleeting experiences. Morning people, however, maintain the emotional resonance of their experiences longer, keeping memories like a concert vivid even after some time has passed.<br /><br />“That is the crux of this research,” Dr. Minchael explained. “For evening people, due to their relative present focus, time seems to go faster for them and their memory of an experience fades, hence their lower happiness. That's why they'd rather have an item that is always present.”<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111677251" title="‘Night owls’ score consistently higher in cognitive tests compared to ‘morning people’, study finds!" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Dr. Minchael emphasised that understanding these psychological differences is invaluable for marketers, as it can help them better their product positioning. However, it could also benefit the consumers by giving them a deeper understanding of how their <keyword id="22853509" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="internal-clocks" source="keywords">internal clocks</keyword> influence their purchasing decisions and overall happiness.<br />

Morning bird or night owl? Your shopping choices might depend on it!

<p>Chilimbi is a vice president and distinguished scientist at Amazon, where he leads the Stores Foundational AI organization. His latest focus is on building specialized foundation models for shopping and e-commerce. As part of this effort, Chilimbi led a team of Amazon scientists behind Rufus, Amazon's new generative-AI-powered shopping assistant. Before joining Amazon in 2017, Chilimbi was a researcher at Microsoft. His <a target="_blank" class="waffle-rich-text-link" href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=DrNeo_0AAAAJ&amp;hl=en"><u>prior research</u></a> focused on scaling deep learning training systems and vision-language pertaining.</p><p>See Business Insider's full<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://businessinsider.com/ai-power-list-2024"> AI Power List</a></p>

Trishul Chilimbi is building special AI models for shopping and e-commerce

If you’ve ever found yourself stressing over what to get your boyfriend for Boyfriend’s Day — or any occasion for that matter — you’re not alone. Many people feel that men are notoriously tough to shop for. But why is that? Is it just indecisiveness, or is there something deeper going on? Turns out, psychology holds some answers.<br /><h2>Men buy what they want</h2>One of the simplest explanations is that men are likely to purchase what they need or want before anyone else gets the chance to gift it to them. As noted by clinical psychologist Avrum Weiss in his book <em>Hidden in Plain Sight: How Men’s Fears of Women Shape Their Intimate Relationships</em>, men don’t wait around for a thoughtful surprise — they just go ahead and get it. <br /><br />This often leaves their loved ones scratching their heads, trying to figure out what’s left to give them. Men’s approach to shopping is generally more straightforward: see, buy, done. This reduces the opportunity to give them something that feels both thoughtful and useful.<br /><h2>Practicality reigns supreme</h2>For many men, a gift is only appreciated if it serves a practical purpose. Studies show that men are more inclined to accept gifts that align with their role as providers or helpers. Tools for house maintenance or gadgets that improve productivity are welcomed. But a gift that’s purely for pleasure, like a spa day or a frivolous trinket, can make them feel uncomfortable. Men are often conditioned to feel like they should be practical rather than indulgent, which means they may not always appreciate gifts that are just for fun or relaxation.<br />        <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113744019" title="I spent 3 years trying to gain my boyfriend&amp;#39;s trust after I cheated on him. What I really needed to do was forgive myself." mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>As Weiss highlights, men usually have a harder time than women allowing themselves to play or enjoy something that doesn't seem "useful." For example, while mom might receive a spa treatment, dad is more likely to get something like a toolset. When you’re trying to pick a gift, this deeply ingrained need for utility can create a dilemma.<br /><h2>The “fix-it” mentality</h2>Men are also often more focused on solutions than emotional connections, which can make it difficult for them to appreciate gifts aimed at sentimentality. Some research, although limited, has indicated that men’s brains are wired to fix problems, and this mentality might extend to how they approach receiving gifts. When they receive something that doesn’t solve a practical problem, they might not see its value the same way a woman might.<br /><br />According to acclaimed neuropsychiatrist Dr Louann Brizendine, men’s brains are quick to search for solutions, which can make them less interested in gifts meant to evoke emotional or sentimental reactions. For some men, the question isn't, "Is this a kind gesture?" but rather, "What problem does this solve for me?" This problem-solving mindset can make gift-giving feel like an impossible puzzle to crack.