Cooler nights call for a sleepwear refresh, and Amazon makes it easier to stock up. Save up to 65% on everything from cozy flannels and breathable bamboo pajamas to silky sets.
Women's pajama deals
Save on nightgowns, silky sets and other cozy pajamas for women.
A FOX reader favorite, this pajama set pairs a polished button-down top with stretchy shorts for a comfortable fit. Choose from nearly 40 colors and patterns, including hearts, stars and candy canes, to find a style that suits you.
This Fruit of the Loom set pairs a cozy waffle-knit V-neck top with flannel pants. The separate pieces can be mixed and matched with other items in your wardrobe, with options that include red with buffalo check, navy with snowflakes or black with berry plaid.
Prep for the holidays and colder weather with these plaid pajamas from Victoria's Secret. The cotton-modal blend has a soft feel and provides added warmth for chilly nights. You can also shop the matching sleep dress in the same pattern, which is also on sale.
The polyester fabric in these long-sleeve pajamas has a soft feel, while the long sleeves and pants add coverage on cool winter nights. The material remains breathable for hot sleepers, and contrasting trim and buttons give the classic set a polished finish.
This modal long-sleeve pajama set looks expensive but costs just $18. The button-down V-neck top has a chest pocket and piping, while the drawstring waistband ties in a bow for a feminine finish.
Amazon has flannel pajamas for the whole family, so everyone can coordinate for Christmas morning. The listed price is for the women's button-down pajama top, but the product page also offers matching styles for men and children.
For sleepers who prefer less coverage, this nightgown offers a breezier alternative to traditional pajama sets. Its soft, lightweight fabric feels comfortable against the skin, and the selection includes solid colors, holiday patterns and playful animal prints.
Men's pajama deals
From bamboo sets to flannel picks, these PJs keep you comfortable all night.
Hot sleepers may appreciate this pajama set for when temperatures drop. The polyester feels cool on your skin but keeps you covered and warm. The pants have an elastic waistband and two deep pockets to keep essentials handy while lounging around.
Flannel pajamas fit the holiday mood, but their cozy warmth makes them useful well beyond December. This cotton-polyester pair has a soft, breathable feel that may appeal to sleepers who tend to overheat.
Bamboo is naturally moisture-wicking, lightweight and breathable, so it's a dream for hot sleepers. This set combines bamboo with polyester and spandex for a soft, cooling option.
This lightweight men’s pajama set pairs a soft polyester-spandex blend with a flexible fit. Contrasting colors and a raglan design give it a retro-inspired look, while pockets keep small essentials close at hand when you’re around the house.
Prepare your family for the unexpected with these emergency essentials. Whether you're facing an unexpected power outage, a fire, car troubles or simply need some basic first aid, these products can help you have peace of mind, so you're ready for anything. Some are designed to protect important documents, ensure your vital devices always stay charged, give you a guiding light in the dark or even jump start your car in the case of an emergency. While you might not need these items today, it's smart to always keep them on hand.
The Kelvin8 multitool has eight tools for emergency situations, including a power bank with a hand crank, seatbelt cutter, window breaker, flashlight, alarm, SOS signal and decibel siren. It fits comfortably in your hand and your car's glovebox. You can purchase one for $10 off or get two with this offer.
Keep a four-pack of emergency blankets in your car and at home. They help retain body heat during cold-weather emergencies and store easily in a trunk or closet thanks to their compact foil packaging. The tear-resistant Mylar can also be reused when kept in good condition.
Activate this personal safety alarm in seconds to sound a 130-decibel siren — about as loud as a jet taking off. Clip it to a keychain or slip it into a pocket for quick access. Choose a single alarm or take advantage of the buy three, get two free offer.
During unexpected power outages, a weather radio keeps you up to date on forecasts. It charges three different ways — USB, hand-crank or solar — so you always have a backup when needed. It also acts as a power bank that gets your phone up and running.
This survival kit comes with everything you need for minor emergencies, from a hatchet and hammer tool to a first aid kit and paracord gear. Carry it anywhere in a compact backpack that fits easily with your camping or hiking gear.
A kit like this makes it easy to keep your emergency supplies in one place. Designed for two people, it includes enough food, water, first-aid supplies and other essentials to last three days away from home.
This first aid kit has bandages, gloves and antiseptic wipes to help you treat burns, scrapes and cuts. Store the compact case in your glovebox or carry-on so you always have essential medical supplies within reach.
This handy straw filter gives you access to clean water anywhere. As you sip, the straw filters out bacteria, parasites, microplastics, dirt, sand and more. One straw is good for 1,000 gallons of drinking water.
Protect important documents with this fireproof bag, complete with two pockets and two waterproof zippers. The reflective strip helps you spot it in the dark.
Car emergency gear
Stay ready for roadside emergencies with a jump starter, tire inflator and seat belt cutter.
If you're trapped in your car after an accident, these seat belt cutters can help you escape. Use the sharp blade to cut through a belt and the metal tip to shatter window glass.
A dead car battery can ruin your day, so stay prepared with a jump starter. This model can start your car without another vehicle or jumper cables and includes a built-in air compressor for inflating tires. For more power, the Noco Boost jump starter works with trucks, boats and sedans in a compact design.
Need a quick way to pump up your tire after a flat? Keep this inflator in your car for roadside emergencies. It's simple enough to use one-handed, and the LED screen shows you the remaining battery and your tire's PSI.
Fix a flat quickly on your own with a tire patch kit. Use the included pliers to remove debris, clear the hole with the other tools and seal it with durable rubber strips.
Packed into a small bag, this 108-piece roadside kit offers all the necessities in one place — from jumper cables to reflective gear and a first aid kit. With it, you can stay safer when you're stuck on the side of the road.
Power outage essentials
Don’t get stuck in the dark — these tools keep your home lit during blackouts.
Save money and reduce waste with rechargeable batteries. This Duracell set includes a compact charger for AA and AAA batteries, along with four precharged AA batteries.
Stash these mini flashlights around the house for backup lighting during outages. They may be small, but they're powerful, with multiple zoom modes and both strobe and SOS options for emergencies.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 powers up to seven devices at once and weighs just 24 pounds, making it easy to move from room to room or take on the go. Better yet, it recharges in as little as an hour through the app.
An LED lantern, like this one, is great to have on hand for power outages. It produces 400 lumens (similar to a flashlight or headlamp), has three brightness modes and is designed not to crack, even if dropped.
Keep your devices charged with this power bank. It has four built-in cables — USB-A, USB-C, Micro-USB and one for charging the bank itself — so you don’t have to keep track of extra cords. You can also plug in three additional chargers to power up to six devices at once.
Now that crisp, cool weather is here, it's time to switch out cooling blankets and linens for warmer options. From flannel sheets to heavyweight down comforters tofuzzy throws, these swaps can help keep you comfortable during the colder months. Some picks are even up to 83% off, so you can update your home for less.
Replace cold sheets with a set of flannel ones from L.L.Bean for a warmer night's sleep. They come in eight plaid patterns that blend perfectly with holiday decor.
These Eddie Bauer sheets blend comfort and style with plaid and striped options. Crafted from 100% cotton flannel, they'll keep you toasty without leaving you sweating.
At 83% off, this soft microfiber sheet set is a simple and affordable bedding upgrade. Its breathable fabric helps hot sleepers stay cool overnight. These sheets also hold up to multiple washes and come in a host of colors, making it easy to match them to your fall bedding setup.
Wrap yourself in softness with Bedsure's fluffy comforter set, complete with two pillowcases. The ribbed look adds a stylish aesthetic, while the soft flannel texture holds in the heat while you sleep.
Top your bed or the back of your couch with UGG's Adalee throw for a faux fur blanket that's as soft as it looks. It's free from chemicals and toxins, making it hypoallergenic. More than 7,000 shoppers bought one last month, with one reviewer saying, "This blanket is incredibly soft, luxurious, and looks gorgeous on the bed. It's such high quality and would make an amazing gift for anyone who loves cozy home items. Highly recommend!"
