Amazon won a major battle in Seattle, but a Big Tech 'head tax' could still happen for Apple and Google Multiple Silicon Valley cities are considering similar taxes, and Amazon's win in Seattle doesn't seem to be stopping them. The decision to repeal could set an anti-tax precedent in Silicon Valley cities that are considering similar legislation. Mountain View, California — the home of Google, LinkedIn, and Microsoft — may tax big companies like Google, which has 23,000 workers in the city, $150 per employee. On June 26, the city council will decide whether the initiative will appear on the November ballot. (Business Insider)
AmEx will issue credit card for Amazon small business customers American Express Co. won the right to issue a new credit card for Amazon.com's small-business customers, the latest win in a string of co-brand deals for the lender. (Ad Age)
Amazon Deliveries Amazon has unveiled its long-awaited delivery service, which will see others bearing much of the risk. The company is inviting entrepreneurs to set up small delivery companies with Amazon-branded vehicles and uniforms, using Amazon technology and receiving discounts on vehicles leases and insurance. Amazon claims setup costs will be as low as $10,000. Amazon says the companies will be able to serve other customers, though of course those customers must be happy to see their packages delivered by Amazon-branded vehicles and drivers. Fortune
Amazon R Us Amazon is reportedly planning to distribute millions of copies of a printed holiday toy catalog around the U.S., effectively stepping in to fill the void left by Toys R Us and its "Big Book." The pamphlets will go to homes and be distributed at Whole Foods outlets. Toys R Us is shuttering its U.S. operations, although it continues to be active elsewhere. Fortune
Hyundai offers virtual showroom on Amazon If you have any cash left over from Prime Day, you might be considering a new car. Hyundai and Amazon have teamed up to offer a virtual showroom of the car maker's automobiles in the Amazon Vehicles section. (Engadget)
Comcast and Amazon Amazon's Prime Video service will be made available on Comcast's Xfinity X1 set-top box later this year. It's a risky move for Comcast, as its customers will be able to buy a-la-carte subscriptions for channels such as HBO, Cinemax and Showtime without purchasing an add-on to their cable subscription. Fortune
Amazon Groceries Amazon is launching a grocery pickup service, where Prime subscribers can order their groceries online and pick them up at Whole Foods stores—a bit like what Kroger and Walmart already offer. This "click and collect" feature is cheaper than delivering groceries to people's homes. Amazon's new service will launch first in Sacramento, Calif. and Virginia Beach, Va. Fortune
Amazon Theaters Amazon is reportedly looking to buy the indie-focused Landmark Theaters chain, which is currently owned by Wagner/Cuban Cos. The move, if it happens—and it still might not—would give Amazon a bricks-and-mortar distribution network for its content. Interestingly, the news of the talks boosted shared in AMC and Cinemark, on the basis that it showed Amazon wasn't trying to destroy the traditional cinema experience. Bloomberg
Amazon TV Amazon is reportedly preparing to launch a free TV service called Free Dive, to compete with services such as Roku that rely on revenue from video ads. The report of the plan sent Roku's stock down 2% in after-hours trading. Fortune