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Sales Are Going Out of Style at These Retailers
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2020
Source: The Wall Street Journal
Some retailers are putting aside large portions of inventory to avoid selling into an aggressively promotional sale environment
Apparel companies have had it with sales.
A number of clothing retailers have said they would pack away a substantial share of inventory for later seasons—or even next year—instead of subjecting their items to what they think will be a cutthroat season of post-pandemic markdowns. That option carries its own risks, but seems like the better choice.
In a way, the pandemic has created a situation that is uniquely suited for the margin and brand-protecting move. Widespread store closures meant a lot of season-appropriate inventory was shielded from customers’ eyes. It is also a defensive move that is in part informed by the 2008 recession.
“There’s a memory of the five years of promotional warfare that was triggered when companies started offering products like a fire sale,” said Simeon Siegel, an analyst with BMO Research. “There were multiple years of lingering effects from the perpetual sales, including brand dilution.”
While Lululemon didn’t explicitly mention a “pack-and-hold” strategy, it said that its inventory rose 41% last quarter compared with a year earlier. Yet the company was so confident about selling the excess inventory later at full price that it didn’t mention any write-downs or inventory reserves.
The so-called packaway option works best for retailers with more timeless styles. The strategy wasn’t mentioned in the latest earnings calls of fast-fashion retailers such as Inditex, which owns Zara, or H&M, which both moved quickly to reduce inventory levels. Meanwhile, luxury brands such as LVMH, Burberry and Kering, which already have lower inventory turnover compared with other clothing retailers, have said they would just lengthen their seasons to sell as much as possible.
What seems surprising is that some companies are looking to delay the launch of some items not just by a season, but by a year. Gap Inc., Calvin Klein’s parent company PVH Corp. and Carter’s Inc., which owns children’s apparel brands including OshKosh B’gosh, were among the companies that said they would hold inventory that long. PVH specifically said it would hold roughly 16% of inventory for later, while Carter’s said it is putting aside 19%. Ralph Lauren said it would postpone some inventory to future seasons and increased inventory reserves by $160 million, or 22% of its stockpile.
Packing away comes with risks. Fashion trends are notoriously fickle and even the most basic of items could look quaint a season later. Still, for clothing retailers that are able to carry out this strategy, it seems like the marginally better choice. Large sales and markdowns are constant threats anyway: Either they display all the clothes and sacrifice margins now, which seems almost certain, or they delay that potential risk until later, when it is more likely that business will be back to normal.
For the rest of the industry, it will be a worthwhile experiment to watch: Can customers tell if the new full-priced clothes in front of them are actually from the previous year? If they can’t, then apparel companies will know they have another tool up their sleeves to manage margins going forward.


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aCommerce Celebrates 5th Anniversary as the Leading Brand Ecommerce Enabler in Southeast Asia
With 750% growth in client sales since inception, aCommerce is en-route to be the largest brand ecommerce platform in Southeast Asia
aCommerce, Southeast Asia’s leading ecommerce enabler for brands, has come a long way since it was founded in 2013 to solve ecommerce challenges in Thailand. Over the past five years, the Bangkok-headquartered company has grown from a startup into a medium-sized enterprise that serves global brands like L’Oreal, Unilever, HP and Philips across five markets – Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia.
As aCommerce celebrates its fifth anniversary, the company highlights its milestones:
- Experienced 750% sales growth for its brand clients;
- Served 260 brands including adidas, HP, L’Oreal, Nestle, Samsung, and Unilever;
- Shipped a total of 13.19 million orders;
- Built data-driven demand generation products such as ecommerceIQ, ReviewIQ, BrandIQ, ChannelIQ, and CustomerIQ to help brands optimize their ecommerce business;
- Employed over 1,200 employees and opened 5 offices and 16 fulfillment centers in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia.
On this occasion, aCommerce also shares its plan to launch an initial public offering (IPO) in 2020. The funds raised through an IPO will be invested in the development of a unified data platform as aCommerce aspires to be the data management partner of renowned brands with presence in ASEAN.
In the era where information is made accessible easily, whether from Google, Facebook or e-marketplaces, brands are making use of such data to maximize their reach, improve their products, and optimize their ways of communications. According to a survey by ecommerceIQ, up to 25.8% of brands are looking for digital talent with data analysis skill to help them map a strategy.
“A massive amount of customer data is currently floating in the air, available for everyone to optimize, but nobody has integrated it in a single platform yet,” said Paul Srivorakul, Group CEO and Co-Founder of aCommerce. “With the capital raised through an IPO, aCommerce is looking to manage that chunk of information for brands as a data partner. The ultimate goal is for brands to come to us for centralized data about a customer and eventually be able to offer customized products or services to each target group,” explained Paul.
Previously, aCommerce has received a total of $96.5 million in investment from industry leaders such as KKR’s Emerald Media, BlueSky, DKSH, Inspire Ventures, Sinarmas, and NTT Docomo.

domain: news


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Salt Lake City’s largest and oldest bookseller to be moving to a smaller location, but future for bookseller still remains uncertain.
After a year on the market and much speculation, Salt Lake City’s oldest and largest private bookstore has finally sold its building and is preparing for a big move.
Sam Weller’s Books, currently located on Main Street, has been plagued by the poor economy and by booming e-book sales. And with iPads continuing to surpass even Apple’s sales expectations, the future of any brick and mortar bookseller is uncertain as best.
Store manager Tony Weller recently confirmed to Utah Stories that he finally managed to find a buyer for the 70,000 square foot building. “We wanted to wait so we could lay it all out for the public,” he says. “We were conniving to keep this under wraps. But we knew with the real estate companies this would have been difficult for an extended period of time.”
“The real pressing matter is most days I come to work and lose money,” he reports. “The current market place just can’t support a store our size and we need to find smaller accommodations as soon as possible.”
When asked the details of his future location, he told us he was currently comparing six properties, but says he still doesn’t know when or where the move will take place. Land speculation, he says, is making it nearly impossible to find a suitable location.
“Despite their being so many empty buildings around, empty building prices haven’t come down. Right now banks are the biggest impediments to getting anything that would work for us.”


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Hisense operates a factory in Atlantis, Cape Town, which now employs over 500 people – 98% of whom are from the Atlantis community.
Across the country, Hisense South Africa manufactures 1,200 fridges and 1,700 TVs per day. Some are sold locally, while it also exports to 14 African markets.
Hisense said it aims to reach more African countries from South Africa in the future.
At its facility in Atlantis, it manufactures approximately 400,000 TVs and 250,000 fridges per year.
The company entered the South African market in 1996. 20 years later, in the January-November period of 2016, Hisense became South Africa’s biggest TV seller for the first time.
Hisense South Africa previously set its aim on becoming one of the top three companies, in terms of market share, in the TV and refrigeration categories in all the countries it exported to by the end of 2016.