Sleep Number's LuxWarmth comforter comes in three different warmth weights: light, medium and extra warmth. The 100% cotton fabric cover feels soft against the skin and helps with heat regulation, ensuring you stay warm without overheating.
Choose from midweight or lightweight options and get a duvet comforter that's worth the splurge. The anti-clumping fill offers the breathability of natural down with added warmth. There are also bamboo and silk fabrics if you prefer a softer feel.
The Woodland Retreat quilt set brings fall patterns into your space with a collection of pinesetcones and other forest plants. It turns your room into a rustic retreat, and is lightweight so you can layer it with other blankets.
Just because fall is here doesn't mean you want the heat buildup. This cooling mattress topper pulls heat away from your body, helping you sleep cooler. It also gives your bed 3 inches of extra padding, transforming firm mattresses into a plush bed.
Side sleepers get the support they need from Layla's BioCrystal pillow. Infused with 16 crystals that promote relaxation, this pillow works hard to keep you well-rested. Adjust the loft to get the ideal height for your needs. Now through Nov. 26, FOX readers can get an extra 20% off the sale price of both BioCrystal pillows with code FOXDEAL. That brings the Side Sleeper Pillow down to $119 and the Classic Pillow to $111.
Silk feels amazing any time of the year, so swap your cotton pillowcase for mulberry silk. The breathable fabric feels gentle on your hair and skin while helping reduce overnight frizz and friction. Silk also helps trap heat without the weight, so you stay warm on colder nights.
More than 70,000 shoppers bought these Beckham Hotel Collection pillows last month on Amazon, showcasing their popularity. The fluffy fill holds its shape even if you move frequently at night, and the cotton covers add a cooling element that helps prevent overheating — a helpful feature for those who sleep hot even in the winter.
Upgrade your bathroom for the fall with this towel set from Quince. Made from 100% Turkish cotton, it includes two extra-plush bath towels. They're soft, absorbent and available in a range of colors to match your space.
During the fall and winter, stop heat from leaking out drafty windows with a pair of blackout curtains. The back loops hide behind the curtain fabric for a cleaner look.
Sofás, candeeiros, tapetes e peças de decoração que fizeram parte de hotéis de luxo podem encontrar uma nova casa a preços acessíveis. A Second Serve é plataforma portuguesa criada em abril de 2025 que permite comprar mobiliário e equipamentos usados de unidades hoteleiras que estão a renovar os seus espaços, promovendo a reutilização e reduzindo o desperdício. A ideia, avança a Sábado, surgiu da experiência de Roberto Geallad, de 36 anos, antigo responsável de compras de um grupo hoteleiro. Ao acompanhar remodelações, apercebeu-se de que inúmeros artigos em bom estado eram descartados. Inspirado pelo crescimento do mercado de segunda mão,
Welcome to your weekly shopping guide, curated by the FOX News Deals team
The right pillow can make or break a night's sleep. Our team has strong opinions, from the adaptive option Julia Fields loves to the "fancy" model Jaclyn Kaufman raves about and the budget-friendly pick Liz Kiernan recommends.
I've struggled to find a pillow for side sleepers that supported my neck without forcing it into an uncomfortable position or losing its shape overnight.
My ideal pillow would be supportive, adjustable and easy to clean — and this Layla side-sleeper pillow checks all three boxes. FOX readers can take an extra 20% off the sale price with code FOXDEAL.
— Caitlyn Martyn, Commerce Editor
Other bedding picks our team loves
Liz Kiernan's favorite cotton sheet set, which she compares to luxury hotel bedding
The Bear mattress that Nusrat Sultana says helped ease her back discomfort
Jenny Op't Holt says this Wink mattress has stayed supportive over time
Why it’s worth a look: Apple's newest iPhone, the Duo, is now available through T-Mobile, with $0 due upfront when you bring your existing number and enroll in the Experience Beyond plan. The iPhone Duo is Apple's first foldable phone and features the largest display on an iPhone to date.
Shop discounts on popular appliances and personal care devices, including the Shark FlexStyle, Ninja Crispi and Shark CryoGlow LED Mask.
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Before you go
Holiday shopping season is here, and some of the most popular Advent calendars and gifts are already on sale or available to preorder. Here are a few FOX reader favorites to shop now.
With the holidays around the corner, now's a good time to grab your Christmas tree and stock up on cozy essentials like fuzzy slippers and plush throw blankets. This week, major retailers are hosting big sales events, like Kate Spade Outlet, which includes up to 70% off purses, and Amazon's Holiday Beauty Event, where you'll find coveted brands like Armani Beauty, Dove and Lancôme up to 30% off.
Best sales from FOX News Deals' favorite brands
Macy's: The Friends & Family Sale includes 30% off regular- and sale-priced items and 15% off beauty products. It ends Nov. 3
Nordstrom: Find an extra 20% off the Clearance section on designer brands
Anthropologie: More than 3,000 popular products across home, fashion and accessories are marked down
Amazon: Save up to 30% on makeup, fragrance, men's grooming and more during Amazon's Holiday Beauty Event
Kate Spade Outlet: Get up to 70% off and take an additional 20% off select styles
Wayfair: Find furniture for every room in the house at up to 60% off during its Fall Clearance sale
Lowe's: Fall savings on lighting andup to 35% off select major appliances
Brooklyn Bedding: Enjoy up to 25% off sitewide during the Fall Sale with code FALL25
Grab a Christmas tree you can use for years to come while it's more than half off. It comes pre-strung with lights you can adjust to white or multicolor.
Save more than 45% on the Keurig K-Supreme, which is currently at one of its lowest prices in months. The single-serve coffee maker brews 6- to 12-ounce cups and accommodates taller travel mugs when you remove the drip tray.
Keep your coffee or tea at the perfect sipping temperature with this smart mug. You can adjust the temperature between 120 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit through a smartphone app, and the mug keeps beverages warm for up to 80 minutes on a single charge.
This Calvin Klein staple has a high 4.5 rating from more than 23,000 reviews. The longer-leg design helps prevent them from riding up. Cotton construction also offers a soft feel.
The AirPods Pro 3s have noise-canceling tech that helps reduce background noise, and an eight-hour battery life keeps you going throughout the workday. Take a hearing test and the AirPods automatically adjust the volume if you have minor hearing loss.
Deals we love
Shop standout deals on everything from the latest iPhone to rain jackets and upgraded bedding.
Switch over to T-Mobile and order the new iPhone Duo for no money upfront when you use your current number and enroll in the Experience Beyond plan. Existing customers may qualify, too, with an eligible trade-in and enrollment in the same plan.
This embroidered comforter adds visual and textural interest to your fall bedding, and it's a whopping 86% off. The set comes with a comforter and two pillowcases for a cohesive look.
Keep five pounds of candy in one bag — more than enough to go around this Halloween and still have your favorite sweets left over. The Witch's Brew variety includes Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher Chews, Jolly Rancher Lollipops and more. It's great for people who prefer fruity, tangy candy over sweet chocolate.
Layer up for less with this lightweight Hanes zip-up hoodie, made from soft fleece. It's currently 55% off, and the women's version is also on sale in multiple colors.
Sign up for PureTalk Wireless now using the link above or the code FOXNEWSDEALS to score unlimited talk, text and data for just $30per month. The deal also includes 30 GB of hotspot data and international data roaming in more than 100 countries.
Columbia's fall jacket is nearly 50% off this week if you choose the black option. It's easy to stuff in your hiking or camping gear, and the hood stows away on nicer days. The Omni-Shield fabric sheds rain and dries quickly, so you stay comfortable longer.
With the Snap-N-Charge charger, you can power up all your devices cable-free. The three rotating magnetic connectors make it a universal charging option for smartphones, tablets, headphones and more across different brands.
This True Temp pillow uses temperature-regulating technology and foam that conforms to your head to help you sleep cooler and more comfortably all night long. Choose from Classic, Contour or Ultimate shapes to match the pillow to your sleep needs (there's a quiz if you're not sure which is right for you).
Subscribe and save 10% every month on a generous porterhouse steak from Allen Brothers. It's hand-cut beef raised in the U.S. that makes the perfect meal for two.
