DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ How Pinterest became a secret weapon for a social-media marketer and boosted her revenue by $30,000 a month
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-08 | by ( Shriya Bhattacharya | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

That's what 23-year-old Kenda Laney thinks of when she reflects on the start of her career in social media. When Laney was later asked if she could look into Pinterest, which she only used for fun, she was intrigued. In July, about $29,000 of the $109,000 in revenue she made from these purchases was driven by Pinterest. AdvertisementFor creators who want to start using Pinterest, Laney advises them to do their due diligence on search-engine optimization, or SEO, for their content niche. "Hyperfocus on how your content is an answer to someone's question rather than just describing what your content is," Laney said.

Persons: Kenda Laney, Laney, Laney Media's, Pinterest Organizations: Service, Business, Laney Media, Pinterest Locations: Colorado

☆ Eli Lilly's second quarter eases Zepbound pricing fears and suggests it's making headway in weight loss race
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-08 | by ( Christina Cheddar Berk | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Lilly's shares are up more than 7% on the news. LLY YTD mountain Eli Lilly shares year to date. The first followed positive reports from rivals that showed they were making progress in developing their own weight loss drugs . However, sales rose 59% for Mounjaro quarter over quarter and were up 140% for Zepbound as Lilly saw better pricing. Meanwhile, analysts see several events on the horizon that could further boost Lilly's shares in coming months.

Persons: Eli Lilly, Bansal, Lilly, Carter Gould, Lilly's headwinds, Novo's, Wells Fargo's Bansal, Evan David Seigerman, Chris Schott, Schott, Lilly's Organizations: Novo Nordisk, Wells, Barclays, Nordisk, BMO Capital Markets, Food and Drug Administration Locations: Wells Fargo, Lilly's, Wednesday's

☆ E.l.f. Beauty sales jump 50% on gains in color cosmetics and skin care, launch of Bronzing Drops serum
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-08 | by ( Gabrielle Fonrouge | In Gabrielle-Fonrouge | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

The company's sales soared to $324.5 million in its fiscal first quarter, leading it to raise its full-year guidance. He added that its Bronzing Drops serum quickly became a best seller on the company's website after its launch during the quarter. Following quarter after quarter of outsized growth, Wall Street has come to expect a lot from E.l.f. The company now anticipates its adjusted net income will be between $198 million and $201 million, compared with a previous outlook of between $187 million and $191 million. During the quarter, selling, general and administrative expenses increased by roughly $88.6 million to $180.6 million, representing 56% of net sales.

Persons: Tarang Amin, E.l.f, Mandy Fields, Fields, I'm, we're, Amin, we've, Gen Z, We'll, Gabby Douglas, Anastasia, Tas, Jameela Jamil Organizations: CNBC, LSEG, Alpha Locations: E.l.f

☆ The Global Alliance for Responsible Media is 'discontinuing' after Elon Musk's X filed an antitrust lawsuit against it
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-08 | by ( Lara O'Reilly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewThe advertising trade group The World Federation of Advertisers told its members on Thursday that it was "discontinuing" activities for its Global Alliance for Responsible Media initiative following an antitrust lawsuit filed by Elon Musk's X against the company earlier this week. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. AdvertisementRepresentatives for the WFA and GARM didn't immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider. The platform's lawsuit alleged that after Musk acquired Twitter in 2022, GARM persuaded top brands not to advertise on it. The Committee has been investigating whether GARM members illegally colluded to demonetize conservative platforms and voices.

Persons: —, Elon Musk's, Stephan Loerke, Loerke, GARM, colluded, Ørsted, GARM didn't, Linda Yaccarino, wasn't, Musk, Jim Jordan, Russell Dye, Rumble, X didn't Organizations: Service, Federation, Global Alliance, Responsible Media, WFA, Business, Twitter, Unilever, Mars, CVS, WPP Locations: Texas, US, Ohio

In the court document filed Monday, Sheil denied allegations of copyright infringement made in Gifford’s lawsuit. In her lawsuit, Gifford alleges that Sheil had blocked her on Instagram and TikTok in January 2023 after the two met for a photo shoot collaboration. In her lawsuit, Gifford listed multiple examples of Sheil’s posts that she argues are similar to her own and shared screenshots of the examples as exhibits. “Neutral colors have been in for some time,” Sheil’s attorneys argue, citing Chip and Joanna Gaines’ HGTV programs and celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, who tap into the same aesthetic. Gifford’s lawsuit also noted that the creators use Amazon Storefront, which creators often use as a one-stop shop for their followers to browse their product recommendations.

