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Bigger isn’t better: Investors favor boutique stores and hotels

Linchi Kwok Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

Bigger is better, right? That’s why there have been more hotel mergers and acquisitions in recent years. There are also many hotel chains building larger loyalty programs to pull in more travelers. Besides hotels, Airbnb and online travel agents (OTAs) also want to get bigger through acquisitions. When it comes to product development, however, investors seem to favor small, boutique concepts over bigger ones. Here are a few examples.

Demand for design services currently a mixed bag

Lloyd Princeton Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

As I talk with clients around the country, I'm hearing quite divergent views of how business is going these days. The picture that emerges is something of a mixed bag. Some designers are keeping quite busy and have future projects lined up. Others are reporting a decrease in client requests and inquiries. Some of this appears to be sector-driven and some of it regional. What's not clear yet is whether this is a temporary blip or the start of a general slowdown in the industry.

Where brands see the most social media marketing opportunities

Emma Fitzpatrick Marketing

Just like that, the first quarter of 2019 has ended. While the time likely flashed by, make sure you stop, analyze and regroup before you plow ahead with your Q2 strategy. Analyze your own data to determine what worked best for your brand this quarter. Then, overlay those insights with the areas that other companies see the most success in. You just may find a new avenue or marketing tactic to try that could be the secret sauce you’re looking for in Q2. Read on to learn how marketers from more than 1,800 companies are approaching their social media marketing strategy in 2019.

Economy rebounds to add 196,000 jobs; unemployment steady at 3.8%

Seth Sandronsky Business Management, Services & Risk Management

The March jobs report shows that nonfarm payroll employment rose 196,000 from 20,000 new jobs in February, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. March’s rate of unemployment of 3.8% matched February’s rate of 3.8%. "To be really clear — today's jobs report inspires a bit of a sigh of relief relative to the disastrous February jobs number — but the economy is definitely going to grow a lot more slowly in 2019 than 2018," said Josh Bivens, an economist at the Economic Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. March marked the 102nd consecutive month of expansion since the end of the Great Recession.

The critical link between HR and retail success

Catherine Iste Retail

Why go to the store when you can buy online? Presumably, there is something about the in-person experience that is more convenient, helpful or in some other way better than making the purchase from our phone or desktop. In many cases, this benefit relates directly to interpersonal interactions. Human resources can play an important role in linking the customer's experience with retail success.

What you need to know about Amazon’s growing ad business

Emma Fitzpatrick Marketing

When you think of digital ads (especially search), Google undoubtedly comes to mind. But the numbers may have you second-guessing your instinct. This year, Amazon’s U.S. ad business is projected to grow more than 50%. That means Amazon ads will make up more than 8% of the digital ad market. Next year, that number is projected to grow to 10%, according to a 2019 eMarketer report. Amazon is officially the No. 3 digital ad platform in the U.S., with U.S. retailers spending $4.61 billion on Amazon ads in 2019.

6 tips to get through your midday slump

Eudene Harry, MD Medical & Allied Healthcare

We have all felt it. After lunchtime, you're lethargic, tired, and constantly checking the clock waiting for the day to be over. But fear not! Your day will no longer be ruined by the afternoon lull. Here are some quick tips to avoid the midday slump and end your day rejuvenated.

When should the commercial lease end?

Dale Willerton and Jeff Grandfield Retail

Choosing a commencement date for your commercial lease can be easy enough; however, stating a specific expiration date may be more difficult. That's fair enough, as it is impossible to forecast what the future will hold. Will you be successful at your chosen location? Will an anchor store in the commercial property move out and leave you needing to relocate? Will your own health affect your business operations and result in your selling your business? The short answer is for you to choose your lease term's expiration date based on what's best for you and your business.

The future of fast food includes more vegan options

Bambi Majumdar Food & Beverage

McDonald's introduction of vegan McNuggets in Norway makes for an interesting choice for fast-food diners in the country. It seems U.S. locations may see the same on their restaurants' menus in coming years. The healthier options in some markets show that new-age McDonald's customers want better choices, even in their fast food. The new vegan "chicken" nuggets contain potatoes, onion, carrots, chickpeas, and corn inside a fried, breaded coating. A recent report published by Global Data shows food trends shifting towards veganism and meat-free substitutes. Clearly, the fast-food giant has been paying attention.

Looking to land classier clients? Follow the formula

Fred Berns Business Management, Services & Risk Management

In their quest to work with higher caliber clients, many small businesses play "follow the leader." They'd be much better off playing "follow the formula." You're unlikely to succeed if you copy the leaders in your field in your efforts to connect with more affluent clients. Marketing and networking exactly like other companies won’t help you get the results you want. That's because you make a great you, but a lousy somebody else. You'll have a far better chance of establishing long-term relationships with blue chip buyers if you implement this five-step formula.

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