-
Why is Blue Cross Blue Shield investing in Higi?
Scott E. Rupp Healthcare AdministrationRecent news of insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield's investment in healthcare company Higi may have sparked some questions — particularly, what exactly is Higi? Founded in 2012 by Michael Ferro, Higi owns and operates more than 11,000 self-screening health kiosks in retailers nationwide, Crain's Chicago Business reports. In 2014, Higi signed a deal with national drugstore chain Rite Aid to become its sole provider of health stations where customers can check their weight, pulse, body mass index and blood pressure.
-
Machines will soon perform more service jobs than humans
Linchi Kwok Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementCan machines work as well as real human beings in delivering impeccable service? If so, will machines eventually replace human beings at work in the service industry? I had thought about those questions back in 2014 when I discussed the concept of the robotic butler ("Bolter") in hotels. But, at that time, I was unable to provide a definite answer. Today, I can finally assert with more confidence that a new era where machines serving people has arrived.
-
Backlash over ‘Brad’s wife’ puts restaurant chain over…
Bob Kowalski MarketingThe Internet has fallen in love with Brad's wife. Well, maybe it's more like an infatuation. Either way, it has left Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in a tough spot. According to Internet reports, the restaurant chain fired Nanette Byrd from the Corydon, Indiana, location after 11 loyal and hard-working years. Her husband, Brad, later asked for an explanation on the company's Facebook page, with no response. Once comedian Amiri King posted about the situation on Twitter, memes and hashtags flourished — especially #JusticeForBradsWife.
-
Metals Thoughts: Mandate death trap
Brad Yates Natural ResourcesFor the second time in a month, gold has challenged and failed the downsloping 200 DMA, but this time having significantly more support from other macro inputs, DXY and rates particularly. President Donald Trump seems to prefer personal experience to observed wisdom by undertaking the Sisyphean task of healthcare reform, only to be chased down the hill by the rock. The loss has many punters doubting the strength of his mandate for reform and considering the many factions within the GOP to perhaps be more formidable than prior thought.
-
Forget malls: Visit these 9 thriving pedestrian shopping areas
Dave G. Houser Recreation & LeisureDire predictions abound concerning the future of America's shopping malls. A recent CNBC report forecasts failure for about a third of the nation's 1,100 malls in the coming years. Enclosed malls are struggling, analysts say, primarily because of an overabundance of retail space and the fact that consumers are increasingly doing their buying online.
-
Metals Thoughts: When the levee breaks?
Brad Yates Natural ResourcesAfter the FOMC hike Wednesday, we saw a nice little relief rally, driven mostly by spec short covering. The last couple of days have been quiet, with $6-$8 daily high-low ranges abounding. Implieds are getting sold with both hands, with both one-month and one-year tenors at multiyear lows.
-
What’s the best way to tax online purchases?
Dr. Stephen Schwalbe Civil & GovernmentIt's widely known that consumers today are shopping less frequently in retail stores and more often on internet sites. Shopping online has become a much more efficient and effective experience than shopping at the local mall. Online shopping offers the convenience of a larger number of selections, cheaper prices and — above all — no sales tax. Thus, one of the biggest budget issues facing state governments today is how to collect taxes on Internet sales.
-
What makes a supervisor great?
Hank Boyer Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementThink back over all of the supervisors, bosses and managers for whom you've ever worked. Pick out the ones who were truly exceptional. What characteristics did they have in common? Of all the things that might be named, chances are that you’d find that the best managers consistently performed these two functions effectively.
-
Somali pirates are back: How will this affect your supply chain?
Ryan Diller Distribution & WarehousingAt the turn of the decade, Somali pirate attacks on shipping vessels were an international epidemic, with 237 attacks occurring in 2011 alone. Such attacks rapidly dropped off, though, and following the release of 2013's Oscar-nominated "Captain Phillips," the sensation all but disappeared from media coverage.
-
Should pharmacies use incentives to encourage transfers?
Jason Poquette Pharmaceutical"Transfer your prescriptions today and get a $25 ABC Pharmacy gift card!" We've all seen this sort of advertising, often employed by a pharmacy just moving into the area to get new customers. And, to some degree, the strategy seems to work. But is it right? Should this sort of approach go on?
All Retail Articles