DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Working for Doordash and Grubhub increasingly feels like a 9-5. And that may be bad news for the companies.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-24 | by ( Alex Bitter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewOn weekends, a gig delivery worker in Utah takes out his phone and opens one of three apps to make some extra money as an independent contractor. However, the people doing the work say that things like performance metrics often eat into that flexibility. "It doesn't feel much like I'm on contract," the Utah gig worker told Business Insider. But metrics such as this are just one aspect of delivery gig work that workers say feels like a traditional job. Related storiesFor example, one Chicago delivery worker told BI that he avoids Grubhub due to the app's scheduling feature.

Persons: —, Uber, Grubhub doesn't, Instacart, DoorDash, they're, Grubhub, David Jacobs, Jacobs, there's Organizations: Service, Business, Costco, Walmart, US Department of Labor, Trump, Kogod School of Business, Wall Locations: Utah, Chicago, Seattle

☆ Gold bars just hit the $1 million mark, but that doesn't mean your Costco gold bars make you a millionaire
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-24 | by ( Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

But if you're among the group of Costco shoppers who bought gold bars from the retailer in recent months, don't celebrate your newfound fortune too soon. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. AdvertisementThe gold bars sold at Costco, however, are much smaller than the standard size, typically ranging in size from 20-500 grams. The Costco gold bars are smaller, yes, but they are also more affordable for buyers looking to spend less than $10,000 on metal instead of $1 million. Despite the skyrocketing price of gold, a Bank of America investment strategist told Markets Insider that investors should keep buying gold.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Business, Costco, Bank of America

☆ Magician Dan Chan shares how he grew his portfolio from $276,000 to over $1 million in under 8 years — without any tricks
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-24 | by ( James Faris | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

A magician rarely reveals his tricks, but in a recent interview, Chan told BI about his simple but unconventional investing strategy. From breathtaking magic to eye-popping returnsAfter missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Chan took a harder route to striking it rich. Around the same time he joined PayPal, he started performing magic shows. AdvertisementFast-forward a few decades to March 2020, when stay-at-home orders threatened to sideline Chan's business. How to invest like a magician — and the company he's nearly all-in onThere's no smoke and mirrors behind Chan's returns.

Persons: —, Dan Chan, Chan, Merrill Lynch, David Copperfield, David Blaine, Elon Musk, George Lucas, Paula Abdul, Green, he's, He's, Chan's, Chan doesn't, shouldn't, Jensen Huang, Jensen, I've, Mark Zuckerberg Organizations: Service, Business, PayPal, Costco, Nvidia, Facebook, Google, YouTube Locations: Bay, what's

JMP Securities upgraded Warby Parker to market outperform, calling for more than 40% upside. The financial firm upgraded shares of the streaming technology provider to buy from neutral. Analyst Michael Morris also established a 12-month price target of $75, which is approximately 21% higher than where shares closed on Thursday. Peloton stock is down 25% on the year. His price target of $20 implies upside of 44% from Thursday's close.

Persons: Warby Parker, Michael Morris, Morris, — Lisa Kailai Han, Wells, Wells Fargo, Edward Kelly, Kelly, BJ's, BJ, Lisa Kailai Han, Piper Sandler, Anna Andreeva, Andreeva, it's, Piper, Doug Anmuth, Anmuth, Nicholas Jones, Jones, Fred Imbert Organizations: CNBC, JMP Securities, JPMorgan, Guggenheim, BJ's, BJ's Wholesale, LT, Costco, CF Subs, Revenue, Warby, Warby Parker Inc Locations: ROKU, Chewy, Thursday's

☆ 3 data points that could impact how big of a Fed rate cut the market gets next month
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-13 | by ( Zev Fima | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Management blamed "higher interest rates and greater macroeconomic uncertainty" for pressuring consumer spending on home improvement projects. The recent data certainly supports the idea of a rate cut at the Fed's mid-September meeting. However, that's weeks away, we know things can turn on a dime in the data and the stock market. Lower rates can certainly impact the stock market — but when it comes to picking individual stocks, we remain focused on earnings. As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade.

