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☆ Menstrual product makers form coalition to reimburse ‘tampon tax’ to shoppers
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Texas became the latest state to repeal tax on period products by passing a bill that went into effect September 1, 2023. So the idea of a tampon tax is kind of a misnomer,” said Loughead. The sales tax on period products is only one part of a multi-faceted challenge for consumers who need them, advocacy groups said. “The end goal Is that we take down the tampon tax. When I started this work, the tampon tax was in 40 states and now it’s in 21.

Persons: Cora, Lola, Rael, Flo, Saalt, ”, Nadya Okamoto, Okamoto, “, ” Okamoto, Katherine Loughead, ” Loughead, Troy Moore, Moore, It’s Organizations: New, New York CNN, Coalition, Paypal, CVS, Target, Tax Foundation, Washington DC, National, Bank Locations: New York, Texas, Target, Washington, United States

☆ Crocs just got a whole lot weirder by going western
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: 1 min

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☆ With Ozempic on the rise, food companies develop a plan
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

“If they switch to different types of nutrients … we switch to different types of nutrients,” he said. Drugs like Ozempic could change how people eat, affecting food sellers. Big food companies are constantly evolving their products to adapt to consumer trends. And with wellness top of mind for many — not just people taking semaglutide drugs — companies have already tweaked their products in an effort to appeal to health-conscious consumers. “And then what is the churn rate?” To adapt to a possible shift, companies should be “planning for different scenarios,” she said.

Persons: Sean Connolly, “, ” Connolly, ” Conagra, Duncan Hines, Marie Callender’s, Jaap Arriens, ”, Bernstein, Alexia Howard, ” Howard, John Furner, Morgan Stanley, Pamela Kaufman, Ding Dongs, Mark Smucker, Jody Dushay, “ Dieticians, Deidre McPhillips Organizations: New, New York CNN, Wall Street, Healthy, PepsiCo, Coca, Walmart, Bloomberg, CNN, Companies, Brands, Harvard Medical School Locations: New York

☆ Abercrombie & Fitch says it is 'appalled' by allegations against former CEO Mike Jeffries
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —Abercrombie & Fitch says it has launched its own investigation into allegations originally published by the BBC that the company’s former CEO, Mike Jeffries, exploited men for sex. “We are appalled and disgusted by the behavior described in the allegations against Mr. Jeffries, whose employment with Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ended in 2014, nearly ten years ago. At least some of the parties are alleged to have occurred while Jeffries was the CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch. Jeffries’ attorney, Brian Bieber, provided a response to CNN to the BBC report, saying that “Michael is 79 years old and retired. In years past, he has chosen not to comment on media reports, documentaries, and stories of any kind as they relate to his personal life - and does not plan on doing so now.”Mike Jeffries, former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO, photographed in November 2005.

Persons: Fitch, Mike Jeffries, Jeffries, “, Matthew Smith ., Jeffries ’, Brian Bieber, Michael, ” Mike Jeffries, Michael Loccisano, ”, – Organizations: New, New York CNN, Abercrombie, BBC, Abercrombie & Fitch Co, CNN, Abercrombie & Fitch, Fitch, Brothers Laundry Service, The New York Times, & $ Locations: New York, Black

☆ Residents alarmed as shoplifting incidents trigger store departures: ‘As a community we can’t allow this to continue’
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

“Having Target here helped revitalize East Harlem with hundreds of new jobs, customers and more services to our area. Courtesy Lou MartinsThe retail industry said it is grappling with a particular type of store theft that is more dangerous than petty shoplifting, called “organized retail crime” or ORC. The East River Plaza shopping center in New York City's East Harlem neighborhood. “The East Harlem store could have been doing very high volume in sales but still losing money because of theft,” Cohen said. The Target store in NYC's East Harlem is set to close in October.

