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Online Shopping

Aldi Eyes Major Expansion With 180 New US Stores In 2026: What To Know Aldi Eyes Major Expansion With 180 New US Stores In 2026: What To Know
Aldi Eyes Major Expansion With 180 New US Stores In 2026: What To Know Aldi is ramping up its US expansion by announcing plans to open more than 180 new stores in 2026. The discount grocery chain's expansion will span 31 states, Aldi said in a news release on Monday, Jan. 12. The new stores will come as the German company marks its 50th year in the US. Aldi expects to operate nearly 2,800 stores nationwide by the end of 2026, moving closer to its long-term goal of reaching 3,200 locations by 2028.  "One in three US households shopped at Aldi this past year, and in 2026, we're focused on making it even easier for customers to shop our aisles fir…
NY Warns Shoppers: Check Return Policies Before Heading Back To Stores NY Warns Shoppers: Check Return Policies Before Heading Back To Stores
NY Warns Shoppers: Check Return Policies Before Heading Back To Stores With the holiday shopping season wrapping up, New York officials are urging consumers to review store return policies closely to avoid surprise fees, denied refunds, or wasted trips. The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection issued new guidance Wednesday, Dec. 24, reminding shoppers that return and refund rules vary widely by retailer, both in-store and online. “Before making a trip to the store, keep in mind that return and exchange policies vary by retailer,” said Secretary of State Walter Mosley. Reviewing those policies ahead of time can help consumers save time…
Holiday Habits Are Changing: Survey Reveals Surprising Trends In Gift-Giving Holiday Habits Are Changing: Survey Reveals Surprising Trends In Gift-Giving
Holiday Habits Are Changing: Survey Reveals Surprising Trends In Gift-Giving Shoppers are changing how they approach gift-giving this holiday season, focusing less on flash and more on value.  A new survey of 2,000 adults who shop online points to a season shaped by tight budgets, shared costs and a desire for thoughtful but practical presents. According to the findings, nearly one in four shoppers are setting firm spending limits. Budget awareness is driving choices from the start, shaping what people buy and how they buy it.  More than a third of respondents are also splitting at least one gift with a friend or family member to stretch their dollars whi…
Prime Big Deal Days Return As Amazon Tightens Benefit Sharing Rules: What To Know Prime Big Deal Days Return As Amazon Tightens Benefit Sharing Rules: What To Know
Prime Big Deal Days Return As Amazon Tightens Benefit Sharing Rules: What To Know Amazon Prime's latest major promotion is promising millions of early holiday discounts just days after new restrictions on account sharing are set to begin. Prime Big Deal Days will begin at 3:01 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, Oct. 7, Amazon announced in a news release on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Early offers are already live, including up to 50% off Samsonite travel gear, 40% off holiday décor and entertaining items, and fall clothing starting at $10. Amazon is promoting deals across toys, electronics, home goods, beauty, and seasonal décor. Members can also shop curated lists like the…
Fake Amazon Recall Texts Prompt FTC Warning Fake Amazon Recall Texts Prompt FTC Warning
Fake Amazon Recall Texts Prompt FTC Warning The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is urging the public to ignore and delete a new wave of phishing texts that masquerade as recall notices from Amazon and dangle instant refunds. According to the agency’s consumer-protection unit, the messages claim a “routine quality inspection” found a defect in a recent Amazon purchase. Buyers can secure a full refund — no return required — simply by tapping a supplied link. In reality, there is no refund. Clicking routes victims to look-alike sites designed to harvest Amazon credentials, credit-card numbers, or other personal data that can be resold or…
Amazon Cracks Down On Prime Sharing Perks: Here's What's Changing Amazon Cracks Down On Prime Sharing Perks: Here's What's Changing