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Today, Nelva has 250 employees, 14 stores and thousands of fans in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. Deputy Director Irina Rakhmanova recalls how the ambitions of a few students grew into a large-scale business. Her speech is filled with such passion and enthusiasm that it immediately becomes clear why this could not have been any other way.
10 years from reselling knitwear to owning a chain of stores
In 1997, Brest was the epicenter of Belarus’s clothing business. Back then, though, its specialty was reselling ready-made clothes to Russia. Nelly and Ivan Goroshevich, whose names made the brand, were an ambitious young sister and brother like many others in the 1990s. Except that they thought of something bigger than just reselling knitwear.
“It happened pretty spontaneously,” says Irina. “We found a few small businesses, signed a joint venture contract, rented a room – and started sewing original clothes. Ivan was in charge of production and buying, and Nelly handled sales.”
That’s how the Nelva brand was born.
At the end of the day, though, all the clothes were still being shipped to Russian markets. Over time, Nelva expanded and gained recognition. Nelly and Ivan decided to focus on quality and bought some new equipment that nobody else in Belarus had. By 2008, a decade later, it was crystal clear that their high-quality product did not belong in informal markets. The time had come time to pave a new path and develop a retail network.
“Our first store was a small rented room opposite GUM, the department store in Minsk,” Irina recalls. “It caught people’s eyes and our clothes became popular outside the Brest knitwear markets. There were few shopping centres back then, and the competition to get in was insane! But we did it. Once we had four stores, it was time to develop a regional chain. Today, we have 11 stores in Belarus, 3 in Moscow and more than 100 wholesale customers in Russia and Ukraine.
‘Back then, you’d go grey before you opened your own business, but now the process has been streamlined’
Irina joined the company in 2004, when she found herself bored working in distribution law at a state-owned enterprise. She was ready for something new.
“I was looking for a job in Brest, where I come from, and I found Nelva,” Irina recalls. “The company was growing and facing new challenges, and it was just what a relentlessly curious person like me needed. I slowly got involved in all aspects of production and sales, and went from head of the legal department to deputy director.”
Rakhmanova believes that doing business in Belarus is much easier today than 10 years ago.
“About 85% of the team are women – it’s a pure matriarchy in our factory!” Irina laughs.” Actually, I think that being a woman is an advantage. It’s easier for us to negotiate with anyone. Also, private business in Belarus over the past 10 years has become much easier. Back then, you’d go grey before you opened your own business, but now the process has been streamlined. Many people are unaware that there are support programmes for small businesses.”
One such project helping SMEs is being implemented by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, supported by EU funding under the EU4Business initiative. In 2019, EU4Business was working on 122 projects to help SMEs in the six countries of the Eastern Partnership, with a budget of over €836 million, including €32 million in Belarus. Rakhmanova learned about the possibility of receiving support from the EBRD ‘Women in Business’ programme from the organisers of Belarusian Fashion Week in 2017. The programme is supported by funds from the EU, Sweden and the EBRD Small Business Impact Fund (Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Sweden, Switzerland, Taipei China and the USA).
“We had workshops and I was very impressed with the professionalism of the speakers,” Irina explains. “Then, as part of joint projects, we had help with brand visualisation and strategy. We consulted with specialists in various fields, from social networks to production organisation. It helped a lot to improve the Nelva brand image. Overall, we can see that we have become different.”
The year after the project ended, the company’s revenue grew by 20%, and exports grew 45%. The EBRD has set a more ambitious goal: to make the Nelva brand recognised across Europe, to set up Nelva’s own online store there, and to gain access to large online platforms and franchising partners. But the COVID-19 crisis put these plans on the back burner for a while.
Instead of a Summer 2020 collection, masks, protective suits and shoe covers
“In February, the first cases of the virus appeared in Belarus,” Irina notes. “It seemed like the pandemic had nothing to do with us, but the impact was almost instant. In March, sales were down to 60% of what they had been in March 2019, and in April it was only 20%. By May, the weather got warmer and people began going to our stores, so turnover grew a little and we got up to 45% of the sales of May 2019. We were in the heat of preparing a new collection for launch and not prepared for the closure of the borders and of many shops in neighboring countries. In April, it became clear that there would be no one to sell to – which meant no profit. We had to act quickly to survive.”
During the pandemic, the company switched to making disposable medical masks because there was a shortage, not only for ordinary Belarusians, but also for medical personnel. To stay afloat, the company had to reduce working hours and even asked some employees to take leave without pay.
“We wanted to sew face masks, but we had neither gauze, nor calico, nor elastic bands – there was nothing at first,” Irina recollects. “Now we produce high-quality masks not with sewing machines, but with special equipment run by four operators. We make about 15,000 masks a day, which we sell to medical institutions, pharmacy chains and industrial enterprises. We also donate 5% of the personal protective equipment we make to doctors in the Brest region.”
Over April, the company produced only masks, but the market was soon saturated with masks, even if they weren’t always of good quality. In no time, Nelva switched to making disposable suits and shoe and head covers for doctors. During three weeks of May, Nelva sewedmore than 50,000 protective overalls.
“We had shipped the spring collection to stores before the crisis, and the summer collection at the beginning of June,” Irina continues. “The autumn collection had to be slightly revised and reduced. Now the quarantine measures are starting to relax and our customers are starting to reopen. We’re working to get back to normal. We will continue to produce masks after the pandemic, but as a sideline. People will still need them, even if not so much.”
For a small business in a small country, it’s been a challenge to survive in the highly competitive women’s wear environment – and even more so to succeed. But Nelva is keeping up. First of all, the brand focuses on quality, from fabrics and quality control over every line during production to training for shop assistants twice a year. Secondly, Nelva offers clothes not only in the model 42-44 sizes, but also in larger sizes. And they fit perfectly – the secret is to try new styles on live models, not mannequins! And thirdly, Nelva’s not afraid of change.
“The key is to address challenges quickly now,” Irina concludes. “We’ve had much more work in recent months. The Nelva team is also getting ready to enter the European markets and digging deeper into online sales. We can understand those who prefer to lie low for now, but it’s not for us to sit still. We aren’t afraid to try new things.
Interested in the latest news and opportunities?
This website is managed by the EU-funded Regional Communication Programme for the Eastern Neighbourhood ('EU NEIGHBOURS east’), which complements and supports the communication of the Delegations of the European Union in the Eastern partner countries, and works under the guidance of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, and the European External Action Service. EU NEIGHBOURS east is implemented by a B&S Europe-led consortium. It is part of the larger Neighbourhood Communication Programme (2020-2024) for the EU's Eastern and Southern Neighbourhood, which also includes 'EU NEIGHBOURS south’ project that runs the EU Neighbours portal.


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April 11th, 2014
Ravens’ Lardarius Webb to walk runway in Harbor East fashion show
Originally published April 11, 2014
by John-John Williams IV, The Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Ravens’ Lardarius Webb will headline FashionEASTa, the annual Harbor East fashion show that highlights the neighborhood’s top retailers.
This year’s event takes place April 26, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and will feature retailers Amaryllis Handcrafted Jewelry, City Sports, Curiosity, Handbags in the City, Haute Blow Dry Bar, J.Crew, Loafers & Laces, lululemon athletica, MAC Cosmetics, Sassanova, South Moon Under, Under Armour Brand House, Urban Chic and White House/Black Market. Customers will receive various discounts during the event.
Webb, who will rock clothes from Under Armour Brand House, will be joined on the runway by FOX 45’s Emily Gracey and CBS Baltimore’s Sharon Gibala. Baltimore Magazine’s Shelly May will host.
The third annual event will take place in the middle of Aliceanna Street. Mix 106.5’s Jon Boesche will DJ the event. A slew of Harbor East restaurants will provide light fare and cocktails.
Although the event is free, there are also “Guest List” tickets, which sell for $35, and include reserved seating at the show, three food vouchers and three drink vouchers, garage parking in Harbor East all day and a shopping tote.


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Biodesix expects significant sales growth in third quarter
BOULDER — Biodesix Inc. (Nasdaq: BDSX), a Boulder-headquartered life-sciences company that specializes in developing tools to detect lung disease, is projecting third quarter 2022 revenues of $10.6 million to $11.2 million, up 62% to 71% compared to the same period last year.
The firm, which recently leased the entirety of an 80,000-square-foot former Kohl’s Corp. (NYSE: KSS) clothing store in Louisville to expand its operations, credits growth in its core lung diagnostic testing offerings with the improved results.
By year end, Biodesix expects to reach the high end of the range of its previously disclosed total revenue guidance for 2022 of $37.5 million and $39.5 million.
“We had another strong quarter that builds upon recent momentum and again was highlighted by record revenue and volume growth from our core lung diagnostic testing business,” Biodesix CEO Scott Hutton said in a prepared statement. “Our lung diagnostic portfolio consists of five Medicare-covered tests to help physicians quickly and confidently decipher the risk of malignancy of a lung nodule and then help guide treatment decisions if a patient has been diagnosed with lung cancer. While we are pleased with our COVID testing results for the quarter, we do not expect any significant continued revenue generation from this testing given the previously disclosed expiration of our contract with the state of Colorado.”
Biodesix is in the process of transforming the big-box Kohl’s store at 919 W. Dillon Road in Louisville. Renovations include construction of a laboratory, according to builder Koelbel and Co., which will oversee the Kohl’s store transformation. The space will include more windows, an updated facade and employee break areas.
Biodesix’s expansion is the latest example of the Boulder Valley’s emergence as a nationally recognized biotechnology hub. It also demonstrates a willingness to be creative in order to find room to stretch out as an arms race of sorts is underway to build new life-sciences office and lab space.
Nearby bioscience developments in various stages of approval or construction include Redtail Ridge in Louisville, the Coal Creek Innovation Campus in Superior and the Pearl East Innovation Campus in Boulder.
While Boulder Valley municipalities have historically courted biotech companies due to the quality jobs they bring, life-sciences real estate projects have become increasingly controversial in recent months with elected and appointed officials concerned about exacerbating the region’s housing-jobs imbalance.
It should be noted that the Biodesix redevelopment project is distinct from many of the other recent proposals in that a specific tenant is involved. Most of the biotech developments are being built speculatively.
“Biodesix is a wonderful addition to Louisville’s vibrant and diverse business environment,” Louisville mayor Ashley Stolzmann said in a prepared statement. “This innovative company is pioneering critical advancements in the diagnostics testing space, and we are proud and excited to welcome them to our community.”
Kohl’s opened its Louisville location in 1999. It was among the first handful that the Wisconsin-based value clothing seller opened in Colorado, according to BizWest reporting from the time.
Big-box retailers in Louisville, like those cities and towns across the country, have struggled in recent years with the rise of e-commerce and the outbreak of COVID-19. Developers have begun experimenting with ways of repurposing flagging retail centers. For example, a newly started redevelopment project in Broomfield aims to transform part of the aging Flatiron Crossing shopping center into a mixed-use entertainment, housing and employment district.


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SPRING HOPE — The Spring Hope Area Chamber of Commerce is trying to help local businesses affected by the COVID-19 shutdowns with small grants — but organizers need help to make it happen.
The chamber is holding a reverse raffle with a $5,000 prize for the winner. Remaining proceeds will be used to help small businesses in Spring Hope.
The “Town of Spring Hope Strikes Back” complete with the Millennium Falcon firing at a coronavirus image is the logo being used on newly designed raffle tickets being sold by the chamber as it takes a page from the “Star Wars” saga in its upcoming reverse raffle scheduled for Aug. 8 in the downtown depot area.
At a recent chamber meeting, the board of directors voted to sell 300 tickets for a $50 donation per ticket. A committee is working on the grant applications, which will be ready prior to Aug. 8 and posted on the chamber’s website.
To purchase a raffle ticket, call the chamber office at 252-478-1919 or stop by the Southern Nash News and The Enterprise office at 123 W. Main St. between 9 a.m. and noon on weekdays. Tickets can be reserved by calling the Southern Nash News at 252-478-3320, and The Enterprise at 252-478-3651.