Persons: Alyssa Sheil, Sydney Nicole Gifford, Sheil, “ Sheil, Gifford, ”, ’, “, Chip, Joanna Gaines, Hailey Bieber, Gifford —, Sheil “, ” Gifford, Sheil’s, Kim Kardashian Organizations: Monday, U.S, Western, Western District of, NBC News, HGTV, Amazon Associates, NBC, “ Locations: Texas, Western District, Western District of Texas, TikTok, “ People

☆ The 2 biggest mistakes people make when cutting down on ultra-processed foods, according to dietitian who wrote a book on the topic
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-07 | by ( Rachel Hosie | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Go to newsletter preferencesSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewOver the past few years, ultra-processed foods have been the subject of myriad new stories, Instagram posts, and dinner party conversations. There's a lot to consider when choosing food, Ludlam-Raine said. AdvertisementNot enjoying a slice of birthday cake with family and friends once in a while could be more damaging than having it, because social interactions are a big part of health, Ludlam-Raine said. For this reason, she advises people to strive for an 80% whole food diet and then not worry about eating 20% UPF.

Persons: —, Ludlam, Raine, it's, UPFs, UPF Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Ludlam

☆ Thieves are still targeting Hyundai and Kia cars but new software is stopping them
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-07 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The cars in question are certain older Hyundai and Kia models made before 2023 that are particularly vulnerable to theft. So far, more than 2 million Hyundai and Kia vehicles have gotten the update, according to the automakers. By now, around 61% of eligible Hyundai vehicles have the software upgrade, a Hyundai spokesperson said. That said, not all of the vulnerable Hyundai and Kia models have the proper hardware to enable the software upgrade. For those vehicles that can’t get the software, Hyundai and Kia have been providing steering wheel locks.

Persons: ” Matt Moore, Kia —, South Korea —, Moore, Tok, ”, “ Organizations: CNN, Hyundai, Kia, Data Locations: South Korea

☆ Taco Bell is giving customers exactly what they want right now: cheap fast food
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-07 | by ( Nora Redmond | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Taco Bell is one of the rare bright spots in the fast food industry right now. Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementTaco Bell has been going all in on value, and it's paying off. Taco Bell has been winning over customers with value meals as fast food prices have soared in recent years, putting some diners off.

Persons: Taco Bell, — Organizations: Brands, Service, Yum ! Brands, KFC, Business

☆ Why 'wardrobing' retail fraud soars in the summer
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-07 | by ( Lori Ann Larocco | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

A particular type of retail fraud soars during the summer season. Scot Case, executive director of the Center for Retail Sustainability at the National Retail Federation, said wardrobing can drive up costs and waste for retailers if the product can no longer be resold. "As companies build and integrate take back programs to repair and resell used items, returns take on a new role, fueling a new circular market." The average value of a returned item for Optoro's customers is $85. The highest item value reported as returned in the survey was $200.

Persons: Amena Ali, Optoro, Ali, TJ Maxx, coverup, Scot Case, Stephen Lamar, Lamar, Stephen Lamar's Organizations: CNBC, Center for Retail Sustainability, National Retail Federation, Eagle Outfitters, American Apparel and Footwear Association Locations: recommerce

☆ No sign of U.S. recession in freight demand, CEO of shipping giant Maersk says
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-07 | by ( Jenni Reid | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Shipping giant Maersk, considered a barometer for global trade, is not seeing signs of a U.S. recession as freight demand remains robust, the company's chief executive said Wednesday. "We've seen in the last couple of years, actually, [the shipping container] market remaining surprisingly resilient to all the fear of recessions that there has been," Vincent Clerc told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" Wednesday, adding that container demand was generally a good indicator of underlying macroeconomic strength. The last week has seen a sudden escalation in worries about a recession in the world's biggest economy, the U.S., following a set of weaker-than-expected jobs data which has divided economists and market participants. U.S. retail trade inventories — a measure of unwanted build — in May were up 5.33% from a year ago at $793.86 billion, according to the most recent release from the U.S. Census Bureau. A report released by leasing platform Container xChange on Wednesday said indicators suggest inventories are higher than demand, meaning a less "prosperous time" in the coming months for container traders, the logistics market and retailers who stockpiled.