Amazon Cracks Down On Prime Sharing Perks: Here's What's Changing Amazon is eliminating a program that let Prime members share free shipping benefits with people outside their household. The Prime Invitee Program will end on Wednesday, Oct. 1, according to notices sent to users and updates posted on Amazon's customer service site. Invitees will lose access to shared delivery perks unless they're added to the new Amazon Family feature. Amazon Family allows members to share benefits with one other adult living in their home, up to four teens added before Monday, April 7, and up to four child profiles. Benefits include free delivery, Prime Video with ads, Pr…
Hertz Begins Selling Used Cars On Amazon: How It Works Hertz Begins Selling Used Cars On Amazon: How It Works
Hertz Begins Selling Used Cars On Amazon: How It Works A major rental car company is now selling used vehicles on Amazon. Hertz Car Sales officially joined the Amazon Autos platform on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The partnership gives shoppers the ability to browse, finance, and buy thousands of used cars, just like many other items on Amazon. The sales will start in four cities: Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Shoppers within 75 miles of those cities can immediately start browsing on Amazon. Hertz eventually plans to expand the program to 45 locations nationwide. "Our goal is to reimagine the car-buying experience and meet custo…
Hismile’s Lucky Charms Toothpaste Lands at Walmart—And Fans Can’t Get Enough Hismile’s Lucky Charms Toothpaste Lands at Walmart—And Fans Can’t Get Enough
Hismile’s Lucky Charms Toothpaste Lands at Walmart—And Fans Can’t Get Enough Toothpaste just got a magical twist. Hismile’s new Lucky Charms flavor has officially landed at Walmart, letting fans bring marshmallow nostalgia straight to their morning routine This rollout is more than just another shelf addition—it’s the first time Hismile has brought one of its viral flavors into Walmart aisles. Until now, fans hunted the brand’s drops online or scored them through specialty retailers. Now, with Lucky Charms, shoppers can pick up a tube while doing their usual grocery run, no shipping required Hismile isn’t your average oral care brand. Launched in 2014 on Australia’s…
Deadly Choking Risks In Fake Labubu Dolls Spark 'Urgent Safety Warning' Deadly Choking Risks In Fake Labubu Dolls Spark 'Urgent Safety Warning'
Deadly Choking Risks In Fake Labubu Dolls Spark 'Urgent Safety Warning' Federal regulators are issuing an "urgent safety warning" about counterfeit Labubu dolls, which can break and pose choking hazards to children. The Consumer Product Safety Commission gave the warning about the fakes commonly referred to as "Lafufus" on Monday, Aug. 18. The counterfeit Lafufus can be found in stores and online. The dolls, which are sold as plush figures and keychains, are small enough to fit entirely in a child's mouth. According to the CPSC, some counterfeits break apart easily, releasing small pieces that can lodge in a child's throat. Thousands of knockoffs have alr…
Exploding Bottles Sold Nationwide Recalled Over Safety Fears Exploding Bottles Sold Nationwide Recalled Over Safety Fears
Exploding Bottles Sold Nationwide Recalled Over Safety Fears More than 110,000 carbonation bottles are being recalled after some have exploded, causing several injuries. Drinkmate is recalling about 106,200 of its one-liter carbonation bottles, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday, Aug. 14. About 5,000 bottles were sold in Canada. According to the CPSC, Drinkmate has received eight reports of bottles exploding while in use. Four cases resulted in injuries such as cuts, impact trauma, and hearing damage. The recall affects certain clear polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles with red, blue, white, or black plastic caps and b…
Connecticut’s Tax‑Free Week Returns — Save on Clothing, Shoes & Online Orders Connecticut’s Tax‑Free Week Returns — Save on Clothing, Shoes & Online Orders