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A leading independent school in Cambridge is making dozens of its courses available free online, so lessons can be downloaded by pupils or teachers at other schools. The ground-breaking initiative will make A-level, IB and GCSE courses available online. They can be downloaded free through Apple’s iTunes U service. The school has been building digital [...]Read More
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Microsoft’s Windows Live Messenger will be switched off in China in October, marking a final end to the 15-year-old service. Originally known as MSN Messenger, the service was launched in 1999 but was switched off for most users in 2013, after Microsoft bought rival Skype. Users in China continued to use the old service but [...]Read More
Car service Uber has been banned in Germany after a court in Frankfurt ruled that the firm lacked the necessary legal permits to operate under German law. The company was apparently told last week that it could no longer take passengers and faced a fine if it did so but the ruling is a temporary [...]Read More
Nokia’s mapping service will soon be appearing on all new Samsung smartphones. A deal between the two firms will see a beta version of an Android app for Nokia’s Here maps included free on handsets and the Gear S smartwatch. This decision is widely seen as a way to help Samsung distinguish itself from Google [...]Read More
A super-intelligent robotic “brain” that can learn new skills by browsing millions of web pages has been developed by some American researchers. The so-called Robo Brain is designed to acquire a vast range of skills and knowledge from publicly available information sources. The information it learns can then be accessed by robots around the world, [...]Read More
Travellers on Qantas and Virgin Australia will now be able to use their mobile phones and other electronic devices during flights. The new rule applies to international and domestic passengers flying the two Australian airlines and will affect tablets, e-readers and small game consoles, as well as smartphones. Aircraft are now designed and manufactured so [...]Read More
Mozilla, the popular company best known for its Firefox browser, has launched a new low-cost smartphone in India that costs just 1,999 rupees ($33; £19.90). The phone is only for sale on India’s online shopping site, Snapdeal. The Intex Cloud FX runs on Mozilla’s Firefox operating system and as such it will be the first [...]Read More
Photo and video-sharing service Instagram has launched a new time-lapse app called Hyperlapse that can capture high-quality videos while the user is on the move using built-in stabilization technology. Users will be able to tap once to begin recording and tap again to stop. It is possible then to choose a playback speed that you [...]Read More
Creating a Digital Transformation plan Digital Transformation is a focus for many organisations right now and as you can see from the Google Trends search volumes, it’s increasing in popularity recently. As with any change within an organisation, there are many challenges ,so once you’ve identified digital advocates in the organisation, it’s time to map out [...]Read More
The social discovery platform Pinterest has added a new function which will enable users to chat in a private window. Users can start conversations by sending a pin attached to a video or image to another user and can add a message, future messages don’t need to be pinned, users will also be able to [...]Read More


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Square Enix updated the Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn Lodestone today with some exciting details surrounding the Free Company housing feature set to arrive in December's 2.1 update. Next months update will be the first major content update since the games original launch, bringing with it an exciting variety of new content including PvP, end-game dungeons, Free Company housing and a huge array of fixes and tweaks.
The new post highlights some of the finer areas in Eorzea's retail market including the methods involved to purchase and bid on land, obtaining a house permit and creating your first home. Most of the information can be pieced together from the various Japanese videos that have been released on the subject but it's nice to have it all in one place.
The really exciting news comes in the form of planned future additions. Feast your eyes on these:
- A crafting workshop where players can build vehicles such as airships.
- An orchestrion to change the music played inside houses.
- A chocobo stable to raise chocobos.
- Mannequins that can be dressed with player gear.
- A bulletin board that can be place inside the house.
Chocobo breeding has long been a favorite past time of Final Fantasy players and considering every player currently gets one for free during the main story, they're going to have to make some pretty big changes to make breeding them worthwhile. Chocobo racing or duels? Yes please.
Shards, a Sandbox RPG, Wildstar Release Date? and more! | The Daily XP March 11th
Your Daily MMO and MMORPG News for Tuesday, March 11th. Today Nicole discusses The Elder Scrolls Online, WildStar and Shards.
WildStar Release Date Leaked?
Eager WildStar fans spotted a potential release date leak today after a website published an article containing a video that apparently labeled June 3rd as the official release date.
Elder Scrolls Online Final Beta Weekend Confirmed
Just before the weekend a leaked article on IGN provided information on the next potential beta weekend for The Elder Scrolls Online and today the information has been confirmed as true
Elite Squad Of Developers Band Together To Create New MMO
Have you grown tired of the way MMO developers of today are far more interested in creating new ways to earn money when they should instead be focused on delivering a better playing experience?
World of Magic, Zombies Ate My Pizza, HearthStone and more! | The Daily XP March 10th
Your Daily MMO and MMORPG News for Monday March 10th. Today Kirk discusses World of Magic, HearthStone and Zombies Ate My Pizza.
Hearthstone Golden Heroes On The Way
Over the weekend Blizzard released some teaser images for the upcoming debut of golden heroes in the highly anticipated MMOCCG, Hearthstone: Heroes Of Warcraft.
Harry Potter Online Website Discovers Invisibility Cloak
Last week Bio Hazard Entertainment and its limited license agreement with Warner Bros. Entertainment brought to light the potential for a Harry Potter MMO game - but things changed pretty quickly.
Zombies Ate My Pizza Closed Beta Announced
Reality Squared Games today announced the beginning of the closed beta testing event for the upcoming isometric browser MMO, Zombies Ate My Pizza.
Star Trek Online, Star Wars the Old Republic, TESO and more! | The Daily XP March 7th
Your Daily MMO and MMORPG News for Friday March 7th. Today Kirk discusses Star Wars the Old Republic, Star Trek Online and The Elder Scrolls Online.
Cryptic Go Crazy For Star Trek Online XP Weekend
Still struggling to make that Captain's Chair your own? Cryptic Studios today announced a huge experience points boost event for the award-winning free-to-play MMO, Star Trek Online.


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Colin Farrell‘s imminent The Batman spinoff series The Penguin now has an official production start date.
Following the success of The Batman, Matt Reeves plans to extend the franchise even further by developing not just a cinematic sequel, but a slew of television spinoffs, all of which will be available exclusively on HBO Max. One of those will be The Penguin, starring Colin Farrell as protagonist and delving into his criminal path in Gotham City.
Now, it seems that the release date for The Penguin is getting quite clear now. According to a production listing, the highly awaited new Batman spinoff series is slated to begin production in Los Angeles, California on June 15, 2022.
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With that in mind, it’s conceivable that fans wanting to return to Matt Reeves’ Gotham City could get their opportunity to do it sooner than anticipated, courtesy to the impending spinoff series based on the film.
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Lauren LeFranc (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) serves as writer and showrunner for The Penguin. Along with Dylan Clark, who worked on The Batman, Matt Reeves and Colin Farrell are also on board as producers.


text: Patty Utsch, manager of Strawberry Acres in Coplay, says don't be afraid to try recipes with ingredients you haven't used before. "Find recipes that might intrigue you — something you've never had before. Instead of a peach cobbler, make an apricot cobbler. Put [fruit] in your diet in different ways," she says. Strawberry Acres features pick-your-own fruit when in season, including cherries, peaches, apples and pears, as well as a full farmers market with produce from local farms. "When you're buying it local and from a farmers market that is seasonal like this, you know it's fresh," Utsch says. The farm also sponsors family events in the fall like a coloring contest, Octoberfest (Oct. 18), a haunted hayride (Oct. 25) and more. Buying locally grown fresh fruit and produce also helps the local economy, says Joel Newhard, co-owner of Newhard Farms Corn Shed in North Whitehall. The corn shed also features produce from local farms. "You're supporting your neighbors and the local community," he says. "What people are buying has been picked that morning."


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Internet giant Yahoo is expected to layoff 14% of its workforce today. That represents about 2,000 positions.
On Star Trek: The Next Generation the crew had access to a Replicator that would create (food) objects upon verbal com
IBM and the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON) recently announced a research project code-named DOME.
Google announced the latest release of it's browser, Chrome.
Do you know how many emails you send and receive? Do you know who you email the most? If you use Gmail you can now have the answers to those questions.
Are you a small business owner? Are you "tech savvy" enough to lock down your cyber network or do you rely on someone else?
Any increase in cyber security on the part of an Internet service provider (ISP) comes at a cost. In this case, that cost is privacy.
The latest buzz at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive centers around a new type of social network call ambient social networking.
Today is the last day of the hacking contest, otherwise known as the Pwn2own contest, at the CanSecWest conference in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Apple, Inc. is expected to announce the release of the iPad 3 today in San Francisco. Reports are that Siri will be included.
Jerald Nichols | jeraldnichols.com © 2012-2016