<br /><h2>Difficulty accepting gifts</h2>Some men have trouble accepting gifts altogether, due to a mix of insecurity, fear, or a feeling of inadequacy. For them, receiving gifts may feel like a challenge to their independence or even make them uncomfortable about "owing" something in return. Emotional barriers, often rooted in childhood, can make men feel uneasy about receiving kindness without reciprocating. In fact, some men even associate gifts with manipulation or feel they have to "earn" what they're given.<br />        <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113553234" title="My ex and I are close friends, and he sometimes wants to get back together. My new boyfriend approves of our friendship anyway." mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Others may feel a strong resistance to accepting gifts because they are uncomfortable with the vulnerability it implies. The act of receiving can be a reminder of their dependence on others, something that many men try to avoid. Weiss even notes that men might struggle with taking in gifts that are "just for them," seeing it as indulgent or even selfish to accept without offering something in return.<br /><h2>How can you break the cycle?</h2>So, what can you do? Instead of opting for the same old practical gifts, consider challenging your boyfriend to embrace pleasure and play. Try giving him an experience that pushes him out of his comfort zone — like a surprise trip or tickets to an activity he wouldn’t normally pick for himself. It might be a little awkward at first, but helping him expand his capacity for fun could be the best gift of all.<br /><br />The challenge isn't in finding <em>something</em> to give him — it’s finding something he’ll let himself truly enjoy. And in the meantime, if you do find the mystical and fabled one-size-fits-all boyfriend gift solution, do let us know what that is (please).<br />

Boyfriend Day: Here’s the psychology behind why men are so difficult to buy gifts for

<p class="drop-cap">Last Christmas, my partner's parents made an extremely generous offer: We'd been sleeping on a luxuriously cooling, king-size Zinus mattress whenever we visited, and they asked whether we wanted one of our own. The only thing we needed to do was pick a bed frame. Easy, right?</p><p>Our first thought was to head to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ikea-cut-prices-deflation-red-sea-shipping-crisis-inflation-greedflation-2024-1">Ikea</a> and purchase our current bed frame in a bigger size, but it was out of stock, so <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/luxury-retail-ecommerce-online-sales-stores-wealth-the-realreal-2024-7">we turned to the internet</a>. Searching "wooden bedframe" on the furniture <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wayfairs-opens-first-ever-physical-store-take-a-look-2024-6">e-commerce store Wayfair</a>, whose tagline is "every style, every home," yielded over 13,000 results. Amazon gave us a smaller but not particularly more manageable 6,000, with sponsored or "trending" bed frames that weren't in our price range — or made of wood at all — frequently front-loaded. The task was daunting.</p><p>We spent hours at a time clicking between product pages and toggling between search parameters, but none of the options ever lined up. Eventually, buying a new bed frame began to feel like a part-time job that neither of us had time for. Almost a year later, we're still crowding into our old, sagging queen with two dogs and a cat.</p><p>We aren't the only people feeling paralyzed by making a purchase: On the Reddit forum r/Mattress, person after person complains of the time they have spent navigating a maze of distinctions, like "cooling" and "ultracooling," "medium" and "medium firm," or "memory foam" and "hybrid." For some, the task of buying a mattress was too much: "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Mattress/comments/194n1c5/the_mattress_industry_destroyed_me_emotionally/">The mattress industry destroyed me emotionally and spiritually</a>," one post read. "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Mattress/comments/1chv833/this_is_ruining_my_life_just_tell_me_what_the/">This is ruining my life</a>," someone else wrote.</p><p>It's not just big, life-altering purchases, either: In a recent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.accenture.com/us-en/insights/consulting/consumer-goods-cutting-through-noise">Accenture survey</a> of 19,000 consumers around the world, 74% of respondents said that they had abandoned an online shopping cart at least once in the past three months because they felt "bombarded by content, overwhelmed by choice and frustrated by the amount of effort they need to put in to making decisions." This inability to commit to a purchase was reported by people shopping for clothes (79%), flights (72%), and even snacks (70%).</p><p>Barry Schwartz, a Swarthmore College psychology professor, famously called this the "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-too-many-choices-are-screwing-us-up-2016-11">paradox of choice</a>": While having a wider variety of choices can initially make us happier, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-the-paradox-of-choice-could-explain-why-youre-still-single-2018-2">the more options we have</a>, the harder it can be to choose the best one for us.