Persons: Thursday's, Stanley Black, Decker, Stifel, bode, Russell, Jim Cramer's, Jim Cramer, Jim, Spencer Platt Organizations: Nasdaq, PPI, Management, Dow, Home Depot, Trade, Costco, Depot, CNBC, New York Stock Exchange, Getty Locations: U.S, New York City

☆ The era of freeloading is officially over
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-12 | by ( Allison Morrow | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

But thanks to the fine-tuning of the tech that Corporate America uses to police subscriptions, those freeloading days are over. Costco and Disney this month took a page from the Netflix playbook and announced they are cracking down on account sharers. Disney’s streaming business — Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ — only became profitable in the second quarter this year. Like Netflix, Costco is betting that you’re already emotionally invested in the routine and the satisfaction of getting a closet’s worth of toilet paper that can last the whole year. Last year, the store reported $4.6 billion in revenue from membership fees, and that accounts for the majority of its profit.

Persons: CNN Business ’, they’d, It’s Organizations: CNN Business, New York CNN, Thought Police, Costco, Netflix, America, Disney, Wall Street, Amazon, Apple, HBO, YouTube, Hulu, ESPN, Costco there’s Locations: New York

☆ Cramer points out current economic issues some companies are ignoring
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-12 | by ( Julie Coleman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

CNBC's Jim Cramer on Monday said a variety of companies, to their detriment, won't admit they're hurting due to certain ongoing economic trends. "If they'd just own up, I think they'd earn a lot of credibility for themselves, leading to higher stock prices down the line. Cramer pointed to Jack Daniels maker Brown-Forman , which missed estimates during its most recent quarter and is down about 23% year to date. Cramer also mentioned peer spirit company Diageo , which saw sales decline in its most recent quarter and is down more than 14% year to date. According to Cramer, few companies have lowered prices since they raised them during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Persons: CNBC's Jim Cramer, Cramer, Jack Daniels, Brown, Forman, they'll Organizations: Diageo, Costco, Walmart, Enterprise

☆ I've visited Costco every week for 2 years. Here's what I've learned that's helped me save hundreds of dollars.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-12 | by ( Kristen Markel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

These regular visits have given me a unique perspective on the store's operations: I've learned valuable tips that many Costco members might not know, which has helped me save hundreds of dollars. During my many trips, I've learned to look at tags for markdowns — especially in the home goods and electronics sections. Related storiesMembers can sign up to get emails about daily updates on discounts, but the monthly sales emails highlight the best deals. In my opinion, the best sales are in the emails with the month in the subject line, as they provide monthly deals. Mondays are often the best day to shop for dealsMost Costco sales end on Sundays, making Mondays the best day to shop for deals.

Persons: —, I've, markdowns, Kristen Markel, Kristen Markel I've, I'm Organizations: Service, Costco, Business, Shoppers

☆ I retired at 57 and moved to an RV. It wasn't my plan, but I wanted to be close to my grandchild.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-10 | by ( Chris Mott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

When I saw the smile on my wife's face holding Jena as a baby, I knew the plan would change. In 2022, we sold our house, bought an RV, and moved to Vancouver, Washington. Everyone has their own space so we can have boundariesWhen we are staying with the kids, we are in the RV. When you live in a multi-generational house, you're not a visiting grandparent; you're often acting as a parent. A couple of times in the winter, my wife will fly home for a week to spend time with Jena.

Persons: Jena, Minnie, We've, It's, You've, Gigi, Papa Organizations: Service, Business, Costco Locations: Jena, Vancouver , Washington

☆ My roommates and I share groceries. We all bulk shop for our apartment and save $300 a month.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-10 | by ( Cailey Griffin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

My roommates and I started sharing our bulk groceries around 2018, but my journey with sharing bulk groceries began even earlier. That experience really piqued my interest in implementing bulk grocery sharing in my own home. My last bulk grocery run was to Jewel-Osco . Since we began bulk shopping and sharing our groceries, we save around $260 to $300 a month. AdvertisementDepending on how much we save in a month, some of our bulk shopping money will go towards collective household bills.

Persons: René Morrell, we've, who's, Joe's, I'm, filet mignon, we'll Organizations: Service, School of, Art Institute of Chicago, Costco Locations: Chicago

☆ Insider Today: A shot to reverse aging
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-10 | by ( Joi-Marie Mckenzie | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

On the agenda:This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. AdvertisementVeronica Thatcher, who's worked at Costco for 18 years, told Business Insider she also spotted "Halloween- and harvest-themed decorative pillows" in the big-box store this month. According to eMarketer, Lowe's made Halloween merch available online on June 1 and it'll be available IRL on August 23. iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BIWealthy patient, healthy jointsIt's hard to slow down aging, but the wealthy are giving it their best shot, literally. More of this week's top reads:The Insider Today team: Jordan Parker Erb, editor, in New York.

