The home furnishings market is witnessing a shift, with Amazon gaining ground while Walmart struggles to maintain its share. The PYMNTS Intelligence report “Walmart or Amazon: Where Do Consumers Spend ‘Fun’ Money?” found that Amazon increased its share of the home furnishings market, accounting for 18.9% in 2024, up from 17.5% in 2023, marking a 102% rise from 9.2% in 2019. In contrast, Walmart is experiencing a decline in its home furniture sales, with its market share dropping 25% over the past five years, from 9.5% in 2019 to 7.1% in 2024. Despite efforts to attract younger consumers through trendy collaborations and designs, such as with Better Homes Gardens and The Pioneer Woman, Walmart’s home furnishings strategy has not reversed the downward trend in its sales

The U.S. government’s Cyber Trust Mark cybersecurity labeling program for internet-connected devices is set to impact consumers and the industry. The program, which covers products like smart home appliances and fitness trackers, will provide consumers with clearer information about device security. While the program is supported by major companies, like Amazon, Google, Best Buy, Samsung and LG Electronics, and allows manufacturers to submit their products for testing and certification by approved companies, its long-term effect on consumer behavior and industry practices is uncertain

As wildfires ravage parts of Los Angeles, residents are turning to digital tools to stay informed, with technology proving vital in tracking fires and managing communication. Watch Duty, a wildfire-tracking app, has become a lifeline for many, amassing 1.4 million downloads in 48 hours as it offers real-time updates on fire locations and evacuation zones, Bloomberg reported Friday (Jan. 10). As the fires continue and Southern California faces heightened risks, digital platforms like Watch Duty are proving essential in helping people monitor the crisis. However, reliance on digital technology during such disasters is not without its challenges. A mistaken evacuation alert sent to all of Los Angeles County Thursday (Jan