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You’re too late if you planned to buy an annual Disneyland pass for Southern California residents.
Annual passes “are very popular,” so in an apparent effort to reduce crowd sizes in advance of a “Star Wars” theme area unveiling, there will be no more annual passes for locals.
Disneyland Monday stopped selling its Southern California annual passes, which the company also did once before in 2014 before reinstating the program last year.
Current pass holders can renew the $469 Southern California Passport, which allows locals to visit Disneyland and Disneyland California Adventure about 215 days a year, but new ones won’t be issued, at least for the foreseeable future.
A variety of other annual passes ranging in price from $339 to $1,049 are still being sold.
“Our annual passes are very popular with guests,” said Disneyland spokeswoman Michele Himmelberg. “We continuously seek the appropriate balance that helps manage demand for our product and allows us to deliver a world-class experience for all guests.”
The theme park appears to be attempting to manage crowd sizes as it rolls out new attractions, including the much-anticipated “Star Wars”-themed area, Galaxy’s Edge, set to open in 2019.
—City News Service
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MLM stands for multi-level advertising.in Quasselecke 20.02.2019 01:47
von zhouyueyue • 1.061 Beiträge
Microsoft business still has fat profits Wholesale Philadelphia Phillies Hoodies , at the same time, it also owns a large amount of cash. However, Microsoft’s profits rely heavily on traditional products like Windows, Office, Xbox. Following the ten products will determine whether Microsoft can maintain status of giant in the software industry Wholesale Pittsburgh Pirates Hoodies , which includes both Microsoft for their products, there are rival products from the competitors.
Microsoft is still an important member of technology industries. At present, the majority of computers around the world are using Microsoft software products. More important is that the Microsoft Office family of products has become a global enterprise of industry standards. It was stated that the technology industry wan to achieve today’s glorious achievements, the role of Microsoft is indispensable, that’s not an exaggeration.
But Microsoft is also faced with severe challenges. Apple Wholesale San Diego Padres Hoodies , Google and other numerous competitors want to push Microsoft out of the technology industry, making their own brands to take market high-end and spare no effort. To achieve this goal, these companies continued to introduce innovative products, acquire other businesses, and invest significantly in research and development. Whether they can weaken Microsoft’s influence in the technology sector Wholesale Seattle Mariners Hoodies , which are a different people have different views have expressed all kinds of problems, but there is no doubt that this is the greatest aspiration of many Microsoft competitors.
GENEVA, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations' Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) on Friday expressed grave concerns over the excessive use of force by law enforcement officials in the United States.
In its concluding observation on the periodic report of the United States on its implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the committee said that racial and ethnic discrimination remains in the United States.
Serious problems persisted in all areas of life, including school segregation Wholesale San Francisco Giants Hoodies , access to health care and housing, with minorities -- particularly African-Americans -- continuing to be disproportionately arrested and sentenced, said the body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention by its state parties.
Noureddine Amir, member of the committee, especially highlighted the excessive use of force by law enforcement officials against racial and ethnic minorities Wholesale St. Louis Cardinals Hoodies , warning it was as "an ongoing issue of concern," particularly in light of the recent shooting event in Ferguson, Missouri.
Unarmed 18-year-old African-American Michael Brown was shot dead earlier this month by a white police officer in Ferguson, a St. Louis suburb in the U.S. state of Missouri, which prompted nationwide protests and questioning of the U.S. racial divide. Protests escalated into days of rioting.
"This is not an isolated event Wholesale Tampa Bay Rays Hoodies , (and) it illustrates bigger problems in the United States such as racial bias among law enforcement officials, the lack of proper implementation of rules and regulations governing the use of force, and inadequacy of training of law enforcement officials," Amir told reporters.
The committee urged U.S. authorities to promptly and effectively investigate every case of excessive use of force, ensuring the alleged perpetrator were prosecuted Wholesale Texas Rangers Hoodies , and the victims and their families were adequately compensated.
"The United States should undertake concrete and comprehensive measures to address the root causes and avoid any future repetition of such tragic incidents," Amir said.
The human rights expert also drew attention to the high level of gun violence in the United States, saying the disproportionately affects members of racial and ethnic minorities, particularly African-Americans.
He urged U.S authorities to take effective legislative and policy measures to fulfill its obligation to protect the right to life and to reduce gun violence.
MLM stands for multi-level advertising. Simply put, MLM means that the business allows its distributors or reps to recruit others into a downline. The actual “recruiter” then collects commissions from sales produced by downline members in addition to personal sales. MLM is commonly linked with multilevel marketing which is marketing done essentially by person to person. In the U. Utes. some well known MLM network marketing companies are Avon cosmetics Wholesale Toronto Blue Jays Hoodies , Shaklee supplements as well as home care products, and Ameriplan health care plans.
IS Multilevel marketing LEGAL?
MLM itself is a perfectly legal way for a company to distribute commissions and create a big sales force. The problem is that lots of unscrupulous companies and folks have used the Multilevel marketing model to promote illegal or quasi-legal “products”. As a result, most people equate the term MLM with illegal strategies such as the “Make $90,000 Within 90 Days” letter, the actual “Lawyer Brown” or “David Rhodes” letter Wholesale Washington Nationals Hoodies , or another pyramid or Ponzi strategies in which the only “product” is the opportunity to get others to send money for that opportunity of making money with the pyramid scheme.
Usually, the single most important deciding factor, while not necessarily the only one, within determining if an Multilevel marketing proposal is genuine is a simple question. Is this company selling an ACTUAL product or service? Remember; just because an MLM company is legal DOES NOT necessarily mean that it is good place to invest your time and effort and money. Do your homework.
CAN I MAKE MONEY WITH MLM?
Completely. Millions of people around the world may take place in MLM network marketing ventures and earning money…many making A lot of money. I have two individual friends who became millionaires with MLM com. Air Max Sale Wholesale Jerseys Cheap Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap Wholesale NFL Jerseys Free Shipping Wholesale NCAA Jerseys Cheap Wholesale College Jerseys Cheap Wholesale NBA Jerseys Free Shipping Wholesale Swingman NBA Jerseys Wholesale MLB Jerseys Online Cheap Basketball Jerseys

