text:
In a blog post, GroupM analyst Brian Wieser writes that “outdoor, radio and print-based media rarely see the focus that pure-play digital and television-related media do, but continue to offer significant opportunities for marketers.”
Thanks to investments in digital infrastructure, outdoor advertising is growing faster than all other channels except pure-play digital. Wieser says that outdoor advertising’s “effectiveness is relatively undiminished by fragmentation or ad avoidance, at least where related real estate is constrained by local laws and regulations” and points out that savvy marketers are seeing it as “a superior alternative to television when goals are focused around brand-building and target audiences are in geographically narrow areas.”
Radio, while not growing as fast as outdoor, has also seen major investments in digital infrastructure and offers wide reach that advertisers willing to see past its historic reputation can tap into. Print, while still a shadow of its former self as a result of significant circulation declines, is a viable niche channel that can be highly-effective, Wieser suggests.
All told, GroupM predicts that in 2020, outdoor, radio and print will account for 3.5%, 6.6% and 9% of US ad spend, respectively. Individually, these percentages pale in comparison to television and digital, which the agency expects to account for 28.5% and 52.5% of ad spend, respectively, but when combined, these channels make up a fifth of the market.
There are a number of reasons that figure could increase in the coming years.
First, many of the most attractive features of pure-play digital advertising have been brought to outdoor, radio and print. For instance, it’s now possible for advertisers to purchase inventory in these channels much the same way digital inventory is purchased. Targeting and tracking capabilities are often close to or on par with digital channels, and some traditional channels now even have programmatic offerings. As such, it’s easier and more cost-effective for advertisers to create, manage and scale their campaigns.
Second, for all of digital advertising’s virtues, it has limits and some advertisers are running into them. Once they have picked the low-hanging fruit, especially with the two biggest digital ad players, Google and Facebook, a growing number of marketers are deciding it makes more sense to allocate spend to less competitive channels than to accept diminishing returns from digital. This trend is especially strong among direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands.
Going forward, it’s all but certain the appeal of traditional channels will only grow, even if competition increases. That’s because the amount of quality traditional inventory that will become readily available as media sellers build out digital infrastructure is likely to grow. Additionally, advertisers will increasingly have to grapple with a changing digital advertising landscape that won’t look quite the same thanks to government regulation, industry self-regulation and the crackdown on cookies.


text:
The UN is going to try to take control of the internet and destroy internet freedom--go to the link that follows for more information:
Take Action – Google: "The Internet empowers everyone — anyone can speak, create, learn, and share. It is controlled by no one — no single organization, individual, or government. It connects the world. Today, more than two billion people are online — about a third of the planet."
Seguir a @johnyahcom
Jeep puts electrification front and center at Easter Jeep Safari - When Stellantis brand Jeep descended on Moab, Utah this week for its annual off-roading and concept roadshow, electrification ruled the road. The automak...
Post a Comment

domain: news


text:
Food discovery platform Zomato is using its data repository of restaurants that have recently shut down to build a new business unit that will rent out kitchen space to restaurants for increasing their ability to deliver food.
Dubbed "cloud kitchens", Zomato is investing in setting up infrastructure which existing restaurants will be able to use to fulfill online orders. These mini-kitchens will be located in off-premium locations and house up to four restaurants helping them expand their service affordably.
"To acquire cooking equipment, we are using Zomato data to identify restaurants which have recently shut down in the vicinity and are acquiring this (almost new) equipment at a discounted value," said Deepinder Goyal in a blog post outlining how Zomato is looking at growing the new business in a cost effective manner.
The technology company says it will provide the real estate, build the kitchen and supply all the equipment restaurants will need to just "walk in" and start doing business. These kitchens will not offer a take-out or dine-out option, allowing the company to pick locations not on main roads but that are strategically placed to service areas where online food ordering demand is high.
Restaurants will have to share a percentage of the revenue they earn out of the kitchen with Zomato, apart from the charges the company already levies on a regular online food order. However, restaurants will not have any sort of lock in charges, allowing them to walk away if they don't see value.
To run the new business unit, Zomato roped in Arvind Dixit, former India chief operating officer of American fast food chain Wendy's, last November. Prior to working at Wendy's, Dixit had spent nearly 19 years at McDonald's, leaving the company in the position of Director of Operations.
"Our initial estimates tell us that with some hard work, we can have a 100 locations by the end of 2018," added Goyal. The pilot for the project will come up in Dwarka in early March. By outsourcing most of the non-technology work, it plans to have a team of just five people along with Dixit to hit its 100 kitchen goal.
For customers, Zomato says it will begin offering a front where they will be able to select dishes from multiple brands and have them delivered in the same order. The kitchens will improve efficiency of online food ordering while lowering the cost of deliveries, something that has plagued the industry since its inception in India.
Rival Swiggy has a similar model of restaurants partnering to set up cloud kitchens, while Bengaluru-based FreshMenu controls the entire experience from preparing the food to delivery from a far away kitchen.


text:
(Trois-Rivieres) The company Inter Three Rivers Fencing diversifies. $ 1.2 million of investments allow the addition of specialized equipment in order to bring the company to new levels.
“The investments allow us to exploit new markets outside the fence,” immediately said the CEO of Inter Fences, Denis Gravel.
“We can now make canvas garages, canopies, nurseries or greenhouses. First, we want to develop the Ontario and US markets. ”
These investments are made possible through financial support of $ 341,914 paid through the Economic Diversification Fund of the Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie. If $ 322,664 in the form of a loan, $ 19,250 represents non-repayable financial contribution of the state.
However, a major obstacle delaying the implementation of the Inter Fences business objectives. Management is looking for skilled workers, which seems far from simple. The management is ready to receive CVs from interested workers.
“For now and unfortunately, we can not access the Ontario and US markets by the lack of manpower we have in the region,” said President and CEO of Inter Fences.
“We miss at least five skilled workers … minimum. We especially need millwrights (millwright) that affect both the machining, hydraulics and electronics. That’s workforce increasingly hard to find. ”
The company Inter Fences has a business model rather interesting. This is a group of retailers and fence installers from across Quebec who have partnered to manufacture products. This enables better purchasing power, but also to ensure the quality of products sold.
“We, the businessmen grouped in Inter Fences, our own consumers,” said Denis Gravel. “It allows us to always have a consistent product that we set ourselves.”
The announcement of investments Economic Diversification Fund of the Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec was carried out by the member for Trois-Rivieres, Jean-Denis Girard, on behalf of the Deputy Premier and Minister of Small and medium Enterprises, regulatory Relief and Regional economic Development, Lise Thériault.
“Inter fencing is the most important group of professionals fence in Canada,” said the member for Trois-Rivières. “The company is an economic engine for the region. The investment will enable it to continue to grow and generate jobs in the region. ”
Since April 2014, the Economic Diversification Fund of the Mauricie and Centre-du-Quebec – created following the closure of the Gentilly-2 – has allowed the realization of 134 projects through public investments 31 $ 3 million.
Adding private investment, economic diversification fund is the source of approximately $ 185 million investment. This has enabled to create or consolidate nearly 2,500 jobs.
At least one other offer related economic Diversification Fund will be held on Thursday as the minister Lise Thériault will be visiting the region. It must announce investments at a dinner of the Annual General Meeting of Manufacturers of the Mauricie and Centre-du-Quebec.
In the morning, the Deputy Prime Minister convened the press to an announcement Wharf St. Angela on Regional Corporation of Bécancour.


text:
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — A federal crackdown has taken effect on the sale of most flavored cartridges for e-cigarettes.
The new FDA policy prohibits companies from making and selling all cartridge flavors except tobacco and menthol.
Stores can continue to sell flavored e-liquid and disposables.
The crackdown aims to reduce vaping by young people.
The FDA is giving businesses until mid-May to comply with the new rules before they could face fines.


text:
Little League cancels raffle of house
The Carson Valley Little League board of directors voted Wednesday night to cancel the organization’s fund-raising raffle, which had offered a grand prize of a new house in Sunridge.
All of the money raised will be returned. The refund process will start with letters being mailed to verify the addresses of ticket buyers. Refund checks will follow in the next few weeks.
Tommy Hoyle, a board member who wanted to continue selling the $35 tickets, said the CVLL sold 3,000 tickets, but needed to sell 4,000 to make the raffle financially successful.
“We appreciate everyone who bought a ticket and all of the businesses that donated prizes,” Hoyle said. “We’ve been working on this thing for 10 months. We probably had 90 to 100 people working on this. It was a big undertaking.”
Hoyle said Carson Valley Little League had deposited more than $90,000 from ticket sales into an escrow account. The group needed to generate about $130,000, he said.
Hoyle isn’t sure how much, if any, interest the account has earned since April, when the group started selling tickets.
“If we earned any money, it’ll probably just about pay for the postage to mail the money back,” said Hoyle, who added that all prizes donated will be returned, too.
The raffle originally was scheduled to be held July 19 during the District I Little League All Star tournaments at Lampe Park. The CVLL board of directors extended the deadline until Sept. 19, but decided to abandon the project rather than offer another extension.
The Record-Courier E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.org
Visitors Guide | News | Diversions | Marketplace | Weather | Community
Copyright, tahoe.com. Materials contained within this site may
not be used without permission.


