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☆ Your favorite food brands may be done playing mind games with you — for now
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-18 | by ( Elisabeth Buchwald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —These past few years, it seems like food companies have been playing some serious mind games with us. As food companies have seen their costs rise substantially over the past few years, many have used two sneaky strategies, dubbed shrinkflation and skimpflation, to avoid having to raise the prices of their goods. Yet when companies simply pass along price increases to consumers, there’s also no shortage of backlash — just ask McDonald’s. So the days of shrinkflation, at least when it comes to food, could be numbered. “I would expect (food companies) to shift their strategy and find a different mind game to play that maybe people are not quite looking out for yet,” Hydock said.

Persons: CNN Business ’, you’ve, there’s, we’re, Burger King, skimpflation, That’s, Berry, Nathaniel Meyersohn, ”, Chris Hydock, PepsiCo could’ve, Hydock, Robert Moskow, Cowen, Meyersohn, ” Hydock Organizations: CNN Business, New York CNN, Foods, PepsiCo, Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business, CNN Locations: New York

☆ The federal government just made it much easier to cancel your gym membership
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Erika Tulfo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The FTC unveiled its final “click-to-cancel” rule, which requires businesses provide a way for consumers to cancel their subscriptions that is just as easy as it is to sign up. That includes everything from gym memberships to digital streaming and e-commerce to cable TV service. “Too often, businesses make people jump through endless hoops just to cancel a subscription,” said Commission Chair Lina Khan in statement by the FTC. Other times they might’ve been able to sign up online, but in order to cancel they had to call and talk to a representative. Other kinds of memberships required them to actually show up in person to cancel their subscription,” Brett said.

Persons: ”, Lina Khan, Laura Brett, Brett, you’ve, ” Brett, Natnan, ABCmouse, Brian Fung, Nathaniel Meyersohn Organizations: CNN, Federal Trade Commission, FTC, Federal, National Advertising Division, BBB

☆ Why your drug store is closing
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

What is going on with America’s drug stores? Meanwhile, increased competition and failed growth strategies, like acquiring primary care providers, continue to have reverberating impacts on drug stores. Shifting trendsDrug store chains are struggling because of lower reimbursement rates for prescription drugs, according to analysts who cover the industry. A customer walks to a Walgreens store in Wheeling, Ill., Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024. Dollar General’s growth has also hurt drug store chains in rural areas.

Persons: Tim Wentworth, “, ” Wentworth, Elizabeth Anderson, PBMs, ” Anderson, Nam, VIllageMD, Brendan Smialowski Organizations: New, New York CNN, CVS, Walgreens, Wall Street, IRI, CNN, Amazon, Walmart, Costco, American Medical Association Locations: New York, Wheeling , Ill, VillageMD, Washington ,, AFP

☆ Tostitos and Ruffles shrank their bags of chips. It backfired
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The owner of Lay’s, Doritos, Tostitos and Ruffles chips will put more chips in some bags to claw back customers tired of higher prices with skimpier bags. A PepsiCo spokesperson told CNN that Tostitos and Ruffles “bonus” bags will contain 20% more chips for the same price as standard bags in select locations. PepsiCo is also adding two additional small chip bags to its variety-pack option with 18 bags, the spokesperson said. It’s a reversal of years of shrinking bags of Tostitos, Ruffles and other chip brands. Snack prices have gone up more rapidly than other store items.

Persons: “, Ramon Laguarta, Edgar Dworsky, Dworsky, ” Dworsky, PepsiCo’s, Chip, Robert Moskow, Cowen, Moskow, Joe Biden, General Mills, shrinkflation, Domino’s, Sandeep Reddy Organizations: New, New York CNN, PepsiCo, CNN, Walmart, Costco, Bank of America, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumers, General, ” Locations: New York, United States, outpacing, Mondelez

☆ Two pioneering Black CEOs have a warning for companies abandoning diversity
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-15 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

But opponents ignore both the history of so-called meritocracy, and the fact that DEI programs benefit business, Frazier and Chenault argue. But they said opponents have weaponized select examples of diversity programs that are not practiced widely to oppose DEI entirely. Brandon Bell/Getty ImagesMeanwhile, conservative legal groups are now filing lawsuits targeting companies’ diversity initiatives, and Republican leaders like Florida Gov. Frazier and Chenault said there was a split between companies that rushed to create diversity programs in the wake of George Floyd’s murder in 2020 and companies that have embedded these programs into their business. “For those companies that had integrated DEI into the way they do business, fundamentally, it’s marbled into the meat, so to speak.