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Google tackles malicious Android apps with stricter rulesAug 3, 1:15 pm
London, Aug. 3 (ANI): Google has introduced stricter guidelines for application developers to cut down on malicious apps on its Android platform.Policy changes for apps submitted to the Google Play app store include new rules on app naming, a ban on apps that disclose personal information without permission and more details on the payment policy."We are constantly striving to make Google Play a great community for developers and consumers," the Android team wrote in a letter to app developers."This requires us to update our policies when we launch new features, like subscription billing, and also when we see unhealthy behavior, like deceptive app names and spammy notifications," the letter added.According to the Telegraph, Google's new terms tell developers 'not to pretend to be someone else'."And don't represent that your app is authorized by or produced by another company or organization if that is not the case," the rules say.Developers are also warned that apps that introduce security vulnerabilities or 'harm user devices' will not be permitted. (ANI)
'All-in-One' leash makes walking your pooch a pleasure Dec 9, 3:24 pm
Washington, December 9 (ANI): A company has come up with an all-in-one leash which has everything that is needed to walk your dog.Full Story »
Vietnam social app Paktor sets largest speed-dating record Dec 9, 3:00 pm
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In recent years, the global interest in CBD (cannabidiol) has grown significantly, driven by its potential health benefits and its association with the cannabis plant. CBD is one of the many compounds found in cannabis, known for its non-psychoactive properties and therapeutic potential. As its popularity continues to rise, the legal status of CBD varies from country to country, and Mexico is no exception. In this article, we will explore the legal landscape of CBD in Mexico and provide insights into where it can be purchased.
The Legal Status of CBD in Mexico
Mexico has a complex history with cannabis and its derivatives. Traditionally, the country has been associated with cannabis cultivation, but over the years, its legal stance has evolved. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Mexico has taken steps to decriminalize and regulate certain aspects of cannabis, including CBD.
In March 2017, Mexico legalized the use of medical cannabis, including products containing CBD. This marked a significant turning point in the country’s approach to cannabis and its derivatives. The move was driven by the recognition of the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD for various medical conditions, such as epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety disorders.
Under the medical cannabis regulations, CBD products with a concentration of less than 1% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are allowed for medical use. THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the “high” sensation. The low THC threshold ensures that medical CBD products do not have significant psychoactive effects.
However, it’s important to note that while medical cannabis and CBD were legalized, the regulations were somewhat unclear and left room for interpretation. This led to a situation where some individuals and businesses operated in a legal gray area, uncertain about the legality of certain CBD products.
The Legalization of Recreational Cannabis and Its Impact on CBD
In addition to medical cannabis legalization, Mexico took steps toward the full legalization of recreational cannabis. In March 2021, the Mexican Chamber of Deputies approved a bill that would regulate the production, sale, and use of recreational cannabis. This bill, once fully implemented, would make Mexico one of the largest legal cannabis markets in the world.
The impact of this potential full legalization of CBD is significant. While the medical cannabis regulations allowed for CBD products with minimal THC content, the recreational cannabis bill could potentially open the door for a wider range of CBD products. However, as of September 2021, the full details of how recreational cannabis legalization would affect CBD regulations were still being worked out.
Where to Buy CBD Gummies in Mexico
As of my last update in September 2021, purchasing cbd gummies for sale in Mexico can be approached through various avenues. It’s important to ensure that you are abiding by the most current regulations and seeking out reputable sources. Here are some potential places where you might find CBD gummies in Mexico:
Licensed Pharmacies and Dispensaries: Medical cannabis, including CBD products, is legal in Mexico. Therefore, licensed pharmacies and medical dispensaries are likely to be reliable sources of CBD gummies. These establishments should carry products that adhere to the legal requirements for THC content.
Online Retailers: Online shopping provides convenience and access to a wide range of CBD products, including gummies. Look for online retailers that specialize in CBD products and ensure they are compliant with Mexican regulations. Read customer reviews and verify their legitimacy before making a purchase.
Health and Wellness Stores: Some health and wellness stores might carry CBD gummies due to the growing interest in CBD for its potential health benefits. These stores might stock a variety of CBD products, including gummies, oils, and topicals.
CBD Specialty Shops: With the increasing popularity of CBD, there’s a possibility of specialty shops opening up that focus exclusively on CBD products. These shops might offer a wider selection of CBD gummies and other CBD-infused products.
Licensed Producers and Manufacturers: As the CBD market develops in Mexico, licensed producers and manufacturers might offer CBD gummies. These products are more likely to be regulated and tested for quality and safety.
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape
While CBD’s legal status in Mexico has become clearer with the legalization of medical cannabis and the potential for recreational cannabis, it’s essential for individuals and businesses to navigate the regulatory landscape carefully. As regulations evolve and new guidelines are established, staying informed about the latest developments is crucial.
If you’re considering purchasing or using CBD products in Mexico, keep the following points in mind:
Check THC Content: Ensure that the CBD product you intend to purchase contains less than the legally allowed THC content. This is especially important if you want to avoid psychoactive effects.
Source of CBD: Whenever possible, choose products that disclose the source of the CBD and provide information about cultivation and extraction practices. High-quality CBD is often derived from organically grown hemp plants using safe extraction methods.
Read Reviews: If you’re buying from online retailers or specialty shops, reading customer reviews can provide insights into the quality and effectiveness of CBD gummies.
Check Ingredients: Examine the ingredient list to ensure that the CBD gummies contain natural and safe ingredients. Avoid products with excessive additives or artificial ingredients.
Dosage Information: Reputable CBD products should provide clear dosage information. This is important to ensure you’re consuming the appropriate amount of CBD.
Product Testing: Reputable CBD products undergo third-party testing to verify their CBD and THC content, as well as to check for the presence of contaminants. Look for products with readily available Certificates of Analysis (CoAs).
Consult a Professional: If you’re considering using CBD for medical purposes, it’s advisable to consult a medical professional who is knowledgeable about cannabis-based treatments. They can provide guidance on dosage, potential interactions, and overall suitability.
The legal landscape of CBD in Mexico has evolved over the years, with the legalization of medical cannabis and the potential for full recreational cannabis legalization. As of my last update in September 2021, CBD with low THC content is legal for medical use, and the potential for wider CBD availability could increase with recreational cannabis legalization.
For those looking to buy CBD products in Mexico, options include licensed pharmacies, online retailers, licensed producers, and health and wellness stores. However, it’s crucial to prioritize quality, legality, and safety when making purchases. As regulations continue to develop, staying informed about the latest changes will be key to navigating Mexico’s CBD market responsibly and effectively. Always remember that the legal status and regulations surrounding CBD can change, so it’s a good idea to seek out the latest information from reliable sources before making any decisions.


