Amazon has loosed a new pair of body blows upon its retail competitors. First, to remain below the price curve, it's providing its own discounts on tech and other products sold by third-party resellers. Second, it unveiled two new private-label furniture brands, which spells more competition for home furnishings dollars.

"Amazon.com is cutting prices of products from third-party sellers on its website, moving beyond its more typical method of discounts on items it sells directly."

See the full stories at CNBC and The Seattle Times.