text:
Ubisoft announced Rainbow Six Quarantine, a new three-player tactical cooperative first-person shooter for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, during its E3 2019 press conference. It will launch in early 2020.
Here is a brief overview of the game, via Ubisoft:
Set several years into the future of the Rainbow Six Universe, Rainbow Six Quarantine takes the tactical action that the series is known for and sets it against the backdrop of an entirely new co-op campaign. When a mutated alien parasite starts infecting human hosts, it’s up to the Operators of Team Rainbow to stop the deadly threat before time runs out.
Created by Ubisoft Montreal, and a dedicated new team comprised of developers from For Honor, Ghost Recon, and more, Rainbow Six Quarantine aims to create a chaotic, intense, and unpredictable co-op, player-versus-enemy experience. Players will band together with two other teammates and storm into quarantine zones around the country in an effort to turn the tide for humanity.


text:
The Super Bowl is over, but the conversation continues about the commercials!
Chances are you had your favorite. Puppy Love, the Budweiser commercial highlighting the friendship between a dog and clydesdale, pulled at the heartstrings. Our partners at USA Today conducted their annual ad meter during the game. USA Today reporter Laura Petracca said those heart strings may have been key. "I think we're seeing the trend of emotional ads and storytelling ads because so many more people are using digital media. So in the past, you had 30 seconds to get an ad up there. You wanted to get a laugh, you wanted to send a message. Now users are posting your ad on facebook, on twitter, marketers are using it on youtube. So you're seeing ads before the game, during the game, and after the game."
But one business might not have made the big stage without a little help. Goldie Blox is a small business. They make toys aiming to get girls excited about science and engineering. They only have 15 employees and just got started 18 months ago!
They used Kickstarter and raised $285,000 to launch their business.
So how'd they end up with a $4 million dollar Super Bowl ad? They won a competition Intuit offered to small businesses. That made Goldie Blox the first small business ever to have a national commercial in the Super Bowl. But they won't be the last. Intuit already says they plan to run a similar competition again for next year's Super Bowl.
And if you're wondering, Goldie Blox toys are available in Toys R Us and Target.
WFMY News 2/CNN/ USA Today


text:
The Activision-Blizzard acquisition remains in the headlines, likely to Microsoft’s chagrin as the battle to make sure the deal goes through grinds on. However, it seems the end is not yet in sight, if reporting by media outlet Politico is anything to go on. According to Politico, unnamed sources have said the FTC may seek to block the deal pending legal action or further investigation. With UK regulators already digging further into the details of the acquisition this means it is already unlikely to close until Spring at the earliest.
According to the article, the concerns of the FTC remain squarely on Sony’s concerns in the realm of console gaming “Central to the FTC’s concerns is whether acquiring Activision would give Microsoft an unfair boost in the video game market. Microsoft’s Xbox is number three to the industry-leading Sony Interactive Entertainment and its PlayStation console. Sony, however, has emerged as the deal’s primary opponent, telling the FTC and regulators in other countries that if Microsoft made hit games like Call of Duty exclusive to its platforms Sony would be significantly disadvantaged.”
IAMS = It’s about mobile, stupid
The FTC however, and Sony as well, may be missing the main point of the Microsoft acquisition. Microsoft stands not to gain a foothold in the console or PC market, and judging by their remarks about the matter, there has been intent to offer concessions in said market to Sony anyway. What Microsoft does stand to gain is a massive increase in mobile holdings and revenue from the third unnamed party in this deal, King. Other companies such as Take-Two Interactive and Activision-Blizzard themselves have seen their revenue share become mobile-first for the first time in their history, so it’s no surprise this is where Microsoft’s priorities lie in the deal.
King has a massive presence in mobile, and as Phil Spencer has noted previously, Microsoft is ‘irrelevant’ in this market. Given Microsoft has alleged Sony were previously offered a minimum ten-year contract to retain Call of Duty availability, a major franchise of concern, on their platforms it seems exclusivity is not Microsoft’s aim. However, whether Sony’s true concern lies in the console platforms or if they’re leveraging the most visible aspect of Activision-Blizzard’s business to press for regulatory action is unclear.
Commentator and analyst at Niko Partners, Daniel Ahmad, commented on this by speculating FTC action is unlikely to crash the deal.
This doesn't mean the deal would be blocked. There's an entire process to go through before that would become a "likely" outcome.— Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) November 24, 2022
What's more likely is the FTC asks Microsoft to make concessions (Which it likely will) for the greenlighthttps://t.co/Vwbn2PAkOy
His suggestion the FTC would seek concessions aligns with Microsoft’s recent comments about the ongoing details of the deal and communications that have been had with Sony. If necessary Microsoft would likely accept such concessions to put the deal through, again, that’s if this is any more than rumour. Although as the story spreads, we may see official comment or clarification soon. Politico themselves note that as of yet no concrete action has been taken towards this goal, given how UK regulators have been scrutinising it, nothing is yet off the table.


text:
Lenovo has revealed a new batch of Windows 8.1 laptops as part of their CES 2014 lineup, including the new Miix 2 10 and 11 models that have screens that detach to be used as tablets.
A week of Windows 10, holograms and Exploding Kittens on Mars
Office 2016 launching this year, touch apps coming soon
Microsoft reveals the next version of Windows 10
Introducing Windows 10 for phones
Hands on with HoloLens
Download: Windows 10 build 9926


text:
Not too long ago I wrote an article on why I think the Fujifilm X-T20 is still the camera I recommend in 2021. It had great response, but some people thought the X-T30 was clearly the superior camera. In this article we’ll look at the positive and negatives of each camera.
Fujifilm has announced that its servers seem to have been under a ransomware attack. The company has decided to temporarily shut down its servers to protect the users, but also to conduct an investigation.
It’s now 2021, and the Fujifilm X-T20 was released in 2017, uses Fujifilm’s X-Trans III sensor technology, and has been superseded by cameras like the X-T30 and X-S10 (both X-Trans IV). So why would it be the camera I recommend to people in 2021? Let me explain…
Fujifilm has released some amazing lenses. In fact, there is not really a lens that is not capable, or not sharp enough to please even the toughest critics. However, because Fujifilm have an XF range and an XC range, targeting quality build and higher price over lower price and not so good build quality (compared to the XF premium lenses), some Fujifilm users dismiss the XC series of lenses outright. But among them all, there’s a hidden gem that every Fujifilm user should use.
Well, if you were holding out for a Fuji X-H2, you’re gonna have to hold out a little more. Fuji Rumors is reporting that Fujifilm has no plans to release any more X system cameras in 2021. All that you get for 2021 is the Fujifilm X-E4 released back at the beginning of the year.
Fuji Rumors say the information comes from “trusted sources” and as they note, this will be the first year since they started up the Fujifilm X system that only one body will have been released. It makes some sense, though, given the events of the past year and a bit.
Fujifilm has updated their warning on counterfeit Fuji camera batteries that are currently floating around on the market. The warning was first issued back in 2015, letting people know that they should be using legitimate Fuji batteries and that the forgers are illegally using their logo and don’t conform the safety standards of Fuji’s own batteries.
The update of the warning suggests that counterfeit batteries are on the rise again, and that these fake batteries can potentially kill your gear or even start a fire – which we know lithium-based batteries are certainly capable of. And while the alert doesn’t say this, I suspect that if a 3rd party fake battery blew up your camera, it wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
For some strange reason, this video from Taylor Nowel popped up on my suggested feed yesterday, although it was actually posted to YouTube about 18 months ago. It documents the weirdness that is the Fujifilm Rensha Cardia BYU-N 16. What makes it weird is that it has sixteen lenses. Yes, sixteen. Count ’em. Each with their own individual shutters.
It shoots to 35mm film and contains two separate shutter buttons. When it was released in 1995, it seems to have been marketed to golfers, allowing them to shoot a rapid succession of images when they tee off in order to be able to analyze their swing after the fact. Today, it’s basically an animated gif-making machine (although you will need to scan the film).
Well, this is an odd one. Fujifilm has announced an unlikely collaboration with Nintendo. They’re releasing a Nintendo-themed Instax Mini Link app that works via your smartphone for the Nintendo Switch. It’s not designed for printing photographs, though… Well, it can, offering a bunch of frames from a range of Nintendo games, but it’s primarily intended to let users print out scenes and characters from their Nintendo Switch console.
While the printer itself is the bog-standard Fuji Instax Mini Link in a custom colour scheme, but there is also going to be a Pikachu-themed silicone case for it (available as part of a bundle with the printer, not available separately). But the most shocking thing about the collaboration, as Fuji Rumors points out, is that the smartphone app actually seems to work – unlike their camera app.
Fujifilm has announced its new XF 18mm f/1.4 R WR lens for their X system APS-C mirrorless cameras. Part of Fuji’s series of compact, portable primes, the XF 18mm f/1.4 R WR offers a field of view equivalent to 27mm focal length on a full-frame body with a wide f/1.4 aperture and weighs just 370g.
Ideally suited to genres like travel, landscape, architecture and street photography, this autofocus lens should also be well at home with subjects like astrophotography thanks to its wide aperture, weather-resistant design and coatings to help control ghosting and flare.


text:
Deshoj Craft, an initiative of Raindrops Tech Limited, will hold a three-day spring fair at the capital's Dhanmondi area from Thursday.
The fair will be open for visitors from 10am to 6pm every day. Renowned designers, established as well as new entrepreneurs from all over the country will attend the event.
There will also be arrangements of traditional food at the fair.
Special workshops for entrepreneurs will take place during the three days of the fair from 3 to 4pm.
On the first day, a workshop will be held on how to be successful in e-commerce business. On the second day, a workshop will navigate ways of starting an online business. On the third and final day, types, importance, advantages and disadvantages of international business will be discussed.
The fair authorities have adopted a "No Mask No Service" policy to prevent the spread of Covid-19.