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Slovenian startup Bitstamp just did something that no other digital currency startup was able to do – launch the first nationally licensed Bitcoin exchange (BitEx). As it usually goes, the startup could not receive a license in its home country, so it took advantage of registering themselves in one of most business-oriented countries in the European Union. Luxembourg granted the license which will be valid in all 28 EU countries, meaning starting July 1, 2016 – 508 million EU citizens should be able to access a Bitcoin exchange under the same operating restrictions and protections as the banks and stock exchanges. “We believe that this is stability-inducing – that people will see this
Not long after moving into the Oval office, President Barrack Hussein Obama and his wife Michelle started to change the White House conventions. While the First Lady dedicated what will become an eight year campaign against obesity and fight for better education, the POTUS (President of the United States) pushed for a healthcare reform, and thanks to a series of good and some bad moves (not discussing foreign policy here), U.S. economy is doing better than ever. Still, what both Mr. and Mrs. Obama wanted was to elevate STEM initiatives above all. As Mr. Obama said, “If a NFL football team wins the championship, and receives an invite to the
UPDATE: March 7th, 2016, 11:26AM GMT Amazon released a statement where the company backtracked on its earlier decision: “We will return the option for full disk encryption with a Fire OS update coming this spring.” According to an Amazon spokesperson, the company announced its removal of Fire OS 5 encryption feature due to ‘internal belief’ in the company that there aren’t too many users which use this feature, and it was removed before the whole Apple vs. FBI case blew up. Encrpyting and Decrypting the data is tasking on the built-in SOC processors, and the company thought it could speed the performance. After a number of users complained and
117th edition of the North American International Auto Show will take place in Detroit, MI between January 11-24, 2016. Among 50 or so world premieres, perhaps the key launch will be the one coming in the shape of new E-Class, one of best selling cars coming from the three-pointed star from Stuttgart, Mercedes-Benz. The new E-Class launch is perhaps even more important than the company flagship S-Class. Unlike the S-Class, which rules the market where BMW competes with the 7-Series, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ etc., E-Class has to battle a lot of competitors, and the company lost sales advantage in the mid-2000s, with Audi A6 and BMW 5
Hot on the heels of Boeing unveiling its human transport capsule dubbed CST-100 Starliner, SpaceX unveiled its final take on the Crew Dragon capsule, which is scheduled to take first manned flights in 2017, in what will be return of United States of America to spacefaring nations, something the country wasn’t able to do since they retired the venerable Space Shuttle. In the video below, you can see the bespoke Dragon capsule, which can transport up to five people the the ISS, and what SpaceX hopes to be one of first steps to move us from LEO (Lower Earth Orbit) to other planets, especially Mars:
Croatia is a country mostly known as for its beautiful locations and as a birthplace many inventors, most notably Nikola Tesla, Faust Vrancic (creator of Parachute), Slavoljub Penkala (hint: the first three letters of his surname), David Schwarz (Zeppelin or flying airship) and many more. Recently, the country is becoming a hotbed of electric propulsion technology, with RIMAC Automobili hypercars, Dok-Ing electric mining vehicles, Ducati compact electric cars etc. Its neighbour Slovenia is also becoming a powerhouse with electric ‘crafts’ which you may not expect – Slovenian Pipistrel was shamefully blocked by Airbus and Siemens and almost beat them in their own game of an electric aircraft, while Quadrofoil started the deliveries of
According to the company tagline “Personalized Treatment Surveillance. Better Outcomes.” CareDX, Inc. is a molecular diagnostic company which is known for its AlloMap service that monitors patients with heart transplants. Current focus is on expanding the AlloMap line of blood-test products with cfDNA for Heart and cfDNA Kidney – potentially changing the lives of millions of transplant patients worldwide. Key of the company is ‘gene expression profiling,’ using the best of semiconductor industry to analyze blood cells on a molecular level, in order to identify gene activity in various types of blood cells. By building patient maps, doctors can research and predict how a patient is reacting to treatment, inflammation
As the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter finally receives active combat clearance, and enters the Air Force as a battle-ready aircraft, we saw a lot of caveats of the troubled Lockheed Martin’s fighter program. In a nutshell, it’s over budget, over the planned timeframe and over the much needed operational limit for current USAF and NAVY fighters as well. Sadly for the program, it is also weaker in combat than a 40 year old F-16, yet alone F-15 and F-18 fighters. This means, that in true facts and reality the F-35 is so much delayed, that current F/A-18 and F-16 fighters are nearing their operational limit. It also
Tech in sports is quickly becoming a multibillion dollar business of increasing complexity. What does the future hold?
Couple of months ago, we exclusively reported that the U.S. government blocked Intel from selling its products to Chinese supercomputer firms such as Inspur, responsible for building the Tianhe-2 supercomputer. Originally, Tianhe-2 was planned to expand all the way to almost 100,000 Xeon processors and Xeon Phi co-processors, targeting to beat the 100 PFLOPS barrier. Initial deployment included 4,096 Chinese Galaxy FT-1500 processors (Chinese SPARC) and 16,000 processor nodes with two 12-core Xeon E2692 processors and three Xeon Phi 31S1P co-processors for a grand total of 3.12 million cores. Full installation of Tianhe-2 was scheduled to feature 48,000 processor nodes, or 9.93 million cores. However, those
Since its inception, GlobalFoundries had a plan to become world’s leading semiconductor manufacturer. From starting as an AMD manufacturing spin-off, the company owners set a multi-decade plan which involved acquiring Chartered Semiconductor and recently, acquired IBM foundry business as well. The capacity grew from initial 60,000 300mm wafers in 2009 to almost quarter billion 300mm and 130+ million 200mm wafers in second quarter of 2015. While the absolute capacity numbers were even higher, the owners (Mubadala Development Company, Abu Dhabi) decided to re-address the capacity and increase volume in processes that make financial sense. In order to stay ahead the company kept on investing in SOI
There will be a replacement for EZTV soon enough.
Support for ancient protocols is being cut in the latest version of Internet Explorer.
Google’s latest Android release only has a 9% market share 7 months after release.
Microsoft is getting rid of Patch Tuesday and will instead continuously rollout updates in the background on Windows 10.
Qihoo caught swapping antivirus engines between consumer and benchmark versions.
A society wired to augmented reality poses a true threat to your privacy. But with the proper safeguards, the threat can be mitigated.
The Great Firewall can now be used to DDoS sites China doesn’t like off the web.
The Oliver-Snowden interview is uncomfortable to watch, and good journalism.
In the annual Maple Flag exercise, the Canadian air force military airplane dropped a company of paratroopers, where one of them had a pretty scary landing in a dense forest in this video


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|The company recorded a consolidated net profit of zł.84.73 million in 2012|
Courtesy of Empik
NFI Empik Media & Fashion, a major Polish retailer of books, music and toys, recorded 12 percent growth in its annual sales revenue to zł.3.24 billion in 2012. Revenue in the fourth quarter amounted to zł.1.12 billion, up by 4 percent year-on-year, the company said.
The company recorded a consolidated net profit of zł.84.73 million in 2012, while the Q4 2012 net profit was zł.73.8 million. The company said that the Smyk (toy and children's clothing stores) and Empik (books and music stores) segments contributed most to the revenue growth.
The group plans to further expand the Smyk network, also by opening stores in Germany, Russia and Turkey. It will also reorganize its Empik stores to further increase sales.
From Warsaw Business Journal
Czerwona Torebka takes over Merlin.pl
Retail sales up only slightly in March, at 0.1%
Polish retail sales up only slightly in March
Retail sales down 0.8% y/y
Grocery retailers: incomes up, profits down
Commemorating Europe Day, EU faces key challenges
BY Stratfor Global Intelligence
Deputy PM cries out for attention
BY Remi Adekoya


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- We Are
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We provide wholesale electric service to our 28 member cooperatives which distribute electricity to approximately 665,000 member consumers in Minnesota - or about 1.7 million people.
The largest solar array in Minnesota owned by electric cooperatives is now generating electricity for members of Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association (WH). The Dickinson Solar Project is a collaborative effort between WH and Great River Energy. The project will bring an additional 2.25 megawatts of renewable energy onto the grid. A dedication event to recognize […]Read More Other News
Technological advances are a key driver in the evolution of the electric utility industry. For years, Great River Energy and its member cooperatives have been laying the technological groundwork to offer members more options and allow members to further customize their service in the future. There are four technology trends underway: Upgrading infrastructure It all […]Read More Other News
Once thought of as a futuristic or out-of-reach luxury product, electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly becoming a more realistic option for mainstream consumers. A variety of factors, such as driving ranges going up and sticker prices dropping, are now allowing drivers who may have previously ruled out plug-in hybrid or all-electric cars to more seriously […]Read More Other News
From bees to butterflies, pollinator populations have been dwindling in recent years, and many groups have stepped in to help re-establish their native habitat. Among them, electric cooperatives have a unique opportunity to highlight their commitment to community and education by participating in the nationwide effort to bring back the bee and butterfly populations. Great […]Read More Other News


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Bloomberg News July 31, 2019
This article was written by Jeff Kearns and Saijel Kishan. It appeared first on the Bloomberg Terminal.
Apurv Jain has used some unconventional data to predict the course of U.S. employment: 1.2 billion tweets and 830 million web searches.
As a Microsoft Corp. researcher in 2014, he was inspired by a comment from former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen that labor-market conditions might be worse than official statistics indicated. So he began looking for unofficial ones.
He analyzed tweets from 230,000 Twitter users who’d lost or gained work to understand the sentiment behind the numbers. He also has discovered that scouring six years of web-search queries allows him to predict revisions in one of the world’s most critical indicators: the U.S. Labor Department’s monthly report on nonfarm payrolls.
It’s all part of the fast-growing world of alternative data, which “can provide details about the economic narrative of our country that the existing government data simply cannot,” said Jain, 41, who is now a visiting researcher at Harvard Business School. He presented his findings in March at a New York conference on artificial intelligence and data science in trading.
For years, major banks, hedge funds and other financial players have been racing to collect and crunch all sorts of statistics to gain an edge in the markets. Now the competition is increasing: Spending in the field will exceed $7 billion next year compared with $4.3 billion in 2017, estimates Opimas LLC, a financial-industry consultant.
Providers are proliferating, too, to more than 400, according to industry group AlternativeData.org. One that attended the New York event was Thasos Group, which sells mobile-phone-location analytics to hedge funds tracking the health of retail chains and shopping malls.
“Malls have turned out to be a very good proxy for retail sales,” said founder Greg Skibiski, who noted the information predicted December’s unexpected plunge to a nine-year low — and January’s rebound.
Mobile phones and apps are providing geolocation data for a wide variety of customers, including oil traders, who can track the number of people working at a refinery to estimate production and gain insight into staffing changes.
Fidelity Investments, Point72 Asset Management and Neuberger Berman are among money managers buying alternative data and employing data scientists and quants seeking to gain an advantage in predicting market moves.
Far from Wall Street, officials in Washington are trying to keep up. Government agencies historically have relied on surveys of businesses and households to construct important indicators. But some “don’t like to fill out surveys,” Jain said. “So they just don’t respond to them.”
Other sources can supplement the official reports that remain the bedrock of economic measurement — even though the new information must carefully be vetted to ensure continuity.
Two conferences in March in Washington explored the trend as government, university and Fed economists debated the best ways to apply new measurements to old indicators.
“Traditional methods of collecting data from businesses and households face increasing challenges,” said one report co-authored by U.S. Census Bureau Deputy Director Ron Jarmin and presented at a National Bureau of Economic Research gathering. “These include declining response rates to surveys, increasing costs to traditional modes of data collection and the difficulty of keeping pace with rapid changes in the economy. The digitization of virtually all market transactions offers the potential for re-engineering key national economic indicators.”
Bank of England research economist Arthur Turrell explained how the bank has used natural-language processing with 15 million U.K. help-wanted ads to measure labor-market demand by region and occupation — details company-based surveys don’t typically collect.
During the other event, at the Brookings Institution, researchers from the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis and the University of North Carolina showed that property-market data from Zillow Group Inc. offer a better read on home prices than official figures.
Crystal Konny, chief of the Bureau of Labor Statistics unit that produces the Consumer Price Index, discussed plans to replace a significant portion of the critical indicator with alternative data sources such as information scraped from the web or downloaded directly from companies rather than relying largely on surveys or employees visiting stores in person.
She described the purchase from an insurance carrier of a small data set covering medical claims in the Chicago area as part of the bureau’s research. “Currently, the medical-care major group has the worst response rate of all major groups in the CPI, and of that major group, ‘physicians’ services’ and ‘hospital services’ have the highest relative importances.”
Konny cautioned there are dangers in the new methods, such as importing price data directly from companies, citing an unexpected shift by a department store she referred to as CorpX.
“They changed their database structure, and they brought each store online at a different time,” she told attendees — which included Yellen. “It totally ruined any continuity and analysis of the history of data and the index calculation, so we had to start all over.”