</p><p>Schwartz's 2006 book drew inspiration from <a target="_blank" href="https://faculty.washington.edu/jdb/345/345%20Articles/Iyengar%20%26%20Lepper%20(2000).pdf">a study</a> that found that shoppers in a grocery store were 10 times as likely to purchase jam after sampling from a display of six jam varieties than they were from a sampling of 24. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/quit-social-media-online-shopping-30-days-regain-control-productivity-2024-7">Online shopping</a>, which the US Census Bureau estimates accounts for roughly 16% of all retail sales, theoretically makes it easier to find exactly what we are looking for. But it also takes the jam problem and multiplies it by several orders of magnitude: We're inundated with hundreds and thousands of choices. With so much information about those choices, it sometimes can feel impossible to go on. What's more, experts say that many of the tools we rely on to help us sift through all of this information — from product descriptions to search engines to e-commerce filters — may actually be making the process even harder.</p><p>The golden age of comparison shopping isn't so golden after all.</p><p class="drop-cap">The internet changed not just how we shop but also the number of options retailers can offer. Superstores that used to be limited by their square footage <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/warehouse-nation-boom-ecommerce-jobs-2022-10">could now fill warehouses</a> with thousands of items that would ship straight to customers' doorsteps. As a result, the retail landscape began to lean toward larger stores with more options.</p><p>Jason Goldberg, the chief commerce-strategy officer of Publicis Groupe, said "category killers" like PetSmart and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-tumultuous-history-of-toys-r-us-photos-2020-8">Toys "R" Us</a> outcompeted the neighborhood mom-and-pop pet and toy stores of yesteryear — only to find themselves losing out to stores with even bigger inventories, such as <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-q3-earnings-shoppers-cheaper-items-high-frequency-good-business-2024-11">Amazon</a> and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/walmart-stock-price-sam-walton-family-wealth-billionaires-retail-strategy-2024-10">Walmart</a>. "In the history of retail, businesses with larger assortments have come in, and they've won out over businesses with small assortments," he said.</p><p>Shoppers, it turns out, love the convenience of the one-stop shop. But that has left us with an ever-increasing number of options. "Amazon's doing what we think the American dream is, which is, have all the choice in the world," Jessecae Marsh, a professor of psychology at Lehigh University, told me. "But choice can be paralyzing."</p>          <p>Part of the problem, Marsh said, comes down to the way our brain makes choices. When shopping, we typically start by looking for ways to narrow down the set of choices, such as by filtering out things we can't afford or that aren't the size we want. Then we look for a reason to pick one of the remaining items over the others. "When we try to make decisions, we want a reason behind the decision," she said.</p><p>This helps explain why ratings and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/insider-reviews-expertise-in-product-reviews">reviews</a> have become such a popular feature on online marketplaces: When we're comparing two similar items, we need to find a piece of information that breaks the tie. A higher star rating, or a slate of glowing reviews from other customers, can be enough to do the trick. The trouble is that having more information at our disposal isn't always helpful. And sometimes, it can render decision-making more difficult.</p><p>In a <a target="_blank" href="https://cognitiveresearchjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41235-023-00509-7">series of experiments</a> testing how the presence of diagrams influenced people's ability to correctly answer questions about topics like managing body weight, Marsh and Samantha Kleinberg, a professor of computer science at the Stevens Institute of Technology, found that while some guiding information could be helpful, too much information made picking the right answer almost as difficult as if the participants had received no guiding information at all. While the study, published last year in Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications, didn't focus on shopping, their results suggested that the more information we wade through when we're trying to make a decision, the more likely we are to come across something that conflicts with our beliefs, which complicates the decision-making process.</p><p>"If you've tried an Oil of Olay moisturizer, and you had a reaction to it, but you're seeing website over website telling you that's the best one, you're now in a position where the information that you're getting doesn't match information that you hold in your own head," Marsh said. "That conflict is always going to be hard for people because they don't exactly know how to resolve it."