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AG Nessel Defends Charges In Man's Death At Mall In 2014New evidence and a fresh look led to charges against four security guards in the 2014 death of a Black man who stopped breathing during a struggle at a suburban Detroit mall, the Michigan attorney general said Oct. 14.
4 Charged In Death Of Man At Detroit-Area Mall In 2014Four people were charged Wednesday with involuntary manslaughter, nearly eight years after the death of a Black man who was pinned to the floor by security guards at a Detroit-area shopping mall.
Partial Demolition Begins At Northland, New City Center Under ConstructionAfter 67 years, the milestone regional shopping center, Northland, is under construction to become Northland City Center and the new attraction is bringing a bit of the past into the future.
Mayor: Southfield Is Perfect For Amazon's Second HeadquartersMayor Ken Siver says Southfield has the perfect location for Amazon's second headquarters: the former Northland Mall site.
Bus Stops Being Moved From Closed Northland Shopping MallOfficials say the new bus stop locations are in well-lit, central locations.
Recent Tour Offers Glimpse Of Northland Mall Tunnel SystemThe underground network runs several miles and includes nearly 500 rooms.
Minister Sues MAC Cosmetics, Says Makeup Requirement Violates ReligionBarry Jones says he refused to try blush, eye shadow, lipstick and fake eyelashes during training because it would violate his religion by causing him "to look like a woman."
City Of Southfield Buys Northland Center, Plans To Demolish Old Mall"It's really just a fitting tribute to the former glory days of the mall to see that kind of Phoenix rise again."
Southfield's Northland Mall To Close After More Than 60 Years An Oakland County judge has ruled that a court-appointed receiver can begin closing one of the country's oldest malls.
Judge To Rule Whether Half-Empty, Crime-Plagued Northland Mall Will CloseIs it just about last call for Northland Mall?
Officials Consider Hate Crime Charges After Bus Stop Stabbing In Southfield; Man Allegedly Asked 'Are You Muslim?"The suspect allegedly started stabbing the men when they replied that they weren't Muslim.
Macy's Could Be Last Anchor Store To Leave Northland MallMacy's has been one of the largest anchor stores at Northland Mall since it first opened its doors as Hudson's back in 1954.
No Criminal Charges In Case Of Man Killed By Security Guard At Northland Mall "If I could prove it, I could charge it," said Prosecutor Jessica Cooper.
Coalition Against Police Brutality To Address Council After Death Of Mall Patron The death of a 25-year-old man while in the custody of mall security, has family and friends asking whether Northland mall security act properly in it's handling of an unruly patron?
Dark Morning At Northland Mall Bus StopBus riders are lit up over waiting for their ride at Northland a second straight morning in the dark.


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2016 dating profiles
“It’s a product of the growing normalcy of using social media apps,” says Moira Weigel, author of “Labor of Love: The Invention of Online Dating” (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2016).“Our real-life and online identities are more and more interwoven.” Because of this cultural shift, online dating sites now have unprecedented reach into our lives. Reams have been written about online dating, but as far as we know, no one has put the sites to the test.Participation by those 18 to 24 has almost tripled since 2013, and boomer enrollment has doubled.In fact, people over 50 are one of the fastest growing segments.But our research also found that online dating, however painful and time-consuming, often does produce the intended result if you use it well—and persevere.You can find the right person more effectively by choosing the right site, which means determining the demographics it caters to and figuring out whether a large or niche site will best serve your needs.
There’s a whole range of difficult human emotions to contend with: insecurity, disappointment, rejection, maybe heartache. “Sometimes there is nothing that clicks whatsoever,” says Julien Nguyen, a 30-year-old software designer from Austin, Texas, who has used Bumble and Tinder.Dedicated to verified college students and alumni (via education database). Alumni cannot initiate or respond to contact or post status updates.All Paid users can message and post and they also have added benefits.Our survey found that among respondents who stopped online dating, 20 percent of men and 40 percent of women said they did so because they didn’t like the quality of their matches.Perhaps that’s why, among those who said they had used multiple dating sites, 28 percent had tried four or more.

domain: news


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Instagram looks set to initiate two-step authentication for users after testing models were spotted in the wild.
With more than 400m active monthly users, Instagram has expanded into one of the leading modes of social media, dominating the sharing of images online.
Through its ease of use, multiple filter options and sleek design it has grown to the stage that, if you were a hacker, you’d take particular aim at those that use it. A big audience, content that can be shared to a captive audience into the millions? It’s prime for abuse.
Not secure enough
However, up until now it has remained at the back of the class, dragging its heels while other services initiate more secure login mechanisms.
According to TechCrunch, though, that’s soon about to change. By using a phone number as a verified baseline, codes can be generated to log in with, much like certain online banking websites work.
With KBC, for example, while you can access your account on mobile, with it all verified up, gaining access on the web means you need a code generated through your mobile app, which lasts just long enough to log you in on a computer.
Instagram is forever tweaking its service, upgrading it with slivers of innovative tweaks and fixes. Late last year, for example, it brought in new 3D interactions, with viewing platforms and even Vine-like videos coming on stream in 2015, too.
“Not having two-factor authentication was one thing when Instagram was a little upstart social app,” said Josh Constine on TechCrunch, “but it’s grown into one of the most popular social networks in the world.
“Officially lacking more safeguards had become downright irresponsible.”
It’s not live yet, not even nearly it seems, but the company is working on it in the background. So soon, one would hope, your Instagram account will become a little bit more secure.


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Spirits of Natchez: Charboneau Distillery products now on shelf
Published 12:05 am Sunday, November 23, 2014
NATCHEZ — If you draw a map of all the places sugarcane is grown in the Mississippi River Valley, Natchez is dead center.
That map, with Natchez front and center, hit Mississippi shelves this weekend screen printed onto bottles of handcrafted, locally produced rum.
Charboneau Distillery’s first batch of rum was distilled Oct. 14.
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With state and federal approval the distillery’s spirits went on sale Saturday at King’s Tavern — the historic inn the Charboneau family owns next to the distillery — and is available for sale in liquor stores Monday.
“We collect aged rums, and we liked rum because of how it tastes,” said Doug Charboneau, who runs the distillery along with his son Jean-Luc.
“We wanted to do something in connection with King’s Tavern that could promote tourism, could add something to do in Natchez, and rum made sense. The resource to make it is here and the increase in small distilleries around the country means there are a lot of people we can learn from.”
But while more than 700 micro-distilleries have opened across the country in recent years, Charboneau Distillery is only the second legal distillery in Mississippi. The first was Cathead Vodka.
“Micro-distilleries are to the 2010s what (beer) microbreweries were to the 1990s,” Jean-Luc said.
The Charboneau distillery’s product is produced using raw sugar and molasses from a Louisiana mill and Natchez municipal water purified through reverse osmosis. Natchez’s water has received numerous awards for its drinkability, Doug said.
The distillery has to use Louisiana sugar, he said, because Mississippi has only approximately 80 acres of sugarcane grown annually.
“Most of that is small family plots that is grown to make syrup,” he said.
Charboneau aims to produce between 1,500 and 2,000 cases of rum a year.
The process starts with a truck drive to Lafayette, where the Charboneaus pick up two 2,000-pound bags of sugar and molasses.
Back at the distillery, they add a mixture of sugar, molasses and yeast into a 300-gallon tank heated to 106 degrees, adding nutrients to feed the yeast as needed.
After 48 to 60 hours, the yeast has spent itself converting the sugar to alcohol and carbon dioxide, and the Charboneaus add 150 gallons into their steel and copper still, which is steam heated to 180 degrees, evaporating and recondensing the alcohol from the mixture into a 180-proof spirit.
The first gallon — known as the heads — is tasted but not bottled.
The gallons that follow — the hearts — are moved to a station where the rum is eventually cut with water down to an 80-proof spirit and bottled.
“It’s got a warm, sweet sugar-water taste on your tongue with just a little alcohol taste in the back of your mouth,” Doug said. “It’s good rum, and you can even drink it straight if you want.”
The end of the distillation run — the tails — is good enough to drink, but not of a quality one would want to bottle, Doug said. It can be re-circulated through the still through five runs.
On distillation days, the entire process takes approximately eight hours, including cleaning.
The distillery is located in the former bar on the King’s Tavern, which was originally constructed circa 1900 as a grocery store. To accommodate the still, storage and other necessary infrastructure, the Charboneaus had to take the interior of the building nearly apart.
“We knew we weren’t going to have a bar here, so I decided why don’t we take it down to the walls and see what we can do,” Jean-Luc said.
The end result is an open space with brick walls, hardwood floor and an open ceiling with wood supports. A row of wooden casks sits against the front wall, while the ingredients and cases of liquor occupy the space behind the still and mixing tank.
“We really wanted to make it feel industrial and old,” Doug said.
“When we started this process 18 months ago, we wanted to focus on getting King’s Tavern back open and running, and then we were able to move on to this. It made sense to turn this building into something other than a bar.”
Each bottle of Charboneau rum is bottled, corked, labeled and sealed by hand.
“Our bottles can be recycled but they can also be reused, and if someone brings me their empty bottle back, I’ll sterilize it and use it again,” Doug said. “For every bottle I get back, I’ll donate a dollar to the Natchez Children’s Home.”
As the distillery’s business grows, plans are in place to start aging rum in used bourbon casks, Doug said.
Until then, those who want their own aged Natchez rum will be able to purchase a miniature cask in the King’s Tavern gift shop, he said.
Tours of the distillery will soon start on Fridays and Saturdays, and the rum will retail at the King’s Tavern craft liquor shop for $32 a bottle.