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Call to delay new Reverse Charge VAT rules as most businesses still not aware of changes
New research from the Federation of Master Builders has found that more than two thirds of construction SMEs have not heard of the new Reverse Charge VAT rules being introduced on 1st October 2019.
As a result, the body is now calling for a six month delay to the changes, which could see the cash flow of more than 150,000 construction companies affected.
The FMB’s research also found that of those who did know about the new rules, 67% have not prepared for the new system.
The new rules coming into force mean that companies within the construction supply chain will no longer receive the 20% VAT when they submit bills. Instead, it will be paid directly to HMRC in a bid to reduce VAT fraud in the industry.
Not only will cash flow be affected, but the new rules will place a further administrative burden on construction companies who will need to ensure their accounting system is capable of handling the change.
A six month delay to the introduction of the changes as called for by the Federation of Master Builders would allow businesses more time to prepare for the changes, introducing a new construction-specific accounts and cost management system if required.
Choose construction-specific accounting & cost management software today
Evolution Mx from Integrity Software is Reverse Charge VAT ready, and can help to minimize the administrative burden that is expected to be felt throughout the industry. For the latest news and updates you can view our news feed here.
If you would like to know more about Evolution Mx, you can book your free demonstration here.


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As, apple delays child protection measures after privacy criticism icloud. However, Apple reported Friday it is deferring the rollout of its disputable new enemy of youngster porn apparatuses. Following analysis that the component would sabotage client security. The Silicon Valley goliath said last month that iPhones. And iPads would before long beginning recognizing pictures containing kid sexual maltreatment. And detailing them. As they are transferred to its online stockpiling in the United States.
Notwithstanding, advanced rights associations immediately noticed. That the changes to Apple’s working frameworks. Make a potential “secondary passage” into contraptions. That could be taken advantage of by governments or different gatherings. The declaration comes as Apple faces a heightening examination. From controllers over what pundits say is the maltreatment of its strength.
The organization reported an uncommon. And since a long time ago requested concession. Wednesday to how its online application commercial center functions.
Apple referred to criticism from clients:
However, support gatherings, analysts. And others in its decision to “take the extra opportunity. Throughout the approaching a long time to gather info. And make upgrades before delivering. These fundamentally significant youngster security highlights.”
Innovation permits the product driving Apple cell phones. To coordinate oppressive photographs on a client’s telephone. Against an information base of known pictures of youngster misuse. And afterward banner them when they are transferred to the organization’s online iCloud stockpiling.
Apple said beforehand that toward the beginning of the framework’s rollout. At least 30 machine-perceived pictures would be needed for it to hail a record and trigger a confirmation interaction.
Pundits of the strategy invited the postponement.
“It’s uplifting that the backfire has constrained. Apple to postpone this crazy. And risky reconnaissance plan.” Said Evan Greer. Overseer of computerized support bunch Fight for the Future. “They ought to hold it forever.”
However, Apple referred to criticism from promotion bunches in its choice. Not all invited the respite. “This is staggeringly disillusioning.” tweeted Andy Burrows. “head of youngster security online. At the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.”
“Apple had taken on a proportionate methodology that tried to adjust client security and protection, and ought to have held fast,” he added. The new picture checking component would address a significant shift for Apple. Which has up to this point opposed endeavors to debilitate its encryption that keeps outsiders from seeing private messages.
The organization said it would have restricted admittance to the abusing pictures which would be hailed to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, a philanthropic association, and has opposed government work to debilitate iPhone encryption.
FBI authorities have cautioned that alleged “start to finish encryption,” where just the client and beneficiary can understand messages, can ensure crooks, fear-based oppressors, and pornographers in any event, when specialists have a legitimate warrant for an examination.
The tech monster has disclosed
This significant changes as of late to its online application commercial center following quite a while of analysis, as it attempts to fight off a more profound, expanding work to direct Big Tech.
A concession reported Wednesday will save applications that give papers, books, music, or video from utilizing the App Store installment framework and hence try not to pay a 30 percent commission.
Specialists consider the to be from Apple as evidence that Big Tech organizations have capitulated to pressing factors and chosen to offer a bit of leeway to attempt to keep away from a crash with government decides that they would not control.
Apple contended that it was “going to oppose pressure from all legislatures on the planet, including China,” Mr. Green said. Apple didn’t seem to expect such a kickback. At the point when the organization declared the changes, it sent journalists specialized explainers and explanations from kid security gatherings and PC researchers commending the work.
However, Mr. Green said the organization’s move didn’t appear to consider the perspectives on the protection and kid wellbeing networks. “If I might have planned a rollout that was expected to fizzle, it would have resembled this one,” he said.
What is important, specialists said, is the thing that Apple will do since it has hit stop. Will it drop the drive altogether, just carry out almost indistinguishable elements after a deferral or track down a center ground?
We anticipate hearing more with regards to how Apple expects to change or work on its arranged abilities to handle these issues without subverting start to finish encryption, security, and free articulation,” Samir Jain, the strategy chief for the Center for Democracy and Technology, a promotion bunch, said in an explanation.
Joe Mullin, on apple delays child protection measures after privacy criticism icloud arrange an arrangement. Examiner with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an advanced rights bunch, said the establishment had a request with more than 25,000 marks asking Apple not to present the component. He said that it was “extraordinary that they’re pausing for a minute to thoroughly consider things,” however that he and other protection alliances would keep on begging Apple to forsake its arrangement through and through.