Connecticut’s Tax‑Free Week Returns — Save on Clothing, Shoes & Online Orders Are you ready, Connecticut shoppers? The state’s annual Sales Tax‑Free Week is back, running Sunday, Aug. 17 through Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. For seven days only, shoppers will skip Connecticut’s 6.35% state sales tax on qualifying clothing and footwear priced under $100 per item—and yes, online purchases count as long as they’re paid for during the week and shipped to a Connecticut address. That means now’s the time to refresh your closet and your cart. Think back‑to‑school fashion from Shein, Macy’s, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Amazon, or go after new Nike sneakers, Converse styles, and deals…
Amazon Adds Fresh Groceries To Same-Day Delivery: What To Know Amazon Adds Fresh Groceries To Same-Day Delivery: What To Know
Amazon Adds Fresh Groceries To Same-Day Delivery: What To Know Amazon is expanding its same-day deliveries to include fresh produce, meat, dairy, and other grocery staples. Thousands of perishable items have been added to Amazon's Same-Day Delivery service, the company announced in a news release on Wednesday, Aug. 13. The rollout covers more than 1,000 US cities and towns, with a target of more than 2,300 by the end of 2025. Amazon Prime members will get quick access to fresh foods like fruit, vegetables, meat, and baked goods. “We're continuously innovating to make grocery shopping simpler, faster, and more affordable for our customers, es…
Deadly Poisoning Risk To Kids Prompts Hair Serum Recall Deadly Poisoning Risk To Kids Prompts Hair Serum Recall
Deadly Poisoning Risk To Kids Prompts Hair Serum Recall A hair growth serum has been recalled nationwide over packaging that fails to keep children safe, creating a poisoning risk for young kids. The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of about 21,300 bottles of Séfralls Minoxidil Hair Generation Serum on Thursday, Aug. 7. The product contains minoxidil, a prescription-strength ingredient that must be sold in child-resistant packaging under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. The recalled serum comes in an amber dropper bottle with a white and gold dropper and a white, black, and gold label marked "Séfralls" and "m…
Maryland’s Tax‑Free Week Returns — One Week To Shop Without Sales Tax Maryland’s Tax‑Free Week Returns — One Week To Shop Without Sales Tax
Maryland’s Tax‑Free Week Returns — One Week To Shop Without Sales Tax Are you ready, Maryland shoppers? The state’s annual Shop Maryland Tax‑Free Week is back, running Sunday, Aug. 10 through Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. For seven days only, Maryland’s 6% sales tax on qualifying clothing and footwear items priced at $100 or less, plus the first $40 of a backpack or bookbag, is waived—real savings at the register. It’s the perfect moment to refresh your closet and your cart. Shop styles for back‑to‑school and everyday at Shein, Macy’s, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Amazon and other favorites. For school supplies, think binders, glue sticks, backpacks and rulers — Staples, …
Massachusetts’ Sales Tax Holiday — 2 Days To Shop Without Tax Massachusetts’ Sales Tax Holiday — 2 Days To Shop Without Tax
Massachusetts’ Sales Tax Holiday — 2 Days To Shop Without Tax Are you ready, Massachusetts shoppers? The state’s annual Sales Tax Holiday returns for two days only: Saturday, Aug. 9 and Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. For a short weekend, Massachusetts drops its 6.25% sales tax on most retail items costing $2,500 or less, including clothing, shoes, electronics, accessories, backpacks, and more. Clothing items priced up to $175 are fully exempt; if over $175, only the amount above is taxed. It’s a golden opportunity to update your wardrobe and haul in everything you need. Think back‑to‑school fashion and beyond with pieces from Shein, Macy’s, TJ Maxx, Mars…
NY Ex-Hospital Chief Who Stole $1.4M—Including $176K On Pet Care—Gets Prison Time NY Ex-Hospital Chief Who Stole $1.4M—Including $176K On Pet Care—Gets Prison Time
