SmileDirectClub and Walmart announced a distribution partnership today, sending shares of the startup up almost 20 percent Monday.
The oral-care company, which calls itself the first direct-to-consumer medtech platform for teeth straightening, announced a series of products available only at the big box retailer Monday morning. However, its signature teeth aligner won't be found in Walmart's aisles.
Some products Walmart ($WMT) shoppers can pick up instead are SmileDirectClub's electric toothbrush and teeth whitening system, plus planned new products like toothpaste and a UV cleaner to sanitize products like toothbrush heads.
SmileDirectClub ($SDC) hopes Walmart's size brings more customer awareness to the startup. The product line at Walmart, the biggest retailer in the U.S., is a "billboard about smiles," company Chief Global Brand Officer Josh Chapman told Cheddar.
Chapman said the company made a "simple-to-use, affordable, premium" toothbrush for Walmart and hopes to turn those new Walmart customers into users of its popular teeth aligners.
Low-value imports are losing their duty-free status in the U.S. this week as part of President Donald Trump's agenda for making the nation less dependent on foreign goods. A widely used customs exemption for international shipments worth $800 or less is set to end starting on Friday. Trump already ended the “de minimis” rule for inexpensive items sent from China and Hong Kong, but having to pay import taxes on small parcels from everywhere else likely will be a big change for some small businesses and online shoppers. Purchases that previously entered the U.S. without needing to clear customs will be subject to the origin country’s tariff rate, which can range from 10% to 50%.
Southwest Airlines will soon require plus-size travelers to pay for an extra seat in advance if they can't fit within the armrests of one seat. This change is part of several updates the airline is making. The new rule starts on Jan. 27, the same day Southwest begins assigning seats. Currently, plus-size passengers can pay for an extra seat in advance and later get a refund, or request a free extra seat at the airport. Under the new policy, refunds are still possible but not guaranteed. Southwest said in a statement it is updating policies to prepare for assigned seating next year.
Cracker Barrel is sticking with its new logo. For now. But the chain is also apologizing to fans who were angered when the change was announced last week.
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