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Department Of Homeland Security To Scan Payment Cards At Borders And Airports
(FORBES) Travelers leaving or entering the United States have long had to declare aggregated cash and other monetary instruments exceeding $10,000. Now, under a proposed amendment to the Bank Secrecy Act, FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) will also require travelers to declare the value of prepaid cards that they are carrying, known now as “tangible prepaid access devices.”
Expected to be finalized by the end of this year, the cross-border reporting modifications stem from a broader October 2011 definition of payment methods and form factors that replaced the term “stored value” with the term “prepaid access” in an effort to more accurately describe the process of accessing funds held by a payment provider.
Enforceability falls to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection both within the Department of Homeland Security, which is already developing advanced handheld card readers that can ascertain whether a traveler is carrying a credit card, debit card, or prepaid card. This differentiation is important because only prepaid card balances will need to be added to declaration report forms.


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Market Size: USD 2.6 billion in 2020, Market Growth: 4.3%, Market Trend: Shutting down of many companies and uncertain supply chain and production.
New York, March 11,2021-The global NPK fertilizers market is expected to reach USD 3.4 Billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 4.3%, according to a novel report by Reports and Data. Amplified focus on the crop productivity and cumulative demand for crops for livestock feed preparation is expected to increase the growth of the NPK fertilizers market.
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium are the essential components required for plant growth. NPK fertilizers are gaining popularity, considering their positive effects on crop yield and quality. They are designed in a way to meet the primary requirements of the crop in a single product. These fertilizers enhance the water and nutrient use efficiency to reduce the further application cost.
Rising awareness and utilization of NPK fertilizers for high crop yield coupled with increasing demand for enriched food grains and products is propelling the market for NPK fertilizers. Also, the worldwide shrinking farms and concerns to meet the food safety levels are driving the market for NPK fertilizers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the downfall of the overall global fertilizer industry. The supply chain disruption in the market has affected the farmers on a vast scale. It has caused uncertainty in the raw material transportation and led to the shutting down of many businesses and trades, following the lockdown rules to limit the virus from spreading.
Factors such as lack of awareness about the fertilizer benefits and the high costs related to production are significant restraints of the NPK fertilizers market.
To identify the key trends in the industry, click on the link below: https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/npk-fertilizers-market
Further key findings:
For this study, Reports and Data has segmented the global NPK market based on Nutrient type, Crop Type, Form, Application, and Region:
Based On Nutrient Type: (Revenue, USD billion, 2018 - 2028)
Based On Crop Type: (Revenue, USD billion, 2018 - 2028)
Based on Form: (Revenue, USD billion, 2018 – 2028)
Based On Application: (Revenue, USD billion, 2018 – 2028)
Based On the Region: (Revenue, USD billion, 2018 – 2028)
This list of professional tips can empower you in small ways, leading to big outcomes.Speak to Analyst
This list of professional tips can empower you in small ways, leading to big outcomes.


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3 Trending Tech Stocks To Add To Your Watchlist Right Now
While U.S. stocks plummet amidst eye-opening inflation data, some investors may see buying opportunities in the stock market right now. Tech stocks, in particular, would be on investors’ watchlists right now seeing as they have dipped from pandemic-fueled record highs. Sure, some would argue that inflation winners such as commodities would be a viable play now. However, CNBC’s Jim Cramer warned investors, suggesting that current price pressures may not last for long. Because of this, he emphasized the importance of portfolio diversification. With some of the best tech stocks trading below their previously sky-high valuations, I could see investors potentially buying on the dip.
After all, the tech industry will only continue to grow in importance moving forward. Just this week, cybersecurity stocks such as CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD) are in the spotlight. This would be thanks to a recent cyberattack on the largest fuel pipeline operator in the nation. If anything, this incident would show how tech serves vital roles in our lives, even in the defense sector. Elsewhere, tech giant Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL) is making headlines thanks to its latest collaboration. Earlier today, the company revealed that it is now working with Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) CEO Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Through this deal, Google’s cloud unit will help deliver internet services through SpaceX’s satellites.
By and large, there are numerous other applications for tech in the world around us today. Ideally, as the possibilities continue to grow, tech companies and investors alike would continue to benefit. Having read this far, you might be interested to add some top tech stocks to your portfolio now. Should that be the case, here are three making headlines in the stock market this week.
Top Tech Stocks To Watch Right Now
Fubo is a leading sports-first live TV streaming platform. The tech company aims to provide the world’s most thrilling sports-first live TV experience. It does this by providing premium content, interactivity, and integrated wagering. It currently operates in the U.S., Canada, and Spain. FUBO stock currently trades at $18.51 as of 11:40 a.m. ET and has been up by over 15% since the start of the week. Investors seem to be responding to the company’s first-quarter financials.
In detail, the company delivered a record quarterly revenue of $119.7 million, an increase of 135% year-over-year. Fubo also reported that its total subscribers doubled in the last year to 590,430. This includes 43,000 net additions for the quarter. The quarter marked the first time the company achieved sequential subscriber and revenue growth in any first quarter, despite seasonal trends. Evidently, this shows that cord-cutting trends continue to increase all over the world. This and the fact that Fubo is sports-focused with planned integration of wagering and interactivity would position the company for long-term growth.
Last month, the company announced that it had acquired exclusive streaming rights for the Qatar World Cup 2022 South American qualifying matches. The agreement, a partnership with 10 South American teams’ rights holders, strengthens Fubo’s leading position as a live streaming platform. All things considered, will FUBO stock be a top tech stock to buy?
Sonos is a developer and manufacturer of audio products. In fact, it is one of the world’s leading sound experience brands. As the inventor of multi-room wireless home audio, the company helps the world listen better by giving people access to the content they enjoy. Its products are known for delivering an unparalleled sound experience, thoughtful home design aesthetics, and simplicity of use. SONO stock currently trades at $33.56 as of 11:40 a.m. ET and has been up by nearly 8% on today’s opening bell. Like Fubo, investors also seem to be responding to the company’s latest quarter financials.
Diving in, the company reported that its adjusted EBITDA increased to $48.5 million. Revenue for the quarter increased by 90% year-over-year to $332.9 million. The company’s record quarter is likely due to demand for its products that continue to exceed expectations. One advantage of Sonos’ products is that customers can start with one product and expand to more over time. The company said that based on this latest second-quarter financials, it will be raising its outlook for fiscal 2021 again.
In it, the company increased its EBITDA outlook to a top-line of $250 million, representing a 130% growth. Revenue outlook for the year increased to a range of $1.625 billion to $1.675 billion, representing growth in the range of 23% to 26% year-over-year. Given all of this, is SONO stock worth adding to your portfolio?
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Advanced Micro Devices Inc.
AMD is a multinational semiconductor company that is based in San Clara, California. For over 50 years, the company has driven innovation in high-performance computing, graphics, and visualization technologies. Essentially, its products are used in the gaming industry and also for data centers. It boasts hundreds of millions of consumers and many businesses and research facilities rely on AMD’s technology. AMD stock currently trades at $73.67 as of 11:41 a.m. ET.
Late last month, the company reported its first-quarter financials for 2021. Firstly, its revenue for the quarter was $3.45 billion, a 93% increase year-over-year. Secondly, operating income for the quarter was $662 million. The company also posted a net income of $555 million, a 243% increase compared to a year earlier or a diluted earnings per share of $0.45. This increase in revenue was seen from its Computing & Graphics and Enterprise, Embedded, and Semi-custom segments. The gross margin was 46%, flat year-over-year and up 1 percentage point quarter-over-quarter. The quarter-over-quarter increase was driven by a greater mix of Ryzen, Radeon, and EPYC processor sales.
Earlier this week, the company also announced that AMD EPYC 7003 Series processors will power a new supercomputer for the National Supercomputing Centre (NSCC) Singapore. NSCC is a high-performance computing resource center used to support science and engineering computing needs. The supercomputer will be fully operational by 2022 and expects to have a peak theoretical performance of 10 petaFLOPS. This would be 8x faster than NSCC’s existing pool of HPC resources. Researchers will use the system to advance scientific research across biomedicine, genomics, diseases, climate, and more. With that in mind, will you consider buying AMD stock?