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Delaware Port Is About To Be Sold To Saddam Hussein’s Weapons Chief
The Port of Wilmington in Delaware is about to be sold to Gulftainer, a Middle East-based company overseen by Dr. Hamid Jafar, Saddam Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction chief, and owned by his sons.
On today’s episode of Howley Reports, I break down what’s really going on in Delaware as the General Assembly is about to vote on the sale of a massive strategic U.S. port to a company that has three active contracts with the Russians. The Democratic Party approves of this sale.
Here is Mary Fanning and Alan Jones’ original reporting for Big League Politics on Gulftainer, which already owns the cargo terminal at Port Canaveral after Barack Obama and John Kerry sold it to them:
Gulftainer, the UAE-based ports company operating Florida’s Port Canaveral cargo container terminal despite the company’s ties to Saddam Hussein’s nuclear WMD program, is in a joint venture with Russian Technologies (Rostec). Rostec exports Russia’s Trojan Horse Club-K container cruise missile weapons system.
The joint venture is called Gulftainer Russian Technologies.
Rostec exports the ‘doomsday box’ Club-K container cruise missile launcher through its Rosoboronexport arms export division.
Rostec and Rosoboronexport are Russian state-owned companies controlled by former KGB officials…


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MediaTek announced its new Dimensity 800 5G chipset along with the flagship Dimensity 1000 chipset at the Consumer Electronic Show 2020, or CES 2020, that held from January 7, 2020 to January 10, 2020. According to the manufacturer, Dimensity 800 5G handset is meant for providing a reasonable and affordable solution to 5G. It is a 7 nano meter octa-core processor, which is built-up of 4 Cortex A76 cores, each of which is clocked at 2.0GHz and 4 Cortex A55 cores clocked at 2.0GHz respectively.
On the other hand, MediaTek Dimensity 1000 chip set comprises of 4 Cortex-A77 cores clocked at 2.6GHz. Dimensity 1000 is aimed at ameliorating the gaming experience along with HyperEngine gaming technology.
Smartphones with his configuration can play Ultra HD videos with up to 90Hz refresh rate. It is also compatible to 16 GB of LPDDR4x RAM, for enhanced gaming experience. As for GPU, the chipset Dimensity 1000 aids flagship grade GPU for an amazing realistic gaming experience.
Now, coming back to the mid-range MediaTek Dimensity 800 5G chipset, it provides 2.4TOPs of performance for facilitating Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning. So, we can expect MediaTek has plans to open new dimensions in the field of AI and Machine learning in near future.
Other specifications include dynamic spectrum sharing, multi-mode cellular connectivity, support for integrated 5G modem, etc. The company will start pushing these chipsets by the end of 2020.


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Cash in on your friends and help Wellington become healthy
Organic Boxes, Wellington's leader in Certified Organic home delivery, is rewarding every current customer who refers a friend, with $35 worth of certified Organic food. What's more the friend can get $35 off their first order, by filling in a simple customer survey.
When asked how the company can effectively give away it's produce, Richard Bacon, owner and director of Organic Boxes, said
"Right now we need to grow. so normally you'd spend a fortune on advertising, but our best advertisers are our customers, so we've decided to give that money to our customers instead as a reward for referring their friends."
"It's a more caring way to find better quality customers."
"There's no limit to how many referrals people are allowed to make and the new customers can also become referrers. It's quite possible for a keen referrer to get free organic food every week if they want" said Richard.
"We care about the people of Wellington and we want to see as many as possible eating certified organic food. It's better for the environment and healthy too, but it's quite often expensive, so we want to help people to eat organic who might think it's not in their budget. By being social, many more people will be able to eat organic food if they want."