text:
The Longmont and Boulder farmers markets will open for the season Saturday.
The Longmont Farmers Market will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday through Nov. 17.
Along with products and food from local growers and artisans, the market will feature live music, activities for kids and other events.
The market is held at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont.
In Boulder, the farmers market will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday through Nov. 17.
It is located on 13th Street between Canyon and Arapahoe.


text:
- Fresh off a May initial public offering, Digital Brands Group has made its second appearance on S&P Global Market Intelligence's monthly list of most vulnerable publicly traded retail companies.
- The direct-to-consumer specialist has a 13.2% chance of default in the next 12 months, according to S&P estimates. That represents an improvement since July, when its one-year default probability was 16.2%.
- Digital Brands — which owns the Bailey 44, Ace Studios, DSTLD and the Harper & Jones apparel brands — announced the closing of a $10 million IPO in mid-May.
It has been a hot year in the retail IPO market. Eight major players in the industry have filed for an IPO or direct listing so far in 2021, and that comes after a year for IPOs generally that was the best in two decades and which included Casper, Poshmark and other retail companies.
For digitally-focused retail upstarts, profits are by no means a prerequisite to wooing investors. The common formula is to seek growth first before using scale to rake in profits.
Chewy, The RealReal, Farfetch, Casper and ThredUp, among others, disclosed losses when filing their IPO papers. Until 2020, online home goods specialist Wayfair posted a net loss for every year it ever reported going back to 2011, with an accumulated net loss that hit $2 billion by 2019.
It's possible that Amazon set the rules of the game. As an early e-commerce player, the company showed investors that years of losses could eventually translate into huge gains for investors. Some of the tolerance for loss-making could also be general enthusiasm in equity markets, which — thanks in large part to stimulus, central banks and vaccines — have shaken off the early turmoil of the pandemic era and taken off to new heights.
In its IPO papers, Digital Brands Group warned potential investors that buying its stock "involves a high degree of risk," in part because of "significant net losses since our inception."
Formed in 2013, originally under the name "Denim .LA," Digital Brands is trying to capitalize on the growing digitization and long-time fragmentation of the apparel and fashion markets. The company, led by CEO John Hilburn Davis, aims to gain leverage by rolling up brands and creating scale.
Key to the model is acquisitions. "We believe that greater scale will increase our purchasing power and negotiating strength with both customers and suppliers," the company said in its S-1 form. "We believe that more acquisitions generate more customer data and more product offerings, which allows us to create more personalized customer cohorts and marketing communications."
The company says it operates its brands on a "decentralized basis," with separate executive teams running each brand while consolidating marketing and technology contracts and cross marketing to each brand's customers. Digital Brands lists its ideal acquisition targets as: "(1) strong legacy brands that have been mismanaged, (2) strong brands that do not have capital to grow, and (3) wholesale brands that are struggling to transition to e-commerce." Among its most recent purchases was suit and sportswear label Harper & Jones, which was acquired in October.
Digital Brands sees competitive advantages in its model of acquisition and scale-seeking. But before it can thrive, it has to survive. The company has successfully grown its revenue even during 2020's apparel tribulations, but losses topped $10.7 million last year, nearly doubling its 2019 loss. And while its $15.5 million in outstanding debt isn't much in general terms, it is "significant" for an organization Digital Brands' size, and it needs cash to be serviced, according to the company.


text:
According to sports coach, she was thrown out of a French supermarket for wearing her GYM gear when she came in after work – and was told to hide & # 39; by a security guard
- Amandine Gaudine, from Étampes, said she was told to leave the local Carrefour store
- She was warned not to come back before she covered her sporty ensemble & # 39; had
- The fitness fanatic shared an account of the incident with Facebook on Saturday
A sports coach claims that she was forced to leave a supermarket in France after being told to cover up & # 39; & # 39; because her training clothing is too bald by a customer & # 39; was branded.
Amandine Gaudine, from Étampes, said she was told to leave her local Carrefour store by a security guard because of her sporty outfit – and was warned not to come back until she covered & # 39; used to be.
In a Facebook post – which has now been shared and commented on by nearly 9,000 people more than 15,000 times – the sports coach explained that she had crawled to the store on the way home from work.
But after a customer complained about her combination of blue tops and leggings, the fitness enthusiast claims that the next time they visit the supermarket, she should & # 39; cover up & # 39 ;.
The French woman said she was furious about the incident and now refuses to go to the store after years of shopping and wearing similar outfits without complaining.
Amandine Gaudine, from Étampes, said she was told to leave her local Carrefour store by a security guard because of her sporty outfit (pictured)
She wrote on Saturday: & # 39; I was shopping quietly at Carrefour Etampes when the security chief came to visit me to warn me not to get dressed again.
& # 39; I asked her what bothered her. She told me to add something upstairs. (Probably too indecent? Or too many abs?)
& # 39; S ***, it's my work outfit! I was just out of work to do the shopping before I got home & # 39 ;, she added.
& # 39; Even the other customers and some of the store's adorable employees (of whom I have known for years) were amazed, trying to talk to the manager who stayed in her position.
Amandine went on: & # 39; The only thing they've gained is that they've lost a customer forever and thank Facebook friends for broadcasting because I think it's very sad not to have the right to dress the way we want. & # 39;
The French (photographed) woman said she was furious about the incident and now refuses to go to the store after years of shopping and wearing similar outfits without any complaint
The fitness fanatic shared an account of the incident with Facebook on Saturday (photo)
MailOnline contacted Carrefour for comments.
On the BFM TV in France, Amandine said that after finishing her shopping, she went to the cashier and asked an employee if she could see the manager complaining.
But to her horror, she said the staff member agreed that the ensemble & # 39; was too bald for their taste & # 39; and that the fitness guru should have put on a T-shirt before entering the store.
Amandine said: & # 39; I have been shopping there for years and often wore an outfit that is equal without problems. I am angry – it is unfair to be criticized for my work outfit.
Response: Many social media users (photos & # 39; s) were quickly sidelined with Amandine after her Facebook post
& # 39; Does this mean that I feel in an indecent dress at work when I use this criticism to become too bald? & # 39;
Many social media users were quickly on the side with Amandine, with one writing: & # 39; If it had been a shirtless man, nobody would have said anything. Courage for this woman. & # 39;
Another said: & # 39; This is outrageous, your outfit is very appropriate. Certainly a jealous employee. & # 39;
A third added: & # 39; Unacceptable … we are in a free country, anyway! & # 39;
& # 39; Well done! & # 39; wrote one person. & # 39; You already have our support … nothing shocking in your outfit! & # 39;
. (TagsToTranslate) Dailymail (t) femail (t) France


text:
Fortify warns that smartphone app developers must embrace secure code development strategies
March 2010 by Fortify
Fortify Software has warned that developers of applications (apps) for smartphones such as the Apple iPhone and Google Android must embrace the principles of secure code development, otherwise the integrity of users’ mobile phone data could be seriously at risk.
The warning from the software security authority comes after researchers at Rutgers University in the US have developed a proof-of-concept rootkit capable of compromising most aspects of a smartphone.
"The researchers have developed a full-blown hacker code methodology that allows all the features of a smartphone - including its microphone, global positioning system and even the battery - to be totally and utterly turned over to a hacker’s control," said Richard Kirk, Fortify’s European director.
"And just like a compromised desktop PC, all the operations of the hacked smartphone can be used for all manner of hacking purposes, including data theft, botnet swarming, distributed denial of service attacks and even remote automated mass hacking of critical national IT systems infrastructures," he added.
According to Kirk, whilst rootkits have been known about since the 1990s, secure code development strategies have evolved to ensure that desktop systems software cannot normally be compromised by this type of hackery.
But smartphone code developers, owing to the relative youth of their industry, have had no similar pressures imposed on them, as smartphones have always been viewed as a less powerful computing option.
All that changes, he explained, with the evolution of rootkits for smartphones, as it means that hackers can assume control over a handset that is every bit as powerful as a computer of just a decade ago.
Fortify general manager Kirk argues that, just as PCs of the early 2000s could cause havoc on the Internet, so to do infected smartphones pose an equally serious security threat.
Using the rootkit, Kirk says that the Rutgers scientists have been able to remotely turn on the smartphone’s microphone and so eavesdrop on nearby conversations.
And, he noted, since the rootkit can also send a phone’s location back to remote hackers, this GPS information can be used to remotely track a handset almost anywhere there is cellular or WiFi coverage.
"As the Rutgers University scientists say - ’as the population of mobile devices increases, there will be an increasing interest in attacking these devices’ - this means there is a rising security risk from operating system-driven smartphones," he said.
"With hundreds of millions of these devices in active usage and the majority of them wirelessly connected, you can see the potential scale of the problem. Code developers must wake up to this pressing security issue and adopt secure code development practices, such as regular security testing, at the earliest available opportunity," Kirk added.