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19 Semptember 2012
The Travel & Tourism industry in Russia is bigger than the size of automotive manufacturing industry and directly supports almost as many jobs as the financial sector.
This is according to new research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) sponsored by American Express and TUI AG, released today during a speech at the ‘Moscow International Travel Forum’ in Russia by David Scowsill, President & CEO of WTTC.
The research, undertaken by Oxford Economics, shows that Travel & Tourism’s total contribution to GDP in Russia was RUB3.4 trillion ($106 billion) in 2011, or 5.9% of total GDP which is larger than the GDP of automotive manufacturing, chemical manufacturing. This compares to 4.8% for automotive manufacturing, 2.9% communications services and 3.3% for chemicals.
Supporting 4 million direct, indirect and induced jobs, Travel & Tourism in Russia generates more employment than the chemical industry and nearly as many jobs as the financial services sector.
The new research also showed that Travel & Tourism’s contribution to GDP is growing faster than most other sectors in Russia. It will grow by an average of 4% per annum over the next ten years, a faster growth rate than the total economy.
It also highlights that Travel & Tourism is a significant source of export revenue for Russia.
In 2011, visitor exports totalled RUB517.2 billion ($16billion). This was 30% of all service exports and 3% of all exports including goods and services.
The study compared the effect of Travel & Tourism spending on GDP and the wider economy.
In Russia, RUB32 million ($1 million) in Travel & Tourism spending:
• generates RUB48 million ($1.5 million) in GDP which is greater than all studied industry sectors
• generates RUB6 million ($187,000) in the wholesale and retail sector
• supports 53 jobs, which is more than the average of the economy (38 jobs), financial services (35 jobs), manufacturing (29 jobs) and chemicals (26 jobs)
David Scowsill, President & CEO, WTTC said: “These numbers are extremely significant. As a driver of economic recovery and growth in a very turbulent time, the industry stands apart for the sheer scale of its ability to create jobs and growth in every part of the globe and especially in Russia as shown by this study.
2013 is an important year for the Russian’s tourism industry as the country hosts the next T20 Tourism Ministers’ meeting and in the lead up to the Winter Olympics due to take place in Sochi in 2014, and of course the FIFA World Cup in 2018. It’s a great time for Russia to take notice of the Travel & Tourism industry as a generator of jobs and growth and ensure that sufficient investment and support is in place to ensure the success of these important events as well as the on-going growth of Russia’s Travel & Tourism.”
Bill Glenn, President Global Corporate Payments and Business Travel, American Express said: "With each release of regional data from the latest WTTC research, we continue to see the value that travel can bring to GDP, job creation and other economic factors. We are pleased to sponsor this research and provide the industry with another valuable asset to use to promote the benefits of travel."
Dr Michael Frenzel, Chairman of the Executive Board, TUI AG, stated: "This research demonstrates the vast economic and social relevance of the Travel & Tourism industry in Russia, but also its potential. It is vital that the Government puts the industry alongside Russia's traditional industrial base when considering long-term policies to create jobs, growth and economic prosperity."
At WTTC’s Global Summit in Tokyo in April, WTTC’s research revealed that Travel & Tourism’s direct contribution to world GDP at US$2 trillion or 2.8% is more than double the GDP of automotive manufacturing and one-third larger than the global chemicals industry. Travel & Tourism generates roughly the same GDP as the global education and communications sectors, and about half that of the global banking and financial services industry.
Note to Editors
The World Travel & Tourism Council is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism. It promotes sustainable growth for the industry, working with governments and international institutions to create jobs, to drive exports and to generate prosperity. In 2011 Travel & Tourism accounted for 255 million jobs globally. At US$6.3 trillion (9.1% of GDP) the sector is a key driver for investment and economic growth. For more than 20 years, the World Travel & Tourism Council has been the voice of this industry globally. Members are the Chairs, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world’s leading, private sector Travel & Tourism businesses. These Members bring specialist knowledge to guide government policy and decision-making, raising awareness of the importance of the industry as an economic generator of prosperity.
About TUI AG
TUI Group is Europe’s leading integrated travel group, offering the complete range of services associated with holiday and travel. In the financial year 2010/11 TUI Group returned a revenue of EUR17,5 billion with operating earnings (underlying EBITA) of EUR600 million.
One Group – three strong sectors: TUI Travel, Europe’s leading tourism company, TUI Hotels & Resorts, the leading holiday hotelier in Europe, and the cruise ship business make up the World of TUI. The Group is operating in over 180 countries with more than 30 million customers in 31 key source markets. Quality, variety, innovation, sustainability and growth are firmly anchored in the entrepreneurial thinking and activity at TUI. Day to day our 73,000 employees contribute to our mission: Putting a smile on people’s faces.
For further information, please contact:
WTTC - Communications Director
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7481 6484
WTTC - Media Relations Manager
Tel: +44 (0) 787 1040 170


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Fisker delivers its first right-hand drive Fisker Ocean electric SUV to a UK customer, marking a milestone for its UK market presence with assistance from pro race car driver Abbie Eaton.
Fisker Ocean owners showcased resilience at San Clemente meetup despite rain, with 15 electric SUVs from various SoCal locations.
Popular YouTuber Doug DeMuro reviews the Fisker Ocean, uncovering its unique features and awarding the electric SUV a high ‘DougScore’.
We look and discuss how Fisker is working hard to get you behind the wheel of your fully built Fisker Ocean One.
We review the latest research note out from Bank of America analyst John Babcock as he shares an optimistic take regarding Fisker’s recent production milestone.
Fisker hits production milestone and is making progress with Fisker Ocean deliveries to meet strong demand for its electric SUV.
We’ve come across photos from the first Fisker Ocean owner meetup in Hamburg, Germany, as we prepare for the upcoming meetup in Southern California this weekend.
Fisker making waves from North America to Europe, with transporting Fisker Oceans for Canadian customers, scheduling Chicago test drives, and making Norwegian deliveries.
From the Mile High City back to Southern California, the Fisker Ocean is making waves as it moves to the Midwest.
Crash test confidence and safety are reinforced as the Fisker Ocean emerges unscathed after a collision with a Lamborghini.


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#DigitalPlaybook: Is D2C business model the way forward for SMBs?
This week’s episode of Digital Playbook for SMBs saw three entrepreneurs coming together to discuss the rise of D2C and how COVID-19 proved that this model is here to stay.
COVID-19, which brought the entire world to a standstill, also pushed businesses in India and across the world to hit the reset button. The pandemic brought two major realisations to MSMEs — the need to connect more closely with consumers, and the need to go online at all costs.
In this week’s episode of Digital Playbook for SMBs, three distinguished entrepreneurs come together to discuss the rise of the D2C business model and how COVID-19 has proven that it is here to stay.
SMBStory’s Digital Playbook for SMBs is a video series that covers crucial areas of SMB digitisation. It explores digital payments, ecommerce, digital bookkeeping, cloud, security, CRM, automation, AI/ML, blockchain, and other software solutions, products, and emergent technologies.
What is D2C?
The D2C or direct-to-consumer model is a type of business in which the manufacturer is able to directly sell to its customers with the help of an ecommerce strategy.
In a traditional business model, multiple middlemen are present between the buyer and the seller like wholesaler, distributor and retailer.
In the D2C model, these middlemen are eliminated and the seller can directly sell to the buyer through an offline or an online store. In India, online marketplaces like Amazon,, , etc., have played a significant role in amplifying the D2C sector.
India has also seen a steady rise in the number of D2C brands across categories such as FMCG, apparel, and consumer electronics, among others, with brands such as, , , , and many more.
The rise of D2C in India
Karan Chowdhary, Co-founder and Digital Marketing Director of WOW Skin Science, a prominent D2C brand in the FMCG market, says that this trend can be attributed to the power of the internet. “Marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart have disrupted the way of doing business,” he explains.
Deep Lalvani, Chairperson of Ador Multiproducts, adds that the current times are such that companies need a model wherein they can connect with their customers directly and take their feedback. Ador Multiproducts, a 100-year-old company, recently made a partial shift to D2C with its online venture Sublime Life.
Why companies are choosing D2C over the traditional model
Yashas Alur, Founder of, a women's-focussed accessories brand, says that setting up a D2C business involves a lot of ease and comfort, compared to setting up an offline business wherein several aspects have to be taken care of — supply chain, logistics, distributors, and vendors, among others.
Deep adds that another advantage of the D2C model is its cost-effectiveness and that middlemen between the buyer and seller get eliminated. “The gross margins are very good in a D2C model,” he says.
According to Karan, getting listed on marketplaces also reduces the cost of customer acquisition. He also agrees that this model is becoming a norm but slightly disagrees on the gross margins factor. “D2C is not so profitable for us. That is why building an omnichannel D2C brand is important” he adds.
How can you build a D2C brand?
All three panellists unanimously agree that focussing on the product, and constantly working on improving and innovating it is the only way to establish a sizable D2C brand.
“There is no particular rulebook when it comes to building a D2C brand. However, I always say that if your product is not good, you will not land up anywhere,” says Karan.
He lists some do’s and don’ts while building one’s own website — such as making sure that images on the website are limited, the website shouldn’t take too long to load, making the communication with the customer straightforward, and most importantly, ensuring customers get a satisfying experience on visiting the website.
Marketplaces versus website
D2C works primarily vial two channels — either a company sells through its own website or through online marketplaces such as Amazon and Flipkart.
The panellists agree that selling through websites increases customer engagement whereas selling through marketplaces increases brand visibility.
Yashas says that developing your own website is equally important. He explains, “We are available on Amazon for visibility. However, our own website and social media platforms help us connect with our customers and create a community, which is not possible in the case of marketplaces."
Edited by Saheli Sen Gupta


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KATHMANDU, Feb 16: Laxmi Intercontinental Pvt. Ltd. has brought back the all new Hyundai Santro cars in the Nepali market, by launching four variants of the once popular model, in Kathmandu on Thursday.
Speaking to Republica, Awashis Ojha, Head-Marketing & Communication of Laxmi Intercontinental Pvt. Ltd., said: “We are hoping for a very good sales number and looking to make the newly launched model a segment leaders in the Nepali market.”
The company said the new model would pose a serious competition to the Maruti Suzuki's Celerio – a major contender in the segment – by targeting first-time car buyers of the age group 28-40 years.
"The market segment is dominated by Celerio at the moment, and we are looking to change the scenario. The company is also further bolstered by the legacy of Santro.
We are all aware that the previous models of Santro had high resale value in the Nepali market," Ojha said.
The four variants include: Santro Magna (base model, starting at Rs 2.496 million), Santro Magna AMT (automated manual transmission, priced at Rs 2.856 million), Santro Sports (priced at Rs 2.696 million), and Santro Asta (priced at Rs 2.996 million). The available colors are: typhoon silver, polar white, stardust, marina blue, fiery red and the new imperial beige.
The company has speculated Santro Sports to be the most popular variant in the Nepali market.
The new model comes with 1.1 liter petrol engine with four cylinders, rear AC vents, ECO Coating Technology, 235 liters of booth space, rear parking camera, speed sensing auto door lock, and 17.64 cm Audio Video Platform that can run Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
The car also comes with safety features such as two front airbags and anti lock braking system (anti skid braking system that prevents the wheels from locking up during braking).