Save on restaurant and grocery orders with a DashPass subscription through DoorDash. Members also get 5% back on pickup orders and 5% to 10% back on Lyft rides. It may be worth considering if you order delivery or eat out frequently.
DIRECTV offers live TV streaming without a satellite dish. Choose from several plans to stream sports, news and entertainment on your device. The traditional live TV streaming plan is currently $60 per month for the first three months, then increases to $90 per month. Some plans may offer a five-day trial.
Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects are a convenient way to lift surface stains from your teeth. Compared to the cost of professional whitening, these are loved by shoppers for a reason. Many users see results after several days of consistent use. The set has 22 treatments to remove surface stains from coffee, tea and other drinks.
Brighten your garage or workshop with DeWalt's work light while it's more than 50% off. The integrated hook lets it hang overhead for hands-free illumination, and the battery (sold separately) lasts up to 25 hours on a single charge.
This Medicube cream has salmon DNA that helps moisturize and firm skin. Our editor particularly loves how hydrated and bouncy she feels after using it. Plus, the gentle formula works for sensitive skin.
Wrap up in this Eddie Bauer throw blanket now that chillier temperatures have arrived. Its blue-and-green plaid complements most spaces, while the generous size gives you plenty of room to cozy up.
Practical and cute don't often go together, but this Bagsmart toiletry bag manages to combine them. It has separate spaces for wet and dry toiletries and the waterproof PVC fabric and zipper on one side prevent spills from ruining other belongings. Plus, it comes in aesthetic colors.
This 65-inch Hisense TV runs on Google TV for an organized browsing experience you can control through your phone or voice control. When you're not watching any shows or movies, choose from more than 1,000 classic pieces of art and transform the TV into a realistic framed painting.
Now that colder weather is here, it's time to break out your slippers. EverFoams have a faux wool lining for warmth and a shoe-like outsole for indoor and outdoor tasks.
The Hume Pod 2.0 isn't just any scale — it shows dozens of health metrics in one place. Track muscle gain, fat loss, your metabolic age and 42 other metrics. It works with both Apple and Google fitness apps, so you can monitor all your information on your phone.
The best Advent calendars offer an exciting way to count down the days until Christmas. From the newest Lego calendars to Keurig for coffee connoisseurs, Yankee Candle for candle lovers and even boozy options, advent calendars are known to sell out long before the holiday season begins, so grab one before they're gone.
The 25 Days of Beauty Advent calendar from Ulta is perfect for any beauty lover. Find dry shampoo, brow gel and makeup brushes from top brands like amika, The Ordinary, drybar and more. It's the perfect way to try out best-selling beauty products before committing to the full product.
Sample a new spread each day with the bestselling Bonne Maman Advent calendar. It contains 24 reusable mini jars of limited-edition jams in seasonal flavors sold only during Christmas. Try apple caramel cinnamon, white nectarine peach lemon verbena, pineapple rum vanilla and more. Each one is made in France with real fruit.
Count down to Christmas with 24 days of galactic creativity thanks to the 293-piece Lego Star Wars 2026 Advent calendar. More than 30,000 people ordered this calendar in the past month. Behind each door is a holiday-themed surprise, including mini builds of vehicles like Mando's N-1 Starfighter and iconic characters like The Mandalorian and Grogu in festive sweaters.
For kids who love Marvel, this Advent calendar includes mini figures of favorites like Spider-Man, Iron Man and Doctor Doom. It also comes with buildable Christmas trees, vehicles and other pieces that let kids create a festive scene for the characters.
Find eight popular figures, including Ariel, Cinderella, Moana and Mulan, plus 24 buildable set pieces like a Christmas tree, train and gingerbread castle in Lego's Disney Princess Advent calendar. The box also doubles as a game board for up to eight players, adding another way to play after all the surprises have been opened.
Your home will smell like a Christmas wonderland with Yankee Candle's Advent calendar. It includes 12 mini glass jar candles with holiday favorites like Balsam and Cedar and Christmas Cookies, as well as tropical scents like Sakura Blossom Festival. Voluspa's Holiday Advent calendar also features 12 pretty glass votive candles in scents like White Cypress and Foraged Wildberry.
Plush lovers need this adorable Squishmallow advent calendar filled with a slew of adorable plush characters. Collect a reindeer, a penguin and more wintry friends.
This set from Ulta includes 24 travel-friendly luxury scents in this Eau de Parfum set. Featuring floral, fruity and woody scents, you can try a bit of everything to find the ones you like best.
Sample a handful of L'Occitane products with its Prestige Advent calendar. It comes with three full-size and 11 deluxe-size bestsellers, including the brand's popular shea butter hand cream, almond oil shower oil and more.
Walker's Advent calendar gives you an authentic bite of Scotland. Filled with shortbread cookies that pair well with tea and are beloved by hundreds of Amazon reviewers, anyone with a sweet tooth will love it. You get six different varieties of cookies, including rounds, chocolate chip and salted caramel squares.
Are you really celebrating Christmas if you don't have chocolate on hand? Start with the Godiva Holiday Chocolate Advent calendar, complete with 24 premium Godiva chocolates. Discover milk, dark and white chocolate behind each door, as well as festive shapes and Godiva signatures like ganache, caramel, raspberry and coconut. Godiva is also offering free shipping on orders more than $50 with the code FREESHIP50.
Add some festive holiday socks to your collection with this Moyel socks Advent calendar. Each of the 24 pairs is made of breathable cotton and comes in fun holiday designs like Christmas trees, reindeer and gingerbread men.
Give your dog their own Christmas cheer with an Advent calendar filled with dog chews. They contain natural ingredients, and different flavors will give your dog something to look forward to each day.
Put your Keurig to use this holiday season with the Keurig Advent calendar. You get 24 different K-Cups. Some are coffee in flavors like vanilla, hazelnut and peppermint bark while others are hot chocolate, so it has enough variety for everyone in the family.
Try a bit of everything Harry & David has to offer in its Advent calendar. You get fun treats that cater to both salty and sweet palates, like trail mix, popcorn, chocolate squares, blackberry pastries and snowflake pretzels.
With a five-star rating from more than 200 reviews, customers love the Beekman Kindness Café Advent calendar. It's filled with skincare products that feature the brand's signature goat milk ingredient to help soften, hydrate and nourish skin. You get 12 full-size favorites and 12 mini bottles, including facial cleanser, toner, moisturizer, lip balm, body cream and more. At more than half off, the calendar is a major deal.
This Roger La Borde Pop & Slot Advent calendar adds a fun, interactive twist to holiday countdowns. Each day in December, pop out a new piece to build your own festive 3D scene that you can display every holiday thereafter.
ChapStick offers an affordable Advent calendar that can keep your lips from drying out in the harsh winter weather. Get 12 different ChapStick flavors, including classic holiday peppermint. The ChapSticks also make for good stocking stuffers.
Baking enthusiasts will enjoy this baking tools Advent calendar with assorted Christmas cookie cutters, piping bags, spatulas and more. It's great for beginners and contains supplies to make every day leading up to Christmas a little sweeter and a lot more festive.
For avid adventurers, this survival-themed Advent calendar lets you build your tactical kit day by day with items like a fire starter, compass, flint, mini flashlights, folding knives and more. Plus, it comes in a waterproof portable plastic box.
With the Milwaukee advent calendar, you'll have a brand-new tool set by Dec. 24. Inside each compartment, you'll find tools like screwdrivers and drill bits, along with safety essentials and other accessories.
AI overviews have led to more searches than ever, but Google is not making money at the same rate.
Matteo Della Torre/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Google said that AI agents can automate shopping, but users will still want choices.
Investors have long argued that AI chatbots and agents will threaten Google's search business.
Google's Q3 revenue fell short of analyst expectations, and shares fell 10% after hours.
Google has a pitch for advertisers worried AI agents will make Search obsolete: Let the bots do the shopping legwork, but leave people to compare brands, prices, perks — and sponsored offers.
