In this week’s Omni Talk Retail Fast Five news roundup, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Ownit AI, Avalara, Mirakl, and Sezzle, Chris and Anne discussed:

• The Saks and Neiman Marcus merger and what to expect from Amazon’s involvement in it (Source: NPR)
• Co-op opting to use “Store Assist” from Walmart Commerce Technologies (Source: PYMNTS)
• Circle K gamifying employee training via iPads (Source: Chain Store Age)
• Hy-Vee enabling its online shoppers to pay for their groceries with Venmo (Source: Chain Store Age)
• And closed with a “love it or leave it” discussion about Walmart and McDonald’s working to secure college credit for the hours their employees work in their stores (Source: NPR)

There’s all that, plus Taco Bell retirement communities, drone mishaps, and the best way to toast a marshmallow before putting it into a s’more.

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