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Google Play Store by Android 14, will begin fully blocking the installation of apps that target outdated versions of Android, in order to reduce the potential for malware…!!
Recently 9TO5Google has put afore the intention to use the most recent features and safety measures of the Android platform. While it just a month passed when recent guidelines were updated. A newly listed play store app is required to minimum target Android 12.
Android 14 new API guidelines for the Google Play Store
The API level requirements have only applied to apps that are intended for the Google Play Store. Developers can create an app for an older version by simply sideloading the APK file manually. Similarly, if an Android app hasn’t been updated since the guidelines changed, the Play Store will continue serving the app to those who have installed it once before.
Android 14 is set to make API requirements stricter, entirely blocking the installation of outdated apps as interrupted by newly posted code changes. This change would block users from sideloading specific APK files and also block app stores from installing those same apps.
At first, Android 14 devices will only block apps that target especially old Android versions. Over time though, the plan is to increase the threshold to Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), with Google having a mechanism to “progressively ramp [it] up.” That said, it will likely still be up to each device maker to decide the threshold for outdated apps or whether to enable it at all.
If the minimum installable SDK version enforcement is enabled, block the install of apps. Which using a lower target SDK version than required. This helps improve security and privacy as malware can target older SDK versions to avoid enforcement of new API behavior
As said in the notes by the developer responsible for the change, informs that some malware apps have intentionally targeted older versions of Android. This is to bypass certain protections only enforced on newer apps.
Hope this content helps. Stay tuned for more information via @realmicentral…


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By now you’ve probably been aware of the latest announcement made by Facebook regarding their move into the location-based arena. Being called Facebook Places, the social network is banking on their 500 million monthly active users to start checking into places and basically do what millions have been doing with Foursquare and Gowalla.
Within the social media space, Facebook would probably be considered one of the proverbial “800 pound gorillas” along with search engine giant, Google – almost like how Microsoft at one point was the big guy in the room. So when Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg walked into the room yesterday to announce Facebook places, two things became absolutely certain:
- Facebook’s check-in service concept had been rumored for quite some time – probably one of the best worst kept secret in the industry.
- The location-based service marketplace had gone from a marketplace to a monopoly in one fell swoop.
And thus, the empire was born and like in Star Wars, “this is how a Republic ends…with thunderous applause.”
What is the Republic?
Before Facebook’s foray into location, there were several different companies that formed the marketplace. In fact, there was so much competition out there that people were just a bit confused as to which one was really succeeding. All the news out there for the past few months have centered around Foursquare, Gowalla, Yelp and Brightkite and it seems as if Foursquare was taking the crown as it had amassed a following of over 2 million users and over 200,000 daily check-ins. But capitalism reigned supreme and these startups were doing just fine…until Facebook’s decided to change the marketplace.
The downfall of the Republic
We all knew that Facebook was starting to move into this area. Heck, Mashable reported that the social network was starting to add more location features to their site and frankly, it only seemed natural for them to integrate location, but what really brought it all downhill was when Facebook actually announced it. First, the universe was living in perfect harmony with location-based services operating like they were and pushing data to Facebook. But that all seemed to be a clever ruse and we soon found out that the main players of the game had all turned to the dark side and succumbed to the power of Facebook.
In effect, it’s almost as if Facebook made them all kneel before it lest they lose out on a key audience and market. Even at Facebook’s announcement last week, you had the major players on stage from Gowalla and Foursquare (photo courtesy: Jolie O’Dell/Mashable) where they voiced their support over Facebook’s interference in their bread & butter. For those watching the announcement, it may have seemed that Foursquare, the market leader, just got crushed by Facebook’s involvement and that seemed to be almost inevitable – but did showing of these two companies assuage people’s fears and make them acquiesce to this new feature?
Did the general public offer up thunderous applause?
Mark Zuckerberg: Emperor of Location-Based Services
So what must happen now? Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg has essentially gobbled up all resistance and put them under his power and can essentially leverage the awesome power that is Facebook to reap up the benefits. And just how powerful could Facebook Places become that it knocks all players out of the field and potentially establishes an impossible barrier to entry? Just look at the infographic generated by Mark Fidelman and you’ll see just how grave the situation is.
With a potential user base of over 500 million per month, Facebook is several times larger than all of the other location-based services (LBS) combined – even with just a fraction of their monthly users, Facebook could easily exceed the largest LBS and most likely, LBS users probably have a Facebook account, but it may not necessarily reciprocate with that respective network or even at all. Even right now, Facebook Places now allow their users to tag others there along with uploading photos to help bring it into context. And they’ve even considered how businesses can leverage – perhaps giving them leverage in the pseudo “location based wars”.
And let’s face it, Zuckerberg has got the most generic, yet specific social network out there right now. By having people check-into locations, they can share their experiences with their friends and have it instantly be viral or they could also write up reviews of a business, stripping away any hope of Yelp playing a major factor in user reviews. In fact, according to Mashable’s Facebook Places field guide, Facebook is going to make their information and data the law of the land:
…Facebook is opening up certain data that will allow any and all developers to access parts of Places. That means that a lot of applications will start pulling information from Places, scraping it for data about people, locations, groups and more.
There is a lot of data out there and Facebook has amassed quite a bit. For businesses and individuals to tap into that could result in large applications, privacy issues or whatever else people have planned. And let’s not forget that now that more people will use Facebook places because it’s more commonplace than, say, Foursquare or Gowalla, you also succumb to their privacy settings, which has differing opinions about its effectiveness.
Does this new model better clarify how businesses can use location services?
For those venues with specific and physical locations, location-based services can offer some good benefits and some major brands have started to pay attention – just look at what Bravo, VH1, the New Jersey Nets and others are doing with Foursquare and Gowalla. So with brands already creating Facebook fan pages (now known as “like” pages), what can they come to expect with Facebook Places? Well basically you can create a page from there and offer much more interaction that you could already get through existing LBS platforms.
According to Mashable’s field guide to Facebook Places, just set up a location and then claim it. Once you’ve done that, it will become a business page. From there, you just act the same way as you would with your brand page. But one thing to try and decipher is what will happen if you have multiple store locations, like a Radio Shack or McDonalds? Are those type of businesses going to need to staff someone in-house to manage the Facebook page? Or will it rest with just a Facebook page handled by corporate? It’s a real toss up and I suppose it will depend. It’s not far-fetched to have a store manager create and manage a social media presence for that location so anything is possible.
Impersonations of businesses also will not be possible, according to Facebook. It seems that in order for a location to be turned into a page, you will have to claim it. But to authenticate that claim, you will need to submit a license or some official documentation that Facebook will check to see if its valid. Then you will become the manager of that page. Once that’s done, just have people become fans of your page, check in, and start conversating.
Will the rebel alliance be crushed for once and for all?
Highly doubtful…but what will most likely happen, if it didn’t yet, is that Facebook Places will start to evolve and people will be frustrated with too many services that they’ll ultimately resign themselves to one location. The onus to innovate and come up with an incentive for customers to come back is with the location-based services. For now, it looks like Facebook remains the ultimate source of power in the galaxy & will only grow stronger. Fortunately we won’t see the end of LBS platforms for quite some time, but how will this end and who will be the hero of the war?
Image credit: Star Wars Rise of the Empire

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Home Tags Zero Poverty
Tag: Zero Poverty
Sunway Group has been packing meals to alleviate hunger among underprivileged communities in Malaysia, Cambodia and Timor Leste through the Rise Against Hunger campaign since 2014.. The Orang Asli in Kampung Sekam, Perak, is one of the beneficiaries of the CSR initiative..
A total of 7,000 packs of bubur lambuk will be distributed in various locations in Penang, Johor, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur..
Malaysia’s official poverty rate dropped to 0.4% in 2016 from 0.6% in 2014.. But researchers argue that the figure is conservative and does not accurately reflect the reality on the ground..
China’s largest e-commerce platform by revenue has been practising sustainability as part of its long-term business strategy since its inception. JD.com invested more than RM 605 million into the Green Steam Initiative where consumers are incentivised for choosing recyclable packaging for their orders. Corporate partners are engaged to promote recycled packaging across the supply chain.
Growing economic inequality gives rise to social unrest, hinders economic growth and prevents poverty reduction. Current economic model has to be challenged by the people and rethought by the government. Deepak Xavier believes society has the power to fight injustices of poverty and inequality.
Yayasan Islam Darul Ehsan (YIDE)’s social enterprise project was kick-started with the presentation of 1,000 bars of repurposed soap by Sunway’s hotel division. The Soapful project is a collaboration with Ecolab Sdn Bhd, Kinder Soaps Sdn Bhd and the Selangor Youth Community (SAY) with His Highness, Tengku Amir Shah gracing the launch event. The project intends to help in removing soap waste from landfills, reduce cost of the orphanage home, and cultivate meaningful business skills.
Sunway Group blesses the poor and marginalised with its biggest Raya Cheer celebration yet
Sunway-Oxbridge Essay Competition 2017 received significantly more entries compared to the previous numbers. This year’s topic required the students to share their vision and the roles they play for TN50. The competition was a platform for Sunway Group in realizing Sustainable Development Goal 4.
Sunway Group’s ‘Back to School’ programme gave out school supplies to 850 students in SMK Bandar Sunway and SK Bandar Sunway, its adopted schools, as part of its pledge to #SunwayForGood
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah AO believes the 17 Sustainable development goals can be achieved if every stakeholder work together with passion and determination.
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Two people trapped 20ft in air at Hatfield shopping centre
PUBLISHED: 12:52 12 October 2011
TWO men were rescued after their cherry picker broke down 20ft in the air at a Hatfield shopping complex today (Wednesday).
Firefighters from WGC, Hatfield, and Watford were called to the Galleria in Comet Way at around 11.50am, after the men phoned for help.
An aerial ladder from Stevenage was also at the scene, but eventually the lift was brought down manually by firefighters.
Tim Stirling, managing director of the Galleria, said the men had been working on installing a new sign for popular 1950s-themed Italian restaurant Frankie & Benny’s, when the lift became jammed.
“It’s all finished now,” Mr Stirling said. “They weren’t stuck for very long. We were all in a meeting and didn’t even know it had happened until it was all over.”
If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the Welwyn Hatfield Times. Click the link in the orange box above for details.