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(Feb. 1, 2013) The first 1,000 people who visit Pier 1 Imports on its opening day at the White Marlin Mall on Monday will receive a free reusable canvas tote bag and a free backscratcher.
The gifts are in celebration of Pier 1 Imports arrival in West Ocean City. Its doors will open at 10 a.m. at the mall, located just one-half mile west of Ocean City on Route 50 and adjacent to Tanger Outlets.
“The opening of our new Pier 1 Imports at White Marlin Mall will be a fitting welcome for all those who live in the Ocean City, Berlin, Ocean Pines and lower Delaware areas,” state manager Frank Pileggi stated in a press release.
Pier 1 Imports carries merchandise fitting many decorative styles, plus a broad array of special occasion décor, furniture and gifts. Its buyers import items from more than 50 countries. They comb flea markets, antique stores and bazaars worldwide, searching for unique items.
The new store offers customers an experience similar to a treasure hunt through the “rustic, yet modern open bazaar-meets-antique shop, filled with bold hues, decadent textures, thought-provoking patterns, hand-blown glass, cracked ceramics, wrought-iron accents, whimsical conversation pieces and vintage spirit,” according to the press release.
Until now, fans of the home furnishings and accessory store have had to travel to Salisbury or Easton in Maryland or Rehoboth Beach or Dover in Delaware to shop.
The new 9,800-square-foot West Ocean City store is the only one in the Delmarva area featuring Pier 1 Import’s new store concept. The White Marlin Mall store will feature easy-to-navigate layouts and idea-generating vignettes. This new concept design has received rave reviews from customers at Pier 1 Imports’s new stores in Fairbanks, Alaska, Omaha, Neb., and Kona, Hawaii.
The new interior design, which features natural floor tiles, rustic ceiling elements, enhanced store lighting and lit shelving units lining the walls, makes it easier for shoppers to visualize using the products in their own homes.
“I have been here to see the entire build-out of the new concept look and it is awesome,” Pileggi said. “It is truly incredible.”
Because of the local interest in the outdoors, the West Ocean City store will have an extensive collection of items to make it easier for people to make their backyards or porches a more functional, yet stylish, extension of their homes.
Pier 1 Imports was founded in 1962 in San Mateo, Calif. That first store catered to baby boomers and was known for selling love beads, incense and beanbag chairs. There are now more than 1,000 Pier I Imports in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
The new West Ocean City store is a boost to the local economy, providing jobs to 21 area residents to work as sales associates along with two assistant managers and two sales leaders.
“We are proud to have a diverse mix of new Pier 1 employees who reside in Ocean City, Berlin and Ocean Pines,” Pileggi stated.
Pier 1 Imports will be open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.


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His record in Georgia raises doubts about whether he could handle the job.
Georgia slashed its budget for food safety 29 percent under Perdue. Two years after the cuts, in 2008, at least 714 people across 46 states were sickened by salmonella traced to peanut paste produced at a Peanut Corporation of America factory in Blakely, Georgia.
Nine people died, triggering one of the largest food safety recalls in U.S. history. The company’s CEO was later sentenced to 28 years in prison for knowingly shipping tainted products. Other executives also were jailed.
Blame fell on Perdue’s state Agriculture Department and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which had delegated responsibility for inspecting the peanut factory to the state. State officials said manpower and funding prevented inspections that could have spotted the contamination issues, according to media reports at the time.
Perdue responded by restoring some of the money that had been cut from his Agriculture Department’s consumer protection division. In his final state budget, in 2010, funding for the division remained 22 percent below what it was when he took office.
“You had to have a situation where you had a bunch of people die before Georgia got its act together,” Jaydee Hanson, senior policy analyst at the Center for Food Safety, told HuffPost. “Sonny Perdue may have helped cause it, and he may have helped correct it.”
Perdue took office in 2003. His first budget, for fiscal 2004, provided $39.5 million for the Agriculture Department’s consumer protection division. Georgia, like many states, gets some of its food safety funding from federal government and contracted with the FDA to perform inspections.
Two years later, the consumer protection division budget was slashed 29 percent, to $28.2 million. The impact of the cuts on food inspections, compared with other duties of the division, is unclear.
Following the peanut factory scandal, Perdue signed legislation in 2009 that gave regulators authority set higher standards for food safety practices, testing and reporting. The state legislature approved funding for a new food processing program. The budget for the Agriculture Department’s consumer protection division increased slightly, though it remained far below what it was before Perdue’s term.
The Peanut Corporation of America outbreak wasn’t Georgia’s first indication that its inspections of peanut processing facilities were inadequate.
In 2007, at least 625 people were sickened after eating contaminated Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter in a salmonella outbreak traced to a Sylvester, Georgia, facility.
ConAgra, Peter Pan’s parent company, paid $11.2 million in fines for knowingly shipping tainted products that contributed to the outbreak. The Associated Press called it the largest criminal fine ever in a U.S. food safety case.
It’s unclear whether Perdue personally had a role in cutting Georgia’s food inspection budget. A state Agriculture Department spokeswoman offered few specifics, but said there “are no direct ties of management” between the governor and the agriculture commissioner.
Despite the deadly toll of the contamination, Perdue has his defenders.
Bill Marler, a prominent food safety attorney who represented victims in the outbreak, said it would “probably be a stretch” to “put all the onus” on Perdue. The blame, he said, should primarily go to the companies and the regulators themselves.
Still, Marler said he’s concerned about Trump administration signals to reverse food safety progress made under President Barack Obama.
The FDA, together with the USDA, oversees the nation’s food supply. The FDA is part of the Department of Health and Human Services. Trump’s nominee to lead that department — Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) — voted against the Food Safety Modernization Act, an overhaul of food safety laws in the wake of the Peanut Corporation of America outbreak.
Trump has offered few recent details of his plans for food policies. Last fall, his campaign website briefly featured a threat to “eliminate” the “FDA Food Police” due to “inspection overkill.”
Marler said he suspects his law firm will be “busier than ever” under Trump. But it will be hard to know for sure until more appointments, including the USDA’s food safety undersecretary.
“The volume of outbreaks has dropped significantly over the last several years,” Marler added. “But who knows what’s going to happen once they may or may not start enforcing anything anymore?”
Joseph Erbentraut covers promising innovations and challenges in the areas of food and water. In addition, Erbentraut explores the evolving ways Americans are identifying and defining themselves. Follow Erbentraut on Twitter at @robojojo. Tips? Email firstname.lastname@example.org.


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Mathnasium urges the high street to make room for franchises
Mathnasium’s Steve Felmigham has been urging the UK’s commercial landlords to allow more franchises to grow on the high street.
Steve Felmingham, the UK Director of Operations for tutoring franchise Mathnasium, has been urging commercial landlords and planning departments to make it easier for franchises to set up on high streets across the country.
There’s been much talk in the last few years surrounding the UK’s struggling high streets, with around 40,000 jobs lost in 2018 due to closures, redundancies and businesses going into administration. However, Felmingham is urging commercial landlords to be more flexible when renting out their properties and to consider businesses like Mathnasium to bring life back to the high streets of Britain. He explained why the senseless regulations are holding franchises and high streets back from continuing growth.
“Local town planning departments up and down the country set their own planning policy, many of which are archaic and out of touch with the needs of consumers. These are undoubtedly prohibiting many businesses from establishing a high street presence. Many councils insist on a 95 percent retail business occupancy. This sometimes results in buildings lying empty for months on end whilst legitimate businesses like ours are refused change of use applications.”
Felmingham added that while Mathnasium is experiencing “incredible success” already in the UK, with more than eight franchises occupying high streets, it’s finding it a real challenge to locate suitable sites for other franchisees. He urges local authorities to take action now before legitimate, exciting businesses like the tutoring franchise find homes elsewhere and the British high street ends up derelict and forgotten.
Founded more than 40 years ago by Larry Martinek, Mathnasium is one of the world’s largest franchises with sites all across the world.
Sophie Cole, Point Franchise ©
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Helium, which aspired to be America’s biggest cellular network, has become the latest cryptocurrency startup whose valuation has surpassed the $1 billion mark
The fundraise, which was vaulted the valuation of the startup to $1.2 billion, was led by New York-based investment firm Tiger Global Management and Menlo Park, California-based venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz.
The company will use the funding in order to work on new products, the report says.
After wrapping up its Series D funding round, which was initially reported by Axios last month, the company also changed its name to Nova Labs. The big rebrand is meant to draw a clearer line between the Helium blockchain and the company.
Helium operates a global decentralized network that includes over half a million hotspots in order to make it simpler to connect devices to the internet.
The company was originally founded in 2013 before switching to a new cryptocurrency-powered incentive model in 2019 after an engineer floated the idea of rewarding people with crypto for setting up hotspots.
The blockchain is powered by the so-called “proof of coverage” consensus algorithm, which is significantly more energy-efficient compared to proof-of-work.
Last year, the Helium community voted to make the project the first consumer-owned 5G network. It also announced a tie-up with connectivity company FreedomFi. In the long run, the project aims to become the number one cellular network in the U.S.
The price of the native Helium (HNT) token is currently sitting at $25.64 on the Binance exchange after spiking 8.31% over the last 24 hours. It is the 49th biggest cryptocurrency by market cap, according to CoinMarketCap data.
The owners of hotspots can reportedly earn thousands of dollars per worth of HNT tokens per month.