NY Ex-Hospital Chief Who Stole $1.4M—Including $176K On Pet Care—Gets Prison Time A former Brooklyn hospital executive who stole nearly $1.5 million in public funds—including more than $170,000 on pet care—has been sentenced to up to three years in prison. Michael Lucchesi, 67, the former Chairman of Emergency Medicine at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, was sentenced Wednesday, Aug. 6, to an indeterminate term of one to three years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree grand larceny. Lucchesi admitted to using a business credit card for personal expenses, racking up approximately $1.44 million in unauthorized spending between December 2016 and January 2023. Amo…
Claire's Files For Bankruptcy As Mall Traffic Declines, Debt Rises For Ear-Piercing Icon Claire's Files For Bankruptcy As Mall Traffic Declines, Debt Rises For Ear-Piercing Icon
Claire's Files For Bankruptcy As Mall Traffic Declines, Debt Rises For Ear-Piercing Icon Famous tween retailer Claire's is declaring bankruptcy as the popular mall chain struggles with debt, shrinking traffic, and trendy competition. Claire's is filing for bankruptcy in Delaware and Canadian courts, the company said in a news release on Wednesday, Aug. 6. The retailer known for children's jewelry and piercings is in a race to pay off a nearly $500 million loan by December 2026, Bloomberg reported. The move will allow Claire's to begin selling off assets while continuing talks with potential buyers, according to CEO Chris Cramer. "This decision is difficult, but …
Disney Producer's Pop Culture Toy Shop Forced From Westwood Storefront Disney Producer's Pop Culture Toy Shop Forced From Westwood Storefront
Disney Producer's Pop Culture Toy Shop Forced From Westwood Storefront A pop culture toy shop is shifting to an online-only model after construction forced it out of its Bergen County storefront of 12 years, the owners said. The move at Hollywood Heroes at 7 Bergen St., in Westwood, comes as construction on the building begins earlier than expected, forcing the business to vacate starting the first week of September. Hollywood Heroes was founded by Jordan Hembrough, 55, of Ridgewood, a longtime collector and former Travel Channel host of the hit series "Toy Hunter." The store has served the Bergen County toy community since 2014, offering rare and vintage item…
Toddler's Death Prompts Massive Recall Of Toy Kitchens Toddler's Death Prompts Massive Recall Of Toy Kitchens
Toddler's Death Prompts Massive Recall Of Toy Kitchens Nearly 200,000 toy kitchens are being recalled after a toddler was killed by the playset. Backyard Kids is recalling about 192,000 KidKraft Farm to Table Model Play Kitchens sold in the US and Canada, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday, July 31. Plastic and metal hooks for holding toy pots and pans can snag children's clothing, creating risks of serious injuries or death. The recall comes after a 23-month-old Oregon boy died by asphyxiation in February 2023, according to the CPSC. The toddler's shirt got caught on one of the hooks as he cli…
Back-To-School 2025 Deals: More Families Shopping Early To Dodge Rising Prices Back-To-School 2025 Deals: More Families Shopping Early To Dodge Rising Prices
Back-To-School 2025 Deals: More Families Shopping Early To Dodge Rising Prices Most families are already hunting for back-to-school deals in the summer heat. Roughly two-thirds (67%) of families with children in kindergarten through 12th grade had started shopping by early July, according to the National Retail Federation. That's up from 55% in 2024 and the highest level since NRF began tracking early shopping in 2018. More than half (51%) of families said they're shopping ahead of time because they expect prices to rise due to President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs. "Consumers are being mindful of the potential impacts of tariffs and inflation on b…
Market 32 and Price Chopper Team Up with DoorDash to Bring Groceries Right to Your Door Market 32 and Price Chopper Team Up with DoorDash to Bring Groceries Right to Your Door
Market 32 and Price Chopper Team Up with DoorDash to Bring Groceries Right to Your Door Whether you're prepping for a last-minute dinner, hosting a thrilling game day party, or simply craving a midnight snack, Market 32 and Price Chopper have you covered — fast. Thanks to a new partnership with DoorDash, customers can now get fresh groceries and pantry staples delivered straight to their doorstep. As the demand for convenience continues to grow, Market 32 and Price Chopper are stepping up to make shopping easier than ever. From missing ingredients for tonight’s meal to milk, bananas, and chips, shoppers can browse and order a wide selection of products right from the DoorDash a…