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Billionaire investor John Paulson had harsh words for cryptocurrencies Monday, calling digital currencies “a limited supply of nothing.”
Paulson, co-founder of Carlyle Group who became famous in 2007 by shorting the US housing market, made the comments to “Bloomberg Wealth with David Rubenstein,” adding that cryptocurrencies are a bubble that will “eventually prove to be worthless.”
“I would describe them as a limited supply of nothing,” he said. “There’s no intrinsic value to any of the cryptocurrencies except that there’s a limited amount.”
“Once the exuberance wears off, or liquidity dries up, they will go to zero,” he added. “I wouldn’t recommend anyone invest in cryptocurrencies.”
Source: Toronto Daily Star
Date: September 2nd, 2021
- “Canada has been enforcing a tightened regime for cryptocurrency exchanges in recent months. He noted that the Ontario Securities Commission has barred a pair of trading platforms that offer crypto services from trading the popular stablecoin Tether, according to regulatory documents.”
First off, what is a “stablecoin”.
Answer: it is a cryptocoin that attempts to peg its value to an outside asset, which for Tether is the U.S. dollar.
- Second, why the regulation from Canada (and others)? Problematically, the stablecoin Tether only has about 1% of U.S. dollars on hand to peg to that dollar, leading many to believe that it is not a stablecoin at all.
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Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 8
By Taleh Mursagulov – Trend:
The production of persimmon leaf tea is planned to be arranged in Azerbaijan, Elnur Sadigov, head of the department for business development and human resources of the Balkhurma company, told Trend.
“Moreover, the production of 15 kinds of medicinal herbs, jam, syrup and persimmon vinegar is planned to be arranged,” he said.
“There are already orders from Germany and the Netherlands and these goods are expected to be exported soon,” Sadigov added.
He also added that intensive negotiations with Danone company are also underway.
"Danone intends to buy our products and we are ready to sell them,” he added. “There are certain conditions that must be accepted by Danone.”
“Moreover, the production is planned to be modernized in the next two years for the company's products to meet all international standards for the production of yoghurt and child food,” Sadigov added.
Balkhurma company launched its activity in 2016. The weekly production capacity of the company is 20 tons. Presently, about 100 people work there.


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The Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has recently been facing a lot of difficulties due to the global pandemic. With many of their ships unable to sail and their revenues drastically reduced, the company has been struggling to stay afloat. This raises the question of whether the company could go bust and if so, what would that mean for the cruise industry? In this article, we will explore the company’s current troubles and discuss the possibility of bankruptcy.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Troubles
NCL is one of the world’s largest cruise companies, with over 30 ships in operation and a global presence in over 20 countries. However, the company has been hit hard by the pandemic, with their revenues dropping by over 70%. The company has had to cancel all of its cruises until at least 2021 and has been forced to lay off a large portion of its workforce.
The company has also been unable to secure additional funding from banks and other sources, leaving it with few options to stay afloat. The company’s debt is estimated to be over $10 billion and it is uncertain how long the company can survive without additional funding.
Could Bankruptcy be on the Horizon?
It is difficult to predict how the situation may unfold for NCL in the future. The company has been able to obtain some short-term funding from the US government, but it is unclear how long this will last. If the company is unable to secure additional financing or find a way to reduce its costs, then bankruptcy may be on the horizon.
If NCL were to file for bankruptcy, it would have a significant impact on the cruise industry. The company is one of the largest in the world and its collapse would leave a huge void in the market. It would also put thousands of jobs at risk and could lead to a major disruption in the industry.
Overall, the future of NCL remains uncertain. The company has been able to stay afloat so far, but the pandemic has put a tremendous strain on its finances. It is possible that the company may be able to secure additional funding or find a way to reduce its costs, but if not, bankruptcy may be on the horizon. This would have a major impact on the cruise industry and could lead to a major disruption in the market.


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Ex-Im Bank Helped Engineering Company ‘Get Off The Ground’
Met Weld International – Altamont, N.Y
Met Weld International has only used the Export-Import Bank of the United States once, but that’s all it took for the company to see its value.
“It really worked out well for us,” said Morgan Connor, President of Gavial, the parent company of Met Weld. Gavial purchased Altamont, N.Y.-based Met Weld in 2006 when it had only about 35 employees. The Ex-Im Bank helped Met Weld win a $6 million project in the Middle East and partly because of that the company has tripled its staff.
The Ex-Im Bank, Mr. Connor said, allowed the company to “get off the ground.”
Met Weld is one of the thousands of small companies across the United States that have leaned on the Ex-Im Bank to boost exports and keep jobs local. These companies would be harmed if Congress doesn’t reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank by Sept. 30th.
Met Weld makes what are called skid-mounted process systems for the gas-turbine industry. These systems are generally large structures that require a lot of engineering. The company’s products are built by high-skilled workers -engineers, fabricators, and craftsmen.
The company turned to the Ex-Im Bank when the private bank they usually work with, M&T Bank, told them they’d only be able to help them on the deal in Saudi Arabia if the Bank was involved.
Met Weld is also a supplier to General Electric Co., the world’s largest manufacturer of gas turbines. Many of GE’s global customers rely on the Ex-Im Bank to finance purchases of GE turbines – and by extension, the products that Met Weld supplies to GE.
If the Ex-Im Bank doesn’t get reauthorized, GE would have to compete on an unlevel playing field, as all of its global competitors have access to Export Credit Agencies in their home countries. Mr. Connor supports Ex-Im’s reauthorization because Gavial, Met Weld, and thousands of other suppliers to GE could be negatively affected if Ex-Im’s authority expires.
“If GE’s impacted that would definitely have an impact on our business,” he said.