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Apple just released their fourth quarter financial results and let me tell you right away that the numbers are pretty amazing. The company posted record revenue of $20.34 billion, compared to $12.21 billion in the same period last year.
The company sold 14.1 million iPhones in its fourth quarter, which represents an increase of 91% compared to last year. They also sold 3.89 million Macs, 9.05 million iPods, and 4.19 million iPads during the quarter.
The most interesting thing about this press release is the “surprise” Apple has for us…
We still have a few surprises left for the remainder of this calendar year.
We love surprises. Now the question is… what are those surprises? Any guess?


text: The Postal department in Karimnagar is organizing ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ again this year. Last year’s event was a success, with over 25,000 national flags being delivered to people’s homes. This year, the sale of national flags has started online and through post offices under the name “Har Ghar Ghar Tiranga-2”. The flags are available for purchase at all post offices in Karimnagar division, with the lowest price being Rs.25 for a 20×30 inch flag. The online sale is available through the ePostOffice portal at https://www.epostoffice.gov.in.


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HURRICANE, Utah (KTVX/CNN Newsource) — A baby left on a counter in a Utah pawn shop nearly topples headfirst to the concrete floor but is caught by the store manager.
Surveillance video from Family Pawn in Hurricane, Utah shows two women shopping for a gun. They placed a child on the glass counter.
You can see the child inching toward the edge. Bill Reel, the store manager, noticed the baby starting to fall and rushed into action.
“I just saw the baby look unsteady. I just booked it that way,” Reel said.
Reel said the baby was falling headfirst — a three and a half foot drop onto concrete.
“There’s no doubt that baby was gonna get hurt. I think there was even a risk of some … brain injury, but, lucky to be in the right place at the right time.
Luckily, the baby was not injured.
Reel says this story is an example of the many things that can go wrong when you take an eye off your kids for a second.


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The past few weeks have beed quite volatile for world markets. Much of this ferment has been caused by the escalating possibility of a major trade war between the world’s two largest economies: China and the United States. Both countries have made some efforts to tamp down the friction. Recently, in a major speech, President Xi Jinping laid out plans to make China’s domestic economy more accessible for global business. As covered by CNBC, here’s a summary of his speech:
Increasing China’s Imports
President Xi indicated that China does not want a trade surplus. Instead, he said, China would prefer to increase imports with the goal of a “greater balance of international payments.”
With respect to autos, President Xi indicated that China will “will significantly lower tariffs on imports of automobiles, and also loosen restrictions on foreign ownership in the auto sector”. China is a big market for US automakers GM and Ford.
“China will speed up its efforts to open up the insurance industry and ease restrictions on the establishment of foreign financial firms domestically,” according to the President’s comments. Up to now, China has been reticent to open its financials sector to global participants.
Importantly, President Xi spoke directly about intellectual property, saying “We encourage normal technological exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and foreign enterprises, and protect the lawful IPR owned by foreign enterprises in China.” Piracy of intellectual property has been a thorny issue between the US and China for some years.
The Trump Response
According to CNBC, US President Donald Trump, using one of his favorite media, tweeted that he was “very thankful” for President Xi’s “kind words on tariffs and automobile barriers … also, his enlightenment on intellectual property and technology transfers.”


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Samurai action game Nioh is coming to PlayStation 4 this year, publisher Koei Tecmo confirmed today, and will get a playable alpha demo later this month.
Nioh's alpha demo will be available on PS4 from April 26 to May 5. Developer Team Ninja, of Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive fame, says the demo is being released to solicit feedback on the action game; an online survey will be available during the demo period, Team Ninja says.
Players who clear a stage in Nioh's alpha demo will get access to downloadable content, The Mark of the Conqueror, in the full game.
In a statement posted to the PlayStation Blog, Team Ninja offered its take on what Nioh is all about.
"Set in a time of civil war in Japan, Nioh not only incorporates classic elements such as samurai and supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore, but also offers the exhilaration of an authentic samurai sword fight straight from Team Ninja, the team that defined brutal action games," the developer said.
Koei Tecmo is playing up the difficulty of Nioh in a new trailer for the game, seen above, and in a statement from Koei CEO and producer Kou Shibusawa. "We hope you enjoy overcoming the challenges in this masocore take on samurai action," Shibusawa said.
Nioh was first announced in 2006, as a PlayStation 3 title. Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja revealed that the game was bound for PS4 at last year's Tokyo Game Show.


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Kendra Spears already lives a life of glitz and glamour as fashion royalty, being one of the top models for the likes of Chanel and Louis Vuitton, but she’s about to get a whole new glamorous take on life as a princess.
Spears, a 24-year-old native of Seattle, Wash., is engaged to Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the eldest son of Aga Khan IV, the current Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslims.
It is unclear exactly how long the model and the 42-year-old prince have been dating, but a Friday press release from the Aga Khan Development Network announced the two are happily engaged. Photos accompanying the press release showed the couple smiling together outside, with her engagement ring on full display.
There’s no word details of the ceremony, but the news blast said the two would be “married in a Muslim ceremony” and the date has yet to be set.
"Thank you all for the kind tweets! We're very excited!" the model tweeted on Friday after the announcement circulated.
Spears, who was discovered in 2008 after winning a Ford Models competition, has walked most recently in the Fall 2013 shows for Louis Vuitton, Anthony Vaccarello, Jonathan Saunders, Marc Jacobs, DSquared2, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi and Chanel, to name a few. She’s also appeared in top fashion magazines like Elle and Vogue as well as international campaigns for Calvin Klein and Diane von Furstenberg. The Telegraph pointed out that the brunette beauty is nicknamed the “mini Cindy Crawford” because of a small mole on her upper lip resembling the fashion model icon.
Spears is not the only model to marry into this royal family, either; Prince Rahim Aga Khan’s father married British model Sarah ‘Sally’ Croker-Poole and his grandfather was married to iconic actress Rita Hayworth. Spears is likely to adopt an Islamic name and convert to the religion, The Telegraph reported, when she marries the Prince.


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The world’s first NFT (non-fungible token) house has just sold for over 288 Ether—a cryptocurrency that converts into approximately US$500K. Created by Canadian artist Krista Kim, the “metaverse” property comes as a virtual extension of the world, where plots of virtual land will soon be built and sold like tangible property.
NFTs have recently made headline news for their unique capacity to allow digital art and other files to be sold online without the risk of being replicated. The idea being that each NFT is encrypted with the artist’s signature on the blockchain in order to verify authenticity and ownership.
So what makes purchasing virtual real estate so interesting for prospective buyers? Beyond just buying into the up and coming NFT market, according to an Architectural Digest report, this specific home, as well as all of the furniture in it, can be constructed in real life by glass furniture makers in Italy and through MicroLED screen technology.


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In an attempt to recover quickly from the ruins brought by the coronavirus pandemic on economies, countries around the world – especially developing ones – may resort to increasing taxes to raise more domestic revenue; hence, individuals and businesses must condition their minds for this, professor of global economy Prof. Joe Nellis has said.
Given that the virus has dwindled revenues of all countries, Prof. Nellis foresees a situation where a number of countries, including Ghana, will use the tax system – specifically corporate and income taxes – as a means to reverse the damage caused by the pandemic.
However, he said, such moves should be targetted at companies that are still doing well in the midst of the pandemic. Prof Nellis, the Deputy Dean, School of Management, Cranfield University, UK, was speaking at a virtual event organised by the University of Ghana Business School on the theme: ‘Prospects for the global economy in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis’.
“We are going to see a number of countries around the world talk about special increases in taxes. A number of governments have no choice than to increase taxes. But I am hoping that they will be targetted at those companies which are doing well in this pandemic.
“For any government in the world to grow their economy, you need broader-based taxing. So tax collection and the breadth of the tax system is absolutely fundamental, especially in developing economies where that tax base may be narrow. So, I suspect that in all countries, including Ghana, governments are discussing which taxes can be raised to help in the recovery and which ones should not be raised.
“I know in the UK the most obvious thing that is going to happen in our budget and is the easiest way to raise tax revenue is to freeze tax thresholds; whereby, as incomes increase, people get pushed to higher tax brackets. Many governments around the world, including Ghana, may do this. Again, I believe corporate tax is going to increase,” he said.
The pandemic and its associated restrictions, including a lockdown imposed by government, led to decreased economic activity, with some businesses never getting back on their feet and thereby folding-up – leading to loss of jobs, reduction in incomes, among other inconveniences for households and businesses.
According to the COVID-19 Local Economies Tracker published by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), as a result of lockdown measures and other restrictions imposed by government to contain spread of the virus, about 72 percent of businesses experienced a decline in production – resulting in 90 percent of businesses also seeing drastic decline in sales. Furthermore, 41,952 workers lost their jobs in May/June 2020.
The professor is therefore advising that the Ghanaian government must put in place incentives which attract foreign direct investments to the economy and contribute to making the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) strong, as these are ways of increasing economic activity in this period and striking better deals with the rest of the world.
“For Ghana in particular, I think attracting foreign investment is key. Investment is the engine of growth, and that is how you increase productivity. So, attracting foreign investment more than in the past is very important; and that will mean offering deals to companies which will attract them,” he said.
“Another important thing is to make the African trade bloc much stronger and more robust. In so doing, you can collectively negotiate better trade deals with the rest of the world and negotiate better terms of trade,” he said.