text:
A small peer-reviewed study suggests eating a handful of pecans a day could reduce cardiometabolic risk in overweight and obese adults, according to a news release from the American Pecan Council.
The study, published in the journal Nutrients, looked at blood biomarkers associated with heart disease and Type 2 diabetes in 26 overweight and obese participants over the age of 45. It found that including a handful of pecans ground into foods reduced these biomarkers, while a diet providing the same amount of calories and macronutrients without pecans had no effect. The researchers concluded that displacing saturated fat in the American diet could make a difference to health.
The team found a small but statistically significant improvement in insulin resistance, serum insulin and pancreatic beta cell function, but stressed that larger and longer studies were necessary. The study was supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Pecan Shellers Association, and was carried out by researchers at Tufts University.
Tree nuts are nutrient dense and a good source of healthy fats, making them a tasty, nutritious ingredient in bars and cereals, as well as in gluten-free products as a grain alternative and in dairy-free plant-based milks. In recent years, they have benefited from millennials’ desire for healthier snack foods too, with nearly nine in ten (89%) saying they had consumed at least one better-for-you snack in the past week, according to a recent survey.
In 2016, nuts also received a boost when the Food and Drug Administration updated its definition of “healthy” to include high-fat products like nuts and avocados. When it comes to specific nuts, pecans perhaps have been missing out on some of the good publicity that other tree nuts have enjoyed, and this latest study is just the most recent to back nuts’ health benefits.
A qualified health claim linking tree nut consumption with reduced heart disease risk was one of the first to be approved by the FDA back in 2003, and last year macadamia nuts were added to the list of specific nuts that manufacturers can mention on product labels for their heart health benefits. Other nuts that qualify for the claim include walnuts, almonds and pistachios. As consumers continue to seek out nuts as a healthy snack, food manufacturers would be savvy to invest in product formulas that showcase popular tree nuts and clearly display their health benefits.


text:
North Slidell residents peppered representatives of Walmart with questions Tuesday night about the retail giant's plans for to build a grocery store on a now-wooded parcel on Robert Boulevard.
Questions ran the gamut - someone even asked how often the shelves would be stocked - but seemed to center on two main issues: traffic and drainage.
Walmart is proposing a Neighborhood Market grocery store in the 40,000-square-foot range at the site, which is between North Boulevard and Dijon Drive. The land is zoned C-2 neighborhood commercial, which allows for a grocery store, city officials have said.
"It is not within my power to stop Walmart,'' Slidell City Councilman Jay Newcomb, who represents the area, told the crowd of around 75 people gathered in the City Council chambers. But Newcomb said he pushed for the meeting so that residents could discuss their concerns and ask questions.
Jimmie Percy, an attorney speaking on behalf of the company, assured residents that the retail giant is not proposing a Walmart Supercenter, referring to the larger stores that offer groceries, general merchandise and other services. "It's a grocery store,'' Percy said, noting that it would be roughly a quarter the size of a Supercenter.
Percy said the development would have abundant buffers, landscaping and state-of-the-art LED lighting. He said the development would exceed all the requirements in the city's building and design codes.
The store's parking lot would front Robert Boulevard, where there will be a couple of entrances. Deliveries would be restricted to Robert, which is actually a state highway. The store will also have a North Boulevard entrance, but delivery trucks would be prohibited from using that entrance, Percy said.
Under city development requirements, storm water is required to flow to the front of the site and the developers must show that they improved drainage by at least 10 percent.
Despite the assurances of the Walmart representatives, some area residents were skeptical.
Donald Giboney said the landscaping and fencing would do little to shield some Chantilly Lane residents from the store deliveries. "That's not fair,'' he said, asking how Walmart officials would like having such a development next to their homes.
Barbara Olivier asked how the prohibition of delivery trucks using North Boulevard would be enforced. She also said the traffic on North is already heavy and would expand. "There's going to be a lot of increased traffic there,'' she said.
Bernadette Brand, who lives on Dijon Drive, pleaded with the developers to not worsen the area's drainage. "Drainage is my main concern. Please, I beg you, do it correctly.''
Others pressed the representatives to tell them if the store would be open 24 hours a day. The representatives said they did not know the answer to that question.
Still others questioned the need for another grocery store. At times the residents grew testy, turning their anger at the elected officials on hand.
The proposed store is the second Neighborhood Market Walmart has proposed for Slidell in recent months. The company also wants to build a grocery store at the mostly-vacant John Jay Centre on Pontchartrain Drive in south Slidell.
Developers of the proposed Robert Boulevard store are seeking a parking variance and will come before the city's Board of Zoning Adjustments on Thursday. Developers have asked to be allowed to have fewer parking spaces, 164, than the current city code calls for, 206, for a development of that size.
The city's Planning Department has recommended approval of that variance. Percy said the variance would allow for more landscaping and green space on the site.
The Board of Adjustment meets at 7 p.m. Thursday in the City Council chambers, 2045 Second St.


text:
Flux Bindings has just launched their 2011 US/ International website. Just in time for all the anxious shredders who need a fix. In addition to the Rider page and news Blog that features all the latest news and tidbits of the happenings in Flux world, visitors can also view the entire line of 2011 bindings. In addition, every binding will have an accompanying video that explains all the key features within each model.
In the Rider page, see what Romain De Marchi, JP Solberg, Jake Koia, Eric Willett, David Bertschinger Karg and Nima Jalali have to say about anything. The new Blog will feature weekly updates from our riders about events, contests, and life on the road. We will also be updating the blog weekly with the latest news about anything interesting that may be happening in the snowboarding world as well as write ups and shop profiles on some of our dealers across the nation.
Tune in to see the latest and greatest from Flux Bindings.
All this and more is just a click away, www.flux-bindings.com


text:
When I last looked at the numbers coming out of hip retail chain Urban Outfitters
The Philadelphia-based company said Q4 net income came in at $18.4 million, more than double last year's figure. Full-year net income rose 76%.
Those figures were largely powered by massive revenue growth. The total top line improved 50% to $176.1 million as store expansion (the store count rose 23% to 113 worldwide), same-store sales (up 21% across all lines), the wholesale business (up 29%), and direct-to-consumer sales (up 110%) all contributed. Profit margins improved across the board, meanwhile, during the fiscal year.
The numbers continue to impress as you move down the press release. Inventory grew during the year, but not more quickly than did sales. Full-year operating cash flow came in well ahead of reported net income, and the more than $36 million in free cash flow was well ahead of last year's approximately $20 million. That's a solid figure despite a significant boost in capital expenditures during the 12-month period.
Urban Outfitters sells edgy fashions at its namesake chain as well as upscale women's clothing at Anthropologie and wholesale apparel through the Free People brand. It sits in several sweet spots by addressing not only the hip youth segment that's driven growth at companies like Pacific Sunwear
In short, a lot of different folks are finding things they like here -- and perhaps most of all investors, who have seen their company's shares crush the S&P 500 (not to mention Chico's and Pacific Sunwear) over the last 12 months.
Can Urban Outfitters keep up its hot streak? Talk it over on our Urban Outfitters discussion board.
Fool contributor Dave Marino-Nachison doesn't own any of the companies in this story. He can be reached via email.


text:
For those gamers who have been waiting for “full” VR experiences to enjoy with their PlayStation VR headset, look no further than Skyrim VR. Bethesda’s ‘masterpiece’ is coming to the PSVR with ALL the DLC expansions that have released since the title’s launch in 2010.
The best part?? If you’ve been eagerly awaiting this VR re-release, your wait will soon be over, as Bethesda confirmed via Twitter that it will be here on November 17!! Booyah, Brah!!
What do you think, Brah? Will this be your next PSVR purchase or have you had enough of Skyrim?


text:
Food Startups Are Changing the Way We Prepare and Eat Our Meal
With an unprecedented level of investments in the past few years, startup companies dedicated to food preparation and delivery are pushing the limits and encouraging new eating habits.
No industry is immune to innovation, not even those with a long tradition and strong psychological roots. The food industry is the best example – while most people acquire a taste for certain foods at an early age, it is perfectly possible for some types of products to go out of fashion when better alternatives come along. Recent developments in this sector prove that new recipes can become popular quickly and that bold ideas can succeed, no matter how radical they seem at first.
Of course, financial resources can help. In 2015 alone, food-related startup companies attracted a staggering $US 5.7 billion in venture capital, providing them with the necessary firepower to challenge the established manufacturers. However, these companies are not just competing for the piece of the financial pie – they are trying to completely redefine the market by testing out new concepts that range from bringing a chef to customer’s house to serving a whole lunch in a liquid form.
Let’s examine a few trends that are emerging from this exciting period:
Counting calories and cutting down on carbohydrates
With the traditional food industry mostly focused on strong, meat-based meals, new companies are naturally gravitating towards healthy food where they don’t have to compete directly against McDonald's and similar junk-food giants. Such efforts are finding an eager customer base since young adults born near the turn of the century (the millennial generation) are highly aware of the need to control the ingredients that go into their bodies. Very caloric foods with too much fat and carbohydrates are viewed as a health hazard among this demographic, while gluten-free products with high protein content (especially shakes and smoothies) are very popular at the moment. It helps that many companies are ready to deliver healthy food to your home or office, sparing the buyers the trouble to go out and seek for the specialized store.
Everyone wants raw products
It’s not only what the food contains – it’s how it’s grown, too. Organic food products cultivated with minimal use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals are attracting a lot of attention, and there is no shortage of restaurants and food delivery companies ready to meet the demand. For example, locally produced organic milk products such as kefir and yogurt are rapidly being accepted in UK, United States and other developed countries where they were not traditionally consumed in the past. Fruits and vegetables coming from small family farms are also increasingly favored over genetically enhanced products, especially among buyers who declare as vegetarian or vegan. Once the customers grow accustomed to the taste of raw foods, they are unlikely to go back to standard supermarket stuff again.
No more eating on the run
Another byproduct of the increased focus on food quality is that more and more customers are willing to spend a few hours in a gourmet restaurant in order to get a satisfying meal rather than just grabbing something from a drive-through counter. That’s much easier now that so many reliable restaurant recommendation apps and websites are available to help sort out the good places from those that are best avoided. Recommendations go beyond the choice of restaurant, as you can easily find out which dishes are worth ordering at any particular place or when to stop by to take advantage of the happy hour. It is also possible to compare prices and find affordable eateries located nearby, which allows young people to take their friends to dinner and not worry about the final tab.
When it comes to maintaining a car, there are two types of people: those who don't allow food in the vehicle, and those who let anything go.
The food and drink industry is undergoing something of a transformation in 2020. With the hospitality sector severely affected by COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, businesses are being forced to diversify and reinvent themselves.
AI is rapidly changing the way things work, how they work and how much we work as a result. It is gradually becoming a part of every industry and integrating these technological advancements will soon become the norm. While the media and popular culture often paint an insidious man vs robots picture, in reality, AI has many upsides and is already proving to be hugely beneficial for businesses
We are living in the world where tech treat for foodies is now a common trend for everyone. Online food delivery has already made a mark in the industry. Now the time has changed every restaurant and food from every culture has come online.
Understanding a machine’s functionality assists in getting the maximum output for the longest period possible without subjecting the machine to any level of neglect. The same is true for ice machines also. Here’s how you can do that.
Selling kitchen equipment for restaurants is not an easy task. Here are ten ways to immediately start selling restaurant kitchen equipment/ industrial kitchen equipment :