"When users shop, and that's important, there's a part of the journey they don't like, the grunt work, which is frankly fantastic to automate with AI," Philipp Schindler, Google's chief business officer, said on Alphabet's earnings call on Tuesday. "But we also want to enhance, not just automate away the discovery experience that people frankly love in so many cases."
He said users do not always want the cheapest option; they also weigh brand loyalty and customer service. Google believes that this decision-making process gives it space to build ads into agentic shopping.
He shared an example of how that might work: "Here's the insurance product we found, and here's another strong option, one of which is a higher premium, maybe a lower deductible, and they are currently offering a very special discount."
Schindler added that there is almost never a single perfect solution for any shopping decision, which makes Google "confident" that there is room for advertising even in agentic search.
The comments offer a clearer explanation of Google's business model for agentic search, which has presented a challenge for its core ads business. On Tuesday, the company said that Google's AI mode has led to more searches than ever, but it's not making money at the same rate. It's a major concern among investors, who have long argued that AI chatbots and agents will threaten Google's search business.
Google has been signaling for months that it wants to solve that problem without simply cramming old-style ads into a chatbot. Last quarter, Google said it was testing ideas like showing offers during travel planning and clearly marked sponsored links inside AI-generated lists.
Alphabet reported third-quarter revenue of $127.58 billion, narrowly below the $127.97 billion analysts expected. Earnings per share came in at $2.12, versus roughly $3.01 expected, largely because of an $8.2 billion unrealized loss on its SpaceX investment. Shares fell about 10% after hours.
The White House reposted a message solar manufacturer T1 Energy put out Wednesday promoting a Texas cell plant the company said will carry first-phase capital spending in excess of $500 million.
This faux-leather recliner doubles as a heated massage chair, making it perfect for cold winter nights. It's also equipped with a power lift feature that helps you get in and out of the cushioned armchair.
Use this sideboard in an entryway, bar area or as a console table. It combines solid and engineered wood with coastal-style rattan doors, while three adjustable shelves provide flexible storage inside.
Need more bedroom storage? This bed frame adds two headboard shelves and two under-bed drawers for keeping essentials organized. An integrated charging station keeps your devices within reach, while the wooden frame offers a classic look.
Add a modern touch to your living space with this sofa's clean lines and square armrests. Fabric upholstery covers the medium-firm foam cushions, while included throw pillows complete the look. Choose between classic white and a bolder green.
This rug resists fading and stains, and adds a splash of color to your space. The medium pile height is soft underfoot, but still holds up to daily wear and tear.
These microfiber polyester sheets feel soft and lightweight, while the fabric allows airflow as you sleep. They’re also designed to resist fading, wrinkling and shrinking after repeated washes.
Switch to a down comforter for the fall and winter. This model is lofty and warm, but the polyester-nylon shell remains breathable. Corner tabs help it fit securely inside a duvet cover, but it works on its own, too.
Hot sleepers may appreciate this cooling memory foam mattress. Its open-cell foam is designed to promote airflow, while gel-infused foam can help cushion pressure points in different sleeping positions.
Transform old and tired mattresses for less with this cushioned, quilted mattress protector. It's waterproof to protect your mattress below and machine-washable in case of spills.
Set up a more comfortable work-from-home space with this ergonomic office chair. It has a supportive padded backrest, flip-up armrests, multiple adjustment points and easy-glide wheels.
This sleek wooden writing desk is a practical option for small rooms and apartments. The desk surface is still big enough to work or study, while the two drawers allow you to keep office supplies and clutter hidden away.
Take advantage of this Wayfair sale and prepare your home for the holidays. This artificial tree looks realistic, and it comes pre-strung with clear lights. It's ready to shine once you fluff the branches.
Upgrade your fall and winter wardrobe with Levi's fall sale. When you buy two or more items from the site, you'll get 30% off sitewide, automatically applied at checkout. Whether you need a new pair of jeans, a warm jacket or a basic tee, you'll find a new wardrobe staple below.
Levi's 559 relaxed men's jeans are designed to be extremely comfortable for all-day wear with a hint of stretch all over. The pants have extra room in the thighs and a sleek, straight leg.
Levi's original trucker jacket gets an upgrade for fall and winter with this Sherpa version. The jacket has a warm Sherpa lining and a soft quilting in the sleeves to keep you cozy all season long.
This simple thermal is the key to staying warm this fall and winter. It's made of heavyweight cotton and has a relaxed fit that you can layer under a jacket or over a T-shirt on chilly days.
The ultimate flattering jeans, the wedgie bootcut gives you a lift while shaping your waist and thighs. The classic style widens at the knee. Choose from six attractive washes, including black and brown.
A flannel is a fall fashion staple. This one is inspired by Western wear with a curved hem and snap button pocket. The cotton flannel is soft, but structured to wear buttoned up or open over a T-shirt.
During this sale, grab some wardrobe staples, like this short-sleeved tee. It's made from soft cotton and has an oversized fit. Go down a size if you prefer a fitted tee.
These men's jeans are Levi's original zip-fly jeans, created in 1967. They're the epitome of a "classic jean" that goes with anything. Choose from nearly 30 washes and even customize how stretchy you want your jeans for the most comfortable fit possible.
This versatile denim jacket is a perfect weight to accommodate changing temperatures. It's crafted with soft cotton, a pointed collar and iconic "V" stitching. Size up for an oversized look.
Travel back in time to the '90s with Levi's iconic ankle jeans. They have a loose fit through the hips and thighs. There's a bit of bagginess in the legs, stopping at the ankle, but don't mistake these for sloppy. You'll look put together while still feeling comfortable all day.
Get your Christmas shopping done early without overspending with these under-$25 finds on Amazon. There are options for everyone, including tire pressure gauges for car lovers, a Bluetooth speaker for music fans and a cozy wearable blanket complete with a pet pocket.
A 15-hour battery life keeps this Bluetooth speaker going all day, while the waterproof body protects it from damage no matter where you take it. LED lights also create a fun visual effect while you listen.
Two power sources (an AC plug or batteries) ensure this mini radio can go anywhere. It flips easily through AM and FM stations, and the internal speaker offers a crisp sound with little static.
If you know someone who takes their home security seriously, the Blink Mini 2K is an affordable option they can use daily. It's an indoor camera that keeps an eye on pets and kids, and has sound for closer monitoring.
For anyone who's constantly losing their keys or wallet, this Bluetooth tracking tile saves the day. It works with both Apple and Android devices and rings loudly when tracked, so the user can hear it from across the house.
It's essential to keep a charger in the car for emergencies. This retractable car charger features built-in USB-C or Lightning cables, plus two additional USB ports, so they can charge multiple devices at once.
Home deals
These kitchen and home finds work well for homebodies.
Give the incredible smell of cedar and balsam trees with this Yankee Candle. It burns for up to 150 hours and makes a thoughtful gift for those who like to keep their homes smelling good at all times.
Now that the season is getting colder, these 52-foot solar string lights are an easy fix to an earlier setting sun. They charge during the day, turn on without an outlet and include a remote for adjusting the lighting from a distance. Anyone who spends lots of time outside will love them.
Know someone who always stays organized? Then these plastic organizers help them keep clutter to a minimum. They keep small items neatly separated and easy to find, and more than 50,000 shoppers bought them on Amazon last month.
Clothing deals
Fall-ready clothing doesn't have to be expensive. Here are some under $25 finds.
Our readers love the bestselling Hanes zip-up hoodie. It's a simple transitional layer for fall days, with a cotton-polyester fleece interior that's especially soft, according to reviewers. Right now, it's only $13.
We spoke to doctors who recommend these 20-30mmHg compression socks for long travel days, hours spent on your feet or sitting at a desk, post-workout recovery or everyday wear. They can improve blood circulation and reduce pain and swelling.
Give the ultimate comfort gift this year with a wearable blanket. An inner sherpa lining makes it nice and warm, while an extra-large front pocket holds phones, books and even a small cat or dog. Cuffs at the end keep hands available for scrolling or household tasks.
Feet stay cushioned all day in these adidas crew socks. Whether hitting the gym, the office or taking a neighborhood walk, these socks won't slip and wick away sweat for drier, more comfortable outings.