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TIS the season to ‘still’ be jolly – that’s the message from Oldham Council this Christmas as it prepares to host an alternative festive programme for residents to enjoy.
With Oldham’s much-loved Christmas events sadly unable to go ahead this year because of the Coronavirus pandemic – including its Christmas Lights Switch-On, Reindeer Parade and Brass Monkeys Music Festival – exciting plans are underway as part of the council’s ‘Christmas in Oldham’ campaign to mark the season of good will.
Bringing some much-needed holiday cheer for all over the holidays is Oldham’s seasonal Reindeer Parade Trail which is guaranteed to bring lots of joy across the town centre.
The trail contains 10 specially designed reindeer sculptures from local primary schools, community groups and cultural organisations and will decorate the town’s popular locations until Monday 4 January.
Each five feet high reindeer has its own name and theme too, so be on the lookout for them over the next few weeks and seek to uncover their stories as they travel into Oldham.
This year, Oldham also welcomes the ‘Window Wonderland’ project across the town centre as we creatively transform a number of our café and shop windows into magical winter galleries for all to gaze upon – an unusual art exhibition not to be missed.
Windows in the Spindles and Town Square shopping centres, Tommyfield Market Hall and Gallery Oldham were the chosen canvases for 18 artists across Oldham and Greater Manchester with their displays now ready to be discovered this December and into the New Year. As part of the project, residents will be able to scan a QR code on every display to uncover the story behind each design and learn more about the designer too.
As we look to lighten up the dark nights across Oldham this Christmas, we hope residents will be inspired to enter our ‘Window Wonderland’ competition too by creating their own window displays at home.
The best window entry will be picked at random to win a festive hamper worth £50 that will be stacked full of goodies from our most popular Oldham retailers and will be delivered just in time for Christmas.
For guides on how to create your own display and for more details on how to enter our competition, please visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/ChristmasinOldham
The festivities don’t stop there, as Oldham Music Service takes its annual Christmas concert online this year too. Carols provide the sound of Christmas and this is a great opportunity to support our local musical talent and to feel festive.
Keep an eye on our social media channels and our website for how you can watch it safely from home.


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SparkPeople.com says its users have dropped eight million pounds -- and you can join the successful dieters by signing -up for free!
The Web site's mission is simple: to help millions of people live healthier lives and reach their goals.
SparkPeople is a community -- both online and at its conventions -- and its Web site provides diet and exercise tips. Members aalso share stories, videos and pictures as members of its online community.
Founder and CEO Chris Downie says thousands sign up every month.
"We've just had the agent for an Olympian want to join the site and start blogging every day," Chris tells ET. "I can't say who it is yet."
For all the 411, go to SparkPeople.com.


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According to Mintel's Global New Product Database, the number of new food and drink launches in the US touting the term 'keto' in the product description have nearly doubled within the past year from 1.2% of total food and beverage launches (for June 2019 through May 2020) to accounting for 2.3% of launches (June 2020 through May 2021), indicating continued consumer and market interest in the high-fat, low-carb diet.
And while Google search trends data suggests a cooling off in consumer interest over the past three years (see chart below), and slightly fewer Americans reported following the diet in 2021 vs 2020 according to IFIC survey data, the keto diet, like clockwork, typically sees a strong spike at the beginning of each calendar year in renewed online shopper activity, commented Lauren Gibbons, marketing director at Label Insight (now part of NielsenIQ).
"We've noticed seasonal spikes around keto. The volume of searches [on Amazon] in Q1  was up 23% compared to Q4, suggesting trends stemming from early 2021/New Year's and early spring diets," Gibbons told FoodNavigator-USA.
Top categories for searches on Amazon, said Gibbons, are breads & buns, cereal, health & recovery drinks & powders, cookies, ice cream, baking mixes and pasta with top search terms being "keto," "keto bread," "keto cereal," "keto pasta," "keto ice cream," "keto cookies," and "keto protein powder."
Yet, there could be a larger opportunity for brands to tap into the keto trend, noted Gibbons.
“We're still seeing a low number of products making the claim for ketogenic on-package, even though they qualify. Almost 98% of products that could make the ketogenic claim are not,” she said.
Keto by category
SPINS - which filtered its retail sales data by the attribute "Diet - Keto Diet" to identify products in its database that are permissible on the ketogenic diet (e.g. low-to-no net carbohydrate content as determined by nutrition analysis) found sales growth for keto products, while slightly lower in the 52 weeks ending 5.16.21 compared to the previous 52 weeks, was still registering solid numbers (+5.99% vs. +8.14%) across Natural Enhanced and Conventional Channels.
Within measured channels, some categories showed stronger growth compared to others. Frozen ice cream products with low-to-no net carbs, for instance, experienced a 1,190.32% spike to $75.3m in sales in 2020, and a more modest 34.93% bump in 2021. Plant-based frozen novelties with qualifying keto nutrition credentials, meanwhile, increased sales by nearly 100% in 2021 compared to a -47.93% decline in 2020.
Other sub-categories of traditionally carb-heavy foods in the frozen set such as frozen waffles touting low-to-net carbohydrate content had a monster year in sales (+4,4472.72% to $6.46m in dollar sales for the 52 weeks ending 5.16.21). The emerging low-to-no-net carbohydrate frozen pasta segment registered +665.99% sales growth between 2020 and 2021, albeit off a very small base.
Bars, cereals, baking mixes, cookies
What about shelf-stable bars, cereals, baking mixes, cookies, and snacks that seemed to tap into the keto trend the most in recent years? According to SPINS data, these type of products with low to net carbohydrate claims are still registering solid growth numbers.
The products with low-to-no net carbohydrate content within the shelf stable cookies and snack bar category, saw dollar sales growth of +21.31% for the measured 2021 period, over double the dollar sales growth seen in 2020. Shelf stable cold cereal products with a qualifying keto nutritional profiles also significantly notched up sales from +0.49% dollar sales growth in 2020 to +21.69% in 2021 reaching nearly $36.5m in sales across measured channels.
The shelf-stable baking ingredients segment touting low/no net carbs (including baking mixes, flours, and pancake & waffle mixes), however, saw slower growth in 2021 (+5.78% vs. +13.68%) driven by a significant drop in sales growth for flour and pancake & waffle mixes, according to SPINS data.
‘If you’re just stepping on the scale, the ketogenic diet looks great’
Originally prescribed as an alternative treatment for intractable epilepsy in children for whom medication is ineffective and a way to help control diabetes in the 19th century, the ketogenic diet is not a new concept in the medical field.
However, its efficacy as a weight loss plan, the main reason behind its recent surge in popularity, is still an emerging area of research, said Dr. Kevin Hall, lead author of a recent study which examined the effects of following a low-fat, high carbohydrate diet vs. high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets in 20 adults for two weeks.
The study was not designed as a weight loss study, but rather a way to investigate two prevailing weight loss theories: that consuming a high-fat diet leads to “passive overconsumption” of calories because one gram of fat has almost twice the calories per gram vs. protein or carbs; and the carbohydrate insulin model, which says people following a very low-fat, high-carb diet end up consuming excess calories because of spikes in insulin levels which can signal hunger, explained Dr. Hall.
“In short, we found that neither of those models of obesity held true. But specifically, the carbohydrate insulin model which predicted that more calories would be eaten – leading to weight gain – we found the opposite was true."
Both of these diets contained very few ultra-processed foods
Dr. Hall explained that despite having much larger surges of insulin and glucose after meals, those in the low-fat, high-carb diet group actually ended up eating nearly 700 calories per day less and losing more body fat than when following the high-fat diet during the study period.
However, total weight loss (i.e. pounds on the scale) during the two weeks was very similar for both diets. During the ketogenic diet phase pf the study, participants lost more weight in the first week, due to the higher amount of water weight typically shed by those on a low-carb diet, noted Hall.
“If you’re just stepping on the scale, the ketogenic diet looks great, especially over that first week because you’re eating so many calories but you’re losing so much more weight. The problem was that even in that first week when the weight loss was outpacing the low-fat diet, there was actually no change in body fat at all. Whereas in the low-fat diet, the rate of overall weight loss was slower, they were losing body fat at a much greater rate,” he said.
One caveat to note, however, is that the total amount of calories consumed among participants following the high-fat diet dropped in the second week of the diet.
“It never caught up to the low-fat diet, but it does raise the question of what if we’d done the study for another two weeks? Would they have eventually normalized to the same level of the low-fat diet?”
So what can consumers take away about weight loss and weight gain when following various diets? According Dr. Hall, an emphasis on eating whole-foods is key.
“Both of these diets contained very few ultra-processed foods. So far the only diet that’s led people to spontaneously gain weight has been a diet comprised of a high fraction of ultra-processed foods,” he said.
A useful weight loss tool?
Lawrence J. Cheskin, MD, professor and chair, department of nutrition and food studies at George Mason University, College of Health and Human Services, said as a practicing physician with a focus on weight management, he often recommends the keto diet to patients who have a significant amount of weight to lose.
“I often use it as a first try restricted diet in particular for people who need to lose a lot of weight. If somebody just needs to lose 10 lbs, then it’s less important to go on a ketogenic diet because almost anything you do for a month is going to get your weight down,” he told FoodNavigator-USA.
'If you’re eating red meat and egg yellows all day long, that’s a heart attack diet'
Patients following the high-fat diet must be vigilant on their food choices and not fall into the tempting, but common, pitfall of a enjoying a diet consisting of cheeseburgers and bacon.
“If you’re eating red meat and egg yellows all day long, that’s a heart attack diet, and we know that that’s associated with poor cardiovascular health,” said Dr. Cheskin, who advises his clients to fill their plates with foods rich in mono-unsaturated or polyunsaturated fats such as salmon, nuts, and seeds, along with non-starchy vegetables, and modest amount of high-fiber whole grains.
But even when following the core nutritional pillars of the keto diet to the letter, you still run the risk of missing out on key nutrients, said Dr. Cheskin.
“It always has the concern that you’re not going to get a full range of micronutrients, you’re not going to get essential minerals like calcium and stuff like that. There’s even been studies that show some bone demineralization if you’re on a ketogenic diet for a prolonged period. So there are downsides,” said Dr. Cheskin.
It's also not a diet he suggests as a life-long lifestyle, adding “It’s not really a natural diet and depends highly on how you do it.”