Persons: Lou Martins, “ I’ve, ”, Martins, Maria Gonzalez Arrieta, “ We’ve, ” Lou Martins, Alex Abreu, Abreu, “, ” Abreu, it’s, We’ve, Tom Wickman, ” Wickman, “ Abuelitas, ” Xavier Santiago, Santiago Xavier, Santiago, I’ve, Mark Cohen, ” Cohen, Venkatesh Shankar, ” Shankar, Fatih Aktas, Ted Wheeler, ” – CNN’s Matt Egan Organizations: New, New York CNN, Costco, 118th, Target, eBay, Facebook, ”, East Harlem, Blumfeld, The New York Times, New York Police, Walgreens, Business, US Chamber of Commerce, “, Commerce, Community Board, East, Community, Columbia, Texas, Mays Business School, Anadolu Agency, Blumenfeld, CNN, Portland Police Bureau Locations: New York, Manhattan —, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, Target, Plaza, Harlem, Aldi, Burlington, Pleasant Avenue, East Harlem, NYC's East Harlem, River, Portland

☆ Target citing crime for closing stores shows retailers are fighting an uphill battle
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Industry experts say even a small increase in crime can have massive, cascading effects that cause retailers to close stores. And stolen items can have an outsized impact on store profitability, considering the razor thin profit margins many large retailers typically operate at. “Increasing store crime is another variable in play right now for retailers,” said Zak Stambor, senior retail & ecommerce analyst with Insider Intelligence. Organized retail crimeAt issue is a particular type of store theft that loss prevention experts classify as “organized retail crime” or ORC. Last month, Dick’s Sporting Goods warned that retail theft was damaging its business and would lead to lower annual profits.

Persons: New York CNN —, ”, Burt Flickinger, Zak Stambor, Jane Roh, Shawn Kelly, TJ, they’re, Read Hayes, criminologist, ” Stambor, Hayes, “ Organizations: New, New York CNN, Strategic Resource, Insider Intelligence, eBay, Facebook, Pennsylvania Liquor Control, Police, CNN, Philadelphia, Attorney’s Office, “, GS, Cheltenham Plaza, Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, Dick’s Sporting Goods, TJX Companies, TJ Maxx, Goods, Nordstrom, Foods, University of Florida, Prevention Research Council, Walmart, Target, National Retail Federation, ”, Walgreens Locations: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Cheltenham, Wyncote, Montgomery County, San Francisco

☆ AI deals give investment banks a glimmer of hope
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( Nicole Goodkind | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

About a third of all M&A deals in the first half of 2023 were technology deals, and a lot of that was related to AI, said Berlin. The success of these deals mean more M&A is likely on the horizon, said Dan Ives, a tech analyst at Wedbush. Costco members now have access to $29 online health care visitsCostco is known for its giant tubs of mac and cheese, cheap hotdogs and more-for-less warehouse deals. The retailer is offering the new service in partnership with Sesame, a direct-to-consumer health care marketplace that connects medical providers nationwide with consumers. Costco is among several retailers, including Amazon, CVS and Walgreens, who are directly providing health care to customers as the demand booms for urgent care access outside of a traditional hospital setting.

Persons: CNN —, Goldman Sachs, Goldman, ” Goldman, David Solomon, Instacart’s, ”, Mitch Berlin, “ You’re, Dan Ives, ” Ives, Taavon Naja, Ramishah Maruf, Parija Kavilanz, Sesame Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, CNN, Wall, Companies, Renaissance, Nasdaq, Cisco, Wedbush, of Foreign, Control, Costco, Costco Pharmacy’s, Amazon, CVS, Walgreens Locations: Americas, Berlin, Iran, Switzerland, United States, PFAS, New York

New York CNN —Target is closing nine stores across four states, claiming theft and organized retail crime are creating an unsustainable business environment. “We cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance,” Target said in a release. The retailer said it had added more security and implemented other anti-theft tools before deciding to close the stores. Affected employees will be able to transfer to other Target locations. Battle against theftTarget’s announcement comes on the same day that the National Retail Federation released new figures on the state of retail theft.

Persons: ” Target Organizations: New, New York CNN, Oakland, National Retail Federation Locations: New York, Harlem, New York City, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, East Harlem, Manhattan

☆ Costco members now have access to $29 online healthcare visits
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: 1 min

☆ Consumers are still spending on nice things, if they’re on trend
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

But they’re also rewarding the stores that are betting big on the right trends at the right time, for the right price. Mejuri: The Toronto-based jewelry retailer has intentionally positioned itself as a go-to destination for Millennials and GenZers for affordable fine jewelry. “When we founded the business, we wanted to redefine luxury and bring it a new experience within the fine jewelry industry,” said Masad. We just wanted to make fine jewelry part of everyday wear. We saw no reason for why there should be a barrier between fine jewelry and our customer.”He said Mejuri hasn’t wavered from that goal.

