Costco And Groupchat

The Anti-Amazon

Benjamin Y. Fong | Phenomenal World | 1st July 2026

Costco is the opposite of Amazon in many ways: it relies on brick and mortar stores rather than e-commerce, offers a restricted number of products, requires a membership, and expects customers to transport their own purchases. And yet its revenue is growing substantially. Perhaps the appeal of the Costco experience is the constraint. No need to scroll through endless reviews and options (2,600 words)

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How Smartphones Broke British Politics

Charlie Cooper | Politico | 11th June 2026

The UK is going through prime ministers at a record rate, six in the past ten years. Why? The chaos in No 10 Downing Street is partly a result of post-Brexit turbulence, but smartphones are an under-appreciated factor. Political opposition and rebellion is now organised on WhatsApp, not in the corridors and lobbies of Westminster. Insiders are addicted to their broadcast lists and groupchats (1,600 words)