Amazon’s Audible, responsible for its vast array of audiobooks, has opened an experiential “bookless bookstore” on the Bowery in downtown Manhattan. “We developed Audible Story House by asking a simple question: what does a bookstore look like without any books,” said James Finn, Audible’s global head of brand and content marketing (more).

Walmart will be creating a dedicated “beauty expert” role in 425 of its U.S. locations by the end of 2026, included as part of the retailer’s larger Beauty 2.0 redesign. “Early results from the pilot show strong customer engagement, while also creating a new pipeline for associates to grow into leadership and merchandising roles,” a spokesperson said (more).

The debt-to-GDP ratio as of March 31 rested at 100.2% as national debt was totaled $31.27 trillion and U.S. GDP stood at $31.22 trillion. “[Americans are] dealing with inflation, and higher costs of living because of Washington’s spending addiction. It’s only going to get worse until we cut up the credit cards and get serious,” said Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida (more).

Apple delivered a glowing Q2 report card, crushing revenue projections while also eking out a win on earnings per share. CEO Tim Cook described it as Apple’s “best March quarter ever” while also praising incoming CEO John Ternus (more).

Target recently opened its first-ever “receive center” facility in Houston, with the $265 million installation taking products in from its global vendors and holding them until they’re required elsewhere. The retailer expects the facility will create 185 new jobs in the region (more).