Amazon (AMZN) boss Jeff Bezos doesn't take the usual approach to sales, technology or even competition. At this week's ShopSmart summit, he spoke with candor about his idiosyncratic strategies, growth opportunities, and how digital technology is still reshaping retailing.
Shopkick's smartphone app combines location-based features with shopping. The hot startup's plan: When you walk into any partnering retailer, the app will alert you to deals at that store, and reward you with "Kickbucks" just for being there.
The smartphone revolution is about to upend another business: credit card processing. With Google's new Android pay-by-phone app and Square's new transaction hardware for iPhones, your plastic could become obsolete.