Persons: We've, Vincent Clerc, CNBC's, Clerc Organizations: Shipping, Maersk, U.S . Census Locations: U.S

☆ He won gold for the Philippines. Then the gifts started pouring in — including a $600,000 condo and a lifetime supply of ramen.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-07 | by ( Erin Liam | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

These freebies are in addition to the Philippine House of Representatives' cash incentive of 3 million Philippine pesos granted to all gold medalists. In the US, gold medalists take home $37,500. Hong Kong — which offers the highest bonus — awards 6 million Hong Kong dollars, or about $768,000, to its gold medalists, per CNBC. AdvertisementCorrection: August 7, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misdescribed Hong Kong. It's 6 million Hong Kong dollars, not 600,000 Hong Kong dollars.

Persons: —, Carlos Yulo, freebies, Yulo, Megaworld, Virgil Lo, Bucket, Marcus Luer, Luer, James Crane, Buchwald, Joseph Schooling, Nestlé's Milo, Yakult, Hugo Boss, it's Organizations: Service, Olympics, Paris, McKinley, Business, Apollo Home Depot, Philippine, Hong, CNBC, Total Sports Asia, Olympic Games Locations: Megaworld, Taguig, Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines, China

☆ How ‘special forces travelers’ are making – and then breaking – Chinese tourism destinations
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Chris Lau | Hassan Tayir | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

The previously nondescript city in the eastern Chinese province of Shandong became one of China’s hottest spots for domestic tourism last year thanks to its affordable and juicy skewered meat. They’re known as “special forces travelers” because, like soldiers, they move from one checkpoint to another under incredibly tight schedules, often over weekends or short holidays. For the first half of this year, 29.22 million foreign nationals entered and exited, according to the latest figures. But the flash-mob-style approach of “special forces travelers” – switching from one community to the next – has called into question whether that type of domestic tourism is sustainable in the long term. Pan Wenbo, also from Beijing, said his favorite spots included Xi’an, home of the Terracotta Warriors, and Datong, a northern Chinese city known for ancient Buddhist architecture - both offering more affordable accommodation and food.

Persons: ” Zibo, Cici Li Yuetong, “, ”, Li, ” Li, Pan Wenbo, Jiumei, Yang ”, Yang, Mimi Li Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, National Immigration Administration, University, Cici, Warriors, China News Service, CNN, Labor, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Locations: Hong Kong, Zibo, Shandong, Beijing, China, Datong, Gansu, Tianshui City, Gansu Province, Weibo, Hong

☆ Yum Brands reports mixed results as Pizza Hut and KFC same-store sales fall
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A sign is posted in front of a Taco Bell restaurant on May 01, 2024 in Richmond, California. Yum Brands on Tuesday reported a mixed quarter as both Pizza Hut and KFC reported declining same-store sales. Yum's same-store sales fell 1% in the quarter as both Pizza Hut and KFC reported same-store sales declines of 3%. And although the chicken chain's system sales picked up this quarter in China, its largest market, KFC's overall international same-store sales fell 3%. Pizza Hut's U.S. same-store sales decreased 1%, while its international same-store sales declined 4%.

Persons: Yum, Taco Bell Organizations: Taco Bell, Yum Brands, KFC, LSEG Locations: Richmond , California, U.S, China

☆ Elon Musk's X has lost tons of advertisers. The platform's solution is to sue them.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Grace Eliza Goodwin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

X is suing a group of advertisers, alleging they violated antitrust law. Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. 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 . AdvertisementElon Musk's X is suing a group of advertisers, alleging that they violated antitrust laws by ganging up on the social media company in an advertising boycott.

Persons: Linda Yaccarino, —, Elon, ganging Organizations: Service, Global Alliance, Responsible Media, World Federation, CVS Health, Unilever, Business

☆ X, Owned by Elon Musk, Brings Antitrust Suit Accusing Advertisers of a Boycott
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Kate Conger | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

X filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the Global Alliance for Responsible Media, a coalition of major advertisers, claiming that it had violated antitrust laws by coordinating with brands to dissuade them from spending money on the social media platform. “The illegal behavior of these organizations and their executives cost X billions of dollars,” wrote Linda Yaccarino, X’s chief executive, in an open letter to advertisers. “People are hurt when the marketplace of ideas is undermined and some viewpoints are not funded over others as part of an illegal boycott.”With the lawsuit, X effectively declared war on advertisers, which provide the bulk of the social media company’s revenue. Since Mr. Musk acquired the company and promised to usher in a new era of unfettered free speech, many advertisers have limited their spending on X, concerned by reports of rising hate speech and misinformation there. By pursuing legal action against GARM, Mr. Musk continued to break with the leaders of other social media companies, who have forged close relationships with advertisers and been responsive to their concerns about offensive online content.