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BEIJING (Caixin Online) — In recent years, whenever China’s relations with another country took a turn for the worse, calls for a boycott of that country’s products would ring out. So it has been with the Diaoyu Islands dispute.
Dozens of Chinese cities saw protests this month against the Japanese government’s purchase of three of the islands. As bilateral ties deteriorated, many academics joined ordinary Chinese in urging Beijing to inflict economic pain on Tokyo, putting the bilateral trade relationship under strain.
Ordinary Chinese are free to voice their support for a boycott, of course, as long as they keep to the law. But a consideration of our national interests demands that we separate politics from economics, and cautions us against playing the economic card lightly. The demand of the minority of boycott proponents who resorted to violence to make their point should simply be ignored.
Over the past 40 years of diplomatic relations, China and Japan have repeatedly clashed over historical and territorial issues. Yet, this has not affected bilateral trade generally, which has steadily grown.
Last year, trade with Japan accounted for 8.5% of China’s total foreign trade, while Japanese investments in China grew by 50%, with exports to China up 10%. This year alone, at a time when foreign investments in China are shrinking, Japanese investments grew by 16%. For Japan, China is its top destination for exports and No. 1 source of imports.
Any major disruption to bilateral trade would hurt both countries. Yet, some scholars argue otherwise. They say Japan is more reliant on the Chinese economy than vice versa. Hence, if China were to pull the “economic trigger,” it would cripple the Japanese economy and even cause it to suffer another lost decade or two.
The Diaoyu row is distressing to the Chinese. Economic sanctions remain a strategic tool of the Chinese government, but they must be wielded wisely... Economic co-operation may not engender strategic trust, but an economic war will certainly send overall relations plunging to a low. China can resolve this dispute without resorting to economic sanctions. Time is on its side.
This is more guesswork than fact-based analysis. Let’s not even consider what a sluggish Japanese economy will do to the global economy. We can be certain at least that a Japanese downturn would affect the Chinese economy in unpredictable ways, and it may well trigger a downturn here.
Besides, to keep growing, China must continue to open its economy. Before they consider pulling any “economic trigger,” the authorities would do well to think through the adverse consequences of such an action.
Japan is at the high end of the global industrial chain, while China is its low-end manufacturing base. Every year, China imports large quantities of parts and components for the assembly of products that are then exported worldwide.
These Japanese-made components include some hi-tech, high-valued-added products that aren’t easily replaced. Just recall how the tsunami and nuclear accident in Japan last year set back the electronics and auto industries not only in China, but also in Europe and the United States.
Many Chinese work in Japanese-owned companies or those that rely on Japanese goods for their business. A boycott of Japanese products would not only result in a block on the useful transfer of technology that comes with the import of such products, it would cause massive job losses. This would be disastrous in a shaky Chinese economy.
Instead, China must improve its business environment and strengthen the rule of law. Attacking Japanese enterprises and forcing them out of business is against the law.
A functioning market depends on the equal treatment of all. Allowing radical pressure groups to harm Japanese interests would send an unwelcome message to all foreign business and investors. This will raise the costs of doing business in China, and lead to capital flight that could seriously hurt some fledgling industries and regions.
In the end, such action wouldn’t help China take back the Diaoyus. It would only succeed in letting some people vent their anger.
Another consideration is the free trade area under discussion between China, Japan and South Korea which, when operational, could rival the European Union trading bloc in size. Not only that, the three countries have separately concluded free trade agreements with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations. This means the potential emergence of a 13-country free trade zone.
Negotiations between the three East Asian countries were to begin in Seoul at the end of this month, after a decade of preparation.
If officials work together to co-ordinate their policies, minimize friction and complement one another’s competitive advantages, they could create a booming trade area that can compensate for the gloom in Europe and the United States; if they focus instead on turf-building, not only will regional development be the worse for it, so will domestic growth.
Since the increase in tensions over the Diaoyus, we can only hope that the talks will proceed.
The Diaoyu row is distressing to the Chinese. Economic sanctions remain a strategic tool of the Chinese government, but they must be wielded wisely. On this issue, China’s goals are clear and Beijing has taken effective measures so far. Diplomacy remains the best choice of action, military pressure has its use, and an economic war is in no way inevitable.
This separation of politics and economics is likely to remain a feature of Sino-Japanese ties. Economic co-operation may not engender strategic trust, but an economic war will certainly send overall relations plunging to a low. China can resolve this dispute without resorting to economic sanctions. Time is on its side.