Persons: Ken Frazier, Ken Chenault, Ken Chenault’s, John Deere, Davidson, Bud Light’s, Frazier, ” Frazier, America’s “, Elon, Chenault, Roy Vagelos —, — Frazier, Vagelos, weren’t, Merck, —, ” Chenault, don’t, George Floyd, Brandon Bell, Ron DeSantis, Arkansas Sen, Tom Cotton, Bud Light, Robby Starbuck, Starbuck, George Floyd’s, They’re, ” Organizations: New, New York CNN, America, Merck, Black, American Express, Fortune, CNN, Corporate America, Tractor Supply, Boston Consulting Group, DEI, Revelio Labs, White, ” Companies, McKinsey, Republican, Florida Gov, Disney, Nike, Harley Locations: New York, Philadelphia, America, Arkansas

☆ Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol to scale back the coffee chain’s deals and promos
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-14 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Expect to see fewer promotions at Starbucks. The company in September offered extra loyalty points on Tuesdays and deals on several drink purchases on Saturdays. In the past, Starbucks had mostly avoided coffee promotion but ramped them up earlier this year to lure back customers. Niccol wants to make Starbucks (SBUX) a coffee shop again, not just an online-driven business. “We’re committed to elevating the in-store experience — ensuring our spaces reflect the sights, smells and sounds that define Starbucks.”

Persons: Brian Niccol’s, Niccol, “, ”, “ We’re Organizations: New, New York CNN, Starbucks, Wall Street Journal, CNN, Bank of America Locations: New York

☆ McDonald’s is struggling. So is its big french fry supplier
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-08 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

That’s hurting french fry suppliers like Lamb Weston. This shift has taken a toll on Lamb Weston because people are less likely to cook french fries at home. Around 80% of french fries consumed in the United States come from fast-food chains, according to Lamb Weston. McDonald’s has launched a $5 meal, which includes a McDouble cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich, small french fries, 4-piece chicken nuggets and small soft drink. “Many of these promotional meal deals have consumers trading down from a medium fry to a small fry,” Lamb Weston CEO Thomas Werner said last week on an earnings call.

Persons: Lamb Weston, McDonald’s, ” Lamb Weston, Thomas Werner, Lamb, R.J, Placer.ai Organizations: New, New York CNN Locations: New York, North America, Washington, United States

☆ Red Lobster is a mess. Here’s why the new 35-year-old CEO wanted the job anyway
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-04 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Red Lobster's new chief executive Damola Adamolekun during an interview with CNN at a Red Lobster in Long Island, New York, last week. CNNIn Springfield, he first ate at a Red Lobster with his parents and two siblings after church one Sunday. Red Lobster was where he, like millions of Americans, experienced eating lobster and cracking crab legs for the first time. Beyoncé sang about taking a romantic partner to Red Lobster in her 2016 hit song “Formation.”After Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy, Flava Flav ordered the whole menu to try to save the company. Red Lobster closed more than 100 restaurants this year, including a location in Orlando, Florida, shown this year.