</p><p>It doesn't help that the tools we use to reduce overwhelm may actually make things even more daunting. Raluca Ursu, an associate professor of marketing at New York University's Leonard N. Stern School of Business, told me that tools like filtering, sorting, and using recommendations could bog us down by revealing new factors to investigate, which leads people to search <em>more </em>— and, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/25674430">research has found</a>, be less satisfied with their choices. Search engines such as Google, which present options in a ranked list, <a target="_blank" href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1509/jmr.09.0481?journalCode=mrja">can also lead</a> to a "maximizer" mindset. "Consumers start to believe they can find 'the best option' out there, which can then lead to additional stress and decision paralysis," Ursu told me. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/search-web-email-google-streaming-online-shopping-broken-2022-4">decline of Google Search</a> probably doesn't help matters, either.</p><p>Ursu has studied two factors in shopping: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/document/2022-01/SearchGaps_UrsuZhangHonka_Dec2021.pdf">search costs and search fatigue</a>. "Search costs<strong> </strong>generally reflect the time and effort consumers require to obtain information about a product," she said via email. "How difficult is it to determine this TV's price and technical specifications?" While search costs are typically much smaller online than they are IRL, where you have to jump in a car and drive to a store, search fatigue grows when shopping online because there's more information available and more options to sift through. Ursu guessed that the most exhausting stage of shopping is comparison shopping — when people pore over minuscule details between products to find the best one.</p><p>If people <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/online-shopping-coping-mechanism-target-pandemic-2021-3">abandon their shopping carts</a> because they get overwhelmed by search fatigue, it can come back to bite retailers. In a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/document/2022-01/SearchGaps_UrsuZhangHonka_Dec2021.pdf">study</a> that looked at browsing data from clothing shoppers in the Netherlands, Ursu and her fellow researchers Qianyun Zhang and Elisabeth Honka found that reducing search fatigue by half led to a slight increase in transactions. They also found that search fatigue tended to affect smaller retailers more than larger ones since people tend to spend all their energy shopping at larger stores first.</p><p class="drop-cap">In fashion, perhaps no company embodies the paradox of choice more than <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stitch-fix-subscription-clothes-review-work-from-home-2021-9">Stitch Fix</a>, which launched in 2011 with a counterintuitive business model: People who didn't have the time or patience to shop could undergo a virtual consultation with one of the firm's in-house stylists, then receive a subscription box filled with a selection of items that had been handpicked for them. It worked: By 2017, the company had gone public at a valuation of $1.4 billion, only to surge to a $11 billion market cap in early 2021, when many customers were holed up at home.</p><p>"Having someone do that front-loaded effort, that seems really valuable," Marsh said. It's the same thing we would do by bringing a contractor into a house to ask, "What are the options here to expand this bathroom?"</p>          <p>After lockdowns ended, the company decided to introduce an option where customers could shop for individual items from categories like "jeans," "Lauren Ralph Lauren," and "workwear under $80." But since that pivot away from its core business, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stitch-fix-stylists-say-role-company-is-losing-flexibility-2021-8">the company has been losing customers</a> every year. Today, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/stocks/sfix-stock">Stitch Fix is valued at $400 million</a>, just a fraction of its market cap at its 2017 initial public offering. Goldberg, the chief commerce-strategy officer, said it's possible that the company's struggles are due to macro factors, like subscription fatigue and a sales slowdown in the clothes business. "Twenty years ago, you spent 6% of your budget on clothes; today, you spend 3% of your budget on clothes," he said. "People used to buy Stitch Fix for clothes to wear to work. You know what people don't do anymore?" Still, the company's decline raises an important point about the value of curation.</p><p>Short of changing their business models, companies can make things easier on shoppers by simplifying their site designs, reducing friction during checkout, and keeping extraneous information to a minimum. Offering shoppers more personalized search results is another big piece of the puzzle, and the experts I spoke to say <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-amazon-is-using-ai-from-rufus-to-movie-recommendations-2024-7">artificial intelligence may be able to help us</a> winnow our choices down — that's the guiding idea behind <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-amazon-ai-shopping-assistant-rufus-is-like-2024-7">Rufus, a new conversational chatbot</a> from Amazon that answers questions and makes product recommendations. Of course, there's the danger AI <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-scam-spam-hacking-ruining-internet-chatgpt-privacy-misinformation-2023-8">will overwhelm us with spam and slop</a> first.