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The cable-TV business has been a profitable citadel for the networks and their cable distributors for more than 30 years. But now the dominoes are starting to fall; the latest is CBS Corp., which on Thursday launched a subscription service over the Web called CBS All Access for $5.99 per month. That follows Time Warner Inc.'s announcement that HBO will go direct-to-consumer in 2015.
What's more, CBS CEO and President Leslie Moonves told Recode that Showtime is also moving toward a direct-to-consumer offering. Both Showtime and HBO have always been sold exclusively through cable operators.
The decoupling of programming from the traditional monopolies on distribution has been part of a long process, and its happening now as entertainment options and audiences are splintering across a vast array of videos, apps and devices. With its two nearly equal revenue streams -- subscriptions and advertising -- the system has been very profitable for Hollywood and cable companies for many years, but no one wants to be the last adherent to yesterday's business model.
As CBS is an over-the-air broadcaster, this content is technically available free to anyone with a digital antenna. It's also telling that the URL for CBS's new service -- http://www.cbs.com/all-access/upsell/ -- contains the word, "upsell." However, subscribers will also have access to a formidable back library of CBS shows ("Star Trek," "MacGyver"), and they'll be able to watch a live CBS feed on their Android and iOS devices.
This all comes on the heels of CBS successfully defeating Aereo, which offered a similar service for watching live over-the-air TV online, in a case that went all the way to the Supreme Court. And it comes six years after CBS made the strategic decision not to join NBC, Fox and ABC in Hulu, which offers broadcast content over the Web for free.
CBS All Access won't include all of the network's content. Sports fans will likely take umbrage with a big missing feature here -- since the broadcaster doesn't have streaming rights to NFL games, Sunday afternoon and Thursday night games will be blacked out. The service is available only in the 14 markets where CBS owns the local station, which includes Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. And because CBS doesn't necessarily own the rights to everything it airs, certain shows will be missing.
But it does mean that consumers are going to have more options outside a traditional bundle of cable channels when it comes to subscription TV. As Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said in his company's earnings interview Wednesday: "It's clear that Internet TV will be everything in the next few years."


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Association Praises Programs to Help Low-Income, Moderate Income Customers, But Settlement Shows Need for Utility Consumer Advocate as proposed by NYS Assembly
ALBANY, N.Y. – AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel issued the following statement today on the New York State Public Service Commission’s approval of the National Grid utility rate settlement:
“A double-digit rate increase is simply too much for the overburdened New York consumers who rely on National Grid for their energy.
AARP appreciates that regulators reduced the company’s original request for an over 20% hike in both electric and natural gas delivery rates, but a double digit increase over the next three years will still pose hardships for consumers.
AARP is also disappointed regulators did not lower the high fixed customer charges for residential consumers, which hurt low-energy users while failing to encourage conservation.
This agreement again shows the need for New York to join 40 other states by establishing an independent utility consumer advocate with the power to challenge unfair rate increases in court. We’re glad the State Assembly included creation of such a consumer advocate in its state budget proposal this week.
AARP is glad regulators heeded our call to limit a costly ‘smart grid’ project rollout and to incorporate the new low-income energy programs that have been a part of other recent utility rate cases.
We’re also encouraged that under the settlement, National Grid has committed to proposing energy efficiency programs in the future that target moderate income customers. We look forward to working with the utility on these initiatives.
Lastly, AARP appreciates that the agreement passes on to customers savings National Grid will realize from the new federal corporate tax rate that took effect this year, and we will continue to work with the Public Service Commission to ensure Governor Cuomo’s promise that consumers see the full benefit of tax reform.”
Contact: Erik Kriss, email@example.com
Follow us on Twitter: @AARPNY and Facebook: AARP New York
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and our CEO @JoAnn_Jenkins on Twitter.


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The adage “Here today, gone tomorrow” usually hints nostalgically at something that’s disappeared too soon. But when it comes to the increasingly common “pop-up” stores now dotting the retail landscape, the phrase describes something exciting, innovative and optimistic. For emerging brands, in particular, setting up shop in the short term, rather than settling in for the long haul, is a bona fide business strategy that creates and provides an opportunity to build brand awareness, secure customer loyalty and even test-market products or services with key consumers in real life.Given the well-documented uptick in ecommerce sales, it might seem counterintuitive for companies to invest in a physical presence. Yet Amazon has now launched its third physical bookstore, the newest one in Portland, Oregon, with other grand openings anticipated in Boston and Chicago. New York City-based Casper, the popular online mattress purveyor, will augment its six global pop-ups with a fleet of permanent physical stores. A passing fad? No. A noteworthy trend? Unquestionably.[caption id="attachment_708" align="alignnone" width="799"]
Rent the Runway pop-up shop at Neiman-Marcus San Francisco. Photo by Andria Tay[/caption]Here are three reasons why pop-up stores make perfect business sense, especially for emerging retailers and for pure digital brands ready to build an offline presence.
Each year, online sales reach a new all-time high, as 2016’s record-breaking $3.45 billion in Cyber Monday sales demonstrated. Yet many consumers say what they really want is a shopping experience that’s literally touchy-feely. In a recent JLL survey, 500 U.S. participants were asked how the presence of a physical store would impact their shopping behavior. Forty percent “agreed or strongly agreed” they would be more likely to buy from an online brand that also had a conveniently located retail store. In addition to physically interacting with a product, many consumers also want high-touch customer service that’s just not possible via phone, screen or chatbot. Many pop-ups offer something else that customers still value: the sheer simplicity, not to mention instant gratification, of buying a product and leaving with it.
If you own real estate, you know some rent is better than no rent. This reasoning helps explain why pop-ups are opening in some of Manhattan’s most expensive shopping districts. The softening NYC real estate market, for example, means some retail landlords are leasing premium spaces to temporary tenants, often at discounted rates. It’s a win-win: one real estate expert says pop-up stores bring “energy” to traditional retail spaces and may make them more appealing to other, perhaps permanent, tenants. For a new or emerging brand, the opportunity can be equally positive.Consider Stantt, which makes men’s shirts in custom sizes. The company was eager to share its wares with its core customers in Midtown Manhattan but could ill-afford rent in that pricey neighborhood. Instead of risking financial dire straits with a long-term lease, Stantt opened a holiday-season pop-up store. In doing so, it put down a reasonably-priced physical stake in a key consumer market, allowing the company to observe customers’ behavior and preferences in the real world.
Pop-up stores represent a strategic opportunity that emerging or pure-play ecommerce brands, in particular, may want to embrace in order to deepen their relationship with current and prospective consumers. In many ways, pop-up stores are a perfect retail solution to the Millennial shopper's preference for “doing” rather than “owning.” A 2016 Harris poll found 78% of Millennials would rather shell out for a desirable experience than buy something. For retailers, a well-considered pop-up or concept store can help bridge that gap.The luggage company Away hosts events such as candle-pouring workshops, music concerts and artisan trunk shows at their L.A. store. Other locally-driven events, tailored to reflect the surrounding neighborhood and local culture, take place at the New York, London and Berlin locations. By effectively linking quality luggage with a quality lifestyle, Away solidifies its relationship with adventure-hungry, suitcase-needing consumers.In today’s uber-competitive retail environment, it pays for brands to branch out in new and innovative ways to better understand and meet customers’ preferences. A carefully curated, strategically located, well-executed pop-up store can help retailers build their brand while forging a deeper relationship with consumers now, and in the future.Featured photo credit: dyson by Choo Yut Shing; CC BY-NC-SA 4.0