Persons: Damola Adamolekun, “, ” Adamolekun, It’s, ”, Adamolekun, Bill Darden, Mills, Chris Rock, Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, Flav, “ Mr, ” —, Kevin Lamarque, Clarence Otis Jr, RJ Hottovy, Hottovy, Adamolekun’s, ” Hottovy, ’, Red, Phelan M, can’t, John Paulson, Paulson, P.F, Chang’s, Morgan McClure, Fortress, ” McClure, Brandon Bell, isn’t Organizations: New, New York CNN, CNN, Fortress Investment, Fortress, Red, Boomers, Darden, Thai Union Group, Former Red Lobster, Thai Union, As Thai Union, Thai, Brown University, Harvard Business School, Paulson & Co Locations: New York, Long, , New York, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Netherlands, Springfield , Illinois, United States, Long Island , New York, Springfield, America, Alexandria , Virginia, Olive, Thai Union, Thai, Orlando , Florida, P.F, Chang’s, Columbia , Maryland, New York City, Scottsdale , Arizona, Austin , Texas

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☆ America’s Greyhound bus stations are disappearing
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-28 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

“Intercity bus service is critically important for so many people,” said Chicago Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, who has worked to save the station. “I guess I’d have to take the bus (even if the bus station closes) but I’d much rather have this,” Kay said. Terminals sold to investorsA closure in Chicago would accelerate the crisis in intercity bus service in the United States. Milwaukee and Boston, for example, have municipal intercity bus terminals located next to train stations. Chicago Alderman Ramirez-Rosa said that the ultimate goal should be a public intercity bus terminal.

Persons: ”, Chicago Alderman Carlos Ramirez, Rosa, Joseph Schwieterman, Allen James Henry , Jr, Louis, –, ” Henry Jr, Tim Boyle, Max Kay, Davenport —, “, ” Kay, Mario Tama, Alden, John Roberson, Harrison, Chicago Alderman Ramirez, ” Ramirez Organizations: Chicago CNN — Chicago, Burlington Trailways, Greyhound, CNN, Chicago Alderman, Northern, DePaul University, Chaddick Institute of Metropolitan Development, Chaddick, Chicago, Terminals, Amtrak, Cities, Chaddick Institute, Philadelphia Inquirer, Getty, Flix Mobility, Alden Global Capital, The Chicago Tribune, New York Daily News, Baltimore Sun, Lake Holdings Locations: York, Chicago, Barons, Sikeston , Missouri, St, Iowa, Denver, Newsmakers, Davenport , Iowa, Davenport, Mississippi, Moline , Illinois, United States, Houston , Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Tampa , Louisville, Charlottesville, Portland , Oregon, Philadelphia, Mexico, New, Alden, Milwaukee, Boston, Atlanta

☆ McDonald’s touchscreen kiosks were feared as job killers. Instead, something surprising happened
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-20 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

New York CNN —Self-service kiosks at McDonald’s and other fast-food chains have loomed as job killers since they were first rolled out 25 years ago. The kiosks show the unintended consequences of technology in fast-food and retail settings, including self-checkout. Chains are now experimenting with artificial intelligence at drive-thru lanes, and the experience with kiosks holds lessons for them. It raised a familiar refrain that those workers would be replaced by technology, such as self-service kiosks. Fast-food chains and retailers need to do a better job communicating what the potential benefits of kiosks and self-checkout are to consumers and employees, Andrews said.

Persons: New York CNN —, McDonald’s, Robert Lynch, you’ve, Eva Marie Uzcategui, ”, RJ Hottovy, ” Hottovy, — don’t, “, Ed Rensi, Christopher Andrews, Andrews Organizations: New, New York CNN, Subway, Starbucks, Shack, Bloomberg, Getty, Temple University, Labor Department, Drew University Locations: New York, McDonald’s, United States, California

☆ Nike is getting a new CEO as struggles mount
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-19 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Nike, struggling from rising competition and its own strategy mistakes, is making a major shakeup. The athletic giant announced Thursday that CEO John Donahoe will retire next month and will be replaced by Elliott Hill, a veteran former Nike executive. Nike’s stock rose 9% during after-hours trading Thursday, a sign Wall Street was eager for a CEO change. Nike’s stock has dropped 24% so far this year. But the change hurt Nike’s sales.