</p><p>As Marsh sees it, though, the most important thing is shoppers getting to a place where they're dealing with fewer options, even if they believe that more is better. "Whatever people think they want, they should have something a little bit less than that," she said. Marsh recommended researching a category and figuring out what product attributes matter most to you <em>before</em> you start shopping. She also suggested turning the decision over to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides">a consumer guide</a>, a retailer quiz, or someone who has tried a product before you. Many people already do this with<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-luxury-perfume-obsession-tiktok-fragrance-teen-boys-branding-2024-10"> beauty influencers</a>: If you have a similar skin or hair type to someone, seeing what works and what doesn't for them can help narrow down your choices.</p><p>Still, deciding what to buy can be excruciating — even for people who study decision-making for a living. Recently, after an "extremely overwhelming" experience selecting a bed frame for her own house on Wayfair, Marsh said she realized she was going to need a new rug. "I started looking through the options, and I was like, 'I just can't,'" she told me. "We're going to have to go to a store. I just can't do it again."</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/emilie-friedlander"><em><u>Emilie Friedlander</u></em></a><em> is a journalist and editor from Brooklyn, currently based in Philadelphia. She co-hosts </em><a target="_blank" rel=" nofollow" href="https://theculturejournalist.substack.com/"><em><u>The Culture Journalist</u></em></a><em>, a podcast about culture in the age of platforms.</em></p>

'I just can't': Why so many consumers are sick and tired of online shopping

<ul><li>E-commerce giant Amazon has announced the Great Indian Festival sale 2024.</li><li>The sale will begin on September 27, and Prime users can access the deals a day ahead of regular users.</li><li>Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming festive sale from Amazon.</li></ul>The festive season is almost here and with this, e-commerce giants are gearing up to begin their festive sales. Amazon has announced its Great Indian Festival Sale will start on September 27.<br /><br />Like always, Amazon Prime subscribers will be able to access the deals before normal users. If you wish to get early access and don’t have a Prime account yet, you can subscribe<a href="https://www.amazon.in/amazonprime?tag=tech_insider_india_buynowbluebutton-21"> here</a>.<br /><br />The company has announced several discounts, card offers, cashback and exchange offers for the sale. It has also lined up several new product launches during the sale.<br /><br /><h2>Bank offers</h2>Amazon has partnered with the State Bank of India to offer a 10% instant discount to SBI debit card and credit card users. So, if you are planning on purchasing something during the sale, we recommend you keep your cards ready.<br /><br />In addition to this, Prime users will get 5% unlimited cashback on shopping when they use their Amazon Pay ICICI bank credit card.<br /><br /><h2>Amazon Rufus assistant</h2>Rufus, the recently<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/amazon-rufus-ai-assistant-beta-launched-in-india-will-answer-customers-questions/articleshow/112872099.cms"> launched</a> AI conversational shopping assistant will answer customer’s questions regarding products during the sale. The assistant will answer your questions and help you find the ideal product for you by helping you easily compare various products.<br /><br /><h2><keyword id="20672181" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon-Bazaar" source="keywords">Amazon Bazaar</keyword></h2>Amazon has also introduced a new store, dubbed “Amazon Bazaar”. This is a new store on Amazon, which is claimed to offer affordable fashion and home products.<br /><br /><h2>New launches across categories</h2>Amazon has announced that several products will be launched during the sale, including smartphones, laptops, TVs, audio devices, apparel, grooming devices, kitchen appliances and more.<br /><br /><h2>Discounts across a wide range of products</h2>Amazon has already started teasing the major products that will be available at a discount during the sale.<br /><br />The company has started teasing that the flagship Galaxy S23 Ultra will be available under INR 1 lakh. Apart from this, popular laptops from Dell, HP and other major companies will also be available at a discounted price.<br /><br />Customers will be able to buy smartphones starting as low as INR 5,999 with up to 24 months no cost EMI option.