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Catalyst Health Solutions, Inc. (CHSI) is gaining 35 percent to $86.00. The company and SXC Health Solutions (SXCI, SXC.TO) would combine in a cash and stock transaction valued at about $4.4 billion. Catalyst shareholders will receive $28.00 cash and 0.6606 SXC shares for each Catalyst share, implying a purchase price of $81.02 per Catalyst share. SXCI is rising 16 percent to $92.92.
Abbott Laboratories (ABT) is rising 1 percent to $61.22. The company's first quarter earnings and sales grew from the previous year period and were above Wall Street view. In addition, the company raised its full-year 2012 ongoing earnings per share guidance.
Halliburton Co. (HAL) is up over 2 percent to $33.40. The company's profit increased from the previous year. consolidated revenue improved 30 percent from the year-ago quarter and were above consensus.
Textron Inc. (TXT) is up 1 percent to $28.01. The company's first quarter profit increased from the year-ago quarter and revenues rose 15.2 percent. Both earnings per share revenues were above analysts' estimates. Meanwhile, the company confirmed its guidance of 2012.
Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO) is up 3 percent to $15.47 as the company's first quarter profit and revenues increased from the previous year and also topped Wall Street view. The company guided second quarter revenues, excluding traffic acquisition costs, in-line with analysts' estimate.
Pfizer Inc. (PFE) is down 0.45 percent to $22.21. The company is reportedly close to selling its infant-nutrition business to Nestlé SA (NSRGY.PK) for at least $9 billion.
Cree, Inc. (CREE) is down over 5 percent to $30.16 as the company's third quarter profit plunged from the year-ago quarter. Non-GAAP earnings per share were below Wall Street view by a penny. Revenue rose 30 percent, but were below consensus. In addition, the company expects its fourth quarter results below analysts' expectations.
International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) is falling 2 percent to $203. The company's first quarter profit increased from the previous year and operating earnings per share were above Wall Street view. However, revenues fell short of analysts' estimate. Meanwhile, the company raised its full-year 2012 operating earnings guidance.
Intel Corp. (INTC) is down over 2 percent to $27.70. The company's first quarter profit declined from the year-ago quarter, but were above consensus. Net revenue increased from the prior year and also were above consensus.
by RTT Staff Writer
For comments and feedback: firstname.lastname@example.org


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Matt recently brought you up to date on how liberals’ minimum wage demands have done severe damage to Seattle's and New York’s businesses. He highlighted a New York Post report revealing that, in the wake of the increased rate to $15 an hour, New York lost a staggering 1,000 restaurants.
Applebee's was one of the businesses that has been especially hard pressed by the minimum wage hike. Zane Tankel, the CEO of Applebee’s New York franchise, explained that his restaurants were forced to fire at least 1,000 employees so far thanks to the liberal policy. He shared the unfortunate news with Fox Business's Stuart Varney on Monday.
Instead of typical servers, the CEO explained that they will soon be replaced by concierges, who merely check on customers from time to time to make them feel "warm and comfortable."
"The model now that we're heading towards where we had one server for three or four tables, we're moving towards one server for ten tables, eliminating about two-thirds of our labor ultimately. But it's because of Cuomo, De Blasio, the liberal agenda."
If Applebee's completely follows through with its concierge service, nearly 2,000 employees will be heading for the exit, Newsbusters explains.
Tankel discussed this same issue with Varney in January, back when he had *only* fired 500 employees.
“We can’t raise prices anymore,” he said at the time, rather candidly, so they had to take drastic measures.
The lost workers, he explained, could be replaced with tablets that are placed on customers’ tables.
"Increasing minimum wage is technology's best friend," Tankel concluded.


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(CBS) Single-game tickets for the Blackhawks’ potential Western Conference finals series will go on sale to the general public Thursday at noon, the team announced Monday afternoon.
The tickets for home games at the United Center are only available at ticket master.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Each customer will be limited to four tickets, and refunds for any unplayed playoff games will be available at the point of purchase. In that event, the credit card used to purchase tickets by fans using the Internet or phone will be automatically credited, less any applicable processing fee.
The Blackhawks advanced to the Western Conference semifinals with a 4-2 series win against the Blues. They await the winner of the Wild-Avalanche series, which Colorado leads 3-2 heading into Monday night’s Game 6.


text: Two college students in Novosibirsk, Russia set up this vending machine that sold exuberantly priced “Mentos.” They weren’t really Mentos. Oh, it gets craftier. The two opened up a fake convenience store, serving a very modest selection of snacks and beers with the vending machine proudly standing in the corner, stickerred with obvious jargon — “лови позитив,” meaning “feel some happy vibes” — and the price, 500 rubles ($17) for what the Russian media has dubbed “greens.” Oh, it gets dumber. These weren’t even real “greens” per se. Back in their dorm room, the two were balling up the smokable synthetic JWH-018, a.k.a. fake weed. 530 grams of “narcotics” were confiscated upon their arrest. They’re facing eight very real years in Russian prison.


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In an effort to further establish a place for lighting in the promising smart buildings market, Osram has teamed up with Austin, TX-based Facility Solutions Group (FSG), a specialist in facility services and technologies.
The companies said they “are joining forces to offer turnkey smart building IoT solutions to the commercial, industrial, and retail industries.”
FSG manages and designs facility systems including lighting, electrical, signage, and building controls, in many cases for national accounts. Its FSG Smart Buildings division provides controls, monitoring, and analysis for lighting, heating, refrigeration, and air quality in an Internet of Things (IoT) scheme.
As part of the collaborative partnership, FSG is offering Osram’s Encelium light management system and fixture-integrated sensors, controls, and components. The sensors include Osram’s SensiLUM chips, based on Zigbee radio technology.
Although Osram no longer offers its own office luminaires, it outfits other luminaires with sensors that collect environmental, occupancy, and lighting data. It sends that data to its Lightelligence cloud data system for analysis.
“This granular data about the space is then accessed by third-party analytics software developer partners offering SaaS [software as a service] for smart building applications,” the companies said.
FSG will combine Encelium and the Osram components into a lighting package that includes installation and managed services.
The partnership echoes Osram’s 7-month-old partnership with Boston-based software company Rifiniti, which sells software on a service basis aimed optimizing commercial space.
As LEDs Magazine has pointed out many times, it behooves the lighting industry to work closely with the property industry in the IoT. Property companies are well situated to be both partners and customers to the lighting industry.
Last fall, Osram began providing sensors and digital services independent of any lighting system to a couple of property companies in Lithuania, to help improve facilities management.
Property giant CBRE has taken a keen interest in the possibilities of smart lighting, having recently outfitted one of its own Amsterdam offices with smart technology from Gooee and Aurora.
MARK HALPER is a contributing editor for LEDs Magazine, and an energy, technology, and business journalist (email@example.com).
*Updated May 16, 2019 11:00 AM for company name correction.


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Posted by Lauren Scaroni on On the 20th of November World Children’s Day is celebrated universally to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improve children’s welfare. At Montville Coffee we often consider the rights of the child with the knowledge that we work in an industry rife with exploitation.
Posted by Lauren Scaroni on On the 15th of October World Food Day ceremonies are set to take place all over the world. The World Day Celebration calls for the transformation of agri-food systems to ensure that everyone, everywhere has access to enough, affordable, safe and nutritious food to lead active and healthy lives.
Posted by Lauren Scaroni on As Fairtrade Fortnight came to a close last week, our staff took some time to reflect on what it means to us to be part of the Fairtrade movement. It is far too easy to get caught up in the day to day happenings of the workplace and the hard things around us.
Posted by Lauren Scaroni on Like you, we care about what’s going on with climate change. It’s an issue that can seem so big that it’s insurmountable and you can be fooled into thinking that small acts won’t make any real difference. But we believe it’s up to each of us to do what we can – to recycle, to decrease our use of fossil fuels, and to buy products that are environmentally sustainable.
Posted by Karen Barnett on Since the pandemic, we know that the way everyone sees the world has changed. Research* tells us that two out of three Australians believe that businesses (like us) should be doing more to solve societal problems in tough times.
Posted by Lauren Scaroni on In the long term, if we are really going to mitigate human rights abuses in global supply chains, legislation is needed. Voluntary initiatives like certifications are not sufficient to solve human rights abuses.
Posted by Lauren Scaroni on It is estimated that 98 million children work in agriculture, and many of them do not attend school, have little time to play and do not receive proper nutrition or care. Often this work is hazardous and exploitative.
Posted by Lauren Scaroni on To stay abreast of developments in the global coffee sector Montville Coffee has reviewed and responded to the 2020 Coffee Barometer article and the 2020 Coffee Development article.
Posted by Lauren Scaroni on According to the CSIRO, the average Australian consumes 32kg of chocolate every year and as our appetite continues to grow, Fairtrade is tirelessly working with key industry players to enable them to source large volumes of sustainable produced cocoa (more sales = more benefits for farmers).


