Amazon partners with Staples for customer returns | Seattle public sector bidding startup acquired

• The Seattle tech giant confirmed to GeekWire that it recently started allowing returns at select Staples locations. Amazon did something similar back in 2017 when it began accepting returns at Kohl’s stores. The strategy lets the company grow its physical retail footprint for returns, without adding real estate. It also gives retailers such as Staples potential for more in-store foot traffic. Read more. 

DemandStar, a Seattle public sector bidding startup, was acquired by GTY Technologies.

• DemandStar makes money by selling annual subscriptions to businesses for notifications of government contracting opportunities. Read more.

Microsoft reportedly has considered building a “super app” that would combine shopping, messaging, and other services. 

• The Information reported Tuesday that the app would mimic Tencent’s all-in-one WeChat app and could help boost Microsoft’s advertising and search businesses. Read more. 

Rad Power Bikes debuted its first electric tricycle, priced at $2,499. 

• The Seattle company said the RadTrike was the “single most requested model” in its history. Read more. 

Redfin has added zoning data to the more than 70 million homes listed on its platform, becoming the first real estate site to offer such information.

• Land-use provisions tell buyers whether or not they can add an accessory dwelling unit, run a business or farm, or operate a vacation rental. Read more.

NASA’s Orion spacecraft fired its main engine on Monday and zoomed around the moon as it prepared to return to Earth this weekend.

• Cameras captured thrilling close-up imagery of the moon’s surface and snapshots of a faraway crescent Earth in the latest feat of the Artemis 1 mission. Read more.

Last chance to get tickets to Wednesday’s GeekWire Gala in Seattle!

• Join us at our annual holiday party for the tech community, a stylish night out featuring tasty treats, festive cocktails, dancing and more. Details and ticket info here.