<br /><br />Those looking for products for their home will have a lot of options to choose from. Home and decor items will be available starting at ₹79, cookware at ₹99 and kitchen appliances at ₹79.<br /><br />Amazon devices such as Kindle, Alexa smart speakers and Fire TV devices will be available with a discount of up to 50% during the sale.<br /><br /><strong>SEE ALSO:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/triumph-speed-t4-launched-in-india-with-a-price-tag-of-2-17-lakh/slidelist/113429766.cms">Triumph Speed T4 launched in India with a price tag of ₹2.17 lakh</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/motorola-edge-50-neo-vs-nothing-phone-2a-which-phone-should-you-buy-under-25000/slidelist/113417314.cms">Motorola Edge 50 Neo vs Nothing Phone (2a) – Which phone should you buy under ₹25,000?</a><br /><br /></strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/ios-18-update-to-start-rolling-out-today-eligible-devices-features-and-more/articleshow/113413108.cms"><strong>iOS 18 update starts rolling out – eligible devices, features and more</strong></a><br />

Amazon Great Indian Festival sale to begin on September 27

<ul class="summary-list"><li>When deciding where to shop, consumers face trade-offs between convenience, quality, and price.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/history-of-sams-club-walmart-owned-warehouse-2023-5">Sam's Club</a> CEO Chris Nicholas tells BI he wants shoppers to have all three.</li></ul><p>At the back of Sam's Club's new tech-infused location in Grapevine, Texas, an unassuming floor-scrubber robot sits in a maintenance closet near the loading docks.</p><p>Each day, the autonomous unit glides through the aisles cleaning up spills and crumbs while its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sams-club-worker-ai-replaced-tiresome-daily-task-2024-6"><u>cameras and sensors check inventory levels</u></a> and update the company's computers with the latest numbers.</p><p>Using that blizzard of data, emerging technologies, and what CEO Chris Nicholas calls "design thinking," Sam's Club is challenging some commonly held assumptions about the warehouse club business.</p><p>"This, here, represents what the future looks like for Sam's Club," Nicholas told Business Insider in an interview Thursday, standing in what would normally be the checkout lanes of a traditional store.</p><div type="image" title="Sam's Club CEO Chris Nicholas at the company's new store in Grapevine, Texas" height="2251" width="3000" msid="114428150" hostid="261" sizebytes="235426"></div><p>The newly opened Grapevine store is the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sams-club-opens-first-new-location-in-years-2024-10"><u>first to eschew conveyer belts and cash registers</u></a> in favor of mobile apps and AI-powered computer vision.</p><p>Shoppers passed through three <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sams-club-will-scan-cart-instead-of-checking-receipt-2024-1"><u>towering blue gateways</u></a> on their way out to the parking lot, pushing carts full of items they'd scanned and paid for on the app.</p><p>Thanks to data from sources like the floor scrubber, shoppers can find what they're looking for in the warehouse, scan the barcode, and pay through the app. And they can complete the entire process without waiting in line for a cash register — or a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-walmart-costco-check-receipts-2023-6"><u>receipt check</u></a> at the door.</p><p>Those who needed additional assistance were met by tablet-wielding associates who could ring up orders and process payments on the spot.</p><div type="image" title="A Sam's Club employee stands ready to process shoppers' orders on a mobile tablet." height="2251" width="3000" msid="114428151" hostid="261" sizebytes="353236"></div><p>While many of the systems have been in development at Sam's Club since before Nicholas became CEO, it's now up to him to ensure they all perform harmoniously.</p><p>Nicholas said the club model's success historically has been a function of high-quality products sold at bargain prices.</p><p>"The price you pay for great items and great prices is friction," he said. "You queue to get in the door, you queue at the register, you queue to get out. You don't have e-commerce, or if you have e-commerce, you pay a premium."</p><p>Consumers deciding where to shop long faced trade-offs between convenience, quality, and price.</p><p>Sol Price — the godfather of the club store, progenitor of Costco, and acknowledged inspiration for Sam Walton to launch Sam's Club — was able to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/founding-history-of-costco"><u>crack the code on quality and price</u></a> at the sacrifice of convenience. Other retail concepts have achieved convenience and price at the expense of quality. Still others offer convenience and quality for premium prices.</p><p>In short, US shoppers often face a "pick two" scenario, but Nicholas said it doesn't have to be that way. With the help of the modern technology found in the newly opened location, he believes shoppers can enjoy all three.</p><p>"The total club channel is doing OK — it's growing faster than retail — but it hasn't been where innovation has lived," he said.