Keep tabs on luggage with an Apple AirTag inside. It uses the Find My network to track lost items, and users can even share the tag with friends, family or the airport, so they can help search.
Bagsmart's toiletry bag has separate spaces for wet and dry toiletries. The waterproof PVC fabric and zipper on one side prevent spills from ruining other belongings.
A luggage scale helps frequent travelers avoid extra fees for heavy luggage. Just hook it onto a strap and lift to see an easily readable number on the scale.
Stay organized when traveling with a packing cubes set. It provides separate spaces for clothes, toiletries and even shoes. There's also a hanging toiletries bag that makes it easy for travelers to grab what they need quickly.
Automotive deals
Get the car-lover in your life these thoughtful gifts.
Stuff this digital tire pressure gauge in their stocking and give a gift they'll use frequently. It delivers accurate PSI readings every time, no matter how hot or cold it is outside, and it fits in any glovebox or middle console.
Help car lovers solve basic mechanical problems with this diagnostic tool. It works on a variety of car and truck models, and helps interpret check engine lights. Pair it with the app and see a clear visual of any vehicle issues.
Drivers who like their car detailed can repair leather and vinyl with this kit. It's suitable for any color leather, and includes simple tools for quick repairs.
Get 16 tools in one with this Klein screwdriver. It includes 11 tips and converts to two nut driver sizes, so you can complete a wide range of projects.
This Craftsman pliers set includes 8-inch and 10-inch groove joint pliers that help users manage day-to-day home projects. The grip helps the tool stay steady while working.
Originally almost $20, you can grab this 14-piece DeWalt drill bit set for just $13. It comes in handy for quick fixes, furniture assembly and weekend projects. The bits are designed for drilling into wood, metal and plastic. The set comes in a plastic case, making it easy keep the sizes organized.
Replace a whole set of chunky sockets with this one universal socket tool. It neatly stores 54 pieces that fit standard 1/4-inch to 3/4-inch nuts and bolts. Buy one now while it's on sale and have a stocking stuffer for Dad on hand.
Beauty deals
Treat those in your life to some self-care with discounts on moisturizers and other beauty products.
This medicube cream has salmon DNA that helps moisturize skin. It's extremely hydrating and gives a lovely glow. Plus, the gentle formula works for sensitive skin.
Laura Geller's powder foundation is currently at its lowest price since mid-May. It self-adjusts to skin tones as it's blended and has green tea extract to help with redness. It's also dermatologist-recommended, even for those with sensitive skin.
A 12-pack of under-eye patches is a great stocking stuffer. Each set of patches helps soothe tired skin, puffiness and dry undereyes. With more than 10,000 bought on Amazon last month, they're a clear favorite.
This lightweight cream from fan-favorite brand CeraVe aims to reduce puffiness under your eyes. It has moisturizing ingredients that naturally help smooth skin without leaving faces feeling greasy.
Tidy up unwanted facial hair with this compact battery-operated trimmer. The dual-edge spinning blades trim ear and nose hair, while the waterproof head makes cleanup easier under running water.
The FTC asked companies from Walmart to DoorDash for information about their pricing practices on Wednesday.
Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The FTC wants information about how companies personalize prices.
The Commission said that it sent orders to companies from Uber to Walmart.
The orders ask about web use habits and other personal information.
The Federal Trade Commission is asking companies from food delivery services to airlines about how they use personalized prices.
The Commission said on Wednesday that it sent orders to the companies asking for details about what kind of personal information they use to determine prices. The orders target a wide range of companies, from retailers Walmart and Target to food delivery services Uber and DoorDash to airlines like Delta and United.
"Consumers deserve to know whether companies use their web surfing habits or other personal data to estimate the highest price they can charge each consumer," said FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson.
"Workers also deserve to know if their compensation is affected by how companies use their personal data," Ferguson added.
Several companies pushed back against the FTC's claims.
"There is no fare product Delta has ever used, is testing or plans to use that targets customers with individualized offers based on personal data," a Delta spokesperson said.
"We do not use personal information to set prices, and we never will," Instacart said in a statement.
Walmart and Target previously said they would be transparent about their pricing strategies as more stores start using digital price tags.
A growing number of companies are using dynamic pricing to determine what customers pay for everything from concert tickets to jeans.
Some companies use similar methods to determine how much workers get paid. Uber presents its drivers with potential payouts that aren't based on a per-mile or per-minute rate, for instance, but instead consider factors such as demand.
The FTC's orders ask the companies to submit information about their pricing methodologies, including how they use AI, going back to January 1, 2023. It also asks for research that the companies have done on their pricing strategies, such as A/B tests.
The Commission is also seeking information about how the companies used similar technology to offer workers jobs, according to the orders.
Do you have a story idea about Uber, DoorDash, or Instacart? Contact this reporter at abitter@businessinsider.com or via encrypted messaging app Signal at 808-854-4501. Use a personal email address, a nonwork WiFi network, and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely.
Amazon warehouse workers used to spend much of their days walking, pushing carts through long aisles to manually retrieve customer orders from shelves.
Today, hundreds of "Hercules" robots do this instead, carrying towering yellow storage pods filled with inventory to employee workstations.
"I'd walk like 10 miles a day on average," said Mohammed Khan, who started as an entry-level picker 12 years ago and is now a senior manager at an Amazon warehouse in Tracy, California.
Amazon's robots "cut down all that walking time," he told Business Insider during a recent tour of the facility.
Mohammed Khan
Jess Lynn Goss for BI
This site is ground zero for a wave of automation that's beginning to wash over the industry. The warehouse and logistics sectors have been powerful sources of job growth since Amazon kicked off the e-commerce revolution 30 years ago, as Business Insider's award-winning Warehouse Nation series revealed in 2022.
If robots automate many warehouse tasks, this powerful engine of job growth could grind to a halt, wiping out thousands of positions and countless opportunities for future workers.
Amazon says employees are being retrained to do more valuable work, such as managing and maintaining robots. Will these new jobs be enough to cover what might be lost? Or could we actually end up with more or better jobs?
Business Insider went looking for answers inside the giant facility in Tracy, a city in California's Central Valley where suburban neighborhoods give way to open farmland.
"Autonomous to an extent"
Amazon's Cardinal robot
Jess Lynn Goss for BI
Across 1.4 million square feet — the equivalent of 23 football fields — robots with names like Hercules, Robin, Cardinal, Pegasus, and Proteus move inventory and sort packages. But they don't run the warehouse alone. Human workers still pick and pack orders, load trucks, and intervene when automated systems fail.
Jobs have not disappeared, but they're changing. Machines increasingly handle work that once required employees to walk miles and lift boxes, while workers monitor and troubleshoot them. The Tracy site employs more than 3,000, up from roughly 1,000 when it opened in 2023, an Amazon spokesperson told Business Insider.
"They're autonomous to an extent," Khan said of his robot counterparts. "They still need a lot of help and maintenance and oversight."
Amazon's Hercules robots on the move
Jess Lynn Goss for BI
An Amazon spokesperson said rising customer demand drove the facility's workforce growth and that robots help workers process more packages safely and efficiently rather than simply replacing them.
Amazon's more automated, next-generation fulfillment centers are about 25% more productive and cut order-processing time by as much as 25%. And these sites support roughly 30% more skilled jobs in areas including reliability, maintenance, and engineering.
Process assistants monitor robot activity
Jess Lynn Goss for BI
The "Quarterback" watches robots
One of the workers now doing that kind of job is Briana Brager.
She joined Amazon about two years ago as an entry-level employee after spending years caring for her family. She had no prior experience in a traditional workplace.
Today, she's a process assistant who helps oversee the warehouse's robotic systems. When a chute jams or a robot stops working, she coordinates the response to keep packages moving.
Briana Brager
Jess Lynn Goss for BI
"The robots do a lot, but we still have to maintain them," she said.
Brager began as a picker before moving into a specialized role supporting robotic-floor operations. She got two weeks of intensive training, followed by additional job shadowing, to learn how to work safely around the equipment. Her current job is less physically demanding than her previous one, she said.
