Royal Caribbean Group says it started a $40 million program that will give out three-year, interest-free loans for travel advisors, who can apply for up to $250,000. Travel agents are among the hardest-hit small businesses in the pandemic. Large companies like Royal Caribbean, meanwhile, tend to have more substantial cash cushions and better access to additional financing, which can be crucial as they try to wait out the virus. The company, which mostly hasn't been sailing for nine months, says it will share details of the application process with travel advisors in January.
Walmart is attempting to solve one of the biggest pains related to online shopping — the dreaded return — with a new service. The retailer says it will pick up items shipped and sold by Walmart.com from customers' homes through a new partnership with FedEx. Walmart said the option is free and will remain in place beyond the busy holiday shopping season.