Persons: aren’t, they’re, ”, Jharonne Martis, —, Neil Saunders, Marshal Cohen, ” Abercrombie, Andrew Kelly, Saunders, Abercrombie, Fran Horowitz, Lulu, Circana’s Cohen, Noura Sakkijha, Majed Masad, Zach Hilty, Mejuri hasn’t, “ There’s, It’s, TJ, TJ Maxx, TJ Maxx's, David L, Ryan, Aaron Sorensen Organizations: New, New York CNN, Abercrombie, Fitch, “, CNN Business, TJ Maxx, TJ, Boston Globe, Lotis, Consulting Locations: New York, Toronto

☆ Crayola, beloved for its crayons, is getting into selling flowers with a purpose
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The crayon maker, a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, on Tuesday announced the launch of Crayola Flowers, an online flower shop selling bright bouquets and boxed flowers. Crayola is getting into the flower business with the launch of Crayola Flowers, an online marketplace for fresh flowers. Crayola announced it has launched Crayola Flowers, a retail and fundraising platform. Crayola Flowers partnered with Mrs. Bloom's, an importer and distributor of fresh cut flowers. Schorr said Crayola Flowers’ launch was three years in the making.

Persons: Crayola, Bloom’s, ” Warren Schorr, ”, Schorr, Bloom's Organizations: New, New York CNN, Hallmark Cards, Tuesday, Crayola, Nonprofit, Footwear, CNN, American Heart Association, Autism, Brothers, Sisters, America, Humane Society, St, Research Locations: New York

☆ Gas prices are unusually high. Here's why you shouldn't worry
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( Nicole Goodkind | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Instead, gasoline prices are getting more expensive and are just pennies away from their highest level so far this year. Are rising oil prices another item to add to the list? How high do you think oil prices will go? When you adjust for inflation, oil isn’t that high right now. I think that we are going to see continued high prices for a lot of stuff, including gasoline, but I don’t think we’re gonna see an acceleration in prices.

Persons: David Kelly, Bell, Kelly, it’s, we’re, We’ve, — aren’t, Eva Rothenberg, Sen, Bernie Sanders, CNN’s Jake Tapper, “, ”, Jared, Kay Jewelers, Parija Kavilanz, Virginia Drosos Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, New York CNN, Federal Reserve, Asset Management, Strategic Petroleum Reserve, Federal, UAW, United Auto Workers, General Motors, Ford, Vermont Independent, Signet Jewelers, Signet, Diamonds, Goldman, Global Retailing Conference Locations: New York, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Libya, Ukraine, Gulf of Mexico, United States, Nile

☆ After 2023 wraps up, get ready for a spike in wedding proposals
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-17 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

This trend then created an “engagement gap” since couples get engaged, on average, about 3.25 years after they begin dating, according to Signet’s proprietary data. About 2.8 million couples, on average, get engaged every year in the United States, said Drosos. Last year, the number slipped to 2.5 million. In 2024, Signet expects engagements will reach 2.4 to 2.5 million. Courtesy of Zales/KAY JewelersDrosos said Signet is able to closely track the yearly engagement cycle because of its customer data platform.

Persons: Jared, Kay Jewelers, “ Covid, Covid, ”, Virginia Drosos, Kay, Neil Lane, KAY Jewelers Drosos, Signet, “, ” Drosos, Drosos Organizations: New, New York CNN, Signet Jewelers, Signet, Diamonds, Goldman, Global Retailing Conference, ” Locations: New York, United States, Nile, Texas, Florida, California

☆ Barbie toy sales shoot up 25% after film’s release
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —The ‘Barbie’ movie, which turned into a global box office phenomenon in a matter of weeks, appears to be energizing sales of Barbie toys after its summer release. “That’s a significant increase,” said Jaime Katz, an analyst with Morningstar who covers Barbie toy maker, Mattel. Demand for Barbie products from the movie’s record-making success isn’t surprising. Although the Circana data didn’t breakout sales data for Barbie dolls, Katz said Barbie doll sales were growing well even before the movie release. “This could pose a problem in 2024, when Mattel is lapping elevated movie-related Barbie sales,” she said.