text:
Cinedigm announced today that the upcoming Bloody Disgusting streaming channel will launch exclusively on The Roku Channel tomorrow, September 29.
We first shared news about the new streaming channel back in July, when Cinedigm and Bloody Disgusting were aiming for an October launch. With this partnership with The Roku Channel, horror fans will be able to start streaming classics like Psycho and Tales from the Crypt, along with original programming even sooner.
“Partnering with Cinedigm gives us the opportunity to expand the Bloody Disgusting brand and deliver a variety of exciting original video content. We have been working to create something really special that we think fans of the genre are going to love. Our entire team is thrilled to be launching exclusively on The Roku Channel and being able to celebrate Halloween with horror fans everywhere on their platform,“ said Tom Owen, President of Bloody Disgusting.
The team behind the channel is ready to celebrate all things horror. Programming will include content from Jon Grilz’ Creepy, Bloody Disgusting’s Boo Crew, SCP Archives, Horror Queers and This Week in Horror. Cinedigm will also provide content from its catalog which includes hundreds of popular horror titles like The Collector, Day of the Dead, The Hills Have Eyes, Re-Animator, and Tales from the Crypt to foreign favorites such as, Audition, Ringu, World of Kanako and Tenebrae.
“We are thrilled that Roku recognizes the tremendous value of the Bloody Disgusting brand and curated content,” said Erick Opeka, President of Cinedigm Digital Networks. “The exclusive premiere of the channel on The Roku Channel is certain to grab the attention of the millions of horror fans throughout the U.S.”


text:
Sony Xperia Z Ultra receives an early Android 5.0 Lollipop build, courtesy of XDA
Android 5.0 Lollipop is already upon us, gracing select devices either officially or unofficially (courtesy of the tireless Android developers that have worked towards this). It comes to no surprise that select Sony models already run Lollipop (take the Sony Xperia L, for example); what's more, Sony has already revealed that a large number of its most recent and not-so-recent handsets will get the newest Android. Among these was the Sony Xperia Z Ultra, the large, 6.4" behemoth of a phablet that made the rounds roughly a year and a half ago.
Luckily enough, the fans of the 6.4" giant who are not of the patient type and don't want to wait for the Lollipop to arrive officially will probably be happy to know that the first AOSP-based Android 5 build for the Xperia Z Ultra is already here. The firmware has been ported by the long-time XDA developer Saatvik Shukla (who probably has a lot of love for Sony handsets) from the Sony Xperia Z1, which shares almost the same hardware insides as the Xperia Z Ultra.
Then again, being an unofficial port, not everything works as intended. For example, the camera, GPS, and the stock video player don't work. The build is available for both the regular and the Google Play edition of the Xperia Z Ultra, and those who are eager to play the dangerous game of flashing and testing this early Lollipop will have to tread lightly, as flashing the wrong build might render your phone useless.
Things that are NOT allowed:


text:
Staff from North Norfolk District Council share origin of viral clogs found in charity shop
The mystery behind an unusual pair of shoes has been solved after a viral social media post left people baffled.
A woman was out charity shopping in Norwich with her daughter on November 18, when she came across what she believes is one of her weirdest finds yet – a pair of North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) wooden clogs.
Hannah, who happens to work for Norfolk County Council, said: “We went into the YMCA charity shop on St Stephens, which is one of our favourites, and my daughter spotted them and I just said, ‘What the hell is that?’ ”
Upon discovering the shoes, Hannah snapped a photo and posted it to her X – formerly Twitter – account @buntyhoven, which gained a lot of attention.
The post, captioned: "What's up, babe? You've hardly worn your North Norfolk District Council clog...", currently has almost 8,000 likes and 500 reposts.
However, the find did not go unnoticed by the organisation themselves, as they replied to Hannah’s post with one of their own.
Joe Ferrari, communication and pr manager for NNDC, said: “We managed to find a couple of staff members who had a pair of those clogs at home, and we said it would be quite funny if we just posted a picture that said that we’re wearing ours.”
Felix Brueggemann, a communications officer who wore the clogs in the post, was told jokingly by Joe that “his feet have never been so famous”.
So how did the wooden shoes come to be? Well, in 2019 the NNDC delivered a £19 million sand-scaping scheme at Bacton and Walcott, which involved putting thousands of tons of sand back onto the beach and reshaping it to defuse wave energy.
Communities in Bacton and Walcott were being put at high risk due to the rate at which the dunes were eroding.
Joe said: “It was quite innovative because it wasn’t old-fashioned sea walls, it was sand-scaping – which is Dutch engineering expertise – so we partnered with Dutch maritime contractors Van Oord.
“At the completion of the work, we were delighted to receive from them a set of gifts, one of them was a lovely traditional Dutch blue and white plate, which still hangs in the council offices, and the others were several sets of specially-made clogs. One clog had the NNDC’s logo on it and the other had the Van Oord logo on it.”
If you were hoping to travel to the charity shop and snag the merchandise yourself, you are out of luck as Hannah returned a couple of days later and bought them for £3 (plus a 10p bag).
She said: “I brought them home, I put them on and I clomped around my front room in them.
“I didn’t tell my daughter, so she got through the door and I was sat at the dining room table wearing them. She absolutely lost it and she put them on – it was hysterical.”
As for the fate of the clogs, Hannah is currently hanging onto them but is considering putting them up for auction in the future to raise some money for the YMCA.
Joe added: “It’s been nice to build our channels and get a bit more awareness of us and our district, which is always good as we’re tucked away on the eastern side of the country.
“It’s also great for us to remember what was a really successful partnership that protects our coastline from something that we and West Norfolk Council have against erosion.”


text:
A third (33 per cent) of SME retailers are expecting a leap in sales over the Easter bank holiday weekend, according to a study commissioned by Royal Mail.
Royal Mail has looked at shopping trends in DIY and gardening to understand online shopping behaviour in these sectors. With global reach and the number one facilitator of ecommerce in the UK, Royal Mail is well placed to observe trends across the industry.
Royal Mail has launched new earlier customer notifications, advising recipients the day before of their delivery day and estimated delivery time. Recipients will also get shorter estimated delivery windows, starting at two hours.
Royal Mail announces that its MailshotMaker tool has integrated with the customer engagement platform, dotdigital Engagement Cloud. The integration means that Engagement Cloud users can now include direct mail as part of any omnichannel campaign.
Winchester, East Renfrewshire, Monmouthshire and Lisburn and Castlereagh top the Royal Mail UK Happiness Index in each of the UK’s four countries, according to a new study commissioned by Royal Mail. Winchester tops the list for the UK overall.
Royal Mail plc announces that Keith Williams, currently Deputy Chairman, will succeed Les Owen as Chairman with effect from 22 May 2019, following the announcement of Royal Mail’s Full Year 2018-19 Results.
Royal Mail trials e-Trikes
The Government has today published its response to the consultation on Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) schemes. We welcome its response, which outlines its commitment to bringing forward legislation to enable CDC schemes at the earliest opportunity.
Royal Mail has looked at shopping trends in fashion and footwear to understand online shopping behaviour in these sectors. With global reach and the number one facilitator of ecommerce in the UK, Royal Mail is well placed to observe trends across the industry.
Ahead of Red Nose Day on Friday 15 March, Royal Mail has unveiled a special edition ‘laughing’ postbox with stand-up comedian Hal Cruttenden providing the jokes. The postbox is situated near BBC Headquarters in London – Broadcasting House – and has been created in support of Comic Relief.
On World Book Day, Royal Mail unveils four special edition postboxes across the UK honouring some of the nation’s most popular children’s authors.
Royal Mail has looked at shopping trends in beauty and wellness to understand online shopping behaviour in these sectors. With global reach and the number one facilitator of ecommerce in the UK, Royal Mail is well placed to observe trends across the industry.
From 25 March, the price of a 1st Class stamp will increase by 3p to 70p and the price of a 2nd Class stamp will increase by 3p to 61p. These changes are necessary to help ensure the sustainability of the Universal Postal Service.
SME online retailers look to marketplaces for sales but physical stores remain important, says Royal Mail
Almost six in ten (58 per cent) UK SME online retailers sell their products through an online marketplace whilst 75 per cent have their own website, according to a study commissioned by Royal Mail. With global reach and the leading enabler of ecommerce in the UK, Royal Mail is well placed to observe trends across the industry.
Royal Mail’s latest Quality of Service report reveals that Second Class mail has achieved its regulatory Quality of Service target for the first three quarters of the financial year 2018-19.
RISE OF THE SILVER HAIRED SIRENS: DAVID ATTENBOROUGH AND JUDI DENCH AMONG THE NATION’S TOP FANTASY LOVE LETTER SENDERS
More mature national treasures - including David Attenborough, Paul Hollywood and Dame Judi Dench - are among the top choices for celebrities that Brits would most like to receive a love letter from, according to new research from Royal Mail.
SENDING VALENTINE’S DAY CARD OR LETTER THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY TO SECURE A DATE THAN LIKE, SWIPE OR E-MAIL
New research from Royal Mail reveals that sending a heartfelt Valentine’s Day card, love letter or note is three times more likely to secure a date with the object of your affections this year than a ‘like’, a ‘swipe’ or an email.
In five years’ time…Royal Mail’s subscription box report unveils key trends for success in the market
Royal Mail has launched The UK Subscription Box Boom Report including an in-depth look at the subscription box economy. Forecast to be valued at £1 billion by 2022, the report highlights key trends across the market, providing advice and insights for businesses already operating in the space or looking to do so in the near future.
With Valentine’s Day almost upon us, Royal Mail unveils four ‘romantic’ postboxes across the UK, honouring some of the nation’s greatest writers on the subject of love.
New Royal Mail research reveals that 1 in 10 British named homes look to love and all its wonders for moniker inspiration.
Royal Mail has looked at online shopping trends in Australia, revealing Australian shoppers are keen on overseas websites with 30 per cent of online shoppers making a purchase from a UK site. Of these shoppers, the average spend on UK websites is $70 (£39) per month.