NY Man Hid Homemade Bombs on Rooftops, Tossed One on Subway Tracks: DOJ NY Man Hid Homemade Bombs on Rooftops, Tossed One on Subway Tracks: DOJ
NY Man Hid Homemade Bombs on Rooftops, Tossed One on Subway Tracks: DOJ A New York man is facing federal charges after building and hiding homemade explosives on Manhattan rooftops—then throwing one onto active subway tracks, prosecutors alleged. Michael Gann, 55, of Inwood, manufactured at least seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs) using chemicals he ordered online, then stored five of them—along with shotgun shells—on rooftops in the SoHo neighborhood, according to the US Attorney’s Office. One device was thrown onto the Williamsburg Bridge subway tracks, and another was found on Gann when he was arrested in SoHo on Thursday, June 5. Gann searched onlin…
Target Reportedly Ends Popular Price-Matching Perk Amid Slumping Sales Target Reportedly Ends Popular Price-Matching Perk Amid Slumping Sales
Target Reportedly Ends Popular Price-Matching Perk Amid Slumping Sales Target is ending its perk that matches competitors' prices as the retail giant struggles throughout 2025, according to reports. The price-matching program for deals on Amazon, Walmart, and other online retailers will end on Monday, July 28, Retail Dive reported. Target will only match its own prices up to 14 days after a purchase, either through cheaper prices online or if an item is discounted. A spokesperson said the decision comes after the chain found that shoppers "overwhelmingly price match Target and not other retailers." "We're always working to deliver consumers outstanding value …
Pepsi Launching Prebiotic Cola To Win Back Health-Conscious Soda Drinkers Pepsi Launching Prebiotic Cola To Win Back Health-Conscious Soda Drinkers
Pepsi Launching Prebiotic Cola To Win Back Health-Conscious Soda Drinkers Pepsi is putting a prebiotic spin on its classic soda. The company announced the launch of Pepsi Prebiotic Cola on Monday, July 21. The low-sugar soda will have three grams of prebiotic fiber, 30 calories, and no artificial sweeteners. Pepsi said this will be its first major innovation in the classic cola category in 20 years. "From the iconic blue can, to the consumer-preferred Pepsi Zero Sugar, our portfolio has always adapted to the needs and flavor preferences of the consumer," said Ram Krishnan, the company's US CEO. "Pepsi Prebiotic Cola represents the next leap forward in givin…
Fires Prompt Recall Of E-Bike Batteries Sold On Amazon, Walmart Fires Prompt Recall Of E-Bike Batteries Sold On Amazon, Walmart
Fires Prompt Recall Of E-Bike Batteries Sold On Amazon, Walmart Tens of thousands of lithium-ion batteries sold with electric bicycles have been recalled due to fire and burn hazards. VIVI has issued the recall for about 24,000 lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Thursday, July 17. The batteries can overheat, increasing the risk of injury or death. At least 14 incidents have been reported, including three fires. No injuries have been reported, according to the CPSC. The recall affects 36-volt lithium-ion batteries sold with more than a dozen VIVI e-bike models. Buyers can find the e-bike…
Breaking Parts On E-Bikes Create Crash Dangers, Prompting Nationwide Recall Breaking Parts On E-Bikes Create Crash Dangers, Prompting Nationwide Recall
Breaking Parts On E-Bikes Create Crash Dangers, Prompting Nationwide Recall Thousands of electric bicycles sold across the US are being recalled because a part could break while riding, causing crashes. Giant Bicycle issued the recall for about 6,200 Momentum Vida E+ e-bikes, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday, July 10. The recall comes after four reports of broken fork steerer tubes, although no injuries have been reported. The e-bikes were sold from September 2019 through May 2025. They were available at authorized Giant dealers nationwide and online for $2,500 to $3,200, according to the CPSC. The issue involves the fork…