Persons: Barbie, ”, Jaime Katz, Morningstar, Greta Gerwig, Mario, Ken, Ynon Kreiz, Katz Organizations: New, New York CNN, Mattel, “, Warner Bros . Discovery Locations: New York

☆ Pinterest says its search results will now be more inclusive of body types
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-07 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Pinterest on Thursday said it has harnessed AI to develop technology that would deliver greater representation of diverse body types in its search results. Using shape, size and form to identify body types in images, the new body-type technology lets people search results that show bodies like their own, including plus sizes, via the algorithm. Instead, a wider variety of body types will show automatically, beginning with initial search results. For example, if a user searches for date night outfit inspiration, they will see results inclusive of various body types and skin tone ranges in those results, the company said. Then in 2021, Pinterest rolled out its hair pattern search feature that refines search results by choosing from six different hair types – protective, straight, wavy, coily, curly and shaved/bald.

Persons: Pinterest, Sabrina Ellis Organizations: New, New York CNN Locations: New York

☆ Reese Witherspoon sells her fashion brand, Draper James
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: 1 min

☆ Mattel to release Barbie Women in Sports, it's 2023 Career of the Year doll
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

She’s conquered the box office over the summer, breaking numerous records and turning the “Barbie” movie into a $1 billion global sensation. Mattel, on Wednesday, unveiled Barbie Women in Sports, its 2023 Barbie Career of the Year-themed dolls. Mattel announced its 2023 Barbie Career of the year-themed dolls, representing women's careers in sports. Sports Reporter Barbie wears a patterned purple dress with black heels and carries a pink Barbie notebook and microphone. The ‘Barbie’ movie opened July 21.

Persons: New York CNN — Barbie, She’s, Barbie, Barbie ”, ” Mattel, Lionel Messi’s, Mattel, Jen Welter, Barbie Fashionistas Organizations: New, New York CNN, Warner Bros, Warner Bros ., Mattel, Sports, Adidas, Inter Miami, Voice, NFL, Arizona Cardinals, billings Locations: New York

☆ Teachers are digging even deeper to afford classroom necessities
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-02 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Teachers, too, are digging deeper to meet their classroom needs out of pocket. As more teachers quit over low salaries and other concerns, it’s exacerbating the ongoing teachers shortage in the United States. Consumer price inflation remains elevated, but has come down considerably since hitting 40-year highs last year. Last year, Gilliam spent about $1,000 stocking up on school supplies. Adjusted for inflation, teachers on average are making $3,644 less than they did 10 years ago, the NEA said.

Persons: aren’t, Sarah Adkins, “, ”, Adkins, who’s, That’s, Jamesha Gilliam, Gilliam, It’s, Gatsby, Bryan Glahn, Glahn, It’s Glahn’s, Bryan Glahn “, ” Glahn, “ There’s Organizations: New, New York CNN, Pennoyer School, Northwest Chicago surburban, Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Education Association, NEA, Northwest Area School Locations: New York, Northwest Chicago, United States, Chicago, Marion County , Florida, Shickshinny, Pennsylvania, Shickshinny , Pennsylvania

☆ Walgreens CEO steps down
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Walgreens Boots Alliance on Friday said that CEO Rosalind Brewer has stepped down less than three years after taking the helm at the pharmacy chain. Walgreens’ board named Ginger Graham, a member of the board, as interim CEO as the company launches a search for a permanent CEO. Walgreens slashed its full-year profit guidance in June, warning of softening consumer spending and a pullback in demand for Covid vaccines. Under Brewer, Walgreens had implemented cost-saving measures in an effort to boost profitability in its healthcare segment. Walgreens says it’s a digital-first experimental store to benefit customers and not designed to deter theft, Walgreens says.

Persons: Rosalind Brewer, Brewer, Ginger Graham Organizations: New, New York CNN, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Fortune, Walgreens, Roosevelt, Dick’s Sporting Goods Locations: New York, United States, United Kingdom, Chicago

☆ Dollar General shares tumble after it cuts forecasts, blaming a spending slump and theft
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Dollar General slashed its sales and profit outlook for the year on Thursday, blaming headwinds including weaker consumer spending on non-essential purchases and increasing theft. Dollar General shares tumbled nearly 17% in pre-market trading Thursday. For its second quarter, Dollar General logged a 1% drop in its same-store sales. Meanwhile, close on the heels of Dick’s Sporting Goods sounding the alarm on store theft eating into its profit this year, Dollar General also flagged an increase in product theft, among other factors, hurting its profit. Target warned earlier this year that it was bracing to lose half a billion dollars because of rising theft.