text:
Rossi to field VR46 Moto3 team in 2014
It's official! Valentino Rossi has officially lodged an entry to field his own Moto3 team in the 2014 season of the championship. While there have been rumours circulating for months about the fact that Rossi was supposedly going to enter the Moto3 Championship with his own team, the Yamaha rider had insisted early on that there was only a plan to open a VR46 Riders Academy to help promising young riders improve their riding skill. However, now an official entry has been registered with both the FIM and Dorna - VR46 will compete as a team in the 2014 Moto3 season.
The VR46 Moto3 team will field two riders on KTMs in 2014
The VR46 team will be backed by Sky Italia, a move that Rossi hopes will mean that young Italian riders will be able to realise their potential, and in his own words "give the Italian riders the opportunity to be competitive and reach the highest levels". It has also been confirmed that the VR46 Moto3 team will use KTMs in next year's championship.
As of now only one rider has been confirmed at the team - Romano Fenati. While we're not sure who Fenati's team-mate will be as of now, rumours indicate that it will be Luca Marini, Rossi's half-brother. Marini is currently placed second in the Italian Moto3 championship. More details on the entries for the 2014 season will only be made available post the Malaysian round of MotoGP.
A rider like Valentino Rossi encouraging young guns to make it big in a sport we all like. What's not to like!
- India-spec 2022 Toyota Hilux unveiled ahead of March 2022 launch
- Ola opens final payment window for S1, S1 Pro
- Toyota to launch Creta-rivalling SUV in 2022 with Maruti Suzuki, new MPV in 2023
- 2022 Tata Tiago iCNG and Tigor iCNG: Prices and variants explained
- Live updates: 2022 Toyota Hilux India unveil, expected prices, interiors, mileage, specifications, engine, features, safety


text:
Footsie is buoyed by the black stuff
RAMPANT oil and mining stocks lifted the Footsie 59 points to 6082.1.
Buyers were all over both sectors like a rash as the oil price gushed above $74 a barrel amid concerns that supplies from Iran, the world's fourth-largest producer, will be disrupted because of a stand-off over the nation's nuclear industry development.
Iran's deputy oil minister fanned the flames by predicting the price may reach $100 a barrel as energy demand soars.
Meanwhile, the political unrest in Nigeria and Bolivia's decision to nationalise its natural resources, kept interest in the black stuff at fever pitch.
BP jumped 11½p to 688p and Royal Dutch Petroleum 27p to 1988p. Cairn Energy soared 122p to 2448p after Merrill Lynch upgraded to buy from neutral and lifted its target price to 2750p.
The broker expects strong newsflow on the exploration and development front in the short term. BG Group added 26½p at 763½p.
Safe-haven buying lifted the gold price above $660 an ounce to a 25 year high and left Rio Tinto 135p higher at 3151p, Xstrata 79p up at 2063p and BHP Billiton 41p to 1170p.
Not to be outdone, the price of copper for delivery in three months jumped 3.6% to $7,240 a tone. Kazakhmys jumped 56p to 1194½p and Antofagasta 86p to 2440p in sympathy.
Miner Vedanta Resources, which stands a good chance of joining the Footsie elite at next month's FTSE steering committee meeting, jumped 131p to 1709p. Listed below £4 a few years ago, it is now valued at £4.96bn.
Steel giant Corus firmed 3p to 87½p after raising coated steel prices by between 15% and 25%.
Cautious comment about advertising trends from Merrill Lynch left broadcaster ITV 1½p lower at 113½p. The broker says that advertising in the first quarter was weak, while the second quarter has not seen the expected recovery.
It has downgraded its 2006 expected advertising growth figure yet again to minus 6% from minus 5.5%.
How the worm has turned at GCap Media! A few weeks ago the shares of Britain's commercial radio group touched 260p amid rumours of a takeover approach from a private equity consortium led by CVC.
Yesterday they retreated 12p to 242p on industry gossip that next weeks RAJAR audience statistics will be a disaster. Pessimists reckon a profits warning could even be on the agenda.
Confirmation of a bid approach helped department store House of Fraser touch 130p and close 7½p better at 126½p. Icelandic group Baugur, which already owns a good slug of the UK's high street, will have to pay north of 150p a share to win the day.
Rumours of a private equity breakup bid helped MFI Furniture climb 8p to 118p. Britain's biggest furniture retailer earlier this year announced a major restructuring and separation into three divisions.
The retail business will take in the MFI branded outlets, while Howden will supply trade buyers. That leaves the supply manufacturing and outsourcing arm.
The purchase of 500,000 shares at 99p by a trust owned by the colourful Frank Timis helped Sierra Leone Diamonds sparkle at 142½p, up 38p. The Timis Diamond Corporation now holds 34.9m shares or 33.8%.
Eurasia Mining rose 1¾p to 91/8p after starting a $2m exploration programme at its peninsula platinum projects in northwest Russia.
Digital advertising and communications specialist Screen FX firmed ¼p to 1⅜p after entering into a major new agreement to pilot the installation of an onboard passenger information and communications system within the transport sector.
Bella Media edged up 0.01p to 0.07p after winning initial approval for the planned development of a large-format 3D cinema in the Cannery Row area of Monterey, California.
Ubiquity Software, which enables telecoms carriers to rapidly deploy new applications for consumers, rose 2p to 34½p. The company is helping BT with its roll out of BT's new IP infrastructure. Chairman Christopher Burke also bought 68,500 shares at 35¾p a share.
Most watched Money videos
- Ferrari launches new green supercar: 296 GTB plug-in hybrid
- Are investors too worried or too complacent about inflation?
- Discover the water-resistant interior of the new Ineos Grenadier 4X4
- Take a look at £3.3 million Bugatti Chiron Super Sport hypercar
- Volkswagen reveals stylish hybrid, seven-seater, family bus
- E-Type UK Unleashed transforms classic cars using modern features
- Stunning Lotus Emira unveiled as company's last petrol car
- Why UK smaller companies can profit in the recovery
- 1937 Bugatti Type 57: One of the most valuable pre-war cars
- Vauxhall to make electric Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD concept car
- Futuristic zero-emissions electric Ioniq 5 from Hyundai
- New £2m electric Nevera: The fastest accelerating car in the world


text:
Three men are being held in the Palm Beach County Jail after they allegedly robbed a Verizon Wireless store in West Palm Beach at gunpoint.
The men stole $41,000 in iPhones, but an alert store clerk included a tracking device inside a bag of stolen cellphones that allowed West Palm Beach police to find the men, according to an arrest report.
Daniel Alezie, 33, of West Palm Beach and Valentino Navarro, 18, of Riviera Beach are being held without bond. Javon Gaines, 30, of Palm Springs is being held on $203,000 bail.
Look who has been booked into the Palm Beach County Jail
The men allegedly robbed the Verizon store at Okeechobee Boulevard and Spencer Drive at about 8 a.m. Monday.
Navarro is also facing charges for an alleged armed robbery of a Sprint Wireless store at Okeechobee Boulevard and Church in suburban West Palm Beach, just east of Monday’s crime scene, on Nov. 25. In that case, Navarro allegedly fled with more than $14,000 in cellphones and almost $1,400 in cash.
Navarro allegedly told police in a confession that he walked into the Verizon store wearing a motorcycle helmet and carrying a semi-automatic hand gun. Navarro said he entered the business with Gaines while Alezie waited in a getaway car, according to arrest reports.
Navarro ordered a store employee to open a safe containing iPhones and fill a bag the alleged robbers brought with them, the report said. Not satisfied, Navarro then took the employee back onto the sales floor and allegedly demanded phones inside display cases.
"(The employee) then proceeded to give the males several more iPhones, as well as a tracking device…" that was placed inside the bag, the report said.
Navarro and Gaines allegedly ran to a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer that fled the area with Alezie behind the wheel.
The tracking device was activated allowing police to find the vehicle unoccupied in the 2500 block of Flamango Lake Drive, off Florida Mango Road nort of Forest Hill Boulevard in suburban West Palm Beach, the report said. The three men were all found in the area and arrested.
After his arrest, Navarro told West Palm Beach detectives he called Alezie and said he needed money and wanted to commit a robbery. Alezie asked Navarro if he needed help then recruited Gaines to take part, the report said.
Alezie and Gaines denied being at the business or taking part in the robbery.
Navarro is facing 20 felony charges for the robberies of the Verizon and Sprint stores, including robbery with a firearm, possession of a weapon by a felon and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Alezie and Gaines, both facing charges of armed robbery, have long arrest records in Palm Beach County and have served time in prison.
Have you seen them? Wanted fugitives in Palm Beach County


