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New ammo gives hunters unprecedented options
John McAdams Recreation & LeisureIt wasn’t that long ago when hunters really only had two ammo choices: Remington or Winchester. However, we’ve come a long way in a short period of time and we now have a staggering number of choices when it comes to factory hunting ammo. The sheer number of options can make it tough to make a decision on which load to carry afield. Fortunately, the good news is that the major ammunition companies have made tremendous advances in bullet technology in recent years.
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Tech firms vie against range of mobile retail payment systems from banks,…
Bill Becken RetailA half-decade or so since its introduction, Apple Pay continues to dazzle. It's the best-known of the world's mobile phone, contactless payment systems. And, by introducing new iPhones and iPads each year, Apple keeps its devices popular, stirring the Apple Pay pot. Despite Apple Pay's standing, new bank and bank card mobile apps, among others, have also made their mark on retail payments. Considering the advent of Apple Pay's contactless counterparts for non-Apple phones — Android Pay and Samsung Pay — the existence of a variety of services has been the defining trait of the mobile payments scene.
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Pharmacies big and small struggle for profit
Jason Poquette PharmaceuticalAccounting, legal services, dentists and physician offices are frequently listed as some of the most profitable U.S. businesses. Noticeably absent from any such list is pharmacy. But when it comes to specialty pharmacy, maybe they are the exception to the rule? It doesn’t appear so. Large revenues don’t compensate for incredibly thin margins, and therefore making a profit is challenging for them as well. I guess when it comes to making a profit in pharmacy, size really doesn’t matter at all.
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Will in-store or online win this holiday season? It’s not so simple
Emma Fitzpatrick MarketingEvery year, beneath all those magical twinkle lights and pine-scented evergreen wreaths, it seems like there’s a battle going on. Will brick-and-mortar stores be able to win back customers, or will online shopping beat ‘em? Online shopping is expected to grow this holiday season (as it does every year). This year, people will spend an estimated $124.1 billion online. That’s a 14.8 percent increase year-over-year, according to Adobe research. But even as online sales grow, last year, the majority of holiday sales (85 percent) were still done in brick-and-mortar stores, according to PYMNTS data.
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U.S. economy adds 250,000 jobs as unemployment remains at 3.7 percent
Seth Sandronsky Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementNonfarm payroll jobs rose 250,000 in October versus 134,000 in September while the rate of unemployment remained at 3.7 percent, a 49-year-low, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. In October, the number of jobless workers was 6.1 million compared with 6.0 million in September. October’s upbeat jobs report could bolster President Trump and the Republican Party in the Nov. 6 midterm elections. Apparently, the 3.7 percent unemployment rate is spurring a rise in workers’ hourly wage-income.
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What encyclopedias, cellphones and the circus can teach us about business…
Steven L. Blue Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementOne of the important things I tell CEOs is to embrace, not deny, the impending change that is coming to their industry. Because if they don’t, their business is on a path to failure. When you think of important business lessons, I’m sure an encyclopedia, cellphone, and circus company wouldn’t be the first thing to come mind. But each of these examples showcase a company that has either succeeded or failed during a radical business transformation.
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Exploring upcoming hotel technologies
Bambi Majumdar Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementSpending for 2019 in the hotel sector is coming soon. Technology upgrades for sales, marketing, operations, and every area focused on ROI are priorities. The most significant digital shift for hotels has been to incorporate artificial intelligence and Internet of Things in their operations. Artificial intelligence, thanks to devices like Alexa, can now offer guests the same experience that they enjoy at home. Meanwhile, IoT devices with automated settings make rooms hands-free. They not only personalize guests’ in-room experiences but continue to improve operations.
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Use this checklist before posting holiday ads on social media
Emma Fitzpatrick MarketingBy now, you've likely finished your holiday ads for social media — or perhaps you're putting the final touch on them. Either way, before you mark them done, do a quick check to make sure you’re reaching the right people. If you’re like most businesses, the bulk of your holiday advertising budget is allocated to social media. It’s no small chunk of change either. Marketers are planning to spend 25 percent of their entire annual ad budget to target shoppers just during the Thanksgiving weekend, according to 2018 Nanigans data.
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Skin care product reviews: Reliable or fake news?
Elizabeth Donat RetailOnline reviews are the new word of mouth in today's digital age. They shape how we shop, where we eat, where we lodge and how we dress. In terms of the beauty and spa industries, reviews help us form our decisions regarding which skin care products to purchase and where to go to get our favorite spa procedures. Moreover, if you are a spa, medical spa or salon owner, then positive and negative reviews can make or break your business. Because these reviews play such a critical role in our businesses and our everyday lives it begs the question: Are reviews reliable or the new fake news?
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Negotiating commercial leases: Focus on important issues
Dale Willerton and Jeff Grandfield RetailFor many commercial tenants, negotiating a good lease or lease renewal against an experienced agent or landlord can be a challenge. While an entrepreneur focuses on marketing and managing, savvy real estate agents and brokers are specialized salespeople. Their job is to sell tenants on leasing their location at the highest possible rental rate. Whether you are leasing a new location for the first time or negotiating a lease renewal for your business, here are two money-saving tips.
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