</p><p>One advantage Sam's Club has over most of its rivals is its massive parent company: Walmart, the world's largest retailer.</p><p>"The beauty of being owned by Walmart for us is we get to leverage a big supply chain that's automated, we get to leverage technology, which is front-end and back-end, and we don't have to pay for it," Nicholas said.</p><div type="image" title="Sam's Club shoppers visit the newly opened location in Grapevine, Texas." height="2250" width="3000" msid="114428156" hostid="261" sizebytes="863370"></div><p>"We don't have these massive investments that we have to make. We have capacity ready," he added. "We can innovate at the pace of inspiration, versus innovating at the pace of a capital budget."</p><p>The Grapevine Sam's Club is literally bristling with tech, not just in the form of the hulking blue AI-powered gateways. There's a pizza robot in the café that can knock out 100 pies per hour, RFID sensors on every aisle, computer vision pallet scanners on the loading docks, and a fleet of battery-powered coolers that will extend the club's delivery range for perishables.</p><p>It's Sam's Club's first new store in seven years and a model for the roughly 30 new locations and an unspecified number of remodels <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/walmart-sams-club-plans-open-30-new-warehouses-us-2023-1">planned for the next five years</a>.</p><p>Walmart, for its part, has a clear incentive to experiment with new technology at Sam's Club. After growing sales by nearly 50% over the past five years, Sam's Club's $86 billion in revenue is still less than half of what Costco's North American business makes. There's plenty of ground to gain.</p><p>Several shoppers told BI they've been using the new tech at other Dallas-area stores and that it generally <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sams-club-ai-receipt-checks-exit-success-2024-4"><u>worked as expected</u></a>, apart from a few hiccups due to the larger-than-usual crowd at the grand opening. Many of the shoppers had Costco memberships too. One shopper told BI he planned to cancel his.</p><p>Sam's Club has also been a test-bed for retail concepts that eventually find their way into Walmart's 4,600 US stores and beyond. Walmart Plus members can use a similar mobile app scan-and-go feature, and the businesses continue to combine resources — recently <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/walmart-sams-club-corporate-supply-chain-teams-merge-memo-2024-9"><u>merging their supply chain management teams</u></a>, BI first reported.</p><div type="image" title="Sam's Club shoppers visit the newly opened location in Grapevine, Texas." height="2250" width="3000" msid="114428155" hostid="261" sizebytes="553648"></div><p>Former Sam's Club CEO John Furner is now CEO of Walmart US, and Nicholas was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.supermarketnews.com/executive-moves/walmart-promotes-chris-nicholas-to-new-role-of-u-s-coo"><u>instrumental</u></a> in planning the modernization of Walmart's store fleet during his earlier stint as chief operating officer for Walmart US.</p><p>During the interview, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/walmart-ceo-doug-mcmillon-bio-career-life-salary-first-job-2021-6">Walmart CEO Doug McMillon</a> strolled over to say hello as he wrapped up his <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7253079909311356928/"><u>tour</u></a> of the store. He, too, previously served as Sam's Club CEO.</p><p>Many of the same design principles in Grapevine can be observed at <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/visiting-walmart-recently-renovated-supercenters-in-wisconsin-2023-11">Walmart's recently remodeled stores</a>, such as low-friction checkout options, larger dedicated space for e-commerce fulfillment, and tightly interconnected use of mobile app shopping through scannable codes and showcase displays.</p><p>Nicholas said he wants to transform shopping at Sam's Club into a "delightful" experience, whether that means using AI to interpret the jumbled contents of a shopping cart or redesigning the pockets on the Member's Mark jogger sweatpants to be an inch deeper after feedback so keys and phones are less likely to fall out when sitting.</p><p>"My hope is that Sam's Club, when you shop, feels like what it's like to shop in the future. That's what I hope, and so that's my job," he said. "This is a glimpse of that."</p>

Sam's Club CEO wants you to feel like you're shopping in the future