text:
6,000 downloads combat 'phishing' frauds
'Phishing' frauds have hit the headlines recently, as online fraud becomes ever more sophisticated. However, there is a way to combat this threat, and to protect consumers. The new development comes from MailScanner, the world's most widely used anti-spam computer security system, and it has already been downloaded 6,000 times since it was launched earlier this month.
According to Julian Field, from the School of Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) at the University of Southampton, developer of the new MailScanner device, this level of interest indicates the extent of the 'phishing' frauds problem in the UK in which UK bank customers have been targeted.
What happens is that the fraudsters send emails claiming to be from banks and credit card companies which invite customers to access what appears to be a genuine and legitimate financial services home page and update their details. Customers are asked to log on by keying in their details, including access codes and passwords; in many cases this has led to their accounts being emptied.
To combat this, the new MailScanner device searches for web links in email messages and compares the address provided with the real address of the organisation (most typically banks or building societies). If the two addresses do not match, MailScanner places a large red warning message in the email by the link, alerting users and flagging the real location of the website as well as the bogus version.
Julian comments: "These attacks are proving highly effective at stealing people's credit card numbers, PIN numbers and just about any other confidential personal information the thieves want. The copy of the bank's website is an extremely good imitation and quite plausible enough to fool 99.9 per cent of people into thinking that it is the real thing. Our device, the first of its kind, will alert people and hopefully stamp out this crime. It needs no frequent updates and will identify these attacks before they hit anyone's inbox."
Notes for editors
- An example of how the anti-spam device works can be provided by Joyce Lewis on 023 8059 5453; email@example.com.
- Julian Field is based in the School of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton. He has wide experience of email systems and as author of MailScanner, he has been combating attacks on computer systems for many years.
- MailScanner is the world's most widely-used email security and anti-spam system, protecting around 40,000 sites around the world, and blocking 500 million spam messages daily. The MailScanner web site serves over 700,000 hits per month, and the software is downloaded 20,000 times per month. There have been over 1/3 million downloads to date.
- MailScanner: A User Guide and Training Manual is available to order from the Mailscanner web site: www.mailscanner.info
- The School of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton carries out world-leading research into electronics, computer science, and electrical engineering.
- The University of Southampton is a leading UK teaching and research institution with a global reputation for leading-edge research and scholarship. The University has around 20,000 students and nearly 5000 staff. Its annual turnover is in the region of £270 million.


text:
Citing three people familiar with the situation, Bloomberg reports that Stryker is in talks with Boston Scientific to acquire its neuromodulation unit, which makes pain-management devices, for up to $1.5 billion in cash. The talks are in late stages and a deal could be announced as early as next week. Stryker already has a back pain management business and Cannacord Genuity analyist William Plovanic notes that the Boston Sci acquisition would compliment Stryker's current offerings. The neuromodulation group has annual revenues of about $285 million.
Boston Scientific is attempting to deal with stagnant sales of stents and devices to treat irregular heartbeats--its biggest moneymakers. In an effort to trim its business, the company said earlier this year that it would explore the sale of both its neuromodulation and neurovascular units. The neurovascular group makes stroke-prevention devices and had U.S. sales of $348 million in 2009. Bloomberg adds that a sale for that business is a few weeks away. It's expected to sell for about $1 billion.
"They have to do everything they can to optimize growth for the long run," Leerink Swan analysit Frederick Wise tells Bloomberg. "So why not thoughtfully prune the current portfolio and double down in areas where you have the most confidence of your opportunities." Earlier this year Boston Scientific laid off 1,300 people, or about 10 percent of its non-manufacturing staff.
- take a look at the Bloomberg article for more


text:
work for you?
Memorial Day Sales 2016: What Deals to Look For
When it comes to blowout sales, chances are high that you've already begun seeing ads for Memorial Day specials. The holiday represents a major shopping event that extends beyond just the weekend itself. You can expect to see pre-holiday sales kicking off one to two weeks beforehand.
In other words, the last two weeks of May are a great time to save. It should come as no surprise that retail traffic has seen a 73 percent uptick on Memorial Day in recent years when compared to a typical Monday.
"My research has shown that many retailers across the country are taking Memorial Day weekend and turning it into Black Friday," says Britt Beemer, founder and CEO of America's Research Group, a retail consulting firm in Charleston, South Carolina. "Don't be surprised to see retailers promoting early-bird specials beginning at 6 .a.m. on Memorial Day morning." Beemer adds that virtually every retailer will be touting mark-downs, but the biggest money-saving hack comes back to combining coupons with already low prices. This is exactly why Beemer advises shoppers do their homework and have those coupons on hand before making any purchases.
Looking to snag the very best deals this Memorial Day? We've broken down the retail categories that experts say will render the biggest savings.
Need a New Mattress? Now is the Time
Over the last decade, the mattress industry has turned Memorial Day into the prime time to buy. Beemer says that big-name brands like Tempur-Pedic, Sealy and more, will likely offer prices up to $300 less than average during the holiday weekend. And don't be surprised to see other major mattress companies promoting sales that translate to 50 percent off regular retail prices.
Mattress Firm is already boasting big holiday sales, showcasing average storewide savings in the $300 range. Various Sealy full and queen sets will be going for $299.99; king sets for $599.99. Folks who buy a TEMPUR-Breeze mattress are also eligible to receive a $400 Visa card if they also buy select TEMPUR-Pedic adjustable bases.
Last year, Sears offered 60 percent off a variety of top-brand mattresses. Beemer is expecting more of the same for this year. The retailer is already promoting similar Memorial Day deals for 2016, including queen mattresses starting at just $179. Sears is throwing in some additional incentives as well, like free delivery on orders of $599 in addition to promotional financing deals. And, similar to Mattress Firm, they're doling out $300 Sears Awards Card to customers who make an in-store purchase of a TEMPUR-Pedic mattress set.
In 2015, Macy's dangled deep discounts, like Sealy posturepedic mattresses marked down from $1,389 to $699. This year, the department store is highlighting an extra 10 percent off select mattresses. This translates to queen sets for as low as $305.
"I think you'll still see mattresses and furniture be hot categories this Memorial Day," adds Beemer
Big Deals on Furniture
If mattresses stand out as the number one item to buy this Memorial Day, furniture comes in at a close second—giving Labor Day a run for its money. According to Beemer, the end of May is the best time of year for furniture purchases.
Last year, Rooms to Go offered up select five-piece queen bedroom sets for $595 and microfiber recliners for as low as $250; others were 50 percent off. Meanwhile, Ashley Furniture Homestore featured discounts of up to 25 percent off select pieces. Some online purchases also came with free shipping.
"In addition to discounted prices, you'll see retailers probably advertising as much as four to six years no interest, which means you'll have anywhere from 48 to 72 months to pay," he says. That means you could get a $2,000 couch for about $42 per month over four years.
Ashley Furniture Homestore is promoting six years of no interest this year, in addition to generally deep discounts, like six-piece sectional sofas for $2,799.
Major Appliances Are a Good Buy
In 2015, Beemer called out major appliances as a top Memorial Day sale category. Sears, for example, spotlighted 40 percent off stainless steel refrigerators. But this year might be a little different.
"I'd say that I don't think appliances will be quite as big as last year because there was a lot of demand for appliances last year that I think has been fulfilled," says Beemer, adding that shoppers may have a tougher time finding extended financing options as a result. "It's hard to find that 24-month no interest anymore. In most cases, you'll see 12-month no interest."
Still, hhgregg is offering no interest until January 2019 this Memorial Day in addition to discounts of up to 35 percent off on major appliances. Similarly, P.C. Richard & Son is already promoting its holiday deals. This Whirlpool Front Loading Washer, for instance, is marked down from $999 to $679. To provide some perspective, Home Depot slashed prices last year by offering 10 percent off on all appliances priced at $396 or higher. The same deal is currently in effect for this year.
Get Your Spring Apparel
Generally speaking, Labor Day is probably the best time to get your hands on warm-weather apparel since retailers are trying to unload their inventory at that point. That said, don't be so quick to turn up your nose to Memorial Day, especially if your closet is in need of some new threads.
Spring apparel actually represents a hot category for Memorial Day savings, with Beemer adding that clothing will make up a good chunk of sales (although not as big as Labor Day weekend). The trick is finding applicable coupons to be used on top of sale prices.
Beemer says to expect at least 50 percent off from most major retailers. In many cases, you may even see deals for 60 percent off. Last year, high-end retailer Anthropologie took 20 percent off sale items, with Banana Republic taking 40 percent off select items.
The Children's Place is also notorious for offering stellar coupon codes that can take as much as 20% off your final price. And if you're on Old Navy's email list, then you already know about their frequent coupon blasts. The takeaway here is to locate coupons for your favorite clothing retailers before you start shopping. This little bit of foresight will be well worth it come checkout time.
Things Not to Buy on Memorial Day
Of course, Memorial Day isn't the best time of year to buy everything. As you'd expect, you'll likely pay more for in-demand summer items like swimwear, patio furniture and the like. However, Beemer actually suggests not dismissing barbecues. "As home improvement stores have gone after the outdoor-grilling category, you'll actually see incredible deals on those, as well," he says.
Are the deals a little better around July 4th and Labor Day? Beemer says yes, but you might still be able to snag great prices on barbecues now, if you purchase through a home improvement store.
Beemer adds that, despite what some consumers might think, May isn't the best time to buy a new TV. According to Consumer Reports, January is the optimum month for upgrading your television.
Take Advantage of Memorial Day Military Discounts
Military families should also be on the lookout for special deals and discounts.
"A number of retailers will advertise an extra 10% off for active military families," says Beemer. "This won't necessarily be in bold on the front page, but if you're active military, you'll definitely want to ask."
Stores like Home Depot, Apple and Kohl's actually offer year-round discounts for members of the military. And according to a Sears spokesperson, these folks can also save up to 40 percent on items like Craftsman drills and other tools this Memorial Day.
Regardless of what you're shopping for, be sure to keep an eye on our frontpage over the next week for the latest (and greatest) Memorial Day bargains. Setting up a Deal Alert, which sends automatic emails featuring newly posted deals directly to your inbox, is probably the easiest way to make sure you don't miss out.
When it comes to Memorial Day shopping, the more deals you can get your hands on, the better.
See All Related Memorial Day Deals Here:
Images courtesy of ©iStock.com/Piotr Krześlak, RoomstoGo.com, hhgregg.com.
Add a Comment