Persons: John Donahoe, Elliott Hill, “, ” Neil Saunders Organizations: New, New York CNN, Nike, Dick’s Sporting Goods, “ Nike, GlobalData Locations: New York

☆ Amazon workers are finally getting free Prime memberships
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Amazon is raising pay for its more than 800,000 US warehouse and transportation workers and giving them Amazon Prime for free. Amazon will also offer the $139 yearly Prime benefit to employees for free. Amazon’s decision to raise wages is another sign of a tight jobs market for logistics workers, fueled by more Americans shopping online. The average hourly wage for transportation and warehouse workers rose to $30.79 in August, up 22% from August of 2020, according to the Labor Department. Rivals such as UPS, Walmart and Target have also bumped up wages for warehouse workers.

Organizations: New, New York CNN, Amazon, Labor Department, Rivals, UPS, Walmart, Target, Teamsters, Deloitte, Senate Health, Education, Labor, Pensions Locations: New York

☆ Sam’s Club will raise pay to catch up with Costco
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-17 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Sam’s Club said Tuesday it will raise pay to incentivize workers to stay with the company — and not jump ship to Costco. Sam’s Club, the membership club arm of Walmart, will increase its minimum wage to $16 starting in November from $15 an hour. To keep and grow its membership, Sam’s Club must meet a higher bar for customer service than retailers open to everyone. “The thing that we’re trying to do here is create good jobs that turn into great careers,” Sam’s Club CEO Chris Nicholas told CNN. Warehouse clubs have also boomed since the pandemic in 2020, and Sam’s Club, Costco and BJ’s Wholesale Club have added millions of new members.

Persons: ”, Chris Nicholas, “, Daniel Schneider, Schneider, Sam’s, Sam’s Club’s, ” Nicholas Organizations: New, New York CNN — Sam’s, Costco, Sam’s, Walmart, Sam’s Club, ” Sam’s, CNN, “, Harvard University, BJ’s Wholesale Locations: New York, United States

☆ Home Depot to pay $2 million settlement for overcharging customers and false advertising
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-14 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

New York CNN —Home Depot will pay nearly $2 million to settle a civil enforcement claim from California district attorneys that the home improvement company was engaging in false advertising and unfair competition. Such violations are called “scanner violations,” the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office said in a press release Thursday. “False advertising and unfair competition are serious offenses that undermine consumer trust and distort the marketplace,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement. The Los Angeles DA’s office said the company was cooperative in the investigation. The civil penalties are a drop in the bucket for the nation’s fifth-largest retailer.

Persons: George Gascón, CNN’s Nathaniel Meyersohn Organizations: New, New York CNN, San Diego Superior Court, Home Depot, Angeles County Locations: New York, California, San, Los Angeles County, Los Angeles

☆ America’s stores are winning the war on shoplifting
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-13 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

New York CNN —A year ago, America’s stores declared a shoplifting epidemic. Target also closed nine stores, saying “theft and organized retail crime” threatened worker and customer safety and made business unsustainable. Many retailers’ merchandise losses have stabilized or improved, and chains have publicly dialed back their rhetoric. Their shrink rate — lost inventory as a percentage of sales — is their best estimate for items that go missing. The shoplifting rate in the first half of 2024 was also 10% higher than in the first half of 2019.

Persons: Target, “, Michael Fiddelke, Lindsey Nicholson, Gavin Newsom, ”, Michael Baker, DA Davidson, Donald Trump, William Blair, Walgreens ’, James Kehoe, ” Neil Saunders, “ That’s, it’s, Baker, ” Baker, David Johnston, Duane Reade, Angela Weiss, Ernesto Lopez, Edgar Dworsky, “ We’ve, ” Johnston Organizations: New, New York CNN, Target, Getty, “, DA, CNN, Companies, National Retail Federation, Criminal, Retailers Locations: New York, Queens , New York, California, New York City

☆ Campbell is dropping the ‘Soup’ from its name
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

New York CNN —No more soup for the Campbell’s company. The 155-year-old Campbell Soup Company plans to drop “soup” from its corporate name, rebranding as The Campbell’s Company. In addition to its lineup of soups, Campbell now owns snack brands like Goldfish, Snyder’s of Hanover, Cape Cod, Pepperidge Farm and others. Campbell also recently bought Sovos Brands, maker of popular Italian food brands like Rao’s sauces. Although soup is an important part of Campbell’s business, it’s now a smaller portion of its sales.