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New Future for Somerset & Dorset branch
The Somerset & Dorset branch, which has been in limbo recently, is due to be re-launched as the Somerset branch in 2019. Supporting the re-launch will be Triumph's Dealership of the Year, Total Triumph. A meeting is been organised for all current Members of the Somerset & Dorset branch. Read on for more info.
South Lincs Branch Skegfest Announced for 2019
Having had 2 great years at Skegness, Trifest moves North in 2019. Feedback for the Skegness event was so positive that Members of South Lincs decided to take on the event themselves, helped by branches such as Peterborough, South Lincs and Yorvik. Skegfest 2019 will be from Friday 11th to Monday 14th October.
Up to 85% off Official Triumph Motorcycles Accessories
Triumph Motorcycles has announced a limited-time offer on a raft of its official accessories with discounts of up to 85%. From now until Friday 14th December (subject to availability), accessories across the Triumph Adventure, Cruisers, Modern Classics and Roadsters ranges have been reduced in price.
2nd Generation TFT Upgrades from Spring 2019
I'm sure you've all seen the impressive Scrambler 1200 TFT screen and heard about all the connectivity that is now built in. Well that functionality is not only being rolled out to all new TFT screen models, but it will also be available as an upgrade for any existing models with TFT screens. Read on for details.
James Toseland is New Triumph Global Ambassador
Triumph Motorcycles are delighted to announce a new and exciting partnership with James Toseland as Triumph Moto2TM racing ambassador. James is delighted to represent Triumph Motorcycles and help to raise the profile of our brand around the world. This was announced at EICMA on Thursday.
Draganfly Add Classic 750cc Triples Parts Section
Draganfly's expansion into Triumph spares continues with TWO 750cc Triples sections! Owners of 1968-1975 T150 and T160 Triumphs as well as X75 models can now order parts online, using original Triumph part numbers or just by browsing the parts catalogue.
Announcing Trifest Skye 2019
We are delighted to announce that Trifest Skye will be held on 20th-23rd September 2019. There will be a range of activities available including, evening entertainment, best bike awards, ride outs, exclusive event tee shirts and much more. Accommodation is already being booked so get in quick!
Triumph Release Speed Twin Teaser
Triumph have released a teaser trailer for the Speed Twin stating that it is 'coming soon' but no date has yet been set for the launch. The video has a lot of flashing images and black spaces so you don't get a great look at the bike itself, but then we have all seen the videos from the Dealers Conference?
Meet the TOMCC at Motorcycle Live 2018
Another year is coming to a close, but there is still the massive Motorcycle Live Show to go at the NEC. The TOMCC are again exhibiting at the show - from the 17th to the 25th November - and will be taking Memberships, talking Triumphs, explaining what the Club can do for you, and you are welcome to come say hello.


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Irate Merchants Block Bagratashen Border Crossing; Protest New EEU Regulations
Protesting new sanitary regulations imposed by the Eurasian Economic Union, around forty merchants from surrounding villages today blocked the road leading to the Armenian border crossing at Bagratashen leading into Georgia.
The merchants say the new regulations, in effect as of July 1, allowing only up to five kilograms of various perishable products to be imported from Georgia, have bankrupted them.
Their ire was particularly directed at the large freight trucks crossing the border into Armenia.
“How long will this situation continue?” asked Karineh Abrahamyan, a Bagratashen resident. “Ordinary merchants are only allowed to transport seven watermelons. We see the truck drivers paying 20,000 AMD, after which they’re allowed to pass.”
Satik Yayilyan, another local merchant, heaped scorn on Armenian customs officials, accusing them of lacking any moral scruples.
The newly-appointed head of the Bagratashen customs house, Hovhannes Haroutyunyan, told Hetq that the merchants are merely interested in increasing the volume of goods they trade across the border without paying the legally prescribed fees.
Merchant Karineh Abrahamyan said that officials in Armenia must take the economic plight of its citizens into account and draft laws accordingly.
“All of them are busy thinking of ways to enrich themselves, and don’t give a hoot about the common folk. They only remember us at election time,” Abrahamyan told Hetq.
Saying that he understood the economic plight of the merchants, Haroutyunyan nevertheless said that the customs agency isn’t a social assistance center.
“It’s up to the community mayors and the Tavoush Provincial Governor to inform the government about the problem. We’re working overtime as it is,” said Haroutyunyan.
Police arrived and dispersed the protestors. The irate merchants said they would organize more such actions.