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BlackBerry maker Research In Motion is having a coming-out party for its long-awaited tablet — the PlayBook — Thursday night.
But the early word from tech reviewers and Wall Street analysts is that the gadget isn’t quite ready to compete with Apple Inc.’s iPad.
The most glaring problem: The PlayBook doesn’t have its own email program, contacts or a calendar, and relies on a connection with a nearby BlackBerry phone to get these things.
“RIM has just shipped a BlackBerry product that cannot do e-mail. It must be skating season in hell,” wrote David Pogue of the New York Times.
The Wall Street Journal described the PlayBook as having “a case of codependency.”
“I got the strong impression RIM is scrambling to get the product to market, and that it will be adding other features already offered on competing devices for months, through software patches,” reviewer Walt Mossberg wrote.
Wall Street analysts echoed those sentiments and said they were looking to second-generation versions of the tablet to alleviate concerns.
“This lack of functionality and a 3G cellular connection will likely limit the ability to use the PlayBook as a standalone device and thus its appeal may be limited,” wrote analyst Shaw Wu of Sterne Agee in a report Thursday.
RBC Capital Markets analysts expect a “modest start” for the PlayBook but said the current problems “will become non-issues with subsequent enhancements and second-gen versions.”
The tablet market is still new, so it’s hard to estimate the effect of such a delay in important features like email. Was it more important for BlackBerry to get something out now even with problems, or to wait for a more fully developed product?
BlackBerry’s strategy seems to involve going after existing users of its phone first. That could be a good plan, says Mike Abramsky of RBC. Of 1,400 people surveyed by the firm, 12% of BlackBerry users said they were planning to buy a PlayBook. “Tethering for BlackBerry users is a non-issue,” he wrote.
Instead, they’re interested in the tablet’s hardware and the ability to use the Flash video program when browsing the Web, he wrote. (Apple devices don’t allow Flash.)
BlackBerry has also said it is not including features like email because of the security concerns of its business customers, but Mr. Wu said he suspects “it may be due to technical issues.”
Either way, analysts said they are looking toward later in the year for real tests of the PlayBook’s popularity.
Readers, what do you think? Would you buy a PlayBook, either now or when the second-generation version arrives?


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The Drum acquires creative awards listings The Directory Big Won Rankings
The Drum has acquired The Directory Big Won Rankings, the annual listings of the most awarded campaigns, people and countries in its latest move towards heightening its coverage of the creative sectors globally.
Initially launched in 2003 The Big Won evolved to cover direct marketing, advertising, promotional and above the line work as well as digital.
The Big Won covers global awards and rotates through a selection of regional and national shows.
In recent years, BBDO has regularly been named as the most creative advertising agency as a result of its consistent awards haul while WPP was found to be the most awarded network. Ogilvy's Tham Khai Meng was the most awarded chief creative officer of 2016 as well according to the most recent figures released in January.
Founder of The Big Won, Patrick Collister, commented: "I started The Big Won with the aim of creating an international creative ranking that covered a wide range of creative marketing disciplines. In looking for a new home where TBW could be taken to the next level, I felt that The Drum would be a perfect match with its interest in creativity across the board, and its increasing global coverage.
Diane Young, co-founder of The Drum, added that the integration of The Big Won Rankings will add to The Drum’s business intelligence products such as Recommended Agency Register and complement the Creative Works offering that each week highlights some of the best work produced in Europe, America and Asia.
“We will be working closely with Patrick to bring the results of The Big Won to a much wider audience.”


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Imagine no longer having to wait in line or bother with scanning your goods while shopping at the store. Instead, you could just walk in, fill your bag and walk out.
That time is now.
A recently launched collaboration between Sensei, Europe’s leading autonomous tech provider, and Galp, the leading integrated energy operator, brings autonomous shopping through digital transformation to the world, and reshapes retail forever.
Plug & Play: Autonomous Pod
Inaugurated last week in Lisbon, Portugal, the autonomous shopping experience has been created for gas station customers at a fully-stocked convenience store. Street-facing, the store offers snacks and beverages, food and non-perishable items to customers who can now enjoy the ease of quickly and conveniently shopping.
How does it work? The autonomous software creates and keeps track of what customers pick up, and what they replace on the shelves. A network of ceiling-mounted cameras records what treats are added to their bags and automatically charges them through an app.
Currently, the inaugural store is open from 8 a.m. to midnight. The plan, moving forward, is to remain open 24/7 starting next month, with credit cards soon to follow as a payment option.
The Future of Retail
I took the opportunity to ask Vasco Portugal, CEO at Sensei, a few questions about this new collaboration with Galp and Sensei’s “Plug & Play: Autonomous Pod” concept.
Q: You said, “We are thrilled to be pioneering this concept in Europe with Galp. It is also the first of many petrol and service stations we look forward to launching with different partners in the coming months.” So, how likely is it that every major energy company will want to follow suit? Is this the future for all gas station convenience stores? In fact, is it the future of the entire retail industry, worldwide?
A: “I believe that we are the last generation who will queue for grocery purchases, whether that be in supermarkets or petrol stations. So yes, I do think that autonomous retail technology is something that other petrol networks will want to adopt as well. Petrol stations are known for needing to be open at all hours of the day for whenever motorists need them, but that of course creates a number of issues with staffing.
First, the challenge of finding staff willing to work the late hours, second to ensure their safety while they are there, and finally, to pay them for the unsociable hours.
Our autonomous technology enables petrol stations to operate 24/7 without the need for staff working unsociable hours, and it is absolutely the future for petrol station convenience stores and the entire retail industry.”
Q: For an organization, is the technology easily deployed – and how scaleable is it for growing business?
A: “Our technology has a variety of ways to be deployed, each very quick and easy. One way is to deploy a specially designed indoor or outdoor “pod” of varying sizes, as seen in our recent partnership with Galp, which can be set up anywhere and fully adapted to a retailer’s branding.
The alternative way to deploy our technology is to retrofit an existing store with our autonomous technology, such as ceiling cameras and shelf sensors. This can be set up and operational within a matter of weeks, with minimal disruption to day-to-day operations.”
Q: No waiting in line, no hassle and no scanning sounds like a dream. What happens if the app fails? Or a customer loses charge on their cellphone mid-shop?
A: “The customer only needs a smartphone with our app to enter the store. Our app generates a one-time QR code that opens the door and lets the store know who to charge for the transaction. If the app or the phone were to fail once inside the store, it would not affect our system, as the customer will be able to exit the store and receive the receipt when access to the internet is restored. In the future, you will be able to enter the store with just a credit card, without the need for an app at all, so the problem will eventually be moot. Convenience and accessibility are key for us.”
Q: What about the older generation? Will this new tech deter them from shopping independently?
A: “While we are confident autonomous technology is the future of retail, we also want to ensure everyone is brought along for the journey, including those of the older generations. Though stores will no longer need checkout staff, the implementation of our technology will free retail staff up to fulfill new roles that can offer greater customer support and retail assistance to those that need it in store.
Some of our large supermarket stores already allow for what we call hybrid shopping experiences. This means that customers have the option to just leave the store and pay via app or go through a traditional checkout. This enables a slow transition for those that are less confident using smartphone and app technology.”
Q: Data analysis assists in understanding customers, and it’s useful to leverage this knowledge to improve B2C relationships and, of course, increase profits. How easy is it to leverage this data when, for example, shoppers in Lisbon are more likely to be tourists than locals: More than 2.1 million visitors to Portugal in 2019 were British. Since Brexit, will GDPR rules hamper leveraging that data?
A: “Our solution is 100% GDPR compliant across Europe. We are a “privacy by design” technology and don’t use facial or any type of biometric recognition that would allow us or the retailer to recognize shoppers on an individual basis, so users’ privacy is 100% guaranteed.”
Q: In the U.S., retail workers are now recovering from a 17.1 percent unemployment rate in April 2020. Today, the figure is double its pre-pandemic levels. Will autonomous shopping play a part in directly driving the unemployment figures higher than they currently stand?
A: “The retail industry we know is undoubtedly set for significant change as a result of new innovations like autonomous technology, but I expect the change will be gradual. Instead of having a dramatic and negative impact on unemployment figures, autonomous technology will simply change the role of retail staff.
Retail employees will no longer be stuck for hours behind checkouts, but rather, free to move around the store acting as retail advisors and providing better customer service. They will be upskilled to provide technical support and to use and maintain the autonomous technology to keep a check on inventory levels whilst encouraging sales.
The role of retail staff will be transformed and enhanced in the future rather than diminished, as Sensei provides them with new tools to perform better.”
Capitalize on Captured Data
Teresa Abecasis, the executive board member and COO at Galp also shared information about the launch.
“We are so excited to launch this collaboration with Sensei for our customers. This new autonomous pod, which is mobile and street facing, enables us to offer more for people walking by on the street or stopping at the station for food, enabling them to purchase grab and go meals, snacks, drinks and other products with the ease and speed that only autonomous technology provides whilst avoiding the queues caused by fuel purchasers.
We are also eager to capitalize on the data captured through Sensei which will help us make the store increasingly better by implementing a highly efficient restocking operation and offering the most attractive products for each specific location. For example, this fully autonomous store will allow for smaller gas stations in lower traffic locations to offer non-fuel products to customers through a profitable operation.”