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The announcement was made by the company’s CEO Sharon Price John at an investors’ conference in Florida. “I’m excited to share we will be one of the first companies to provide the digital and internet phenomenon who is trending higher than all the presidential candidates combined,” said John whilst holding a prototype of the plushy. “We now will have The Child, also known as Baby Yoda.” The toy itself, which you can see in the Twitter post below, closely resembles the Star Wars character and looks almost close to a 1:1 scale. According to John, Build-A-Bear had begun working on the design alongside Lucasfilm and Disney as soon as the first episode of The Mandalorian aired back in November last year.
There’s currently no official release date or pricing information on the Build-A-Bear Baby Yoda plushy, so those interested should definitely stay tuned for more updates to come.
Build a Bear Baby Yoda will be coming in the next few months
— Acing Entertainment (@U_S_Ace) January 14, 2020


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(CNN)President Donald Trump keeps telling us not to worry, that the fast-spreading COVID-19, the coronavirus, is “going to go away,” soon, probably by “April,” and that a vaccine is “close.” The experts, including federally-employed top scientists, say he’s wrong on all these counts. (Please don’t fire them!)
Only a small fraction of coronavirus victims — worldwide more than 80,000 people sickened and more than 2,700 killed — have been Americans. Almost all of the cases have been in China.
But the virus could have a dramatic impact on the future of the United States even if not one more American becomes infected. And Trump knows this.
This virus, a public health emergency and a human tragedy, is also a sudden and powerful factor affecting the global economy. As a result, it could end up playing a key role in determining the outcome of the 2020 election in the United States.
An economic shock from a large-scale epidemic or a pandemic could affect any presidency, but that is particularly true of this one for two principal reasons: First, the President’s main argument for reelection is that he has done a great job on the economy. He falsely claims this is the greatest economy in US history, even though it created more jobs under President Barack Obama and grew faster many other times.
Second, Trump was elected by the thinnest of margins. He lost the popular vote and could have lost the presidency if fewer than 80,000 votes in three states had gone to his political rival.
If the 2020 election is close once again, an erosion in America’s economic performance could sway enough people to deny him reelection.
Obviously, that is not the only factor. The Democrats’ choice of candidate may be a much more important consideration for voters.
Still, the inescapable impact of the coronavirus on the US economy could prove pivotal.
There is no chance the virus will leave America’s economy unscathed. The virus is spreading, reaching dozens of countries, with big new outbreaks in South Korea, Italy and Iran.
But even if all the cases were limited to China, the rest of the globe would feel it. That’s because China has become a global economic powerhouse: The loom in the tapestry of interconnected threads that is global commerce. Those who thought the impact of COVID-19 would resemble that of another epidemic, SARS in 2003, missed the contrast.
SARS infected 8,098 people and killed 774, a fraction of the new virus. COVID-19 is more contagious, but SARS killed more of the people it infected.
And China’s economy now accounts for 16% of the globe’s, quadruple what it was in the days of SARS.
As the virus makes its way into dozens of countries, the economic shockwaves will still flow most potently from what is happening in China. China has been the engine of growth for years, accounting for about one-third of all the growth in the world.
China is a voracious consumer of exports from around the world, and in recent years, it has also become an important consumer of finished goods.
With segments of China shut down to prevent contagion, its economy, which was already growing at the slowest rate in decades, could see growth cut in half. That means less manufacturing and less purchasing of raw materials. China has been buying most of the world’s cement, coal, steel, nickel, copper and countless other commodities.
A slowdown there will be a gut-punch to exporters in multiple countries.
China sells and buys massively from every US state, from airplanes to cars, to grains. Chinese consumers buy cars, luxury goods and travel extensively. Or at least they did before the epidemic.
But it may be China’s pivotal role in the supply chain of global production that has the greatest effect. China makes pieces of just about everything we buy, from electronics to medications. Apple warned it won’t meet its sales goals. The Food and Drug administration is reportedly concerned about possible shortages of some 150 prescription drugs.
Airlines around the world are taking a hit. And the cruise industry is facing huge losses, according to Yahoo Finance.
Even the movie industry, which has become increasingly reliant on audiences in the world’s most populous nation, will feel the pummeling from the closure of 70,000 theaters in China.
We know China’s economy will experience a sharp slowdown. Japan, Singapore and South Korea are next in line. European countries could get tipped into recession. Germany, France and Italy were already struggling before the outbreak. In fact, the world was just starting to regain its footing from Trump’s trade wars when the virus struck.
A global slowdown will inevitably strike the United States. That’s the realization that produced an anxiety attack on Wall Street on Monday and Tuesday, the biggest drop in years.
It’s why Trump had reportedly feared taking measures that signal panic.
Democrats in Congress are fuming. According to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the President’s $2.5 billion funding request to fight the virus is “long overdue and completely inadequate.” She vowed that the House provide more than Trump requested, and “advance a strong, strategic funding package,” commensurate with the challenge.
The best advice for Americans now is to wash your hands often and listen to the experts — not to the President. He’s not telling the truth. He’s gaslighting, muddling and contradicting the urgent public health advice from experts.
Trump’s commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, claimed the virus would help American workers. “I don’t want to talk about a victory lap,” he said, but it could bring jobs to America.
But the virus will hurt America. Private economists are already slashing economic projections.
It’s impossible to know the magnitude of the hit. But it’s not out of the question that coronavirus could become Trump’s “black swan,” the low-probability, high-impact event that changes everything, even his prospects for reelection.


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Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Australian Small Scale Offerings Board, Brisbane, QLD, Facebook, Kondoot, Mark Cracknell, Nathan Hoad, Skype, The Australian Financial Review, Yammer, YouTube
Emergence Capital Partners, Capricorn, Yammer, Facebook, Capital Partnership, YouTube, Google, Meritech, Charles River Ventures, Koodoot, USVP, Khosla Ventures
Founders Fund, Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Australian Small Scale Offerings Board
Koondoot, Australian-founded Live Video Network, IPO To Raise $10m: Strategy
Aussie start-up Kondoot plans global assault with $10 million IPO
By Michelle Hammond
Australian-founded live video network Kondoot has unveiled an ambitious plan to raise $10 million through an initial public offering, after raising $3.2 million in a funding round led by US investors.
Kondoot, founded by Brisbane-based university friends Mark Cracknell, 21, and Nathan Hoad, 25, is a social network based on live broadcast.
It launched in the US in December last year, following a soft launch in Australia.
Kondoot initially raised $800,000 primarily from Australian investors, using the Australian Small Scale Offerings Board as a funding platform. It then closed a $3.2 million funding round in the US.
It now intends to become a listed company, lodging a prospectus with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission for the initial public offering of its shares to raise $10 million.
For its raising, Kondoot is offering 83,333,334 new shares at 12 cents each. Applications must be for a minimum of 16,667 shares or $2000.
Described as a combination of Facebook, Skype and YouTube, Kondoot enables users to publish live and recorded broadcasts, and enjoy video chat and instant messaging.
It also offers the possibility of charging for access to a video stream, allowing record companies to sell tickets for a gig, or public speakers to sell tickets to their presentations online.
While infinitely smaller than Facebook, Kondoot’s founders are talking up their potential to break out on the global stage.
“Kondoot has the potential to be the most successful social media website in the world… [There will be] many opportunities our company has to offer with new investors,” Cracknell says.
“Kondoot has developed a unique concept that we believe has the potential to change the way the world communicates, opening up huge opportunities in areas of promotion [and] education.”
Kondoot has established itself as a global network, with subscribers in more than 135 countries.
Although its initial focus will be on the US and Australian markets, the start-up insists it is “already off to a flying start” in South East Asia, and intends to boost its European presence.
Cracknell told The Australian Financial Review he doesn’t expect to see Facebook introducing a replica service to Kondoot any time soon.
“They couldn’t just click their fingers and do it. That is why we have a good technology team working on keeping ourselves ahead,” he said.
According to Cracknell, the decision to open up its register and enable sale of stock through registry services means more small retail investors can buy into the company.
Kondoot is not yet profitable, but Cracknell claimed it has a clear business model on paid broadcasting, where users can charge a fee to viewers, with Kondoot taking 20% of the ticket price.
Cracknell said the possibility of making money through advertising has been investigated, but the site is looking to build traffic first. Kondoot is open to the idea of being acquired, but on its terms.
“Even if Google offered us $10 billion, we would still have to sit back and work out if it was the right thing to do,” he said.
The news comes after an announcement by US-based start-up Yammer, an enterprise social network and communications platform, which has raised $85 million in a new round of funding.
Investors include DFJ Growth, Social+Capital Partnership, Meritech, Khosla Ventures, Capricorn, Charles River Ventures, Founders Fund, USVP and Emergence Capital Partners.
The new funding takes total investment in Yammer to an impressive $142 million.
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Top 5 Most Read
EventsNo upcoming events to display.


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AM 2 Celebrate 20 Year Anniversary
16. December 2019
To mark the 20th anniversary of the AM 2 and Lonza partnership we recently held a celebration lunch at the Radisson Blue Hotel in Riga.
The event was well attended with over 40 customers and industry professionals.
A presentation on the latest wood preservative developments from Lonza Wood Protection was made by Andy Hodge, Marketing Director at Lonza and Agris Greiers from AM 2.
AM 2’s Agris Greiers and Viesturs Kalme receive a commemorative plaque from John Abbott, Sales Director at Lonza Wood Protection


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Event: Mugdha Godse performed on the famous number 'Sheila Ki Jawani' at Water Kingdom's 13th anniversary.
Guest List: Mugdha Godse, DJ Ramji Gulati
Venue: Water Kingdom, Mumbai
Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma was snapped at the airport.
Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra was snapped at the airport with husband Raj Kundra and mother.
Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi, fashion designer Manish Malhotra among others snapped at the airport.
Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon was spotted outside her residence.
Bollywood's 'HASEENA' Shraddha Kapoor was spotted at Hakkasan.


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New Delhi, Dec 5: The Centre today said that it is currently negotiating with eleven countries for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and is considering for such pacts with seven others, including China.
"India-China FTA falls under the FTAs being considered," Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jairam Ramesh told the Rajya Sabha, adding that a final decision on it would be taken up only after the sensitivities of domestic industry are addressed.
India has signed FTAs with five countries that include Sri Lanka, Singapore, Nepal, Bhutan and Thailand. It has signed six Operational Preferential Trade Agreements and South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreements with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
India has also signed the regional preferential trading agreements like Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement and global system of trade preference, which is open to all developing countries.