Her role is informally known as the "quarterback" position. She monitors fleets of robots and dispatches employees when a machine needs intervention.
"We call the shots," Brager said.
Meet Robin
Amazon's Robin robot at work
Jess Lynn Goss for BI
At the Tracy warehouse, humans and robots move orders together from storage to the loading dock. Employees stow individual items in fabric inventory pods, which Hercules robots carry to pick stations. Workers retrieve the items, then pack and label them.
Robin, a large robotic arm, picks finished packages off a conveyor and places them on small Pegasus mobile robots. Pegasus carries the packages to staging areas alongside other orders headed to the same destination. Cardinal then loads the sorted orders into carts, and Proteus ferries the carts toward outbound trucks.
Briana Brager and Robin
Jess Goss for BI
Khan, the warehouse manager, said workers performed Robin's task manually until a few years ago. They handled packages one at a time, checked them for damage, scanned them, and fed them into the sorting system. He estimated that one Robin can perform roughly the work of two to seven people doing that process manually.
Amazon said that when it introduces systems such as Robin, employees take on other work at the site, including operating robots, clearing jams, monitoring the robotic floor and quality control, and maintenance engineering.
Robots move the carts, too
Proteus offers a clear example of how these new warehouse jobs are taking shape. Amazon brought the robots to Tracy last year.
Proteus robots
Jess Lynn Goss for BI
Unlike Hercules, which operates in fenced-off areas, Proteus can move through spaces shared with people. There are roughly 200 of the robots at the Tracy facility, Amazon said.
Before Proteus arrived, workers manually pushed carts filled with packages to the loading dock. Now the robots pick up full carts, carry them to staging areas near the dock, and retrieve empty carts for the return trip.
Some employees who once moved those carts now work as "ground-floor monitors," Amazon said. Instead of spending their shifts moving packages, they respond when a Proteus reports a fault. If the problem is simple, they can reset the robot; otherwise, human maintenance staff take over.
Some workers trained in these jobs have gone on to Amazon's mechatronics apprenticeship program, which can lead to more technical maintenance work.
Proteus robots at work
Jess Goss for BI
When automation hits the "jackpot"
For all the robots moving through the Tracy warehouse, people remain essential when automation breaks down.
Amazon calls one such destination the "jackpot." When an item loses its routing information while moving through the facility, the automated system sends it to this area, which works a bit like a lost-and-found for packages.
Here, a human worker must determine where the wayward package belongs and return it to the correct flow. "It will require manual intervention," an Amazon representative said.
Other situations require human judgment, too. Products can fall from storage pods and inventory can be damaged or mislabeled. Packing individual products into boxes and loading them onto delivery vehicles are tasks that also remain heavily dependent on people.
Dustin Mean, a stower at an Amazon warehouse
Jess Lynn Goss for BI
This helps explain why even a highly automated Amazon warehouse still employs thousands of workers. The company said it needs people for new packing stations as well as roles across the facility that keep operations running safely and efficiently.
Current and future Tetris
By the time packages get to the loading dock at the Tracy facility, the robots are gone. At least for now.
A person loads each trailer. Amazon uses equipment that extends into the trailer and adjusts to a worker's height, reducing bending and back-and-forth walking. But workers still arrange the packages themselves, trying to fill the trailer to use as much of the space as possible.
"It's a lot of Tetris," one Amazon representative said.
Amazon's warehouse in Tracy, California
Jess Lynn Goss for BI
Amazon is already exploring how to automate this task, though. As Business Insider previously reported, Project Tetromino aims to use AI and robotics to automate sorting and vehicle loading at delivery stations, where the work has long remained stubbornly manual.
But that vision remains a work in progress. Amazon's machines can carry shelves, sort packages, stack boxes, and move carts around people. Workers still pack orders, load trailers, perform quality checks, handle hiccups and exceptions, and keep the machines running when they fail.
For Amazon, the immediate payoff is not necessarily a warehouse with fewer people, but one where the same workforce can accomplish more. Tracy employs roughly the same number of people as a nearby Amazon facility with fewer robots, company officials said, but the Tracy location processes more volume.
Process assistants monitor robot activity
Jess Lynn Goss for BI
Khan compared the technology to something far less futuristic: a calculator.
The robots streamline work that once consumed employees' time without necessarily eliminating the work itself, he said. "It's not that the amount of work has changed," he said. "It's how we approach it."
Asked whether robots could eventually replace more jobs, including his own, Khan did not try to predict the future.
"Who knows? That's not in our purview right now," he said. "But I would say roles are evolving, and that's the cool aspect about it."
"As far as startup cost, TikTok Shop has to be one of the most profitable business models I've ever seen," he told BI.
Krebs said beginners can get started with a phone, a few products, and an understanding of what makes people stop scrolling. He shares three steps to turn TikTok videos into a source of income.
1. Build an account and meet TikTok Shop's eligibility requirements
Anyone can open a TikTok account, but affiliates need an established following to join TikTok Shop.
TikTok offers multiple routes into its affiliate program, Krebs explained. Its pilot program requires 1,000 followers but limits participants to a handful of posts a week, while the main program, which gives affiliates more flexibility, requires at least 5,000 followers.
Krebs already had about 24,000 followers on a personal account when he got started. He said he built the audience by posting about sports, current events, and other subjects he liked: "I was just posting stuff I was interested in."
2. Start with products you already own or would buy anyway
Krebs said he spent $100 to $200 on a handful of products when he first started. He chose items he needed anyway, like hoodies.
Affiliates can search TikTok's product marketplace for brands and products to promote. Krebs said they don't need a direct relationship with a brand to start making videos, though successful affiliates may eventually negotiate higher commissions or paid content deals.
Krebs posts up to 30 videos a day.
Talon Krebs
For someone trying to keep costs close to zero, Krebs recommends looking around the house first. If an item you already own is listed on TikTok Shop, you can create a video about it rather than buying something new specifically to promote.
He also joined Media Labs, a community for affiliates that offered video feedback and weekly calls. He paid the $1,500 fee in six $250 monthly installments, putting his initial outlay — including products and his first community payment — at about $450.
Skip the community, use products you already own, and film with a phone and free editing tools, and Krebs said you could get started for essentially nothing.
3. Make videos that give people a reason to stop scrolling
A TikTok Shop video still has to work as a TikTok video. Krebs said the opening seconds matter most: The hook should get a viewer's attention, identify a pain point, or create enough curiosity to keep them watching.
In one of his most successful videos about a digital business card, he opens with: "Paper business cards are officially a thing of the past." The statement created some controversy, he said, but it got viewers' attention before he explained the product and how he used it as an entrepreneur.
Krebs tries to keep most videos between 30 and 50 seconds, though he said the right length depends on the product. Some products need more explanation, while others can be shown in a 10-second video.
He thinks of each video as a loop: The hook opens it, the middle explains or demonstrates the product, and the call to action closes it. Affiliates can tag a product directly in the video, allowing viewers to tap the orange shopping-cart icon, view the listing, and ultimately make a purchase.
Le città italiane sono a rischio desertificazione. Gli esercizi commerciali locali e le piccole attività stanno lasciando spazio ai punti vendita delle multinazionali o all’acquisto online. Secondo la stima condotta dall’Ufficio Studi di Confcommercio in collaborazione con l’Istituto Tagliacarne, entro il 2026 i negozi sfitti sul territorio nazionale raggiungeranno quota 458.000.
La mappa che emerge dall’analisi dei dati condotta è quella di una crisi strutturale che colpisce in maniera disomogenea il Paese, con criticità profonde soprattutto nel piccolo commercio e nei servizi. E a pagare il prezzo più alto di questa trasformazione economica, si legge, sono il piccolo commercio non alimentare e il settore della ristorazione e dei bar.
I numeri del fenomeno
Le dimensioni del fenomeno sono importanti. La fotografia scattata dall’ufficio di Confcommercio segnala 460.000 locali commerciali sfitti, di cui uno su quattro nelle zone rurali. Il dato va di pari passo con la proprietà degli stessi locali: solo 1 imprenditore su 3 è proprietario dell’immobile.
