BUSINESS DIGEST || Cellphone drying technology now offered at Austintown store

Cellphone-drying technology at store

AUSTINTOWN

Residents of Austintown can bring their wet cellphones back from the dead. TCC, the largest Verizon Premium Wireless Retailer in the U.S., announces it is rolling out drying technology from Redux in nearly 700 stores nationwide, including its location at 5507 Mahoning Ave. The company first introduced the technology in select TCC stores in early 2015 and is expanding its availability to reach more consumers.

Allegiant acquires Airbus A319 craft

LAS VEGAS

Allegiant on Thursday announced an agreement to purchase four additional Airbus A319 aircraft from Philippines-based, low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific. The purchase marks another milestone for the company in its long-term transition to an all-Airbus fleet.

The aircraft in this agreement are scheduled for delivery in 2017 and 2018. Allegiant previously agreed to purchase six Airbus A319 aircraft from Cebu Pacific. The company has taken delivery of three of those aircraft, with the remaining deliveries scheduled to occur later this year.

By the end of 2016, the company’s in-service Airbus fleet will number 33, consisting of 16 A320s and 17 A319s.

Wal-Mart goes after Amazon with 2-day delivery service

NEW YORK

Wal-Mart is sharpening its attack on Amazon.com.

The world’s largest retailer is trimming its free-shipping pilot program to two days from three, and it’s cutting a dollar off the membership price. Membership is now $49 per year.

The Bentonville, Ark.-based company began testing the new service last year in answer to Amazon Prime’s two-day shipping, a big part of its domination of the retail sector.

Amazon membership costs $99 a year, which comes with a bewildering array of perks, including household-product subscriptions, one- and two-hour Prime Now delivery, streaming music and video, photo storage and more.

And Amazon has thrived because of it. Analysts say that Amazon Prime members buy more frequently and spend more money.

Average 30-year mortgage at 3.57%

WASHINGTON

Long-term U.S. mortgage rates fell this week for a third-straight week, posting new lows for the year. The benchmark 30-year rate reached a three-year low.

The low rates come amid the spring home-buying season, luring prospective purchasers.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dipped to 3.57 percent from 3.61 percent last week. It’s far below its level a year ago of 3.85 percent.

The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages eased to 2.81 percent from 2.86 percent last week.

Rates on adjustable five-year mortgages averaged 2.78 percent this week, down from 2.80 percent last week.

Staff/wire reports