Persons: —, I'm, Chelsea Jia Feng, you've, Veronica Thatcher, who's, Mike Booth, prepping, eMarketer, Lowe's, Taylor Rains, Insider's Taylor Rains, Beond, Rebecca Zisser, Bryan Johnson, — Johnson, Edward Berthelot, Burberry, Natalie Ammari, they've, Kit Harington, Oscar, Anthony Hopkins, Jordan Parker Erb, Dan DeFrancesco, Lisa Ryan, Amanda Yen Organizations: Service, Business, Retailers, Costco, CFVR, Home Depot, Burberry, US, HBO, Paramount, Showtime Locations: Alberta, Canada, Michaels, Italy, Maldives, Dubai, Bahamas, British, London, Nazi, New York, New York City

☆ Retailers are tricking consumers into spending more with earlier-than-ever Halloween rollout
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-09 | by ( Elisabeth Buchwald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

But all the excitement to get a jump start on Halloween comes as consumers are showing more signs of financial stress. Tricking consumers into treating themselves more“It’s clear that consumers have been interested in buying Halloween products earlier and earlier,” said Champine. Michaels said it started selling Halloween goods in June, the earliest the retailer has ever done so. The initial launch of Halloween goods at Michaels “has been consistently beating our internal expectations,” he added. By selling Halloween goods earlier, they’re likely hoping it’ll decrease the likelihood of having to discount, she added.

Persons: can’t, ”, Laura Champine, they’re, Joe Feldman, Michaels, ” John Gehre, Michaels “, ” Kelsey Robinson, Lance Allen, “, ” Allen, David Zalubowski, they’ve, they’ll, Champine, ” Lowe’s, Feldman Organizations: New, New York CNN, Disney, Walt Disney, Loop, Telsey Advisory, CNN, Costco, Consumer, McKinsey, Labor, Depot Locations: New York, Los Angeles, Sheridan , Colorado, Lowe’s

☆ Costco cracks down on sharing membership cards
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-08 | by ( Marlene Lenthang | Marlene Lenthang Is A Breaking News Reporter For Nbc News Digital. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

The retailer is cracking down on sharing membership cards with a new policy in which all cards will be scanned at store entrances. Guests without cards must be accompanied by a member to enter, making it harder to slip in on borrowed cards. Members with cards without photos will be asked to show valid photo ID, and they are encouraged to have their photos taken to add to their cards at the membership counter. Costco relies on membership fees to drive most of its revenue and help keep merchandise prices low. Last year, Costco stepped up enforcement by adding an extra check for memberships in self-checkout aisles to stop shoppers from using other members’ cards.

Organizations: Costco Locations: U.S

☆ 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

☆ Costco is leaning into its Netflix-style membership crackdown
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-07 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Costco says it's rolling out member ID scanners to local warehouses "over the coming months." The move extends Costco's Netflix-style crackdown on unauthorized membership sharing. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementIt's official: Costco ID scanners are here to stay, with more coming to warehouses across the US "over the coming months."

Persons: — Organizations: Costco, Netflix, Service, Business

☆ Avocado goldrush links U.S. companies with Mexico’s deforestation disaster
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +9 min

The U.S. lawsuits filed in DC Superior Court Monday shine a spotlight on the supply chains of some U.S. companies operating in the Mexican avocado industry. Reuters could not independently verify the accounts from the local residents or Climate Rights International’s findings. “They have even gone to destroy avocado orchards,” said Claudia Alejandra Sanchez, an activist for Michoacán’s Purepecha Indigenous people. Reuters reviewed copies of letters shared by Climate Rights International. Most of those companies have publicly pledged to adhere to sustainable supply chains in compliance with local laws.