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By Anders Lorenzen
UK’s The Wildlife Trust has increased pressure on the government to ban the sale of peat- based compost. This comes on the back of a survey ordered by the charity showing only one in twenty of the UK’s leading garden retailers say they would eliminate the sale of peat in its stores this year.
Ten years ago, a voluntary target was set by the Government to end the sale of peat compost to amateur gardeners by 2020, which was missed last year, with a target of 2025 for professional use. And this year the Government is to decide if new legislation is needed to end peat use in the horticultural sector.
But, according to The Wildlife Trust, there are no signs of a peat strategy and they’re calling for an immediate end to sales of peat compost. If not, then worldwide the destruction of peatlands will continue. The monitoring has shown that in 2019 peat-based compost still made up over 40% by volume sold, and total peat use in horticulture stood at over 2 million cubic metres.
The Wildlife Trust says there’s plenty of peat-free composts available. And many give excellent results, with good advice also available on making your own compost at home. This means that although peat extraction is by no means the only cause of damage to our peatlands, it is one of the easiest to prevent.
Why is protecting peatlands crucial?
Peatlands are waterlogged, wetland landscapes where decaying plant material builds up over time to form peat. This happens very slowly, forming at a rate of around a millilitre per year – or in other words taking a thousand years to form a metre of peat. In the UK, peat is commercially extracted mainly from lowland raised bogs where mechanical methods can remove a metre or more of peat in a year, far faster than it can re-form. Extraction also often removes the active peat-forming layer at the surface of the bog in order to get to the deposits underneath, making recovery of the habitat afterwards extremely unlikely, without help.
The UK’s peat bogs are home to rare and unusual wildlife and flora, all of which are at risk when their habitat is destroyed by peat extraction. However, UK bogs meet just part of the country’s demand, with much peat imported from Ireland and Europe, leaving a legacy of damaged bogs there too. Peatlands are the largest on-land store of carbon and campaigners say they are vital to our fight against climate change.
The campaign to end peat use has been a long one. It began 30 years ago as people began to realise that peatlands play a crucial role as a precious habitat for wildlife and where biodiversity thrives. In recent years they have also been recognised as crucial carbon-storing sinks if they’re well managed. Peatlands are the UK’s largest on-land store of carbon, ‘locking in’ an estimated 3.2 billion tonnes in the UK alone. This means that UK peatlands hold three times as much carbon as UK woodlands.
Some retailers are making progress
But not all retailers are bad, with some leading the way. Eleven out of the 20 retailers who responded to the survey now at least offer peat-free composts as part of their range, with no retailer selling soil improvers or mulch containing peat. The retailers leading the way were Travis Perkins and Wickes, the only retailers to declare an -end-date for peat sales, Travis Perkins this year and Wickes by 2025.
A few others have pledged to end peat sales in the future but are yet to give a date, with others having no clear commitments and, shockingly, only four stocking ranges of peat-free plants. Half of the retailers asked did not even respond to the survey.
Craig Bennett, the chief executive of The Wildlife Trust said: “Our survey shows that most retailers’ approach to the voluntary ban on peat sales has been woeful – even though the industry has been aware of the problem for decades. The time for voluntary agreements is over – the sale of peat must end now. Peatlands are vital wildlife habitats and it’s absolutely crucial that they remain intact to help us tackle climate change. The Government can ensure that these important carbon stores function as nature intended by banning peat sales now.”
The Wildlife Trust has appealed to gardeners to show the Government that peat-free gardening is possible by signing this pledge.
Last year the famous UK gardener Monty Don and environmental groups penned a lette to the Government calling for an end to the use of peat compost.
Categories: conservation, environment, gardening, soil, UK, UK politics, wildlife
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Reisman Plans Indigo Merger, Store Closings
Leah Eichler -- 2/12/01
After a protracted battle to take over Chapters Inc., Trilogy owners Heather Reisman and her husband, Gerald Schwartz, have finally gained control of the chain. Now that Reisman has been appointed CEO of Chapters and Chapters Online, she can get to work on her vision of merging the chain with Indigo Books, Music and More. Details of the proposed merger and Reisman's plans are scarce, although Reisman has told the Canadian media that she intends to close up to 16% of the superstores and to limit book discounts while offering faster payments and fewer returns.
Reisman has also said she plans to get Chapters out of the wholesale business by selling or seeking partners for Pegasus; she has already spoken to various companies, including Ingram Book Group. But booksellers are still wary of this potential merger, which is being examined by the Competition Bureau. Sheryl McKean, executive director of the Canadian Booksellers' Association, sounded upbeat but apprehensive about the deal, seeing it more as an opportunity to set some ground rules.
"We are working with the Competition Bureau with respect to remedies we would like to see. If those remedies are in place, and publishers gain some of the concessions they are looking for, then the door is open for us to step through," McKean told PW. "This is an opportunity that we might not otherwise get. Hopefully, we'll see a healthier book market and a reemergence of smaller bookstores. We could be able to see a lot of advantages for Canadian readers through all of this," McKean added.
The CBA will ask the new Chapters-Indigo chain not to enter into any restrictive covenant agreements relating to the leasing of space to other booksellers in the same vicinity. CBA is also interested in seeing store closures in markets that are oversaturated. "We want to see some relief, to see other people emerge," McKean explained, adding that CBA wants the new chain not to have an upstream wholesaler such as Pegasus and also wants the new chain to get out of the campus leasing business. Most significantly, the CBA is looking for a moratorium on growth once the merger is approved.
McKean wouldn't say whether Indigo is easier to deal with than Chapters, but she did note that the lines of communication have been more open with Reisman: "We've had ongoing opportunities to speak to Heather Reisman, and she informed CBA before an announcement came out. That's a style that's very, very welcome."
Volume 247 Issue 7 02/12/2001


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The Reserve Bank of India on November 1 has introduced India’s first Digital Rupee for the wholesale market. The RBI central bank prints currency notes in the form of digital rupees (e), also known as Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). It is essentially the same as banknotes, but because it is digital, it is likely to be simpler, faster, and less expensive. It also provides all of the transaction benefits that other digital payment systems do.
The RBI has chosen nine banks to participate in the wholesale pilot project for the digital rupee. Union Bank of India, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Yes Bank, IDFC First Bank, and HSBC are among them.
The launch procedure is divided into two stages. During this test period, the digital rupee was introduced for the first time for wholesale transactions, or large transactions. The RBI will conduct a parallel retail experiment to the wholesale e-rupee pilot this month.
Differences between digital rupees and cryptocurrency
There can be no direct comparison between the CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) and cryptocurrencies because the digital rupee is not a physical good or virtual asset. Cryptocurrency coins are not quite money either.
This digital rupee, like paper banknotes issued by central banks such as the RBI, can be converted into cash. The RBI will continue to issue the CBDC, which will serve the same purpose as banknotes but is not a decentralised asset like cryptocurrencies.
The central bank digital currency (CBDC) of a country is its fiat currency, whereas cryptocurrencies are an alternative payment method with their own proprietary algorithm. Crypto currencies are digital assets in a decentralised network that can be referred to as the nation’s digital fiat. In contrast to digital currencies, which are completely regulated by the central bank and the government, the value of a crypto currency is independent of central banking authorities and follows a transparent process from mining to ownership to asset transfer.
Moto behind launching the Digital Rupee
The main goal of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) pilot project on digital currency is to advance India in the battle for virtual currencies. This is also because cryptocurrencies are becoming more popular.
According to Rachit Chawla, the introduction will undoubtedly change the playing field because the use of blockchain technology will increase efficiency and transparency. Blockchain technology will also allow for ledger maintenance and real-time tracking.
Customers, whether wholesale or retail, will have continuous access to the payment system. Direct payments from Indian customers reduce transaction costs and enable account settlements in real time. Furthermore, using a digital rupee will speed up international trade and eliminate the need to open a bank account.