Persons: Campbell, ” Campbell, Mark Clouse, it’s, ” Kellanova Organizations: New, New York CNN, Campbell Soup Company, Campbell’s, Sovos Brands Locations: New York, Hanover , Cape Cod

☆ Starbucks’ new CEO wants to make Starbucks a coffee shop again
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

He will be Starbucks’ fourth CEO in two years, taking the helm amid a slump in Starbucks’ business and pressure from employees and investors. Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol. Some customers have expressed frustration with high prices, slow pickup orders on Starbucks’ app and lackluster food options. Mobile app and drive-thru orders make up more than 70% of Starbucks’ sales at its approximately 9,500 company-operated stores in the United States. According to the company, Niccol will spend time in stores, at headquarters in Seattle and with Starbucks employees around the world.

Persons: Brian Niccol, “, ”, “ We’re, Niccol, Taco Bell, Dylan Buell Organizations: New, New York CNN, Starbucks, Getty Locations: New York, Chipotle, Mobile, United States, Newport Beach , California, Starbucks ’ Seattle, Seattle

☆ Walmart is taking dollar stores’ customers
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-04 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Dollar Tree also owns the long-struggling Family Dollar chain. While dollar stores once expanded to reach a growing number of financially strapped Americans, they underestimated just how financially strapped many Americans would become. “They missed the fact in tough times the consumer would be looking for consumables.”Meanwhile, Dollar Tree has been weighed down by its purchase of Family Dollar. Earlier this year, Dollar Tree announced that Family Dollar will close more than 900 stores, and it subsequently said it will explore a sale or spinoff of Family Dollar. In previous times of financial stress, Dollar General has seen middle-income and slightly more affluent households trade down into Dollar General to save money.

Persons: Michael Lasser, —, Todd Vasos, Vasos, Mike Creedon, aren’t, “ They’re, ” David D’Arezzo, “, ” Neil Saunders, ” Organizations: New, New York CNN, Walmart, UBS, Dollar General, Dollar, CNN, Target Locations: New York

☆ It’s never been harder to be Mister Softee
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-24 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Once, there were more than 2,000 Mister Softee trucks in 38 states during the company’s peak in the 1960s. Now, there are only around 630 Mister Softee trucks looping around neighborhoods and parks in 21 states. A Mister Softee truck during a spring training baseball game in Goodyear, Arizona, in 2013. A freshly made cup of Mister Softee ice cream is displayed during a bicycle safety event held in Evesham Township, New Jersey, in 2024. As goes the nation, so goes Mister SofteeThe Mister Softee business is a window into changes in neighborhoods, family sizes and children’s habits.

Persons: New York CNN — It’s, Softee, ” Mike Conway, Mister Softee, Mister, James, William Conway, John Sleezer, ” William Conway, Carlos Vazquez, Alexi Rosenfeld, Vazquez, ”, “, Chris Lachall, Graeme Pitkethly, Conway, They’re, ” Carlos Vazquez Organizations: New, New York CNN, Mister, CNN, Kansas City Star, Tribune, Service, Getty, USA, Unilever, Census Bureau Locations: New York, Runnemede , New Jersey, Philadelphia, United States, Goodyear , Arizona, New York City, Van Leeuwen, Maine, California, Evesham Township , New Jersey, Europe

☆ Harley-Davidson is dropping diversity initiatives after right-wing anti-DEI campaign
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-19 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Harley-Davidson said Monday that it’s ending diversity and other progressive initiatives at the company. Harley-Davidson is the latest major American brand to backtrack from DEI policies it had supported in recent years. Harley-Davidson faced pressure online from Robby Starbuck, a conservative activist who has successfully taken on DEI policies at several American companies. The company also said it would end its relationship with the Human Rights Campaign, a leading LGBTQ+ advocacy group. Harley-Davidson joins Tractor Supply and John Deere to backtrack on policies following pressure campaigns led by Starbuck.