Persons: Del, Richman, Mexico Ken Salazar, avocados, ”, Claudia Alejandra Sanchez, Michoacán’s, Guardian Forestal, ’ avocados, ” Daniel Wilkinson, Climate Rights International’s, Alejandro Mendez, Savas Melchor Gómez, deforest, Alfredo Ramírez, ” Ramirez Organizations: Reuters, U.S, Organic Consumers Association, Inc, Produce Inc, West Pak, DC, Rights, Climate Rights International, Richman Law, U.S . Department of Agriculture, Climate Rights, Residents, Foods, Costco, Guardian, Pak, Trade, “ Locations: Madero, Mexico’s, United States, Minnesota, U.S, West, Irvington, N.Y, Mexico, Washington, Michoacán, Jalisco

The S & P, Nasdaq and Dow also are on pace to snap three-session losing streaks Tuesday. Breaking through: The S & P 500 may be down about 1% the past two days, but that doesn't mean every stock is down. As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB.

Persons: Jim Cramer, Hugh Johnston, Bob Iger, Jim Cramer's, Jim Organizations: CNBC, Dow Jones, Nasdaq, Dow, Club, Nvidia, Meta, Broadcom, Costco, Disney, Devices, Dover, ABC, Netflix, CVS Health, Novo Nordisk, Emerson Electric, Jim Cramer's Charitable Locations: Eaton, Dover, U.S

☆ Costco, Starbucks, and other retailers double down on loyalty programs to win over thrifty Americans
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Dominick Reuter | Alex Bitter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

For companies like Costco, Starbucks, and Dicks Sporting Goods, which have robust and well-established loyalty programs, a common thread is that rewards members are the biggest spenders. "For price-conscious consumers, loyalty programs provide opportunities to spend more comfortably thanks to discounts and deals." And Dick's has said loyalty members who also use its fast-growing youth sport management software spend twice as much with the retailer than loyalty members who don't. Beauty store chain Ulta, which already has its Ultamate Rewards program, is testing a complimentary program that includes 42 mini-games, Glossy reported in May. Of course, effective loyalty programs aren't just about encouraging existing members to spend more, they also depend on getting more casual shoppers to sign up.

Persons: —, Jennifer King, Laxman Narasimhan, Dick's, Etsy, Harry Lawton, Lawton, aren't Organizations: Service, Business, Costco, Starbucks, Dicks Sporting Goods, Tractor Supply, Gold Star, Tractor Supply Company, Neighbor's Club, Target Locations: eMarketer

☆ With my Costco executive membership and store card, I earn enough rewards to pay for a whole shopping trip — here's how
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-04 | by ( Dawn Levitt | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

But even so, I think the pricier executive membership is 100% worth it for my family — especially when it's paired with the rewards from my Costco store credit card. Just remember that it's a credit card, and interest will be charged on any balance you carry over. Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesFor my family, our average $300 monthly trip earns us an annual $72 from executive-membership rebates and $72 in Costco credit card rewards. For example, last year, we bought a washer and dryer, tires for the car, and my laptop through our Costco membership. In total, we earned over $400 last year between our executive membership and Costco store credit card.

Persons: —, it's, Dawn Levitt There's, I'm, It's, Lindsey Nicholson Organizations: Service, Costco, Business, Citi, Shipping, Getty

☆ Wall Street will look for signs of what's next for the market after a rocky start to August
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Sarah Min | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The S & P 500 ended the week down by 2%. As of Friday, the Nasdaq Composite was more than 10% below its recent high, while the S & P 500 was down by 5.7%. Markets were last pricing in a 71% chance of a half percentage point rate cut in September, up from 22% on Thursday, according to the CME FedWatch Tool . Brands , Fidelity National Information Services , Uber Technologies , Marathon Petroleum , Caterpillar Wednesday Aug. 7 3 p.m. Consumer Credit (June) Earnings: Costco Wholesale , Warner Bros. Discovery , Occidental Petroleum , Ralph Lauren , CVS Health , Hilton Worldwide Holdings , Walt Disney Company Thursday Aug. 8 8:30 a.m.