Suffocation Risk Forces Recall Of Baby Mattresses Sold On Amazon Suffocation Risk Forces Recall Of Baby Mattresses Sold On Amazon
Suffocation Risk Forces Recall Of Baby Mattresses Sold On Amazon More than 20,000 baby mattresses are being recalled due to an entrapment risk that could cause serious injury or death. The recall was issued for about 21,500 Creekliybear "Pack and Play" aftermarket play yard mattresses, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday, July 10. Regulators said the mattresses fail to meet federal safety standards and may not fit properly in play yards. According to the CPSC, the mattresses are too thick, creating a potential suffocation hazard. "Babies can suffocate in gaps between an undersized mattress, or extra padding, and s…
Dollar Tree Completes Family Dollar Sale For $1B Amid VA-Based Discount Chain's Struggles Dollar Tree Completes Family Dollar Sale For $1B Amid VA-Based Discount Chain's Struggles
Dollar Tree Completes Family Dollar Sale For $1B Amid Va-based Discount Chain's Struggles Dollar Tree has finalized the sale of its struggling Family Dollar chain to two investment firms for a little more than $1 billion. Brigade Capital Management and Macellum Capital Management have completed their $1.007 billion cash purchase of Chesapeake, Virginia-based Family Dollar. The deal was first revealed in March and Dollar Tree announced the sale's completion in a news release on Tuesday, July 8. Dollar Tree said it expects to receive about $800 million after taxes and other adjustments, including $665 million paid at closing. "The completion of this transaction marks a defining m…
Beloved Hamden Record Store Closing; Owners Plan To Keep Music Alive With Online Shop Beloved Hamden Record Store Closing; Owners Plan To Keep Music Alive With Online Shop
Beloved Hamden Record Store Closing; Owners Plan To Keep Music Alive With Online Shop Hamden's go-to spot for vinyl collectors and music fans is preparing to close its storefront after 36 years, but the owners promise to keep the music alive with an online shop.  Replay Records, which opened in 1989, announced on Facebook that it will close the store at the end of July. The owners, Doug and Mary Snyder, thanked the customers who've shopped there for the last three decades. "So many people have come through our doors in the last 36 years," Mary posted. "It's truly been a remarkable adventure for us both. We've always done our very best to bring you quality vinyl at affor…
Walmart Just Crashed Prime Day’s Party With Its Biggest Summer Sale Yet Walmart Just Crashed Prime Day’s Party With Its Biggest Summer Sale Yet
Walmart Just Crashed Prime Day’s Party With Its Biggest Summer Sale Yet Move over, Prime Day. Walmart is heating up July with a big summer sale. The six-day Walmart Deals summer savings event kicks off online at 12 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, July 8, and runs through Sunday, July 13, both online and in-store. While Walmart+ members get early access starting Monday, July 7 at 7 p.m. EDT, shoppers looking for a head start can also check out Walmart’s July 4th sale, already live with early savings on tech, summer gear, and more. Walmart’s deals span a wide range of everyday categories, including home goods, school supplies, beauty, toys, and fashion. And, unlike Amazon’s…
Fan-Favorite Oreo Flavor Returns After Eight Years Of Demands: How You Can Buy It Fan-Favorite Oreo Flavor Returns After Eight Years Of Demands: How You Can Buy It
Fan-Favorite Oreo Flavor Returns After Eight Years Of Demands: How You Can Buy It One of Oreo's most popular flavors is finally back after years of fans begging for the cookies. Oreo announced the return of Blueberry Pie Oreo Cookies in an Instagram post on Thursday, June 26. The special version of the famous sandwich cookies was last available in 2017, according to People magazine. Blueberry Pie Oreos will be available in stores on Monday, July 7. "You win," Oreo posted on Instagram. "Now please stop yelling at us 😊." The flavor features blueberry creme filling between graham-flavored wafers, offering a twist on the classic chocolate-and-vanilla combo. Blueberry Pie O…