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The event was inaugurated by Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Sathyanarayana Sarvey.
“India is emerging as one of the world’s leading consumer market and is expecting to sustain a strong growth over the coming years and strives to become one of the top three economies in the world by mid-century,” the Minister said in his inaugural address.
“The logistics sector plays a major role to support this cause, the connectivity and the convenience in operations is the key for sustaining the global trade growth. Currently India’s logistics sector is valued at around $ 125 billion and is likely to cross the $ 200 billion by 2020. Government’s increased spending on infrastructural development; encouraging involvements of private players in key projects through public-private partnership are catalyzing growth,” he added.
The Minister pointed out that the government’s programs and measures like introduction of FDIs, establishments of logistics parks, development of air cargo terminals, investment linked sops, planned implementation of GST and dedicated freight corridors were supporting the sector to speed up growth.
“The Logistics sector is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10 to 12 percent for the next 3 years. Generating skilled manpower, technology implementation and improving the infrastructure are the most needed support to the sector. I am sure collectively we should be able to address all the needs,” he said.
Among others who addressed the conference were Cyrus Guzder, Chairman, CII Institute of Logistics Advisory Council, R. Dinesh, Co-Chairman, CII Institute of Logistics Advisory Council and Knut Alicke, Master Expert, Supply Chain Germany, Mckinsey and Company. The scope of publication was presented by Sumit Dutta, Partner, Mckinsey and Company. The Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways released the publication.
“It’s important to focus on the key challenges to help industry to leap into the next generation of supply chain. To tackle these challenges CII has taken up a series of initiatives like Supply Chain Strategy to align with corporate strategy, Logistics Network (Re)design, Logistics Cost Optimization, Supply Chain Responsiveness – Availability and agility and Supply Chain Operation Excellence to reduce the working capital,” said Guzder.
The key SCM issues faced by companies in India are broken supply chain infrastructure, market fragmentation, strong local dealers and stockists with limited visibility into POS, limited pool talent and un-reliable and unstable supplier conditions.
The conference attracted end users and senior business executives from manufacturing, telecom, retail, FMCG, pharmaceutical, railway, shipping, ports, logistics service providers, freight forwarders, warehousing and distribution and a number of other sectors.


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AAR said 12 of the 20 carload commodity groups it measures posted increases compared with the same week in 2011, led by petroleum products, up 49.4%, motor vehicles and equipment, up 23.3%, and lumber and wood products, up 17.9%. Groups pacing declining commodities included nonmetallic minerals, down 16.3%, coal, down 16.1%, and coke, down 8.6%.
Canadian freight carload volume continued to ignore the trend of its U.S. counterpart, 6.6% compared with the same week last year. Canadian intermodal volume also increased, up 8.8%. Mexican freight carload fell 3.4% for the week ending May 19, but Mexican intermodal gained 13.4% compared with one year ago.
Combined North American freight carload volume for the first 20 weeks of 2012 on 13 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads was down 1.8% compared with the same point last year, while combined intermodal volume was up 4.2%.


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Online Sales Tax Rules Could Be Commercial Windfall
June 21, 2018
Commercial real estate practitioners stand to benefit from a Supreme Court ruling Thursday giving states the authority to make online retailers collect sales tax. The decision, stemming from online retailer Wayfair Inc.’s lawsuit against South Dakota over such a state law, potentially erases internet sellers’ advantage over brick-and-mortar stores, which are legally required to charge sales tax to customers. Without this advantage, both conventional and online retailers may put more stock in physical spaces, lending more business opportunities to commercial agents.
In the court’s ruling, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that the current “physical presence” rule—which forbids states from requiring merchants who don’t maintain physical stores within the state’s borders to collect sales tax—has cost states up to $33.9 billion annually in uncollected sales taxes, The Wall Street Journal reports. More than 40 states and territories, as well as the District of Columbia, have pushed for the rule to be struck down since it was established in 1967, the WSJ notes.
The ruling is a major win for the National Association of REALTORS® and its commercial members, says NAR Senior Policy Representative Erin Stackley. “The court held that the ‘physical presence’ rule is out-of-date in an e-commerce era,” she says. “[The rule] harms traditional retailers—who are the clients of many of our commercial members. ... NAR has been advocating for [the rule to be dismissed] for many years in Congress and joined with a coalition of other real estate groups in support of the South Dakota law being challenged.”
Some online retailers such as Amazon.com do charge sales tax. But others that don't sometimes brag about it, Justice Kennedy wrote in his opinion. He noted that Wayfair states in its advertising that "one of the best things about buying through Wayfair is that we do not have to charge sales tax." Congress could have taken action on the physical presence rule at any time but declined to do so, fearful of blowback from increasing costs on consumers, according to the Journal.
Source: "Online Sales Tax Rules Could Be Commercial Windfall" REALTOR® Magazine (June 22, 2018)


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The 21 pieces up for auction, including Tiffany & Co. jewels and a Cartier watch, garnered more than $430,000 across two sales.
Amanda’s Style File: Tranquil Aquamarine
March’s birthstone heralds spring with its cool pastel tone.
March is often perceived as a time of renewal. With the hours of daylight increasing and the promise of spring on the horizon, a sense of calmness and tranquility is sure to follow.
It makes sense that the birthstone for March echoes that energy and brings forth the same feelings of serenity.
This month, we celebrate aquamarine as the true treasure of a gemstone it is. With an average price to carat weight ratio that gives designers a good bang for their buck, today’s aquamarine jewelry is found in both everyday staples and over-the-top, breathtaking showstoppers.
One pair of earrings featured here won my heart so much that I wore them to the GEM Awards in January.
Here are 10 Style File jewels that show why March babies are so lucky to have Aquamarine as their birthstone.
The wedding band company is also accusing its former customer of removing watermarks from Lashbrook images for its own use.
Without the ability to instill confidence within the industry and directly to the consumer, a diamond holds very little value.
It provides a timeline for the implementation of new restrictions, but no details.
Sherry Smith breaks down the numbers on jewelry sales in November and reveals the category that “emerged as a standout.”
With holiday proposals right around the corner, encourage your customers to go for platinum when making the big purchase.
Additional lots will be offered in the Fine Jewels online sale through Dec. 7.
Peter Damian Arguello, the owner of Peter Damian Fine Jewelry & Antiques, was shot and killed in an apparent robbery last week.
The Indian jewelry giant has opened locations in Houston and Frisco, Texas.
Each student was provided with the full amount of tuition for the Namibia University of Science & Technology.
The watch seller’s new index tracks sales data from 14 brands, including Rolex and Patek Philippe.
The lab-grown diamond brand also collaborated with the website The Future Rocks on a collection launching today.
It’s the hero piece of the newest "Green Jewel" collection, a collaborative offering from the two mines.
Chris Cramer, who also spent time at Gen Z intimates brand Parade, will take on the dual role.
The retail offering lets customers track their diamond’s journey.
The Luele mine is expected to eventually make the country the world’s third-largest diamond producer.
From Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, 200.4 million consumers shopped online and in stores.


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A Victorian glass bowl sitting on a silver-plated pedestal is priced at $600, a quarter of its value. Watches, old and new, lay next to each other, ticking away in a display case. Contemporary etageres of all widths divide the floor space into welcoming home store-like vignettes and there is a cushy chair in front of bookshelves stocked with best sellers and rare editions.
As you can see, the Hospice Unique Boutique on busy Ashland Street stocks much more than clothing.
Carefully, selectively, the boutique has grown from an idea five years ago into a stylish shop with loyal customers who come by to see what's new — jewelry, furniture, gallery-quality artwork — and to help the Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice raise money for end-of-life programs, from bedside music therapy and last-wishes day trips to bereavement support and grief counseling training.
On Friday, June 15, volunteers at the boutique will distribute $30,000 in funds to four hospices and other local groups that help families at the end of a loved one's life.
But shoppers inside the cheerfully decorated, 24,000-square-foot store aren't reminded of the mission.
"People come in here and do not hear about hospice," says Nancy B. James, a retired occupational therapist who volunteers at the boutique and serves on the Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice Shop Committee. "We are a business and we're here to sell quality items, from $1 to hundreds of dollars."
Returning customers include antique dealers, bargain hunters and other resale shopkeepers. But no one can really predict who will show up.
A few weeks ago, a high school boy raced in before the doors closed to find a tux for the prom. He did. Recently, a man who spilled coffee on his pants on the way to work found a replacement, then continued on his way. And this past Tuesday, Nancy McLeod of Ashland bought the exact pair of black pants she was looking for. The price: $5.
James says some regulars come in to browse and socialize. One of them is Donna Stuart, who on this day isn't looking for anything specific, but she's still looking around. That's because items are placed in the shop daily.
"They have style here," says Stuart, sharply dressed in a periwinkle jacket with a matching necklace. "They do things with flair and fun, and the cause is a great one."
Stuart, who is downsizing her Ashland home and donating items to the boutique, says if something catches her eye — and something always seems to — she can put it on hold for 24 hours and think it through. "Sometimes I need to measure to make sure it will fit," she says. "I'm downsizing, but I'm also replacing the things I'm giving away."
Other donors are cleaning out storage units, moving, remodeling or managing estate sales. Boutique volunteers are able to make house calls for large items.
But most of the time, people who want to donate knock on the back door of the boutique. One of the volunteers or store Manager Melanie Alvarez will evaluate the offerings and carefully select suitable merchandise.
"We have to be picky," says James to a woman who pulled up in a Toyota truck on Tuesday morning, "because we're a boutique, not a garage sale."
James looked into the back of the truck and asked to receive two table lamps with hand-thrown pottery bases. She suggested medical equipment be given to ACCESS Inc. in Medford and other items — kids' toys, appliances, worn clothes — be donated to Goodwill, the Salvation Army or another local organization.
Some selected items are held before they are placed in the store to group them into holiday themes — such as Fourth of July, Halloween or Christmas. "We don't put pumpkins out now," says James. In September, volunteers have a special housewares and bedding sale that they promote to Southern Oregon University students who are setting up a room or an apartment.
Items are sorted, inspected, repaired and cleaned. "We are all compulsives," jokes James. A sweeping look of the backroom proves this: A tidy row of wooden hangers are lined up near the clothes steamer. Cabinet drawers are neatly labeled "Pens/Markers" and "Pins/Tags."
Not seen are the volunteers who work on the items before they're put in the shop. One watch shop owner has donated more than 100 watch batteries. Volunteers with expertise in evaluating specific merchandise help price the items, usually 70 to 80 percent below value.
To maintain the boutique's "integrity," as Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice board president Sarah Seybold calls it, experts who price the goods agree that they will not buy the items. "Although it has never happened here," says Seybold, "some groups have had people set a price that is very low and then they buy the item."
Another difference with the Hospice Unique Boutique: volunteers cannot purchase merchandise before it goes into the store. "There is no backroom buying," says James. "We want our donors to know that their gifts will be available to the community to buy."
If an item doesn't sell in a few months, it is advertised on eBay. The boutique sold a 1903 French tin toy for $1,200 on the online auction site.
In 2009, the first year the boutique opened, Seybold said the board didn't expect it to make a profit. But it did. A check for $5,000 was handed out to a few end-of-life support groups. The second year, the check grew to $10,000. On Friday, Ashland Community Hospital Hospice, Asante Hospice, Lovejoy Hospice and Providence Hospice, as well as COHO: Choosing Options, Honoring Options, the Memory Care Center and the WinterSpring Center will receive a share of $30,000.
Proceeds come from items that cost a few dollars or more. A hardcover book is $3. Three silver-plated spoons are $5. A wedding dress is $45. A vanilla-colored, wall-size country hutch is $325. An antique claw-foot table is $999.
Volunteers have seen bereaved relatives come to the shop with bags of personal items. The boutique workers have been trained to be sensitive to the donors' emotions.
James says a woman came by recently with her late mother's items. When the woman handed James a box of jewelry, James suggested the woman sit with the pieces for a while. The woman saw some she had given her mother decades before. At James' suggestion, the woman left with the box.
"We are not vested in these items," says James. "We are just here to help."
Reach reporter Janet Eastman at 541-776-4465 or email@example.com.