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I've <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-not-to-do-at-costco-member-tips">worked at Costco</a> for 19 years, so I have a few key tips for shopping at the warehouse.</li><li>If you <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-things-at-costco-this-year-employee-reveals-2022">shop at Costco a lot</a>, get the executive membership and pay attention to the prices of items.</li></ul><p>I've <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-costco-employee-bought-this-month-2023-3">worked at Costco's</a> membership counter for over 19 years. Throughout my time at the warehouse, I've picked up a few tips to help save money and grab my favorite items before they're gone.</p><p>Here are eight tips I use almost every day so I don't miss out on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-nutritious-foods-to-buy-at-costco-nutritionist-2021-6">groceries and items at Costco</a>.</p><h2>If you shop at Costco a lot, consider getting an executive membership</h2><div type="image" title="The writer holds a Costco executive-membership card." height="1678" width="2238" msid="114854937" hostid="261" sizebytes="170806"></div><p>I think Costco's executive option is the best way to get your money's worth and make the most out of your membership. Although it's twice the cost of a gold-star membership at $130, the executive membership gives customers 2% back on most purchases, including at the pharmacy and tire shop, and on optical and hearing-aid services.</p><p>Cardholders usually get their 2% reward in the mail two months prior to renewal time and may use it for future purchases or their next membership fee. Executive members can also receive up to $1,250 on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-things-at-costco-according-to-baker-and-chef-2022-2">qualified Costco purchases</a> annually.</p><p>Just keep in mind that certain products — including tobacco, gasoline, Costco cash cards, and postage stamps — are excluded from the 2% cash-back reward.</p><h2>Pay attention to and take advantage of price adjustments</h2><p>If you buy something at full value and it decreases in price, you might be able to take advantage of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/employees-share-what-not-to-do-at-costco-2020-2">Costco's price and coupon adjustments</a> 30 days from the date of purchase.</p><p>Bring in your original receipt and head to the refund counter to try for your adjustment. If you can't find your receipt, just simply ask a team member at the counter to help you out.</p><p>If you purchase something online and notice a difference in the price, go to <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=7d3a4c7e5c730c34d5b93cd12c2ecafbbbab05c0636aa3dbdf0a28247e44e599&amp;postID=64480d5793055474d5421093&amp;postSlug=best-tips-shopping-at-costco-according-to-employee&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.costco.com%2Frebates.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Costco.com under "rebates"</a> and do a price adjustment yourself.</p><h2>Signs with an asterisk mean it's time to stock up</h2><div type="image" title="A sign for men's pants at Costco with &quot;$5.00&quot; text and an asterisk in the corner of the sign" height="830" width="1107" msid="114854931" hostid="261" sizebytes="31852"></div><p>Signs with the asterisk at the upper-right corner mean it's time to stock up because <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/foods-to-buy-from-costco-for-holidays-culinary-judge-photos-2022-11">Costco will not be restocking that item</a>.</p><p>If you enjoy a product, make sure to check its sign occasionally. Employees at Costco's membership counter can also check if any surrounding warehouses will continue to restock that item.</p><h2>Some pricing indicates an item was marked down</h2><p>Prices ending in .97 or .00 are on sale. Most markdown prices mean the warehouse is trying to get rid of it, or it's a seasonal item.</p><p>That being said, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-things-to-buy-from-costco-culinary-judge-photos-2022">prices may vary per location</a>.</p><h2>Don't miss out on Kirkland Signature items</h2><div type="image" title="The writer holds a bottle of Kirkland Signature vitamins." height="1507" width="2009" msid="114854933" hostid="261" sizebytes="97994"></div><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/culinary-judge-best-costco-things-for-shoppers-on-budget-list-2023-3">Kirkland Signature is Costco's own brand</a> and has products that are comparable to more mainstream brands.</p><p>To me, it's worth trying Kirkland Signature items because Costco offers a satisfaction-guarantee policy. If you're unhappy, you can usually return the item for a full refund.</p><h2>Download the Costco app before you shop</h2><p>Downloading the Costco app before <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/costco-employee-favorite-things-to-get-family-on-budget-2022">your shopping trip</a> can be very useful because you can see what's on sale as you shop or even before your trip.</p><p>You can also access your membership card (which may even eliminate the need to bring your physical card) receipts, online orders, any 2% reward balance, and your Costco Anywhere visa card — if you have one — through the app.</p><h2>Come prepared to load items without grocery bags</h2><div type="image" title="A Costco travel reusable bag." height="2250" width="3000" msid="114854936" hostid="261" sizebytes="627490"></div><p>Costco doesn't provide grocery bags, but there are boxes available to help pack your items, usually toward the exit of the store.</p><p>I also recommend bringing some reusable bags to make packing up your shopping go smoother.</p><p><em>This story was originally published on May 2, 2023, and most recently updated on November 1, 2024.</em></p>

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