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The retail shopping numbers so far indicate this was the weakest holiday sales season since 2008, when the nation was in the middle of the Great Recession.
Holiday shopping numbers were not strong, indicating the economy may be stalling.
The news is yet another indication that Congress and the White House must do a better job of compromising on budgets, spending, taxes and regulation. We are not out of the woods yet, and if we don't get out soon, the nation faces another recession.
The retail shopping numbers so far indicate this was the weakest holiday sales season since 2008, when the nation was in the middle of the Great Recession. The Associated Press reports sales for the two months before Christmas increased 0.7 percent compared with last year. Economists and retailers expected a 3 to 4 percent increase.
Even the South, which did better than average, showed between a 2 percent and 3 percent increase. It is a softness in the economy caused by political malaise. And it is a bad sign for the economy, as holiday sales are a key economic indicator. Retailers can do as much as 40 percent of their business in the last two months of the year.
At the Volusia Mall, shoppers came in big numbers after Christmas Day, hoping for bargains. That's not bad news for retailers as post-holiday sales make up 15 percent of seasonal sales, but the reduced prices mean reduced profits.
Clearly, Americans — especially middle-class Americans — are worried about 2013 and the coming state of the economy. The stalemate in Washington over the "fiscal cliff" of sharp tax increases and deep spending cuts is likely hurting consumer spending — which makes up more than two-thirds of the U.S. economy.
Federal income taxes are set to rise, washing away the Bush tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 to Clinton-era levels. Both parties want to avoid a tax increase for the middle class.
All workers will also get hit by the payroll tax hike, which is set to return to levels set before Jan. 1, 2011. For the past two years, the tax, which funds Social Security, was dropped to 4.2 percent. It will go back to 6.2 percent on Jan. 1. This is the most likely tax hike, and one that could cost the average worker $800 per year.
Despite these new taxes hitting most Americans, a lack of leadership and compromise is heading the nation straight into another recession. It's not too late to change course.
If lawmakers don't reach consensus soon, this big combination of automatic tax increases and sharp spending cuts to the military and social programs begins Jan. 1. Congress and the White House could work on changing things through January and February.
But if world markets see Washington fail to meet a deadline on the federal budget that they have seen coming for more than a year, they may start investing elsewhere. The Dow Jones industrial average could plunge. U.S. employers, already spooked by the weak recovery, could delay new hiring. Even if Congress and the White House agree on a solution in early 2013, the measures taken in the interim could cause another recession, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
Federal lawmakers should be moved by the latest reports on holiday consumer spending. They must act decisively on the economy.
The economy is wobbly, and it's on the edge of the fiscal cliff. The nation needs economic leadership to avoid plunging into the second part of a "double dip" recession. The nation needs bold compromise. The nation needs elected leaders to lead.


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An economist has predicted that 2013 will be a tough year for retailers, in reaction to the latest retail figures.
Samuel Tombs, UK economist at Capital Economics, said:
– Samuel Tombs, UK economist at Capital Economics
Admittedly, the weakness of the official figures stands in contrast to the relatively upbeat tone of the retail surveys, suggesting that the former should not necessarily be treated as gospel.
Nonetheless, 2013 still looks set to be another tough year for retailers, given the likelihood of a further significant squeeze on real pay and a weaker jobs market.
John Lewis has bucked the trend of the fall in retail sales, with a 21.9% increase in year on year sales to 9 February.
Online sales also increased 36.4% year-on-year in the week to 9 February.
Financial analysis firm IHS Global Insight described the new figures as "a robust performance."
The UK high street has seen an unexpected fall in sales, as retailers suffered a 0.6% fall in sales between December and January.
The figures were in contrast to predictions that sales would bounce back, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.
The ONS said the icy conditions hit many smaller food shops, with some forced to close as snow blanketed parts of Britain, pushing food sales volumes down 1.6%.
The figures will reignite fears that the UK economy is on course for a triple-dip recession after the first estimate of gross domestic product (GDP) in the final three months of last year showed the economy contracted.
Retail sales volumes fell by 0.6% in January, following a downwardly-revised fall of 0.3% in December, the Office for National Statistics said today.


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Fall themed menus seem to crop up earlier each year1, what with Dunkin’s launching their pumpkin and apple cider flavors on August 21, and Starbucks heralding the start of Fall with its pumpkin spice latte and other array of seasonal desserts on August 27th, weeks before the official start of the season.
There is no denying the consumer demand for these items—just look at how pumpkin spice has become a $600 million flavor.2 Switching to a seasonal menu generates interest and excitement around the new menu items, and taking advantage of a wider sales window for fall-themed foods can therefore mean increased sales and happy customers.
So, what inspires a fall menu? Experts say that it’s all about the comfort3. Fall means going back to the roots, and being nostalgic for childhood traditions. This, in food language, means warm and aromatic spices; it means celebrating natural cooking techniques and creating comfort dishes that are rich, hearty and flavorful.
Savory Pumpkin dishes
Many have hinted at the coming of a pumpkin spice fatigue4, but we think that pumpkin is an ingredient that is here to stay. For a new take on America’s favorite gourd, try using it in savory recipes such as adding it to chili, soups, salads, pasta and dips. It can also be incorporated into popular breakfast items such as breakfast sausages, grits and oatmeal.
Nuts and toasted flavors
Nothing says fall like pecans, particularly here in the south. It makes great additions to pies and desserts, and the ingredient is versatile enough that it can be worked into a variety of meat, stew, salad and even cocktail recipes. *A note on the Georgia pecan supply, as farms took at massive hit when Hurricane Michael dealt a loss of about 17% in total acreage5. The crop is expected to be short this year and it will take years before growers reach the level of pre-storm production. While New Mexico is expected to be producing the majority of the crop this year, Georgia pecan growers are optimistic of a rebound; we may see Georgia back at the No. 1 spot sooner than you think.
As with toasted flavors, roasted vegetables are as comforting as Fall-menus can get. No longer are vegetables reserved for “sides.” More customers are likely to order dishes that feature vegetable as the main. In fact, National Restaurant Association’s research on this year’s top food trends found that 3 of the 15 trending items were plant based6. Why not try roasted cauliflower, root vegetables, squash varieties and mushrooms?
Turmeric might not seem like a traditional fall-themed ingredient, but its earthy color and orange-gingery aroma says otherwise. While pungent and bitter, turmeric has become more prevalent in recent years thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and health benefits. It’s perfect because it fits recent trends of health and well-being. Turmeric is easily incorporated to sauces, marinades and beverages like lattes and juices, but it can also be a great addition to pumpkin desserts as it boosts color and intensifies flavor.
The list would not be complete without maple, which has been advertised back in 2019 as the ingredient that would dethrone pumpkin spice in the flavor kingdom. It’s sweet, it’s rich, and it pairs splendidly with either dessert or savory recipes such as roasted vegetable, salad dressing, candied nuts and of course—bacon.
Menu development and maintaining a profitable cost of goods are two areas that Goliath Consulting Group assists independent and chain operators. Contact us at firstname.lastname@example.org to learn more about our services and how we can get you the results you are looking to achieve.


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While the death of the home page may be exaggerated, it’s certainly on life support. What’s killing it off? Social media and other content distribution platforms that drive traffic directly to individual pages.
According to Columbia University journalism professor Jeff Jarvis, fewer than 10% of site visitors see a news outlet’s home page. Instead, people arrive at articles and other content via direct links — with Facebook referring a whopping 40% of traffic. Even the The New York Times has seen a 50% drop in its home page traffic.
So what can you do to make your blog’s home page more appealing at a time when most visitors are bypassing it? First, let’s start by taking a look at some ways Quartz has played fast and loose with its home page over the years.
Exploring smart curation (and design)
When the digital news property first launched in 2012, there wasn’t a home page. Visitors merely saw the top news story at that very moment (I’m guessing the logic was this: if a story was the most read across social media, it’d be the most compelling to those visiting qz.com).
Two years later, Quartz pivoted and rolled out a more home page-like design that prominently featured a version of their popular Daily Brief email. It eschewed the river of headlines that greeted visitors in 2012 and served up a shortlist of top story summaries.
Near the end of 2015, Quartz drastically re-thought its home page once again. For the latest iteration, its editors went with something that felt more magazine-like, aiming for an experience you’d want to spend real time with. Emphasis was placed on typography, video, animations and data viz. The intended message: this is not your Daddy’s Forbes (or Fortune).
Making “friendly” recommendations
Much like Quartz, blogging platform Medium has disrupted its space. And though its design and UX are incredibly thoughtful, one of its most novel features is how it recommends content based on social connections. Because Medium allows users to sign up with their Twitter, Facebook and Google+ accounts, it’s able to algorithmically push content that known friends and acquaintances have liked.
While Medium was one of the first to apply the “influencer marketing” model to content discovery, it certainly won’t be the last. Case in point: Nuzzel is an upstart news reader that allows users to see the most commonly shared stories from their Facebook and Twitter feeds. Nuzzel has declined to state how many users it has, but its Android app alone has been downloaded over 10,000 times. Clearly, people are seeing value in having content vetted by their network.
Thanks to a recent update, the Whole Foods Market website has effectively become a blog. One that’s packed with recipes, photos, videos, healthy living tips and more. As you can see, it’s a visual bonanza. But here’s what you can’t see: Whole Foods is using behavioral cues and other data signals to serve up content that reflects visitors’ previous site activity. As a result, the biggest difference between old and new isn’t the freshened appearance. It’s that the grocer’s online presence is now individually relevant. Disclosure: Whole Foods Market is a OneSpot client and uses our personalization technology. Click here to learn more about it.
At a time when there’s no need for people to visit your blog’s home page, I encourage you to give them a reason to do just that. Instead of offering a feed of your most recently published content, experiment with the ideas above. By providing blog visitors with the proper motivation to click around, it’s likely you’ll see an increase in time on site and, perhaps more importantly, return visits.
Increase the Effectiveness of Your Content Without Increasing Your Workload
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Swedish NetEnt, one of the leading names when it comes to online gambling solutions, continues to offer its high quality content to the players around the world.
The company pays special attention to being present on regulated markets across the globe, and now proudly announces its award-winning releases will be available on the regulated market in Serbia.
After the process of technical integration was successfully completed, NetEnt offered a selection of some of its most popular titles to players in Serbia via Mozzart, the leading operator in this country situated at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe.
Enrico Bradamante, Chief of European Market Operations and the company’s Managing Director, said the company was very pleased that players in Serbia would have the opportunity to enjoy in NetEnt’s popular games. He also added this move was a part of the company’s global growth strategy, which was enforced by strengthening its position on regulated markets.
Founded in 2001, Mozzart offers the biggest network of betting premises in Serbia. Apart from offering gaming and betting services, known for the highest betting odds in the market where the company operates, Mozzart also produces slot machines and accessories in cooperation with the leading names in the business.
Today, the company successfully operates in Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina (Republika Srpska), Romania and Macedonia, with over 460 branches and more than 2,500 employees.
Based in Stockholm, NetEnt is one of the biggest players in the digital entertaining business, offering premium gaming solutions to some of the world’s most famous online casino operators.
With an experience stretching over two decades, NetEnt is always striving to be at the very top of today’s gambling industry. Employing 900 people in six countries around the world, NetEnt is the supplier with the largest presence on regulated markets globally.
The team behind CasinoBloke consists of casino experts united in their desire to spread knowledge to a wider audience. The aim is, and always has been, to help even the most inexperienced players gain their footing in this exciting industry. The enthusiastic members dedicate time and energy to the creation of potent and insightful content. With years of experience in various fields of this industry, our expert authors know precisely what to look for while searching for casino quality.