Persons: Stocks, payrolls, Bill Hornbarger, Benjamin F, Edwards, Russell, Claudia Sahm, selloff, Michael Kantrowitz, Piper Sandler, Kantrowitz, Jan Hatzius, Goldman Sachs, Hatzius, CNBC's, Eli Lilly, Ralph Lauren, Martin Marietta Organizations: Nasdaq, Treasury, Investors, Federal Reserve, Walt Disney Company, Caterpillar, Costco, Micro Computer, PMI, PMI Services, Services PMI, Simon Property Group, Diamondback Energy, Tyson Foods, Devon Energy, Airbnb, Wynn Resorts, TransDigm, Brands, Fidelity National Information Services, Uber Technologies, Marathon Petroleum, Consumer Credit, Costco Wholesale, Warner Bros, Discovery, Occidental Petroleum, CVS Health, Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Gilead Sciences, Akamai Technologies, News Corp, Paramount Global, Expedia, Martin, Martin Marietta Materials Locations: Fortinet, Devon

☆ I pay for Costco's $120 executive membership. Here are 6 things I buy to host the best parties and dinners.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Jill Robbins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

With my executive membership, I get all my essentials for hosting parties at Costco. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! AdvertisementI usually shop for my family of four at Costco, but I especially love visiting the retailer when I want to throw a great party. My executive membership costs me $120 a year (it will soon be $130) and is worth every penny. But Costco really shines when I'm entertaining, whether I'm hosting a birthday party, family barbecue, or elevated brunch.

Persons: — Organizations: Costco, Service, Business

☆ A Costco trucker in Atlanta shares the best part about driving for the wholesale club
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-01 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewThis as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with a Costco truck driver in Atlanta, who has requested anonymity as they are not authorized to speak with the media. The worker has shared employment details with Business Insider to verify their identity. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. AdvertisementThe job requires a commercial driver's license and Costco usually wants to see three years of experience working for another reputable company. Responses will be kept confidential, and Business Insider strongly recommends using a personal email and a non-work device when reaching out.

Persons: —, it's, we're, I'm, Dominick Organizations: Service, Costco, FedEx, Business Locations: Atlanta, Atlanta , Georgia, Montgomery , Alabama, Montgomery, Hoover , Alabama, Greenville , South Carolina

☆ I've gone on cruises for as little as $60 a day. Here are my 6 secrets to finding last-minute travel deals.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( Peggy Cleveland | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Holland America Line has its standby program, where travelers can sign up for last-minute cruises for as little as $99 a day. AdvertisementDoing so helps me get great deals — I've gone on new ships for cheap and cruises that cost as little as $60 a day. Here are my secrets to finding great last-minute prices on cruises. Sign up for a cruise line's loyalty programThe more you sail, the more perks you get. I've seen a lot of people share great deals they've found and tips for scoring discounts.

Persons: —, — I've, I've, Peggy Cleveland Last, Peggy Cleveland, they've, Alaska didn't Organizations: Service, Holland America, Business, Disney, Alaska itineraries, Facebook, Costco, AARP Locations: Port, Seattle, Alaska, East Coast, Port Canaveral, Florida, Holland America, Holland

☆ Americans aren't spending like they used to, and it's forcing a reckoning for companies from Starbucks to Whirlpool
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( Alex Bitter | Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Read previewShoppers are slowing down spending on everything from burgers to dishwashers, and that's bad news for a growing number of companies. While inflation has since cooled, Americans are still stuck with higher prices for many of the things they buy. Shoppers are slowing down food spending — even at grocery storesThe spending slowdown has hit restaurant chains, which have launched new deals to get customers in the door. Over the past two years, income growth has helped consumer spending beat expectations, Jefferies analyst Corey Tarlowe said in a note on Monday. One bright spot in consumer spending: Cruises, which are seeing record demand.

Persons: —, McDonald's, Burger, Taco, Jefferies, ETIENNE LAURENT, Laxman Narasimhan, It's, Dirk Van de, Van de, Andrew M, Watterson, Michael Liersch, Wells, Corey Tarlowe, Horacio Villalobos, dreuter@businessinsider.com Organizations: Service, PepsiCo, UPS, Business, Shoppers, Burger King, Taco Bell, Starbucks, Getty, Walmart, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Unilever, Whirlpool, Airlines, Jefferies, Costco Locations: Pellegrino, North America

☆ I shop at Costco for myself. Here are 9 things I buy to make in my air fryer.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-30 | by ( Mackenzie Rhyason | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

As a single person who doesn't love cooking, I'm always looking for easy meals. Costco has plenty of quick food options I can prepare in the air fryer. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Costco is a lifesaver because it has a variety of choices and portions that work for a single person with limited fridge and freezer space. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: fryer, —, I'm Organizations: Costco, Service, Business

Search resuls for: "costco"

25 mentions found