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METRO aims to be climate-neutral in its own global operations by 2040 – a pledge the company committed to in July 2021. Many of the measures designed to achieve this target are being implemented in the wholesale stores. Photovoltaic systems, for example, have proven valuable, as have cooling systems using natural refrigerants as well as simple yet effective measures like automatic doors separating specially cooled areas.
‘For us, the responsibility that we as a company have for the environment is important, but so are the economic benefits that come with energy efficiency – because both not only make us more sustainable but also cut costs long-term,’ says Olaf Schulze, Vice President Energy Management. St. Pölten, Austria, boasts the first METRO zero emission store – a wholesale store whose operation is entirely climate-neutral. METRO Ukraine is certified to the ISO 14001 standard for sustainability management. METRO is not just building wholesale stores to the latest standards; it is also stepping up its investments in upgrading and revamping existing locations. ‘After all, sustainability also encompasses working with what you have and optimising it in such a way that it contributes to a better, climate-friendly future ,’ says Schulze, who drives an electric car on principle. Thus far, METRO has already achieved to cut it's specific greenhouse emissions by 42,4% since the basline year 2011. Take a look inside the wholesale stores – and outside, too, at their roofs and parking areas:
Sustainability at METRO
METRO SUSTAINABLE expresses our approach to sustainability and is the framework and at the same time the driver for all our activities aimed at increasing sustainability in our own business and at our partners and customers. Operationally, we implement this as part of our ESG strategy via our 3 strategic sustainability priorities.
👉 Corporate Responsibility Report 2021/22.
Here comes the sun
The roof of a METRO wholesale store is perfect for operating a photovoltaic system. That is why 75 stores in 12 METRO countries feature them. These systems generate a total of 55,962 kWp (as per 30.09.2023), which is the equivalent of the energy consumption of 16,000 4-person households.
Let there be LED light
By switching to energy-saving LEDs, METRO has now reduced its total electricity consumption worldwide by 25%. That saves over 200,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, or about 2 billion kilometres’ worth of car emissions – the trend is clearly upwards. Current projects are being implemented in Germany, Hungary, Croatia and METRO Turkey.
Out of gas
234METRO wholesale stores in 20 METRO countries use cooling systems with natural refrigerants instead of the halogenated hydrofluorocarbons known as HCFCs and HFCs that are so devastating to the environment, destroy the ozone layer and promote global warming. 1 kg of HFCs has the same effect on our climate as 3,922 kg of CO2. An extra benefit of the new, eco-friendly cooling systems: not only do they cut down on maintenance – and on electricity by over 20% – but their steady temperatures also have a positive effect on food quality.
Little drops make a mighty ocean
Whether it’s contact-free taps, the use of rainwater or wash bays for transport boxes that harness the waste heat from the cooling system to heat the water – even tiny changes can make a big difference. Every METRO country does what it can to be more careful and sparing in its use of the resource of drinking water. Since 2016/17, these efforts saved 800,000,000 litres of water – or about 4.4 million full bathtubs’ worth. By 2030, we want to save a further 10% compared to 2021 as the base year, Schulze said.
With more than 1.000 charging stations in 19 METRO countries available to customers and employees, METRO is helping to drive the transition to e-mobility. The target was 2030, but we beat it, Schulze said. Customers who drive electric vehicles know they can recharge at METRO, in some cases for free or at competitive – i.e. low – rates. And the company's own fleet is also being increasingly electrified - more than 35 electric delivery vans up to 17 tonnes, an electric heavy-duty truck in METRO Austria and 862 electric company cars are already in use, and demand continues to rise.
Awarded an A Score for Climate Change by CDP
The global environmental non-profit organisation CDP commended METRO in December 2020 for leadership in corporate sustainability. METRO scored high marks for tackling climate change, honoured especially for its actions designed to cut CO2 emissions, mitigate climate risks and develop the low-carbon economy. By joining the A list, METRO is one of a small number of high-performing companies out of 5,800+ that were scored. METRO also received B scores for water security and forests; B scores for palm oil, paper/wood and soy; and C for cattle.


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Today Gold Rate in Pakistan, on September 22, 2022, the rate of 10 grams of 24 karat gold was Rs 128600 at the closing of trading. And also, 10 grams of 22-karat gold are being traded for Rs 117882, and a ton of 22-karat gold is being sold at Rs 137499. Today’s gold rate in Pakistan is $US21.22 (Gold Price on September 22, 2022).
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan on 22 September 2022 (Gold Price on 22 September 2022)
According to Saraf Jewelers Association, the current gold Rate in Pakistan for 24k per tola is Rs 150000.
|Gold Rate||24K Gold||22K Gold||21K Gold||18K Gold|
|per Tola Gold||Rs. 150000||Rs. 137499||Rs. 131250||Rs. 112500|
|per 10 Gram||Rs. 128600||Rs. 117882||Rs. 112525||Rs. 96450|
|per Gram Gold||Rs. 12860||Rs. 11788||Rs. 11253||Rs. 9645|
|per Ounce||Rs. 364600||Rs. 334214||Rs. 319025||Rs. 273450|
Karachi is the center of the gold market, Karachi is the gold price leader in Pakistan and all cities follow the Karachi Sarafa Bazaar Association for gold prices. Today gold prices are the same in different cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta.
1 tola of 24-Carat gold in Pakistan is being sold at Rs 150000 on Tuesday.
Gold price in Pakistan today
The price of 10 grams of 24k gold is Rs 128600 at the closing of trading. Likewise, 10 grams of 22k gold is being traded for Rs 117882 and a single tola of 22-karat gold is being sold at Rs 137499.


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The actress was spotted out and about sporting a brand new hairdo and we are absolutely loving it. But do you like January better before or after? Vote below!
Would Betty Draper approve? January Jones was spotted around Los Angeles on June 9 looking a little different. Turns out, the 35-year-old recently got bangs! January has a history of interesting hair makeovers, so tell us what you think, HollywoodLifers — do you like January’s new ‘do? Vote below!
January Jones Get Bangs — Love Her New Look?
We love Mad Men so much in the HollywoodLife.com office that we’re used to seeing January done up like it’s 1968. So we were a little thrown off when she was suddenly spotted out and about with completely new hair in Los Angeles the week of June 9. But January is so naturally gorgeous, she could pull off any look!
Previously, January had been letting her hair grow out into a ‘lob’ (long bob) with some short, face-framing layers. This new look adds a Brigette Bardot-style bang and shortens the length about an inch or so. It also looks like January lighted up her hair color a shade or two, and may have had a gloss treatment as well for amped-up shine.
January’s Hair History
While this new hairstyle is a welcome change for the actress, her past attempts to switch her style up haven’t always gone smoothly. January has previously said that changing her hair color for different acting roles has resulted in her hair falling out in great big chunks!
Despite January’s less than perfect hair history, we love her current look! But do you feel the same, HollywoodLifers? Tell us below!
— Sarah Hopkins
More January Jones Beauty News:
- January Jones Channels ‘Mad Men’ Era Hair — Love Or Loathe
- January Jones’ Slicked Hair & Dark Eyes For ‘Vs.’ Cover: Try The Look
- January Jones’ 2012 Emmy Awards Makeup: Get Her Exact Look


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Do you ever feel like your money is literally flying out the window? Parents have ribbed their kids about turning off the lights and closing the door for as long as there have been homes, but there’s quite a bit of truth behind one of the most common household pet peeves. Wasted utilities can be a monetary black hole in the budget of any family, and in many cases, the ways we’re wasteful aren’t always immediately obvious.
Thankfully, today’s smart home technology can enable every family to do some smart snooping for inefficient habits, and set up intelligent scheduling to keep a home comfortable while minimizing costs. Here’s some helpful advice to consider:Continue reading →
It is estimated that over half of people internationally have a pet living with them, and statistics show pet ownership steadily rising every year. With so many people welcoming pets into their families, it stands to reason a pet’s specific needs would eventually make its way into home design. But, while some people go all-out buildingover-the-top pet palaces, the best design schemes marry a pet’s comfort with their human’s convenience without busting the budget. Here are six affordable home renovations for your pet that are stylish, functional and won’t cost you an arm and four legsContinue reading →
Realty Executives has expanded to Waukesha, Wisconsin. The new office, Realty Executives Southeast, marks the 17th Realty Executives office in the state and will serve the communities of southeastern Wisconsin, with a focus on Waukesha County.
The grand opening was celebrated in style, with an open house and a ribbon cutting ceremony. “The City of Waukesha Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Shawn Reilly, owners Joe and Shelley Gallamore, our Executives and staff, and some key players who really helped with the process of opening the business were on hand to cut the ribbon” according to Realty Executives Southeast Brokerage Manager Debbie Giese. She added that over 100 people attended the event, including clients, business partners and friends.