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In addition to the six new cities that are going to be lit up in sweet AT&T 4G LTE on November 20th, Ma Bell and Samsung have also announced that it will be offering another 4G LTE enabled tablet on the same day in the form of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9. And no, it won’t have the absurd price tag that the carrier put on its first 4G LTE tablet, the HTC Jetstream.
The Galaxy Tab 8.9 is going to be available for $479.99 with a new two year contract. The price won’t be the only good part of the deal though. No sir.
AT&T is also going to be throwing in a free smartphone. You’ll be able to choose between the LTE-powered Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket or the 3G-powered Samsung Galaxy S II.
That’s not a bad deal at all for those looking to get an LTE tablet and a new smartphone. Problem is, AT&T’s network is only going to be available in a grand total of 15 cities when November 20th arrives.
However, if you find yourself living in one of those cities, you’re in business.
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Crafting a Recession-Proof Trade
In October 2020, I opened a long put option position in online marketplace operator Etsy (NSDQ: ETSY). A put option increases in value when the price of the underlying security goes down. The stock had been on a tear, and I felt it was due for some reversion to the mean.
I reasoned then, “What I don’t understand is why Etsy’s share price has tripled in value this year despite the company’s penchant for not making much of a profit nor paying a dividend to its shareholders.” That day, ETSY closed a little over $153.
Turns out, I was a year early. ETSY continued to appreciate until November 2021, when it topped out near $300. But since then, it has been all downhill. Last week, ETSY slipped below $115 to give back all of its gains over the past thirty months. ￼
Actually, ETSY bottomed out below $70 in June of last year. At that time, the stock market was in full sell-off mode after the Fed began raising interest rates. Wall Street quickly abandoned the high multiples to sales and earnings that drove ETSY so high in the first place.
From a longer-term perspective, ETSY is back on the growth curve it was moving along before the outbreak of COVID-19 three years ago. The distortion caused by the subsequent pandemic is mostly gone. Instead, we now have inflation and the likelihood of an economic recession to worry about.
On February 22, Etsy released its fiscal 2022 Q4 and full-year results. The bad news is that gross merchandise sales (GMS) for the Etsy marketplace fell 3.5% during the fourth quarter. The marketplace accounts for roughly 90% of Etsy’s consolidated GMS, which was down 4%.
The good news is that consolidated revenue for the marketplace was a record $807 million during the quarter. That was 12.6% higher on a year-over-year basis. However, higher operating costs reduced Etsy’s consolidated net income margin by nearly a third.
That is not the type of news that Wall Street wants to hear right now. Since then, ETSY is down 10% while the overall stock market is flat.
All of that induced an analyst at Jeffries to reduce their one-year price target for ETSY from $150 to $85. If that prediction proves true, ETSY will lose another 25% over the next twelve months.
I don’t think that is likely to happen. Just as the pandemic forced consumers to shop from home, I believe a recession would induce consumers to cut costs. One way to do that is to buy homemade goods from Etsy rather than pay full price for commercial goods.
And if the Fed is successful in its effort to drive up unemployment, Etsy could also see more people use its marketplace platform to generate income. When times get tough, people quickly change their behavior to remain solvent.
In short, I now view Etsy as a recession play. There aren’t many businesses that would benefit from a recession, but Etsy is one of the few that could see both supply and demand for its service increase under that scenario.
This time, I am going to sell a put option to open this trade instead of buying one. Last week while ETSY was trading near $109, the put option that expires in January 2024 at the $85 strike price could be sold for $9.
That money is mine to keep no matter what happens next. If the Jeffries analyst is correct and ETSY falls that far, I could end up having to buy it for $85.
I’d be happy to do that since it would represent a discount of 22% off of its current share price. If a recession pushes ETSY that low, the subsequent recovery should send it soaring.
If ETSY does not fall to $85 by the time this option expires, this trade is over. I get to keep the $9 premium I received now, which amounts to a 10% cash return on the cash my broker will require me to keep on margin in case I have to cover this trade.
Given the outlook for the economy, I will happily accept a 10% return on my money over the remainder of this year. I hope a recession doesn’t undermine the stock market, but if it does then I’ll make money either way with this trade.
Editor’s Note: If you’re looking for a way to generate steady income, even if the economy slips into a recession. consider our premium trading service, Rapier’s Income Accelerator, helmed by our income expert Robert Rapier.
Up, down, sideways… even in the face of rising interest rates… tech selloffs…overseas war…and anything else Mr. Market throws at you, Robert’s trades are income-generating machines.
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- Beginning on January 26, 2018 fruit, vegetable and nut farms in California and
throughout the U.S. are required to follow specific food safety practices under
a new federal regulation known as the Produce Safety Rule.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been charged with oversight of this new rule and it is being implemented in California by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
- Food safety practices required on farms are similar to what is required of restaurants or to precautions you might take in your own kitchen. The practices are designed to ensure produce is properly handled by workers who are trained to use good hygiene, to make sure farm equipment is sanitary, to ensure that soils where produce is grown are safe, and that measures are in place to prevent contamination of produce by wildlife or nearby domesticated animals. Additionally, farmers are required to keep written records to document their farming practices.
- Many produce farms have been implementing these kinds of food safety practices on their farms for years.
- Routine on-farm inspections to verify farmers are following the Produce Safety Rule will be conducted through an inspection unit created by the California Department of Food and Agriculture called the Produce Safety Program.
- It's estimated that 20,000 farms in California are subject to the Produce Safety Rule. It is the goal of CDFA that requirements of this new food safety rule become ingrained in the culture of California produce farming so that our state continues to grow the safest produce possible.
- Over the next year, the role of the California Department of Food and Agriculture's Produce Safety Program will be to educate California produce farmers about the requirements of the Produce Safety Rule.
- Beginning in 2019, CDFA's Produce Safety Program inspectors will conduct random, routine inspections of produce farms to ensure they are following the new law.
- Inspectors in California are credentialed by the FDA and have specialized education and training. The inspectors are part of a government agency charged with protecting the food supply. They provide independent, unbiased, consistent inspections of California produce farms.
- Most grocery stores and restaurants already require farmers to follow food safety practices on their farms. In addition, many organizations conduct research and provide food safety guidelines that produce farmers have been following for years.
- Requirements for produce safety on farms is now the law. Farmers found to be out of compliance with these new requirements may face economic, regulatory and legal consequences.