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2012 SGMA Litigation & Risk Management Summit
April 9-10, 2012
Las Vegas, NV
In April 2012 members from the Fitness, Team Sports, Recreation, Apparel and Equipment Industries will convene for SGMA’s 5th Annual Litigation & Risk Management Summit (LRMS) in Las Vegas, NV to learn the latest legal issues that our industry will be facing in 2012.
The 2012 LRMS is aimed to provide attendees with a dynamic opportunity to represent and protect their company's best interests by meeting with industry legal experts and in-house counsel face to face to discuss the latest items of importance and pressing legal issues facing the current sporting goods and fitness industry.
Like the previous LRMS events, the 2012 Summit will again be preceding the Defense Research Institute’s (DRI) 2012 Product Liability Seminar, which will be held at the same venue as the SGMA LRMS on April 11, 2012.
Kevin Mayer is the one of the speakers at this event. His topic is "The Next 50 Years - Moving Towards a New Era of 'Greener' and 'Safe' Products."
Crowell & Moring Participant(s):
For more information, please visit these areas:


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As the prices of every day consumer goods rise it seems the typical consumer is spending less and less money for furniture and clothing. The earnings forecasts so far this year, (for the majority of retail stores), has been continually gloomy. After all, if we need to spend more to feed ourselves, we’ll have to find a way to cloth ourselves for less money.
Interestingly, while sales for typical retailers like department, furniture, and clothing stores is falling, sales for consignment stores and discount retailers is rising. Over the past year retail sales in this sector have risen by 2.2 billion. Sales grew from $28.1 billion in February of ’08 from $25.9 billion in February of ’07. In fact, second-hand stores are known for withstanding economic downturns.
The trend for second-hand stores seems to be two-fold. First, consumers want to find a bargain. Consignment stores often sell brand new items, (with the tags still on), for 50 – 75% less than typical department stores. Second, consignment stores are now viewed as eco-friendly. Why purchase something new at full price, when you can purchase something that serves the purpose just as well, but is slightly used?
Second-hand shops and discount retailers are known for riding out economic downturns, but I find it interesting that consumers typically return to paying full price at department stores once the downturn is over.


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ASOS expands board with non-executive appointments
ASOS has expanded its board with a raft of non-executive appointments to replace outgoing directors Rita Clifton and Hilary Riva.
The online young fashion giant has added for new names to its board with a range of skills and knowledge across online retail, fashion, technology, logistics, international markets and people management.
Karen Geary joins the Board and the Remuneration, Audit and Nomination Committees with immediate effect and on 1 December 2019, she will become Chair of the Remuneration Committee.
Her experience in the technology industry includes roles as Chief Human Resources Officer and Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee at Micro Focus International plc, Chief People Officer at Wandisco, Inc., and as Chief People Officer at The Sage Group plc. She has also been appointed to National Express Group plc with effect from 1 October 2019.
Luke Jensen joins the board as well as the Audit and Nomination Committees from 1 November. He has been CEO of Ocado Solutions since 2017 and joined the Board of Ocado Group plc, the FTSE 100 listed online grocer and technology company, in 2018. He was previously Senior Advisor at Boston Consulting Group and Group Development Director at J Sainsbury plc, where he was responsible for online and all customer facing digital activities.
Mai Fyfield will also join the board as well as the Audit and Nomination Committees from 1 November. She was previously Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer at Sky, and currently serves as a non-executive director on the Boards of Roku, the NASDAQ-listed TV streaming platform, BBC Commercial Holdings Limited, and Nationwide Building Society.
Eugenia Ulasewicz will join the board on 16 April 2020. She was President of Americas for Burberry Group from 1998-2013 and previously held senior retail positions with Bloomingdale's, Galeries Lafayette and Saks Fifth Avenue. She currently holds non-executive roles with FTSE 100 listed Bunzl plc, Signet Jewellers Limited, Vince Holding Corp, and Hudson Group Limited.
Hilary Riva and Rita Clifton, who respectively made their names in retail and advertising, will stand down at the end of their six-year tenures in April 2020 and will depart on a date to be announced in due course.
Chairman Adam Crozier said the decision to expand the board with four appointments reflected the growing size and scale of ASOS. "On behalf of the Board, I'd like to warmly welcome Karen, Luke, Mai and Eugenia to ASOS. Their world-class experience, skills, and expertise will be essential in guiding the business through the next stage of global growth, fuelled by the substantial investments it has made over the past few years.
"I'd also like to extend our thanks and gratitude to Hilary and Rita for the important role they have played in the development of ASOS and the board over their tenure."


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Gears of War 3 sold more than 3 million copies of the game in its first week to quickly become 2011's highest grossing games.
Microsoft mouthpiece Major Nelson touts the achievement on his blog:
Following more than 22,000 midnight madness launch events, Microsoft and Epic Games today announced that the Xbox 360 exclusive sold more than three million copies in its first week since release, cementing Gears 3 as the biggest game of 2011 and catapulting the franchise beyond one billion dollars in lifetime sales.
The Gears of War franchise has always been a major blockbuster for Microsoft, but this week's sales have blown away previous Gears of War week-one performances. Gears of War, and Gears of War 2 have each sold about 6 million copies during their lifetime, with Gears of War 3 quickly overtaking its older brothers.
Though Gears of War's success pales in comparison to Call of Duty: Black Ops' first week sales in 2010, which sold around 6 million copies on the Xbox360 alone, according to VGchartz.com. Black Ops has sold about 13 million games worldwide on the 360.
Gears of War 3 may not be able to hold onto the highest grossing game of the year title for long with games like Battlefield 3 and the new Call of Duty titles due to release near the end of the year.


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First USA Bank said it has added a rewards program
Cardholders can now earn one point for each dollar of purchases as part
The points are redeemable for association merchandise,
Each card purchase will also net an entry into a sweepstakes for a
Consumers can call a dedicated toll-free number to apply for the card.
The no-fee card will continue to generate funds for the development


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BRATISLAVA, November 29th, 2017 - Cushman & Wakefield Slovakia had great results at CiJ Awards Gala, winning the following categories: Best Retail Power Broker Team of the Year 2017 and Best Retail Lease of the Year 2017 – Lidl store in Cassovia shopping centre, Košice in the Slovak Republic. The awards are recognition of outstanding achievements in real estate sector in the Slovak Republic in 2017, voted for by an independent group of top professionals.
The Awards were announced during an annual award ceremony organized 29th November by Roberts Publishing, the publisher of the monthly real estate journal CiJ.
Katarina Paule, Head of Retail Agency at Cushman & Wakefield in Slovakia, said “We are honored to get this important recognition from the market – there is a combination of effort, innovative approach, hard work of great people and relationships with our clients! Thank you all our team and our clients. We are glad, proud and thankful!”


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Target plans to step up its delivery game in a big way come 2018.
The retailer announced the $550 million acquisition of Shipt on Wednesday, adding a company that specializes specifically in same-day delivery to its asset portfolio. In the same announcement, Target also confirmed plans to — wait for it — offer same-day delivery to its customers.
SEE ALSO: Amazon launches free same-day shipping for Prime members
The company’s announcement lays out a plan to offer speedier deliveries at “about half” of its stores in early 2018. The program is then expected to expand by the 2018 holiday to include most Target stores, in all major markets. Read more…
More about Business, Target, Sharing Economy, Consumer Tech, and Shipt


