• Amazon is reported to be under investigation by German antitrust authorities, who are probing allegations that it blocked some third-party marketplace vendors from setting higher-than-usual prices during the pandemic.
“We are currently investigating whether and how Amazon influences how traders set prices on the market-place,” Andreas Mundt, President of the Federal Cartel Office told local German media, tells Reuters.
Amazon's response is that its "systems are designed to take action against price gouging."
• From the Wall Street Journal:
"Lowe’s Cos. is beefing up its logistics network, with plans to add dozens of distribution and shipment-handling sites as part of a $1.7 billion overhaul aimed at speeding orders to customers of the home-improvement retail chain.
"Lowe’s said Wednesday that it would open four additional e-commerce fulfillment centers over the next 18 months, including a direct fulfillment site in Mira Loma, Calif., set to open in October to enable two-day delivery to nearly 100% of its customers.
"The Mooresville, N.C.-based company also plans to open seven bulk distribution sites for large products such as appliances and barbecue grills, along with 50 cross-dock terminals where big items can be placed on delivery trucks bound for customers instead of sending them to retail stores."