text:
Transport entrepreneurs urge government to revise fuel prices
KATHMADNU : Transport entrepreneurs have demanded the government adjust the prices of petroleum products in the domestic market as per its falling prices in the international market.
Issuing a press statement today, Federation of Nepali National Transport Entrepreneurs-FNNTE reminded that the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the supplier of petro products to Nepal, has lately reduced the prices twice while the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has not revised the price list in line with its supplier.
“The public transport sector which has greatly suffered an economic loss due to COVID-19 pandemic has to clamor for the adjustment of fuel prices instead of getting a relief for the loss,” the press release adds.
Federation Chair Bijay Bahadur Swanr said transport entrepreneurs are largely affected by the unexceptional rise in motor vehicle tax, bank interest, route permit charge, vehicle-test insurance and motor engines. The prices should be quickly revised as per the international market.
As the Federation said, 60 percent discount facility in tax, route permit, and vehicle-test that transport entrepreneurs were getting for providing concession for students, people with disabilities and senior citizens has been presently suspended and it should be resumed. RSS


text:
BOSTON Omnicom Group’s BBDO Detroit has confirmed laying off 145 employees (roughly 22 percent of its staff), a response to deep spending cuts by Chrysler, the office’s flagship account.
The agency issued this statement on Thursday: “BBDO Detroit announced today that it is making staff reductions in response to reduced levels of activity by its key client, Chrysler. In all, 145 positions have been eliminated, with reductions being made across all functions driven by the reduced level of activity and changes in the nature of planned activities.”
Through the first nine months of 2008, ad spending on the Chrysler business handled by that office has dropped to less than $800 million, compared to almost $1.1 billion for the same period a year ago, per Nielsen Monitor-Plus. That’s a dip of about 30 percent. All told, Chrysler’s car and truck sales are down about 25 percent this year. The entire auto industry is reeling in the bad economy, and U.S. car sales are on pace to hit a 15-year low.
BBDO Detroit has almost all salient Chrysler and Dodge business, the notable exception being Jeep’s national creative assignment, which is handled by Omnicom’s Cutwater in San Francisco.
After the cuts — which impact all departments, including creative, planning, account management, IT and administrative services — about 510 staffers will remain. The cuts are being made “immediately,” the agency said.


text:
The FINANCIAL -- On 1 November, 2007, air-ticket prices for all international flights increased in Georgia by GEL 20-30. In accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements, the tickets should be sold in EUR. As a result, all air companies operating in Georgia and providing international flights had to transfer ticket prices from USD to EUR.
According to National Bank of Georgia, on November 2, 2007, the exchange rate was USD 1, 6224 - GEL 1 and EUR 2, 3416 - GEL 1.
All leading airline companies represented in Georgia: Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Ukraine Intl Airlines, UM Air and Georgian Airways increased their ticket prices as of November 1, 2007, BusinessTravelCom representatives said.
According to Nino Giorgobiani, the Head of Marketing of Georgian Airways, airline companies have not increased their ticket prices.
“The International Air Transport Association (IATA) decided that tickets must be sold in EUR. IATA is a global trade organization, one of the world’s most dynamic industries in air transport and it regulates the special terms in this field. Really prices did not change that greatly,” Giorgobiani added.
According to Georgian travel agencies prices have increased, but not by very much.
According to Tina Zaldastanishvili, the Head of Levon Travel Agency, tickets price rise was not the concrete decision of any specific airline company.
“It is a global phenomenon, the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) decision to transfer ticket prices from USD to EUR in CIS countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Kyrgyzstan, caused the rise in prices in Georgia,” Zaldastanishvili added.
According to Irakli Lominadze, Manager of Avia Service (Travel Agency), airline companies will fix their ticket prices by selling them in the currency EUR.
“The USD currency is dropping day by day and has caused air tickets to cost lower in GEL. IATA’s decision will help air line companies to fix ticket prices,” Lominadze declared to The FINANCIAL.
“Price increasing will not hit the sales index, as the passengers will pay the grown price as well. Travel agencies will have problems with their customers, as agencies have to clarify the details for them. Prices have increased by 5-10%,” Lominadze added.
According to Ella Karapetian, the Head of BusinessTravelCom, the price of a Tbilisi-Kiev one way ticket increased from GEL 400 to GEL 422. A round trip ticket of Tbilisi-Kiev-Tbilisi cost GEL 626 and has increased to GEL 632 (according to National Airways), though Tbilisi-Kiev-Tbilisi costs GEL 659 via Ukraine Intl Airlines, UM Air.
“Airzena had special tariffs on direct flights: Tbilisi-Paris, Tbilisi-Vienna, Tbilisi-Tel-Aviv, Tbilisi-Frankfurt. These flights used to cost GEL 485, but as a result of the special tariffs have also increased up to GEL 536,” Karapetian added.


text:
he Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) for the manufacturing industry posted at 52.3 in June.
As growth in new orders and output gains momentum, price pressures remain subdued.
David Noble, Chief Executive Officer at the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply:"Momentum is building in manufacturing as the sector begins to work up a head of steam. The industry experienced another good month to round off a solid Q2. The two-year high in new business growth will do much to reassure firms we are on track for a recovery. Both domestic and export orders played their part, with consumer goods showing particular signs of traction.
Employment is the one disappointing spot, showing little change from last month; a reminder of the anxiety that still exists in the sector. The swell in order books and increased levels of purchasing activity however, signal that the subdued labour market trend may be shortlived.
Firms will also take heart from the drop in input costs, which has enabled them to reduce their own prices for the first time in over three years. This has eased the pressure on margins and enabled manufacturers to stay competitive. Long may it continue."
For press enquiries, call the Press office on 01780 756777or email: firstname.lastname@example.org. The PMI data is available to purchase.


text:
ASUS is poised to cater to the gaming community’s desire for outdoor experiences with its newest reveal. The company has announced that the ROG Mjolnir, a gaming-focused power station, will debut at this year’s Computex event.
The Mjolnir includes four power outlets, along with two USB Type-A and two USB Type-C power connectors. Drawing from Norse mythology, notably Thor’s iconic hammer, its design echoes the aesthetics of Mjölnir. It will complement other products inspired by this mythology, such as the ROG Thor power supply series. ASUS hasn’t revealed the specific capacity options for the Mjolnir series yet. Notably, the handle seems to serve as an extra torch or light source.
ASUS is preparing to debut the Mjolnir during Computex 2024, set to kick off on June 4th. Although ASUS hasn’t officially confirmed any press events for the Taiwanese expo, it seems to be just a formality considering the imminent release of several laptop and desktop-related products.


text:
// Naked Wines posts annual sales growth of 68% thanks to a surge in orders
// The retailer benefited from an accelerated shift in consumer behaviour toward online wine purchases
// US business grew 75%, surpassing £150 million of sales
Naked Wines saw group sales soar by 68 per cent in the year ended March 29 after a strong performance particularly in the US.
The online alcohol retailer’s sales were better than expected, after initially being forecast to grow by no more than 65 per cent.
The growth was driven by a significant increase in demand for its direct-to-consumer wine subscription model, and from an accelerated shift in consumer behaviour toward online wine purchases due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Naked Wines’ US business grew by more than 75 per cent, surpassing £150 million in transactions and representing almost half of group sales.
There were also increased levels of new customers, which came in 10 per cent above guidance.
Fixed costs were in line with expectations and the firm said it had enough cash to fund operations in 2022.
“Our significant growth is a testament to the customer demand for a disruptive online wine model that offers direct connection to the world’s top winemakers,” Naked Wines chief executive Nick Devlin said.
“Whilst in some ways 2021 is as difficult to predict as 2020, I believe we have seen an enduring shift of demand online across multiple categories.
“Ultimately whilst Covid has driven the trial of many online models, the long-term winners will be the businesses that offer customers a genuinely differentiated offer: I firmly believe Naked will be one of those long-term winners.”
Full details on Naked Wines’ fiscal year will be published in June.