CarMax has partnered with Sierra to improve its inbound call experience using AI voice-enabled agents. Deployed in May, Sierra's technology helps customers reach the right destination or associate faster by asking conversational questions to understand their needs. The system provides quick answers to common queries about store hours and vehicle availability. Since launch, CarMax has seen increased call resolution and fewer unresolved calls. The company plans to expand capabilities to include appointment management for appraisals and test drives. The partnership demonstrates CarMax's ongoing commitment to leveraging AI technology. The retailer already operates Skye, its 24/7 virtual assistant, and was the first US auto retailer with a ChatGPT app supporting car shopping.

Opening set for Nordstrom Rack in Tri-Cities + CarMax debuts in Richland. July 30, 2026 10:38 AM Gift Article Kennewick, WA Nordstrom Rack has set the date. The discount arm of the upscale retailer will open its first Tri-Cities location Nov. 5. Fans can register for a pre-opening shopping party by signing up early. Nordstrom Rack is moving into the Tri-Cities Center, 7411 W. Canal Drive, at Columbia Center Blvd. It is taking over 26,300 square feet of space vacated by Burlington Coat Factory when it reduced the size of its Kennewick store at a former Kmart site. The Rack stores carry clearance, off-season and overstock items ranging from clothing and shoes for women and men, as well as accessories, beauty products and home some decor. Nordstrom has long topped the list of retailers Tri-Citians most want to see locate here though company officials ruled out the possibility of a full-service store in 2002. Booth and Sons Construction is the contractor for the renovations. A pre-opening party is set for 4-8 p.m., Nov. 3. Tri-Cities Center also has Craft Warehouse and Dollar Tree. CarMax open in Richland. CarMax Auto Superstores Inc. opened its first Tri-Cities dealership July 23 at 1261 Tapteal Drive, in Richland near Columbia Center. The Richmond, Va.-based chain of used car stores first confirmed plans to expand to the Tri-Cities in 2022. It secured land and began construction of the 7,600-square-foot sales and service building and display lot about a year ago. TD Farrell Construction Inc. was the builder for the project, which had a declared construction value of about $1 million. Richland issued a certificate of occupancy in June. Business hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m., weekdays, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturdays, and noon-7 p.m., Sundays. CarMax is only accessible via Center Parkway while the Tapteal/Steptoe intersection is closed for reconstruction. July 29, 2026 8:00 AM Politics & Government July 26, 2026 5:00 AM Tri-City Herald Reporter Wendy Culverwell writes about growth, development and business for the Tri-City Herald. She has worked for daily and weekly publications in Washington and Oregon. She earned a degree in English and economics from the University of Puget Sound. Support my work with a digital subscription

Gotham FC set for historic night at Citi Field for The Queens Classic, presented by CarMax. Festivities include expanded Footy Fest, Semifinal Watch Party, celebrity guests, fan giveaways and more JERSEY CITY, N.J. (July 13, 2026) - Reigning NWSL champion Gotham FC anticipates a record-setting crowd for The Queens Classic at Citi Field, presented by CarMax on Wednesday, July 15 at 8 p.m. ET when it hosts the Washington Spirit in a rematch of the 2025 NWSL Championship set under the lights. ESPN will carry the national broadcast. More than 40,000 fans have already secured their seats for the first women's professional sporting event at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, as the club aims to set the New York City attendance record for a women's sporting event. Fans can expect a full afternoon and evening of entertainment beginning with an expanded Footy Fest presented by CarMax from 2:30-7:30 p.m The festival will be hosted by World Cup champion, former U.S. Women's National Team midfielder and editor-in-chief of the Women's Game, Sam Mewis. Starting at 3 p.m., Gotham FC will stage a FIFA World Cup 2026(TM) Semifinal Match Watch Party, presented by Dove, and in collaboration with U.S. Soccer and the FIFA World Cup 2026(TM) New York New Jersey Host Committee. A live recording of Welcome to the Party, presented by Yoggies and hosted by U.S. Women's National Team legends Julie Foudy and Abby will take place from 6-6:45 p.m. with one of the most decorated players in the women's game and Chelsea defender, Lucy Bronze. The first 7,500 fans through the gates will receive a commemorative Rose Lavelle bobblehead featuring her beloved dog, Wilma Jean, celebrating the reigning NWSL Championship MVP courtesy of CarMax. The Queens Classic will also feature a memorable Torch Lighting ceremony, Gotham FC's signature prematch tradition. Footy Fest host and CarMax ambassador Mewis will be joined by Welcome to the Party hosts Foudy and Wambach, four-time WNBA Champion and five-time Olympic gold medalist Sue Bird and 7-time NBA All-Star, New York native and CarMax ambassador Donovan Mitchell. The ceremony will culminate with journalist, activist and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, Gloria Steinem. New York-based sibling band Infinity Song will perform the national anthem, and return at halftime to excite the record-breaking crowd ahead of the second half. Pregame programming will also include spotlights like the Lendistry Small Business of the Match, the Aligne Fan Fit of the Match, trivia presented by Flamingo, the CarMax Kids coin toss and the match ball delivery representing Elevate Play, presented by Bank of America. Following the match, fans can vote for the CarMax Player of the Match through Gotham FC's social media channels. As supporters exit Citi Field, Dove and Khloud, the fast-growing functional snack brand, will distribute complimentary products, including Khloud Protein Popcorn. Other gameday activations include: Footy Fest, presented by CarMax Footy Fest will be located on the road next to Citi Field's Seaver and Stengel Entrances. Along with host Sam Mewis and Welcome to the Party's live show, activations include: * Live music from DJ Been Blackin' and DJ Ria * The NWSL Summer of Soccer bus * Beer Garden (for ages 21 and over) * Bank of America's Fan Band giveaway, famously sported at FIFA World Cup 2026(TM) matches across North America * Dove's Bead Bar, Confidence Wall and a sign-making station, hallmarks of Gotham FC's home prematch celebrations * Gruns, the official foundational nutrition partner of Gotham FC, product sampling alongside Barry, the Gruns mascot * Panini's Create Your Own Trading Cards, the brand's first activation with Gotham FC * RWJBarnabas Health Mini Pitch The TYLENOL(R) Zone, featuring the Precision Kick and One Touch experiences * Additional sampling, tabling and giveaways from Lendistry, Dove, Yoggies, Travel + Leisure and more The Queens Collective The Queens Collective, a networking event for women leaders, professionals and rising voices from across the New York region, will take place from 5:30-7 p.m., and feature an exciting lineup of mentors and special guests. To RSVP, visit https://www.gothamfc.com/events/the-queens-collective.