Integrating a strategic technology-driven extension is more than just a trend in direct marketing. It can be a game-changer. Applications such as Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, Virtual Reality, Voice Assistant, Near Field Communication, or Video enable your mail to captivate your audience for a longer period, making for a more memorable brand experience that can expand the campaign’s reach. Most important, it can drive greater response. Augmented Reality (AR) adds digital elements to a live view often by using the camera on a smartphone. AR is more than QR codes. AR both heightens engagement with a mail piece and links it directly to the online channel to extend the sales process. Now, the USPS has made this even more enticing with the Emerging Technology and Mobile Shopping postal discount incentive which runs between May 1st — November 30th. This promotion provides a 3-4% discount depending on the complexity of the technology.

Amazon’s fourth quarter online store net sales increased 10% year over year to nearly $83 billion, per a Thursday press release. The e-commerce giant’s physical store sales rose 5% to about $5.9 billion. Related retail operations also grew, with third-party seller services increasing 11% and subscription services jumping 14%. Amazon’s overall net income increased from $20 billion in the same period the year before to $21.2 billion in its latest quarter. Amazon expects companywide net sales for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 to be between $173.5 billion and $178.5 billion, representing growth between 11% and 15% year over year.

Barnes & Noble is opening more stores for readers to shop at in the new year. After nearly two decades of "declining store numbers," the bookseller has plans to open 60 new locations across the country in 2026, in addition to the dozens opened this year. While the details are still "being worked out" as far as locations and grand opening dates, the expansion follows a period of "strong sales" in existing stores, Barnes & Noble confirmed to USA TODAY.