Persons: John Deere, Harley, Davidson, Robby Starbuck, Starbuck, “, Harley Davidson, ” Starbuck, Elon Musk Organizations: New, New York CNN — Tractor, Harley, Wisconsin LBGT Chamber of Commerce, Human Rights, United, CNN, Tractor Supply Locations: New York, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

☆ Starbucks is struggling. So it hired fast food’s Mr. Fix-It
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-14 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Brandon Bell/Getty ImagesSo, starting next month, fast food’s fix-it man will work to turn around Starbucks as its new CEO, the company announced on Tuesday. Starbucks’ sales have fallen for two straight quarters. Mobile app and drive-thru orders make up more than 70% of Starbucks’ sales at its approximately 9,500 company-operated stores in the United States. Restaurant analysts say that Starbucks, which has historically done less television advertising than rivals, will use marketing to try to improve customers’ perceptions of Starbucks’ brand and prices. Niccol succeeded adding new menu items to Chipotle, and he will “enable Starbucks to better succeed with menu innovation,” says Charles.

Persons: Chipotle, Brian Niccol, Niccol, carne asada, pollo, Brandon Bell, ” RJ Hottovy, they’re, Bebeto Matthews, ”, Tom Cook, Casey, Mark Lennihan, Cowen, Andrew Charles, Charles Organizations: New, New York CNN, Taco Bell, Starbucks, Investors, CNN Locations: New York, Taco, Chipotle, Mobile, United States

☆ Home Depot issues a warning about the economy
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-13 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

New York CNN —Home Depot says consumers are feeling crummy about the economy, and they’re dishing out less to remodel their homes. The home improvement giant, a bellwether of consumer spending and the housing market, lowered its sales expectations for the year. It said customers were spending less on home improvement projects, pressured by higher interest rates and concerns that the economy is getting worse. Home Depot said Tuesday it expects sales at stores open at least 12 months to fall between 3% and 4% this year compared to last year. Still, Decker remained optimistic, saying “The underlying long-term fundamentals supporting home improvement demand are strong.”Home Depot’s (HD) stock fell nearly 5% in premarket trading.

Persons: they’re, Ted Decker, That’s, Decker Organizations: New, New York CNN, Depot Locations: New York

☆ Blink Fitness files for bankruptcy and may close some gyms
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-12 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Blink Fitness, the low-price gym chain with monthly memberships ranging from $15 to $45, filed for bankruptcy Monday and said it may close an unspecified number of its 101 clubs. Several major chains, including 24 Hour Fitness and Gold’s Gym, filed for bankruptcy. Blink’s bankruptcy shows the lingering impact of the pandemic on the fitness industry. “It’s a sign that this is an industry still going through growing pains post-Covid,” Rick Caro, the president of fitness industry consulting firm Management Vision, told CNN. The fitness industry faces other challenges, such as consumers cutting back on discretionary spending and the rise of GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss.

Persons: Blink, ” Rick Caro Organizations: New, New York CNN, Health & Fitness Association, Management Vision, CNN Locations: New York, New York , New Jersey , California, Texas

☆ Costco is cracking down on membership moochers
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-07 | by ( Erika Tulfo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Costco knows you’re using your friend’s membership card. To save you the embarrassment of telling you off when you’re in the checkout line, now Costco will try to catch membership moochers before they even get in the door. The retailer is implementing stricter policies and cracking down on non-members using other people’s cards by requiring shoppers to scan their membership cards to enter stores. Last year, the company began requiring shoppers to present their membership card and a photo ID to use the registers. It reported last year that it earned $4.6 billion in revenue from membership fees, an 8% increase from 2022.

Persons: Costco, ” Costco, CNN’s Elisabeth Buchwald, Samantha Delouya, Nathaniel Meyersohn Organizations: CNN, Costco, Canada – Locations: Canada

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