Persons: X, “, Elon, ”, Linda Yaccarino, Musk Organizations: Global Alliance, Responsible Media, CVS, Unilever, Mars, “, ”, GARM Locations: Texas, Danish, Elon Musk’s

☆ Tech had a rough day. But don’t call it a dot-com meltdown moment yet
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Clare Duffy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

On Monday afternoon, a federal judge ruled that Google violated US antitrust law with its search business. And despite yesterday’s decline, which already appears to have begun reversing, shares of Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Google and Nvidia all remain up strongly year-to-date. Anything that threatens its market share could also put that core business — already facing competitive threats from emerging AI tools — at risk. It could also embolden lawmakers who have been looking to crack down further on the power of Big Tech. “This ruling will inspire short-term confidence for DuckDuckGo, Yahoo and other Google Search competitors.

Persons: New York CNN — It’s, “, Charlie Miner, ” Miner, Angelo Zino, ” Zino, they’re, it’s, ” Sen, Amy Klobuchar, ” Organizations: New, New York CNN, P Global, Investors, Google, US Federal Reserve, Big Tech, CNN, Research, Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Nvidia, Tech, Yahoo Locations: New York, Google’s

☆ Elon Musk’s X sues ad industry group over alleged advertising ‘boycott’
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Clare Duffy | Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Elon Musk’s X has accused a group of major advertisers of antitrust violations in a new lawsuit claiming the group conspired to “boycott” advertising on the platform. The lawsuit claims an influential ad industry group organized “to collectively withhold billions of dollars in advertising from Twitter” because the group was concerned that the platform had deviated from brand safety standards after Musk’s acquisition in late 2022. The lawsuit is the latest effort by X to revive its core ad business, which has tanked since Musk’s takeover. It’s not the first time X has filed a lawsuit related to its declining ad business. The suit accuses Media Matters of distorting how likely it is for ads to appear beside extremist content on X.

Persons: New York CNN — Elon Musk’s, Ørsted —, Musk, ”, Linda Yaccarino, “, ” GARM, GARM, It’s, X, CCDH, Angelo Carusone Organizations: New, New York CNN, Twitter, Global Alliance, Responsible Media, World Federation, CVS, Unilever, Mars, “, Center, Media Locations: New York, Danish, Texas

☆ Taco Bell could hold the secret formula for bringing customers back to fast food
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Fast food giant Yum Brands is going all in on value — but only Taco Bell is performing well enough to immediately bring back inflation-weary customers. But Gibbs said Taco Bell is outperforming its rivals in the fast food industry. “I think we’re really seeing Taco Bell stand out from the crowd,” he said to investors. Of the three, only Taco Bell’s US same-store sales grew in the second quarter of 2024, at 5%. The earnings call highlighted how fast food and fast casual chains are struggling to retain customers who believe it is cheaper to just eat at home.

Persons: Taco Bell, David Gibbs, Gibbs, ”, Chipotle, Taco, ” Gibbs, YUM, Chris Turner, Burger, Bell, Lawrence Kim, Yum, CNN’s Clare Duffy Organizations: New, New York CNN, Yum Brands, KFC, Taco, ! Brands, CNN Locations: New York, East, Malaysia, Indonesia, Israel

☆ Gen Z boys are using hard gum to try and chisel their jawlines—dentists say it may do 'more harm than good'
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Renée Onque | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

In fact, the desire to look and feel older has always existed among teenagers, including young men. Most recently Gen Z boys have gravitated to a unique new trend. If you search "facial fitness chewing gum" on TikTok, you'll see dozens of videos of young men — from late teens to early 20s — chewing gum that touts one eyebrow-raising benefit: developing a chiseled jawline. Many of the young men in the videos claim they chew the rock-hard gum for 10 minutes every single day. Brands like Jawliner, Jawz Gum and Stronger Gum sell these "facial-fitness gums" that they claim can help create a more defined jawline.