Persons: ” Neil Saunders, ”, “, it’s Organizations: New, New York CNN —, Dollar, Sporting Locations: New York

☆ Missed the back-to-school tax holiday? You still have time in these three states
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

On those days, shoppers can earn sales tax breaks on products, such as clothing, shoes, electronics and classroom supplies. The last time Deloitte expected a decline in back-to-school spending was in 2014. The items include products like jeans, athletic shoes, shirts, swimsuits, scarves, ear muffs and boots. New Jersey’s sales tax-free holiday, running from August 26 to September 4, covers back-to-school essentials such as computers, school supplies, and sport or recreational equipment. The sales tax holiday in Florida, which ends on September 4, covers children’s athletic equipment priced at $100 or less.

Organizations: New, New York CNN, Deloitte Locations: New York, Connecticut , New Jersey, Florida, In Connecticut

☆ Shoppers are trading down, even in secondhand purchases
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-22 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Even though fair condition bags, shoes, and accessories show signs of heavier wear, The RealReal’s report said demand for fair condition bags is up 130% this year. For example, a Chanel flap bag in “fair condition” is $4,900, but in “excellent” could cost 65% more, or about $8,000. But, with the recent rise in fair condition, shoppers have embraced imperfection. They’re willing to buy older, worn items that are made well and still remain beautiful, and they wear them with pride,” said McCandless. Within certain fashion circles, the worn look has become a badge of honor,” she said.

Persons: Alexander McQueen, aren’t, Rati Sahi Levesque, Samantha McCandless, ”, McCandless, “, Millennials, Z, “ We’re Organizations: New, New York CNN, CNN Locations: New York

New York CNN —Dick’s Sporting Goods warned Tuesday that retail theft is damaging its business and would lead to lower annual profits. Retail “shrink” is a term that refers to merchandise that goes missing due to theft, fraud, damage, accounting errors or other reasons. The retailer reported a large number of incidents of shoplifting and organized retail crime in its stores nationwide. Need and opportunity become forceful catalysts for driving up incidents of retail crime, experts said. According to the National Retail Federation, the industry’s biggest trade group, large-scale store theft is becoming a bigger part of retail shrink.

Persons: Lauren Hobart, can’t, ”, Read Hayes, criminologist, Gucci, – Organizations: New, New York CNN —, Goods, Walgreens, University of Florida, Prevention Research Council, Walmart, Target, National Retail Federation, eBay, Facebook, Westfield, Westfield Topanga Shopping, Nordstrom, FBI, New York Police Department, New York State, Police Locations: New York, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Chicago, Westfield Topanga, Burbank , Glendale, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, New York City

☆ Santa better get a T- shirt because summer has claimed Christmas
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-20 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Stores have been pushing up Christmas merchandise earlier and earlier in recent years. In 2021, Amazon and Walmart, afraid of tepid consumer demand because of the pandemic, initiated holiday sales as early as October. The same pattern was repeated last year, effectively elongating the year-end holiday shopping season. “I expect an ever-growing holiday season is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future,” said Zak Stambor, senior retail & ecommerce analyst with Insider Intelligence. Among the festive items were Christmas tree ornaments, festive ribbons, plush elves and tabletop ornaments.

Persons: can’t, Don’t, ”, Zak Stambor, Nikki Baird, Stambor, here’s, we’ve, ” Lowe's, Lowe’s, “ Organizations: New, New York CNN, Walmart, Labor, Insider Intelligence, ” Industry, Amazon, Depot, Lowe’s, CNN, Costco Locations: New York, Amazon, “, Santa

☆ 'Ho hum holiday' expected as shoppers deal with economic cross currents
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Even though it’s still August, eyes are already on how the upcoming holiday shopping season will pan out. Coresight expects the 2023 year-end holiday sales for October through December to be up by just low single digits from a year ago. Harmon said this year’s forecast rests on the shoulders of “a couple of good years of strong holiday sales growth, making comparisons more difficult, and takes into account holiday spending is occurring sooner.”“The patterns of holiday spending have changed. The same pattern was repeated last year, effectively elongating the holiday sales season. At the same time, Harmon said US retail sales are slowing.

Persons: it’s, ”, John Harmon, Coresight, Harmon, Marshal Cohen, Cohen, ” Cohen Organizations: New, New York CNN, Coresight Research, National Retail Federation, Amazon, Walmart, Home, CNN, Federal Reserve Bank of New, P Global Market Intelligence Locations: New York, Santa, Federal Reserve Bank of New York

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