La quota più bassa di proprietà del locale è stata registrata nel Lazio (31,5%), mentre la quota più alta è registrata in Basilicata con il 46,5%.
Basta camminare per le città per accorgersi di questo fenomeno sempre più ampio, dove a pagare sono soprattutto i piccoli commerci non alimentari (171 mila negozi chiusi) e il settore della ristorazione e dei bar, dove si stimano quasi 90.000 locali vuoti.
I picchi si registrano in:
negozi tradizionali;
abbigliamento;
calzature;
articoli per la casa;
agenzie di viaggio;
cura della persona (saloni di parrucchieri ed estetiste).
Dove chiudono più negozi?
Il fenomeno, come altri registrati in Italia, appare più profondo e complesso nel Mezzogiorno, dove raggiunge il 19,4% rispetto a un Nord-Est che registra l’incidenza più contenuta, pari al 13,8%. A giocare un ruolo cruciale nella tenuta del tessuto commerciale, secondo l’analisi, è il livello di urbanizzazione.
Nei piccoli comuni o nei comuni rurali o scarsamente popolati si tocca la punta massima del 18,7% di saracinesche abbassate, mentre nelle grandi città e nei centri urbani intermedi si registra la quota più bassa, intorno al 16%.
Desertificazione, quanto ci costa
A preoccupare non è però soltanto la quantità dei negozi chiusi, ma anche da quanto tempo questo fenomeno va avanti. Tra il 2012 e il 2023 la durata dell’inutilizzo di un locale commerciale è stata calcolata in 7,2 anni. Secondo l’Osservatorio del Mercato Immobiliare, il canone medio annuo stimato è di circa 16.000 euro a prezzi attuali.
Un negozio vuoto genera un guadagno mancato complessivo di 116.000 euro lungo l’intero periodo di sfitto. Questo si traduce, per il sistema economico italiano, in una perdita di 53 miliardi di euro complessivi, pari a circa 4,4 miliardi di euro all’anno (0,2% del Prodotto Interno Lordo nazionale).
Paolo Testa, responsabile del settore Urbanistica e Rigenerazione Urbana di Confcommercio, ha commentato:
Il negozio di vicinato sta attraversando una profonda trasformazione culturale e politica: non viene più considerato semplicemente come un’attività d’impresa, ma come una vera e propria infrastruttura civica indispensabile per la vita urbana.
Riqualificazione urbana: la strategia
Da qui nascono progetti come quello di Confcommercio che vuole riportare il valore sociale delle imprese di prossimità al centro dell’agenda delle istituzioni nazionali ed europee. Si chiama “Cities”, e sottolinea come un locale di vicinato garantisca un presidio, anche di sicurezza grazie alle sue vetrine accese, crei legami umani che alimentano la rete di welfare invisibile nei quartieri e contribuisca a mantenere lo spazio pubblico curato, vivo e vivibile.
Per Confcommercio è necessario intervenire sulle condizioni generali di vivibilità, sicurezza, attrattività e qualità dell’abitare per spingere i cittadini a tornare a vivere, frequentare e fare acquisti nei propri quartieri. Serve che ogni città si doti, si legge nel report, di un proprio Piano d’azione territoriale pensato per riaprire i locali sfitti e rivitalizzare i centri storici, restituendo energia ai quartieri periferici.
Per farlo funzionare servono risorse ai Comuni per riaprire i quartieri vuoti. Il Governo, chiede il presidente di Confcommercio, deve destinare adeguate risorse ai Comuni per realizzare i piani di sostegno alle economie di prossimità, con l’obiettivo di riaprire i locali vuoti e favorire nuove attività per ridare vita alle comunità.
On eBay Live, livestreaming is for the entrepreneurial everyman. It is a no-frills, decentralized QVC for the modern age.
The interface is clunky, the sellers are unpolished, and the viewer numbers are low. The site is more like a digital garage sale than a Sotheby's auction, but it's just as thrilling to watch a bidder win a rare baseball card as to watch one win a Rothko.
Items for sale include Rolex watches, Funko Pop toys, commemorative coins, and Michael Kors backpacks, which sellers hawk to audiences of anywhere from 10 to 1,000 other souls. These online auctioneers set countdown clocks, sometimes as short as 10 seconds. Bids start as low as $1.
Tuning into a sub-100-viewer eBay Live auction is strangely intimate. Sellers, often in makeshift home sets or nondescript warehouse backrooms, fill the time between auctions with banter and often play music on their own speakers. Sellers also respond to the audience, affectionately referred to as "chat."
One bidding frenzy drew me in. Ten seconds and a flurry of clicks later, I became the proud owner of a $3.81 Dragonite Pokémon card. I know nothing about Pokémon, yet I felt a surge of joy hearing my username declared the winner. There is a simple pleasure in buying and selling real things in a digital auction house.
Meta says that over a quarter of Muse users made purchases with the AI agent.
The average order was over $200 — that's a lot of clams!
If this is you, please tell me what you're using it for.
Something just blew my mind, and I'm asking for your help to figure it out.
According to Meta's Q3 earnings call on Wednesday, more than a quarter of Muse users so far have used the AI agent make purchases — and the average order size is over $200.
I'll say that again: average order size over $200.
This is shocking to me, and I'm someone who has been actively and happily using Muse for a variety of things. I've been perfectly happy to give Muse access to my email, my calendar, my credit cards, and even my Apple health data.
But I've been slightly reticent about using it to actually buy stuff. Not that I'm totally worried about it getting stuff wrong (although the one purchase I did try to make with it was to order a salad for lunch, and it attempted to place the order on my HSA card after I failed to recognize the last 4 digits of that card, oops).
I think it's more I enjoy shopping online myself? I mean, for most things, I suppose. For "fun" stuff like clothes or personal items, I enjoy browsing and the hit of dopamine when you check out. (Others take this to the extreme, using "dopamine sites" that let you browse fake restaurants and "order" food that never arrives.) The other night I ordered — on a real site — cotton balls, razor blade refills, a plain white t-shirt, and a pair of scissors from the Target app while watching TV and even that boring purchase with a total under $30 gave me a small thrill. Why would I want to cede that joy to AI?
I understand, however, that not all purchases are fun. My colleague, Peter Kafka, used Muse to help him place an order for a new washing machine — the kind of purchase that is difficult to decide on, not particularly fun or exciting to make, and fairly expensive. Things like plane tickets, washing machines, or car insurance are in that category of stuff you have to buy, cost a lot of money, are fairly complicated to decide which option to buy, but bring very little joy during checkout.
I can understand why you might want to hand that off to an AI agent.
If you are using Muse to place big $$$ orders, what the heck are you buying?
My best guess here is that people are using Muse for airplane flights and hotels — the kind of big dollar items that are kind of annoying to book yourself, and you care mainly about just booking the right dates.
Am I right? You tell me!
Comment below, or you can email me at: knotopoulos@businessinsider.com. Or, you know, tell your Muse to email me.
Nel panorama dell’Unione Europea, i Paesi baltici si sono ritagliati da anni un ruolo di prim’ordine nell’attrazione di capitali esteri, grazie a burocrazie digitalizzate, ambienti favorevoli al business e regimi d’imposta competitivi. In questo contesto, l’ipotesi di fondare o gestire una società in Lituania rappresenta una scelta sempre più al centro delle valutazioni di startup, imprese innovative ed e-commerce. Tuttavia, per un founder o un professionista che sceglie di mantenere la propria residenza fiscale in Italia, i vantaggi normativi offerti dall’ordinamento lituano devono fare i conti con un quadro legislativo nazionale estremamente stringente.
Comprendere come funziona la tassazione d’impresa a Vilnius e quali siano i reali obblighi verso il Fisco italiano è il primo passo per evitare che un’operazione di pianificazione aziendale si trasformi in un contenzioso tributario di proporzioni onerose.