Persons: —, Curology, Tyrone Rodriguez, Rodriguez Organizations: Brands, American Dental Association

☆ The internet's love affair with YouTube's biggest star is showing cracks
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Amanda Perelli | Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

YouTube's biggest creator has been embroiled in a string of recent controversies. Donaldson, 26, has generally avoided the controversies that have felled some of his peers during his 12 years online. AdvertisementBut recently, that's begun to change, with fans and video participants speaking out against the star. "It's going to be a mess," said one Amazon insider, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the show. Beyond these new controversies, Donaldson has faced further criticism for an old video clip of him making racist and homophobic comments that has recirculated on social media.

Persons: Jimmy Donaldson, . Donaldson, that's, Donaldson, TikTok, Lauren Anderson, Ava Tyson, Tyson, I've, Ava, Jimmy Organizations: Service, YouTube, Business, New York Times, Beast, Amazon, Amazon Prime, AP News, Amazon MGM Studios, MGM Locations: Toronto

☆ CNET Sold to Ziff Davis in Sign of Possible Media Deals to Come
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Benjamin Mullin | More About Benjamin Mullin | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Mr. Shah led a buyout of Ziff Davis, a century-old magazine publisher whose titles chronicled the early tech boom, in 2010. The company was then acquired by J2 Global, which Mr. Shah eventually split into two pieces. One company, Ziff Davis, kept well-known publishing brands like Mashable, and the other kept a fax provider called eFax. But Mr. Shah said that he believed additional deals like the one for CNET would increase its profits. Mr. Shah said he decided to acquire CNET partly because it is well-known industry brand, and its sizable audience will give Ziff Davis greater clout with advertisers looking to reach tech consumers.

Persons: Shah, Ziff Davis, Ziff Davis’s Organizations: J2 Global, Mashable, CNET, CBS, Red Ventures

☆ I visited Abercrombie & Fitch for the first time in years. The brand is back from the dead, but its menswear may not be.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-05 | by ( Gianluca Russo | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I visited Abercrombie & Fitch to see if the brand is living up to its recent hype. The brand has been revived, in part, by millennial nostalgia, but I don't feel a connection to it. 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 . This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: Fitch, —, millennials Organizations: Abercrombie, Service, Business

☆ This small business founder won't sell on Amazon. Here's what she does instead.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-05 | by ( Alex Bitter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Many emerging brands sell and advertise on Amazon to boost sales and attract new customers. But Kate Assaraf, founder of hair care brand Dip, says she has no plans to take that path. She's one of a chorus of small business owners who find selling on Amazon challenging. Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. But Kate Assaraf, the founder of hair care brand Dip, said she's resolved not to sell her products there.

Persons: Kate Assaraf, —, she's Organizations: Service, Business

☆ I'm an Airbnb Superhost who's had over 400 guests. Here are 5 things I wish visitors knew before checking in.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-05 | by ( Katie Cline | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Although not all hosts are like me, here's what I wish people knew before staying at my Airbnbs. AdvertisementIt's really helpful when you tell me why you're comingI like to know why guests are staying at my Airbnbs. Emily ElizabethBooking an Airbnb can feel like going on a first date … but with a house. When I know who's staying at my Airbnb, I'm better able to curate my recommendations. Give me a five-star review or no review at allIt's not great when guests leave Airbnb reviews that are less than five stars.

Persons: —, I've, Gallant Fox, Emily Elizabeth, it's, I'm, Shandi Marie, Emily Elizabeth Think, Merriam Organizations: Service, Business, Saratoga, Webster Locations: New York, Lake George, Saratoga Springs, Bolton

☆ 19-year-old friends run a six-figure business cleaning barbecues. How they started with $400 and scaled to 20 employees.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-04 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Buying a car, notching his first five-figure month, and partnering with a friend to bring the business onlineAfter a year of school, Shaidle restarted his cleaning business in June 2022. AdvertisementAran Giffen joined the Shaidle Cleaning team in 2023. He and Giffen spent their second year at university planning for what they expected to be a busy 2024 season for Shaidle Cleaning. Shaidle Cleaning is completely student-operated. Giffen, who's on a full university scholarship for accounting, isn't technically under contract as a Shaidle Cleaning employee.

Persons: Jacob Shaidle, Shaidle, —, that's, Aran Giffen, He'd, didn't, Jake, Giffen, they've, you've, who's, I'd Organizations: Service, Business, Home, University of British, UBC, Hamilton Spectator, Shaidle Locations: Hamilton, Canadian, Ontario, University of British Columbia, Canada

Search resuls for: "Brands"

25 mentions found