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DPJ’s Wire series delivers news and information straight from the source without translation.
TICKETS TO NFL EXPERIENCE ENGINEERED BY GMC GO ON SALE WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10
NFL Interactive Theme Park to Open Jan. 24 – Feb. 1 in Arizona
Tickets for NFL Experience Engineered by GMC, the NFL’s interactive theme park, will go on sale to the public on Wednesday, Dec. 10 the NFL announced today. The event which celebrates the sport’s history and electrifying atmosphere of Super Bowl XLIX will return to Arizona for the first time since 2008 and will be open to the public for nine consecutive days Saturday, Jan. 24 – Sunday, Feb. 1 at the Phoenix Convention Center.
Covering more than 850,000 square feet, NFL Experience gives fans a chance to pass like a pro or take a shot at kicking a game winning field goal. It has the Play 60 Rush Zone for the youngest of NFL Fans. Every day the NFL will host Play 60 Clinics for kids to get out and get active.
NFL Experience provides an opportunity for fans to meet some of their favorite NFL players of the past and present and learn about the history of the game including the opportunity to get an up close look at all past Super Bowl championship rings and a photo opportunity with the one and only Vince Lombardi Trophy.
The 30,000 square-foot NFL SHOP at Super Bowl presented by Visa offers fans a unique shopping experience complete with largest offering of official NFL limited edition Super Bowl XLIX merchandise and the latest in authentic NFL products. The NFL SHOP will open with the launch of NFL Experience Saturday, Jan. 24 – Sunday, Feb. 1.
Starting Dec. 10 tickets can be purchased online at SUPERBOWL.com. Beginning Jan. 24, opening day of NFL Experience Engineered by GMC, fans can purchase tickets at NFL Experience Box Office located in the 120 Ballroom of the Phoenix Convention Center. Tickets sold at NFL Experience box office will go on sale two hours before opening daily. Tickets are $35.00 for adults and $20.00 for children 12 and under.
For more information and to find out about our special family packages available online only, visit SUPERBOWL.com. Tickets purchased online are subject to a Ticketmaster service charge.
“The National Football League is pleased to return to Arizona for Super Bowl XLIX. Fans visiting NFL Experience Engineered by GMC will discover an event that, like the Super Bowl, is bigger and more exciting than ever before.” said NFL Senior Vice President of Events Peter O’Reilly.
To find NFL Experience’s schedule of events, attractions, player appearances and more visit SUPERBOWL.com. Fans are encouraged to follow the NFL’s official Super Bowl Twitter account and NFL Experience hashtag, @SuperBowl / #SB49 and to download NFL Mobile from Verizon now to get the official Super Bowl XLIX mobile experience when it becomes available in January. To download, visit NFL.com/Mobile or your app store today.
2015 NFL Experience Schedule of Events (subject to change):
Saturday, January 24: General Public, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM
Sunday, January 25: General Public, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM
Monday, January 26: General Public, 3:00 PM-10:00 PM
Tuesday, January 27: General Public, 3:00 PM-10:00 PM
Wednesday, January 28: General Public, 3:00 PM-10:00 PM
Thursday, January 29: General Public, 3:00 PM-10:00 PM
Friday, January 30: General Public, 3:00 PM-10:00 PM
Saturday, January 31: General Public, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM
Sunday, February 1: General Public, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM


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Look, vintage kicks at the Airwalk 25th anniversary party.
Airwalk celebrated 25 years of being in biz last Thursday. Here’s AW’s quick word-and-pic recap of the rager that took place. Skating icon Mike Vallely and surfer Anastasia Ashley were among the throng.
Fans and friends of Airwalk gathered at The Colony in the heart of Hollywood, to toast the brand’s 25th anniversary. Fans sipped bottles of PBR while they checked out a visual history of Airwalk, ranging from story boards denoting memorable moments over the past quarter-century to a curated selection of notable historic styles including The Minus, The Freeride Boot and The VIC.
DJ Mike Danger provided the sounds for the first half of the evening, spinning a mix of old-school hip-hop favorites. Xaphoon Jones (one half of buzzed-about hip-hop duo Chiddy Bang) hopped in the DJ booth after. The night rounded out with a lively performance from Chiddy Bang, who used the whole venue as his stage!
At the end of the night, fans went home with a custom 25th anniversary edition drawstring backpack, Airwalk flip-flops to match, PBR swag and as a late-night snack, some Red Vines licorice! The night was a huge in success in paying homage to Airwalk’s past 25 years, and the innovations the brand has made in action sports.
via Jordan Strauss/Getty Images


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Nearly half of dog owners struggle to identify ingredients in their pet's food
Millions of dog owners have no idea what’s in their pet’s food, according to research. A poll of 2,000 dog owners found 48 percent could only name up to three ingredients when quizzed on what they feed their dog.
Almost a quarter (23 percent) struggle to understand the ingredients listed on dog food labels.
And 44 percent are confused by what they see as contradictory advice on what makes a healthy diet for dogs.
Perhaps as a result, 36 percent admit they’re worried their canine might not have a nutritious diet.
As such, 40 percent find planning their dog’s diet more stressful than figuring out their own – with 41 percent calling for clearer labelling on dog food packaging.
The study was commissioned by Butternut Box, which has unveiled an edible billboard in a South London park, to highlight the need for fresh and healthy nutrition for dogs.
The fresh dog food brand’s in-house vet, Dr Ciara Clarke, said: “Food is such an important factor when it comes to our dogs living long, healthy, and happy lives.
“A healthy diet can help to prevent many issues and illnesses, but getting the portion sizes and ingredients right is crucial.
“It’s clear from this research that dog parents are confused when it comes to what to feed their dog, and how much they should be feeding.
“We need greater transparency and information around dogs’ diets, to help owners to make better, more informed choices.
“Many people don’t know that dog foods are often packed with nasties, like rendered, hydrolysed, or pasteurised animal byproducts, along with artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives.
“A lot of manufacturers avoid stating that they use these sorts of ingredients – so it’s best to practice caution when it comes to vague references to ingredients.”
Price is the deciding factor for 45 percent of owners when choosing which dog food to buy, while 13 percent are swayed by the packaging alone.
The study also found 37 percent describe their pet as a “fussy eater”, with 17 percent saying their pups won’t think twice about turning their nose up at what they’re served if it’s not up to scratch – and 11 percent consistently refusing to eat their food.
It also emerged three in ten tend to show more interest in what their owners are having for dinner than their own.
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As a result, 61 percent of dog parents feed their beloved pooch “human” food at least once a week – with a quarter of owners admitting they feel guilt-tripped into sharing their meals.
But the study, carried out through OnePoll, found 23 percent do so because they believe fresh, human-quality food is better for their dog.
Dr Ciara Clarke added: “We encourage dog owners to read the label when selecting their dog food, and I do the same with my clients when in vet practices.
“It’s not only the ingredients to look out for, but the way dog food is cooked, too.
“For example, dry dog food – or kibble – is made through a process called extrusion, which takes raw ingredients and cooks them at extremely high pressure and temperatures.
“This is likely to strip a proportion of the beneficial nutrients away – but dogs deserve the very best.
“It’s important that dog parents have a good understanding about what their dogs need from their diet and what to feed them, ensuring they have the correct portion sizes and the right balance of nutrients for all life stages, too.”
Source: Read Full Article


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May 24, 2017: Pure Storage reports Q1 EPS of -$0.14 versus the -$0.22 estimate. Revenue also beat coming in at $182.6 million versus the $177.53 million estimate.
Pure Storage CEO Scott Dietzen said, “Pure Storage has built the data platform for the cloud era. We are pursuing one of the biggest available markets in tech in supporting new data-driven applications including AI, the rapid adoption of cloud computing and the revamping of the enterprise data center. With our best year of innovation yet, we could not be more excited about the road ahead.”
April 30, 2017: Pure Storage is a turnaround play on rising money flow after Susquehanna raised Pure Storage to Net Positive from Net Neutral and set a price target of $15. Susquehanna raised Pure Storage on valuation.
Institutional traders have increased their positions in Pure Storage by 3.8% over the last 3 months.
Below is the Twiggs Money Flow on Pure Storage and you can see the positive divergence that often leads to a big move higher:
Pure Storage makes software-driven storage technology. Pure Storage FlashArray//m is simpler, faster and more elegant than any other technology in the data center. FlashArray//m is ideal for the move toward big data and for performance-intensive workloads such as cloud computing, database systems, desktop virtualization, real-time analytics and server virtualization. With Pure’s industry leading Satmetrix-certified NPS score of 79, Pure customers are some of the happiest in the world, and include large and mid-size organizations across a range of industries: cloud-based software and service providers, consumer web, education, energy, financial services, governments, healthcare, manufacturing, media, retail and telecommunications.
December 12, 2016: Seeing heavy call activity 2400 Mar 35 calls traded at $0.70.
November 30, 2016: Maxim initiates coverage of Alarm.Com Holdings with a Buy rating, and a price target of $37.
November 14, 2016: Alarm.Com Holdings reports Q3 EPS of $0.19 versus the $0.11 estimate. Revenue also beat coming in at $67.8 million versus the $59.8 million estimate. The company names Steve Valenzuela the new CFO, effective November 15, 2016.
The CEO said, “Along with our service providers, we remain well positioned to capture growing momentum in the market for connected home and business solutions. At the same time, we continued to invest in our platform to open new market opportunities for Alarm.com and our partners. Valenzuela joins Alarm.com from SugarCRM, where he served as CFO since January of 2015.”
Alarm.com is the leading platform solution for the connected home. Alarm.com makes connected home technology broadly accessible to millions of home and business owners. Our cloud-based services enable home and business owners to intelligently secure their properties and automate and control a broad array of connected devices through a single, intuitive user interface.


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Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has landed a newbuild order of three container ships, which are set for delivery in the second half-year of 2024.
The order has a total value of USD 106m, according to Yonhap News Agency.
More from ShippingWatch
A VAT dispute in Latvia has now left ferry operator DFDS with millions of kroner in extra costs and a future of navigating a bureacratic minefield. However, the Danish carrier predicts challenges throughout the industry: ”It is only when it’s actually happening, that you realize it is a problem,” warns the company’s indirect tax manager.


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Speaking on the Martin Lewis Money Show, Mr Lewis said: “Take your car to Halfords if you want a free winter car check.
“Book online, it checks your batteries, wipers, lights and more. No purchase necessary but they may try and upsell you.”
Halfords has confirmed that mechanics will check the health of car batteries and the condition of headlights and brake lights during the test.
The condition of a vehicle’s wiper blades and windscreen will also be checked which can prove vital this winter.
READ MORE: Martin Lewis issues this vital MOT warning
Published at Fri, 16 Oct 2020 09:00:00 +0000


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Over the last week, Blizzard’s decision to make Diablo 3 require an internet connection has blown up in the media. Believe it or not, though, this isn’t about DRM — it’s all about making the game more enjoyable to play.
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