Aprire una società in Lituania: come funziona la tassazione
La forma societaria di gran lunga più utilizzata dagli operatori internazionali è la UAB (Uždaroji akcinė bendrovė), assimilabile alla nostra Società a Responsabilità Limitata (S.r.l.). La costituzione appare snella ed economica: il capitale sociale minimo richiesto è fissato a 1.000 euro, di cui soltanto un quarto (250 euro) dev’essere versato al momento della registrazione iniziale, mentre il saldo può essere completato nell’arco dei dodici mesi successivi.
In termini di prelievo sui redditi d’impresa, il sistema lituano articola la tassazione su diversi scaglioni a seconda della dimensione aziendale e dell’anzianità di costituzione:
aliquota ordinaria. La tassazione standard sui profitti aziendali è impostata al 17%, un livello ampiamente inferiore rispetto alla media delle nazioni dell’Europa occidentale;
regime per le piccole imprese. Le realtà con un fatturato annuo non superiore alla soglia dei 300.000 euro beneficeranno di un’aliquota ridotta al 7%. Per accedere a questo canale agevolato, l’entità non deve però essere parte o filiale controllata di un gruppo societario più ampio;
esenzione per le startup. Le nuove micro-attività di piccola dimensione che rispettano i medesimi limiti dimensionali godono di un’aliquota azzerata allo 0% per i primi due esercizi d’imposta, prima di passare al regime agevolato ordinario;
Zone Economiche Franche (ZEF). Nei distretti industriali e logistici ad hoc (come Klaipėda o Kaunas), la legislazione prevede l’esenzione totale dalle imposte sui redditi per dieci anni, seguita da uno sconto del 50% per i successivi sei. Tali benefici richiedono però investimenti strutturati in conto capitale (pari ad almeno un milione di euro o 100.000 euro abbinati a requisiti occupazionali minimi di 20 dipendenti).
Sul fronte dell’Imposta sul Valore Aggiunto, l’aliquota ordinaria standard si attesta al 21%, con una soglia di registrazione Iva obbligatoria stabilita al superamento dei 45.000 euro di ricavi annui.
Il nodo dell’esterovestizione: dove risiede davvero il cervello aziendale?
L’errore più comune commesso da chi decide di costituire una società in Lituania consiste nel credere che la semplice iscrizione al registro delle imprese di Vilnius basti ad affrancare i profitti dal prelievo fiscale italiano.
Secondo l’articolo 73 del Testo Unico delle Imposte sui Redditi (Tuir), un’entità giuridica estera viene presunta fiscalmente residente in Italia qualora si verifichi anche una sola delle seguenti condizioni per la maggior parte del periodo d’imposta:
la sede legale si trova in Italia;
la sede dell’amministrazione effettiva si trova in Italia;
l’oggetto principale dell’attività viene esercitato nel territorio dello Stato.
Se un imprenditore italiano apre una UAB senza creare una vera struttura operativa in territorio lituano – ossia senza uffici reali, dipendenti in loco o un organo amministrativo autonomo che prenda decisioni strategiche sul posto – l’Agenzia delle Entrate qualificherà l’operazione come esterovestizione. In caso di contestazione, il Fisco riqualificherà la società come residente in Italia, ricalcolando tutte le imposte dovute (Ires e Irap) secondo le aliquote nazionali, oltre ad applicare sanzioni amministrative e potenziale rilevanza penale per omessa dichiarazione.
Per far sì che l’architettura societaria regga ad un eventuale controllo, è indispensabile dimostrare la cosiddetta sostanza economica (substance): la UAB deve possedere locali reali, contratti operativi stipulati in loco e una governance indipendente sul suolo lituano.
Attenzione alla trappola della normativa CFC (Controlled Foreign Companies)
Anche laddove la società sia dotata di reale operatività locale, esiste un secondo ostacolo normativo spesso sottovalutato: la disciplina sulle società estere controllate (CFC), regolata dall’articolo 167 del Tuir.
La normativa antiriciclaggio ed elusione fiscale italiana prevede che, se un residente in Italia detiene il controllo di un’impresa estera e questa rispetta contemporaneamente due requisiti, scatti la tassazione per trasparenza:
livello di tassazione effettiva. L’imposta assolta all’estero risulta inferiore alla soglia del 15%;
prevalenza di redditi passivi. Oltre un terzo dei proventi complessivi deriva da categorie quali dividendi, royalties, plusvalenze finanziarie o prestazioni di servizi infragruppo a basso valore aggiunto.
Questo genera un paradosso fondamentale: le aliquote più basse offerte dal Fisco lituano (lo 0% per le startup nei primi due anni o il 7% per le piccole imprese), che rappresentano l’elemento di maggior attrazione commerciale, collocano la società al di sotto della soglia del 15% di tassazione effettiva. Di conseguenza, se la UAB produce proventi rientranti tra i redditi passivi, i profitti maturati a Vilnius verranno imputati direttamente al socio residente in Italia e tassati secondo le aliquote Irpef personali, a prescindere dal fatto che tali utili vengano poi effettivamente distribuiti o reinvestiti all’estero.
Tassazione dei dividendi e adempimenti per il socio in Italia
Quando la società in Lituania produce utili e decide di distribuirli al proprio socio persona fisica residente in Italia, la gestione del flusso finanziario segue quanto stabilito dalla Convenzione bilaterale contro le doppie imposizioni siglata tra i due Paesi (Legge n. 31/1999).
Il meccanismo di prelievo si articola su due livelli distinti.
Trattenuta alla fonte in Lituania
L’articolo 10 della Convenzione prevede che lo Stato d’origine possa applicare una ritenuta sui dividendi in uscita. Per i soci persone fisiche, la trattenuta massima consentita è pari al 15% dell’importo lordo. Qualora il socio fosse invece una società di capitali italiana detentrice di almeno il 10% delle quote, la ritenuta convenzionale si ridurrebbe al 5%.
Imposizione sostitutiva in Italia
In Italia, la persona fisica percipiente è soggetta al principio della tassazione su scala mondiale (worldwide taxation). I dividendi esteri sono assoggettati a un’imposta sostitutiva del 26%.
La modalità di calcolo varia in funzione dell’incasso:
se il dividendo viene incassato tramite una banca o un istituto di pagamento residente, il prelievo del 26% si applica sul cosiddetto netto frontiera (ossia la somma al netto del 15% già trattenuto dal Fisco lituano);
se i fondi vengono accreditati direttamente su un conto estero, il contribuente dovrà liquidare il 26% in sede di dichiarazione dei redditi calcolandolo sull’ammontare lordo originale, senza poter recuperare la ritenuta estera qualora non si applichino specifici crediti d’imposta.
Obbligo di monitoraggio fiscale (Quadro RW)
Il possesso di quote di partecipazione in una società estera impone al residente italiano la compilazione del Quadro RW nella propria dichiarazione dei redditi annuale. L’omessa o incompleta indicazione delle partecipazioni detenute all’estero comporta sanzioni pecuniarie proporzionali al valore della quota non dichiarata.
Compensi amministratore e costi del lavoro
Un ulteriore aspetto riguarda la retribuzione di chi ricopre la carica di amministratore all’interno della UAB.
Voce di costo/prelievo
Gestione in Lituania
Impatto per il residente italiano
Contributi datoriali (Sodra)
1,77% sulla retribuzione lorda (contratti a tempo indeterminato)
Ridotto costo del lavoro per l’azienda lituana
Contributi dipendente/amministratore
19,5% trattenuto alla fonte (previdenza e sanità)
Trattenuta diretta sulla busta paga lituana
Imposta sui Redditi delle Persone Fisiche
Aliquota progressiva locale tra il 20% e il 32%
Tassazione Irpef in Italia con credito d’imposta ex art. 165 TUIR
Se l’amministratore residente in Italia percepisce un compenso dalla UAB, tali somme devono essere incluse nella dichiarazione dei redditi italiana sotto la voce dei redditi assimilati a lavoro dipendente. Per evitare la doppia imposizione integrale, il contribuente potrà scomputare dall’Irpef italiana le imposte già pagate a titolo definitivo in Lituania tramite il meccanismo del credito d’imposta.