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We look at the clues surrounding a cast member who's been around since the pilot and what their fate may be.
Marvel really likes their variant Avengers teams, and their latest debut in this exclusive preview of UNCANNY AVENGERS ANNUAL #1.
Comic book retailers apparently ordered nearly 600k copies of this issue, so we're going to undersell this exclusive preview of the relaunch of AMA...
Guardians of the Galaxy poised for a major push, lots of secrets, and the case of a missing hero in the July 2014 Marvel Comics Solicitations.
All will be well, the Blue Lantern Corps is here!
Take a look at a gallery for next week's episode of Arrow before tonight's even airs!
Yes, BEWARE THE BATMAN's final fifteen episodes will air on Cartoon Network, but you better prep your coffee pot.
Take an exclusive first look at what's coming from BOOM! Studios and all their imprints here!
Editor Tom Brevoort talks about the unofficial launch to Marvel's new summer event and how a story about the larger-than-life Watcher can still be ...
ALL of Marvel's July 2014 solicitations and preview covers images.
Sentinels and S.H.I.E.L.D. its like a melding of the Marvel Cinematic Universes. Check out an exclusive first look at May's UNCANNY X-MEN #21.
Take a look at some of this week's books before you hit the comic shop today!
The middle of the summer isn't just for San Diego, it's for new comics! Here's the biggest stuff coming from DC in July.
Editor Mike Marts talks about this week’s #14 – the team’s 100th issue in total says Marvel – what they have planned to mark the occasion.
The whole DC Universe jumps into the Future in September, and the advance solicitations have revealed a lot about both the future and present (and ...
ALL of DC's solicitations and preview covers images for titles going on sale in July 2014.
DC's solicitations and preview covers images for DC Comics - The New 52 titles going on sale in July 2014.
DC is soliciting their SEPTEMBER 2014 FUTURES END event early because of the 3D covers and here are the titles and their solicitation copy.
Take an exclusive look at the full solicitations for Valiant for July 2014, with every cover!
DC's solicitations and preview covers images for DC Comics - Beyond the New 52 titles going on sale in July 2014


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Insomniac Announces Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Jemaine Clement Departs Shadows Writing Room, and More!
If you like what you hear, be sure to leave us a 5-star review so we can continue to bring you up-to-date pop culture news!
Sony Reveals Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales for the PlayStation 5
During The Future of Gaming event hosted by Sony, Insomniac Games revealed the first teaser trailer for their upcoming game Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. After some confusion, Insomniac Games has clarified this is a standalone title, not an expansion or DLC as some sources suggest. Likely to serve as somewhat of a sequel to 2018’s smash-hit game Marvel’s Spider-Man, this PlayStation 5 title puts players in control of Miles Morales, who had received a radioactive spider bite during the plot of the previous game. The teaser concludes with the words, “Be Greater. Be Yourself.” and reveals a Holiday 2020 release date for Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
HBO Max to Cycle Out DC Streaming Content
The streaming service HBO Max has clarified its plans for DC Comics movies after a number of fans noted the 15 different titles will already be leaving the newly-launched platform as of July 1st. According to HBO Max, the service intends to rotate DC films monthly from an extensive catalogue, including older and lesser-known titles. Of the titles currently on HBO Max, the Tim Burton Batman films, Justice League, Wonder Woman, Suicide Squad, and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will all leave at the end of June. Titles like Shazam!, Aquaman, Joker, and the Ryan Reynolds Green Lantern movie will all remain, while the new films being added will be announced soon.
Jemaine Clement Leaves What We Do in the Shadows Writers Room
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, writer and musician Jemaine Clement revealed that he will not be a part of the writers’ room for What We Do in the Shadows Season 3. The vampire mockmentary series was renewed for a third season earlier this year, and aired its Season 2 finale on Wednesday, June 10th. When asked about what is coming next for the show, Clement answered, “The writers will have to figure that one out, because I won’t be in the writers’ room next season… I’m leaving them with this big problem,” he said in reference to a massive cliffhanger.
June 12th is Superman Day
Today, June 12th, is Superman Day! Although Action Comics #1 debuted in April, and the character’s fictional birthday is February 29th during leap years, June 12th is the date set aside by DC Entertainment to celebrate all things Superman- from movies, to television, to comics and more. You can visit Sideshow Collectibles on social media to join in some themed Superman Day festivities.
Legendary Batman Writer Denny O’Neil Passes Away
Before we go, Let Your Geek Sideshow would like to acknowledge the life of legendary Batman writer Dennis J. “Denny” O’Neil. During his time at DC Comics, he was responsible for co-creating characters like the al Ghul family, Azrael, and Leslie Thompkins. He also helped revitalize The Joker, Two-Face, and created the iconic pairing of Green Lantern and Green Arrow. Denny O’Neil passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday evening.
This has been your pop culture headlines! For more daily news updates, enable Pop Culture & Movie News- Let Your Geek SideShow on your Amazon Alexa device or listen through iTunes and get all the latest geek headlines in a convenient and timely fashion.
Don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!


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The Applications Centre in Sydney is equipped with technologies such as DSL, Fibre to the Home (FTTH), and 3G/ Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS), which service providers and developers use to simulate different user environments.
Alcatel recently developed a multicast video-on-demand service which can be used by service providers to provide high definition video over existing DSL networks. m.Net Corporation and Alcatel's 3G Reality Centres are also developing 3G wireless applications.
Alcatel Australasia CEO Andrew Young said, "The intent is to take good ideas -- be they ours, our customers' or our partners' -- through a process of collaboration, testing and trial to deliver timely and affordable broadband services that people want."
Alcatel presented a demonstration on modern video compression technologies which can deliver high quality video over DSL and 3G mobile networks. Alcatel director for innovation Geof Heydon said that the advances in video compression techniques are allowing DVD quality video to be delivered or stored with about one-fifth of the data presently required.
"Today disk storage costs about AU$1 per gigabyte and a gigabyte is equivalent to a movie's worth of data at about DVD quality. Today a typical AU$100 disk drive can store about 100 movies for AU$1 each. Year by year this cost will continue to halve. By 2020 disk drives will cost about 0.1 cent per gigabyte. This technology is relevant to service providers interested in delivering video over broadband networks," he said.
Heydon also added that the modern compression techniques can have a big impact on service delivery to mobile devices.
Alcatel's internal projections shows that by 2008 all greenfield housing estates will have fibre access (FTTH) and brownfield trials will begin. By 2014, copper replacement will progress at 4 percent per year while fibre access deployment will be about 50 percent by 2020 in Australia and New Zealand.
Alcatel also projects that there will be a wide deployment of 3G technology between 2004-2008 which will start to be replaced by 4G sometime before 2012.
Commercial tests are being conducted in FTTH in Australia. Although it is just a concept demo at this stage, Young believes ISPs will soon be "desperately seeking for ways to add value to their services as the market mature."
"People are already downloading music, videos and data today but in an inconvenient way. We are trying to satisfy that demand in an easier way through convergence across fixed and mobile, market segments, devices and applications," Young said.


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Yahoo Japan Corp said in a statement that it will take control of online fashion retailer Zozo for a sum of $3.7 billion (400 billion yen). This comes as the company strives to revive its website and take on rivals like Amazon.com.
Yusaku Maezawa, the founder of Zozo, informed reporters that he would discontinue his role as the chief executive officer of the company and sell off most of his shares in the company. Zozo share has dropped by 60 percent over the course of last year as a result of many missteps by the company’s management.
The takeover of Zozo by Yahoo Japan will give it an edge in the online fashion market as the acquired company has its mall Zozotown which has 50 percent market share in the mid to high range fashion products. Currently, the online fashion retail market has seen Rakuten and Amazon struggling to take the lead.
Zozo’s takeover comes as the company is in a situation where its investors are not positive about its growth prospects. This comes as the online fashion retailer did not come through as expected with its plans with personalised tailoring for customers and had trouble with brands due to discounting.
The offer from Yahoo Japan stands at 2,620 yen for each share in Zozo. This yields a premium of 21 percent as per Wednesday’s closing price of the share. However, the offer is 44 percent less than the peak price of Zozo share last year.
Yahoo Japan share price increased by 2 percent after the announcement.
Yahoo Japan’s aim is to take possession of 50.1 percent shares of Zozo which has a market capitalisation of 680 billion yen as of Wednesday.


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Airlines, hotels, and food and beverage establishments have been patiently awaiting the return of business travel – which constitutes one of the most lucrative aspects of their business – since the start of the pandemic. The reality, however, is that their wait is only getting longer and longer. The reasons: the Delta variant is raging on, travel restrictions are getting stricter, and employees aren’t back to in-person work yet.
Several data points support this trend. According to Delta Air Lines Inc. CEO Ed Bastian, corporate travel returned to only 40% of pre-pandemic levels this summer and will not reach its September target of 60%. A survey by Morning Consult for the American Hotel & Lodging Association found that 60% of the 400 business travelers who responded will be postponing their trips. A U.S. Census Bureau survey conducted last month similarly found that 33% of small-business owners expect to have business travel expenses in the next 6 months, which is down from more than 37% about a month earlier. The Transportation Security Administration reported that only 1.35 million people passed through U.S. airports, which is the lowest since May. Airlines have reported extensive cancellations, amidst a general slowdown, of bookings. And, lastly, travel restrictions have been reimposed across the world; not only has the CDC urged Americans to forgo unnecessary travel, but also the EU has limited nonessential travel from the U.S. as well.
Aside from the various trends and restrictions at play, the general sentiment observed in companies across the board is that travel is simply not needed at the moment – not only because it is nonessential but also because it isn’t the best option anymore. According to KPMG U.S. Chief Executive and Chair Paul Knopp, “we use Microsoft Teams, where I say I can be on three continents in one day.” The same sentiment is shared by the CEO and president of TriNet Group Inc. Burton M. Goldfield, who has made business travel strictly optional on the basis that “before [employees] even begin to make that decision, it needs to be a business-critical meeting.” Dell Technologies also uses this logic; in a memo addressed to all staff last month, the company stated that all domestic travel must be deemed both critical to the company’s business and customers and receive approval from an employee’s manager and vice president. From a birds-eye view, the entire business travel industry is pumping the brakes. According to Brandon Strauss, the president of corporate travel bookings data company CapTrav, “about 21% of travel managers surveyed by the Global Business Travel Association said their companies had introduced new travel restrictions in response to new variants, and another 25% said they were considering it.”
What remains up in the air is how long this trend will continue or, worse, if it will become permanent. According to Delta CEO Ed Bastian, “[business travel] will be different, no question about it, but there’s no evidence that it’s going to disappear in any material way.”
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