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Amazon to hire 120,000 temporary workers for holiday season
Workers collect customer orders during Black Friday deals week at an Amazon fulfilment centre in Hemel Hempstead, Britain November 25, 2015. REUTERS/Neil Hall
Get daily under-the-radar research with StreetInsider.com's Stealth Growth Insider Get your 2-Wk Free Trial here.
(Reuters) - Amazon.com Inc said it would hire more than 120,000 seasonal workers in the United States for the holiday season, 20 percent more than last year, highlighting the growing threat the e-commerce giant poses to traditional retailers.
U.S. retailers such as Macy's Inc, Target Corp and Kohl's Corp have said they plan to hire fewer temporary workers or to keep seasonal employment levels little changed this holiday season.
More than 14,000 seasonal positions were transitioned to regular, full-time roles after the holidays last year, and the company expects to increase that number this year, Amazon said on Thursday.
The U.S. National Retail Federation earlier this month forecast a 3.6 percent rise in holiday sales this year, with online sales expected to climb 7 percent to 10 percent.
U.S. brick-and-mortar retailers' biggest challenge in recent years has been tackling the growth of online retailers, specially Amazon, which offer the same products at lower prices and have made shopping more convenient.
They are also keeping sales expectations and inventories low - and hiring light - ahead of the holiday season to avoid a repeat of last year, when unusually warm weather hit sales and piled up unsold goods.
(Reporting by Subrat Patnaik and Abhijith Ganapavaram in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)
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AKRON (Aug. 27)—France's Groupe Michelin retained the title of No. 1 tire maker for 2002 ahead of Japan's Bridgestone Corp. and Goodyear of the U.S., based on a comparison of the company's tire-specific sales. Both Michelin and Bridgestone posted slight gains in tire sales last year, to $13.8 billion and $13.5 billion, respectively. Michelin benefited from a change in the euro/dollar exchange rate; sales volume rose 3.5 percent, but revenues in euros fell 0.8 percent from 2001. Goodyear's tire sales slipped slightly to $12.3 billion, largely on sales losses in North America. The Big Three tire makers controlled 56 percent of the global tire market, estimated by Rubber & Plastics News for the 2003 Global Tire Report at $70.6 billion last year. Continental A.G., Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., Pirelli S.p.A., Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. and Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. were fourth through eighth as in 2001. South Korean tire maker Kumho Industrial Co. Ltd. claimed ninth ahead of Japan's Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd., despite a 2-percent sales gain by Toyo.
Michelin retains top tire maker title
Rubber News wants to hear from its readers. If you want to express your opinion on a story or issue, email your letter to Editor Bruce Meyer at [email protected].


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Ghana will be participating in the largest cultural and diplomatic fair, as 192 countries converge
at the World Expo 2020, which will be held in Dubai from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022.
The country is poised to leverage this grand occasion, to showcase the immense opportunities it
offers across business, culture, and human capital.
Guided by its sub-theme ‘limitless opportunities’, Ghana’s participation in the Expo 2020 Dubai
will underscore the government’s commitment to be an active player in the promotion of creativity,
and exhibit the huge investment prospects in critical sectors such as tourism, energy, agriculture,
trade, education, environment, and sanitation.
Below Is Thr Full Statement:


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The growth in personal income slowed in January after increasing in 1995 at the fastest pace in five years, and consumer spending fell for the first time in three years, the Commerce Department said today.
The report, which said personal income grew an anemic one-tenth of 1 percent, to $6.25 trillion in January, from $6.24 trillion a month earlier, provided additional evidence of the economy's weakness as the year began.
But many analysts said the sluggishness was due mostly to the blizzard and the Federal Government shutdowns.
"We hit a bit of a pothole earlier this year, but it was weather-related," said Stephen S. Roach, an economist with Morgan Stanley & Company in New York. "While January was weak, all signs point to a fairly significant rebound in February."
The January gain in personal income was the smallest since last August. However, an advance of six-tenths of 1 percent in December, helped raise incomes for all of 1995 by 6.1 percent -- the highest gain since a 6.7 percent increase in 1990. That growth far outpaced last year's inflation rate of 2.5 percent.Continue reading the main story
The department also reported that consumer spending fell five-tenths of 1 percent in January, to $5.01 trillion from $5.03 trillion. It was the third drop in five months and the largest since a decline of six-tenths of 1 percent in August 1992.
"January was a tough month," Mr. Roach said. "The weather and the Government shutdown had a detrimental impact on almost everything we were measuring."
Donald Straszheim, an economist at Merrill Lynch & Company, agreed that the economic expansion, now five years old, had hit "a soft spot" but would escape a recession in the near future.
"The U.S. economy enjoyed eight-year-long recoveries in the 1960's and 1980's, with soft landings embedded in the middle," he said. "We think it is happening again."
For all of 1995, consumer spending, which represents about two-thirds of the nation's economic activity, rose only 4.8 percent, down from 5.5 percent in 1994.
Disposable income -- income after taxes -- rose three-tenths of 1 percent in January after jumping seven-tenths of 1 percent a month earlier. And Americans' savings rate -- savings as a percentage of disposable income -- was 5.3 percent, highest since a 6.3 percent rate in December 1993.
Spending on big-ticket durable goods such as cars and computers fell 5.3 percent in January. But outlays for nondurable goods such as food, fuel and services edged up two-tenths of 1 percent.
The income and spending figures were not adjusted for inflation. When adjusted, disposable incomes were unchanged after rising six-tenths of 1 percent in December. Spending fell eight-tenths of 1 percent, erasing an advance of eight-tenths of 1 percent the previous month.Continue reading the main story


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Top retailers show mega confidence in Mall of the North
SA Commercial Prop News - Jul 20th 2012, 09:08
Major local and international leading retail names have expressed confidence that Mall of the North, will be a significant driver for their growth adding more shopping variety to the region's super shopping centre in Polokwane, Limpopo.
International fashion brand shops from Diesel, Levi’s, Skechers, Fabiani and Cotton On will soon open at Mall of the North. The original, natural and ethical beauty brand The Body Shop will also introduce a new store. Telkom is adding a flagship 8ta shop. Introducing more choice to its menu, Mall of the North will add a flagship Panarottis and, hitting the sweet spot, Cups & Cones Frozen Yoghurt and Ice Cream.
The 75,000sqm Mall of the North, which opened in April 2011, is jointly owned by JSE-listed Resilient Property Income Fund, Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment, and Moolman Group.
“Mall of the North is producing healthy and growing trade. It recorded exceptional performance during its first year and continues to receive attention from retailers seeking to open stores at the mall,” says Johann Kriek of Resilient Property Income Fund.
Driving its performance is its exceptional retail mix of 180 shops with anchor retailers including Pick n Pay, Checkers, Edgars, Woolworths and Game, as well as a Ster-Kinekor cinema complex. It combines vast retail variety with regular grocery shopping and features a prominent fashion factor.
Hans Bitter of The Foschini Group (TFG) explains that Fabiani – the latest brand to join TFG – makes its entry into the Mall of the North on the upper level, near Entrance 4.
“Fabiani is found at upmarket malls like Canal Walk, Sandton City and Gateway,” notes Bitter. “The confidence Fabiani has displayed in committing to Mall of the North is indicative of how TFG is trading out of its other brands present in the centre.”
Fabiani, and the other top-notch new retailers to join Mall of the North, will refine and strengthen its offering, boosting its popularity even further.
Paul Gerard of Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment explains that to ensure Mall of the North continues to meet shopper needs, its tenant mix is constantly monitored against shopper trends. “This allows us to innovate and improve, to give our customers a complete experience.”
While the new retailers will bring the centre in line with the latest shopper demands, Gerard notes the owners are considering several extra changes to take the centre into the future.
All of this combines to create award-winning shopping.
Mall of the North won the SAPOA (SA Property Owners Association) Innovative Excellence Award in Retail Property Development. It also won the prestigious Spectrum Retail Design Development Award from the SACSC (South African Council of Shopping Centres).
By SA Commercial Prop News
Checkers brings world-class retail to Constantia with new flagship store
27/11/2019 - 13:01
Checkers has opened the doors to its state-of-the-art 2 330 m² flagship supermarket at the Constantia Emporium as the retailer continues to take innovation to new heights.
Woolworths carves out market share in SA
27/11/2019 - 10:11
In Australia, David Jones's sales declined 2.1%, with the company saying a store refurbishment contributed to the decline.
Exclusive leases must fall: Commission cracks whip on Shoprite, Pick n pay, Spar, Woolies
26/11/2019 - 09:57
The Competition Commission Inquiry into Grocery Retail, published on Monday, called for an end to the exclusive leases negotiated by national retail chains in all shopping malls across the country in a bid to open up access to markets for smaller players.
Pick n Pay shares five of its Black Friday deals
25/11/2019 - 10:10
Pick n Pay has released five of its nationwide in-store Black Friday deals as a teaser of what customers can expect this Friday.
Checkers pioneers new 60-minute grocery delivery service
25/11/2019 - 09:53
Checkers has launched its exclusive on-demand one-hour grocery delivery service named Sixty60. It is South Africa’s first 60-minute grocery delivery service from a supermarket chain, as Checkers relentlessly innovates to respond to customers’ demands for hyper-convenience.


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A pre-order promotion for Medal of Honor: Warfighter may have accidentally revealed that EA is working on Battlefield 4. According to a banner on EA's Origin digital distribution service, players who pre-order Medal of Honor: Warfighter will get access to the Battlefield 4 beta.
Until this point, neither EA or developer DICE have made any indication that a follow-up to last year's Battlefield 3 is in development. DICE is committed to making downloadable content for Battlefield 3 until March 2013.
The idea that EA and DICE are working on follow-up to the incredibly successful shooter isn't exactly hard to imagine, but the information paints a picture that, even if development on BF4 is already under way, it won't be coming until late 2013 at the earliest.
Medal of Honor: Warfighter launches worldwide October 23rd.


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Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Suzuki Auto PH Allows You to Apply for an Auto Loan Online
Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH) brings good news to customers looking to purchase their new automobile via financing. With the new Auto Loan feature found on their official website, getting a brand-new car can just be a few clicks away.
This newly launched feature on the SPH website allows customers to apply for auto loans online. In partnership with banks including Bank of Commerce, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Chinabank Savings, East West Bank, Maybank, PS Bank, RCBC, Robinsons Bank, UCPB, and Yulon Finance, the Auto Loan Feature directs customers to their preferred bank’s website page dedicated for auto loans. Once accomplished by interested patrons, their bank of choice will be able to review and grant them the loans if eligible.
This new online service presented by Suzuki Philippines is an effort to provide ways to serve its customers by being reachable amid the current situation in the country brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to launch the online Auto Loan service with the help of dependable financial institutions is rooted from the realization that during this time of uncertainty, consumers are longing for a sense of security and reliability, more than just the product itself.