Hamelin Brands to Acquire the Pelikan Group

Global office products supplier Hamelin Brands has entered into an agreement with Pelikan International Corporation Berhad (PICB) for the acquisition of the Pelikan Group. This acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions including PICB shareholders and regulatory approval and expected to be finalized before the end of October. 

To read the full article, visit the Office Products News website.

All Staples Locations in the US to Accept Amazon Returns

After first piloting the program at the end of 2022, all Staples locations in the US will now accept Amazon returns as of July 31. Nearly half of Staples’ almost 1,000 stores currently accept Amazon returns. 

Eligible unpackaged, unlabeled Amazon items can be dropped off at the full-service shipping area inside Staples stores, according to a company press release. Upon completion of a return, customers will be given a Staples coupon that they can use on an assortment of products and services in-store that day.

To read the full article, visit the Retail Dive website.

Amazon Makes Business Accounts Free for Sole Operators

In its ongoing bid to appeal to small business owners, Amazon is making business accounts free for sole operators who already have a personal Prime membership.   Amazon Business Prime Duo — the lowest tier of Amazon Business account, designed specifically as an add-on to normal Prime membership for customers that also run their own company — previously cost $69 a year but will now be free. The price of other Amazon Business account tiers will remain the same.

One of the biggest benefits of the Prime Duo membership is the ability for small business owners to keep their personal and business expenses separate. Prime Duo members also receive:

  • Fast, free delivery and the other benefits of a personal Prime membership;
  • Convenient business delivery for members who select an “Amazon Day” to receive eligible orders on the same day each week;
  • Consolidated shipping on eligible large orders to receive items in the fewest packages and deliveries possible;
  • Access to business buying tools and business-only pricing on select items;
  • Free survey and analytics tools provided by Delighted to uncover insights on customer loyalty and drive business growth with survey tools; and
  • 5% back or 90-day terms with the Amazon Business Prime American Express card.

To read the full article, visit the Retail Touch Points website.