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Designer Moray Callum’s latest project at Ford wasn’t designing just another car. He was charged with making over one of the company’s most-famous nameplates: Taurus.Read more
Get used to seeing, hearing and reading about the redesigned 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but dont look for it at the North American International Auto Show.Read more
As expected, the new, “W212” E-class, being previewed to journalists in Detroit ahead of its spring unveiling in Geneva, looks similar to the ConceptFascination design study that debuted in Paris last fall.
There was a time when the sedate, broad shouldered shape of a Mercedes-Benz sedan was synonymous with quality, durability and superior engineering. Nowadays, customers are more likely to associate reliability with the shape of a Toyota Camry, while Mercedes has pursued ever sleeker and more swooping body forms. Until now. As the brand finally emerges from its build-quality funk (it was the only European automaker to win quality awards from J.D. Power & Associates in 2008), it clearly intends to help customers recall its tank-like sedans of yore. Meet the 2010 Mercedes E-class.
Shame, the new metallic chisel-beak. Though some love the styling of the new-for-2009 Acura TL, its controversial looks appear questionable at best in many circles.Read more
Sebastien Buemi has revealed that his contract to race with the Toro Rosso team in 2009 was signed almost three weeks ago.Read more
Just as F1’s team alliance FOTA has pushed on with cost cuts, the group is now turning its attention to spicing up the spectacle of the sport.Read more
Ron Dennis has admitted he is “concerned” chiefs of the Donington Park circuit will fail in their task to organise the 2010 British grand prix.Read more
A spokeswoman for Renault has confirmed reports the French team’s new F1 car for 2009 has failed a crash test.Read more
Former Formula One driver Franck Montagny admits that his hopes are rapidly fading to obtain a regular IndyCar seat for the 2009 season but he is still targeting an Indianapolis 500 drive with Andretti-Green Racing.Read more
One would expect the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) held in Detroit to provide plenty of thought-provoking new technologies and head-turning designs from international and American manufacturers alike. After all, since 1989 when it was first granted its official international status, it has grown to become the premiere auto show on the continent.Read more
Jaguar is expanding the XF range for the 2010 model year with the addition of the high-performance XFR.Read more
General Motors is delaying the launch of the Chevrolet Camaro sports car by a month, without explaining why.Read more
Hyundai’s North American design chief, Joel Piaskowski, left the automaker on Dec. 31.Read more
The Italian sports car manufacturer first won the Brickyard seventy years ago, and in celebration, it’s created the 2009 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S.
When it comes to winning marques at the Indianapolis 500, Miller and Marmon come to mind – but Maserati? Sure enough, the Italian sports car manufacturer first won at the Brickyard seventy years ago, and in celebration, it’s created the 2009 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S.
The 2009 Volvo S60 concept seeks to prove that a Volvo can be both safe and sexy.
Sleek and sexy are words that are rarely associated with Volvos. Rather, the name Volvo generally conjures up adjectives such as safe and secure. Yet, the 2009 Volvo S60 concept seeks to change that notion and instead prove that a Volvo can be both safe and sexy.
Ford Motor Co. will expand its voice-activated Sync information service globally beginning in Europe in 2010.Read more
As a package, it isn’t anything stellar, but it’s perfectly acceptable for those who just need to commute and haul a family around.
The XL7 is a perfectly adequate crossover in the same way an Equator is a perfectly adequate truck. The XL7 isn’t a very luxurious vehicle, but it does everything most families will need and the price can be quite reasonable.
New vehicle sales in the Philippines declined by 18.5% year-on-year in December to 9,885 units, according to figures released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc (Campi).Read more


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More authorities await EOH to come clean
The R7.5 million fine and public censure of JSE-listed technology services firm EOH is now a closed chapter, as the company shifts its focus to clear its name with more regulatory authorities.
So said EOH Group CEO Stephen van Coller yesterday, in a telephonic interview with ITWeb, adding the company is impressed with the progress its recently-launched iOCO brand is making in the reorganisation of EOH.
Last week, EOH acknowledged the JSE fine and public censure after its previously published financial information for the periods 2017 to 2018 were deemed incorrect, false and misleading.
The results in question were published before Van Coller took the reins at the company, and since taking over, he has been trying to rebuild the company’s battered image.
An investigation into the company revealed several acts of wrongdoing, especially in relation to public sector contracts.
According to Van Coller, while EOH has made significant progress in clearing the legacy issues, it still has to face the Special Investigating Unit (SUI) as well as the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
“We have cleared up a lot of stuff. We are currently dealing with different authorities that regulate different things. The JSE just regulates our listing, so the big thing is we have closed that chapter with them.
“We are busy with the SIU at the moment and I am hoping in the next couple of months, we would have closed that chapter as well. That will be a big one. We are busy with SARS – we are nearly done with that,” Van Coller says.
In acknowledging the accounting blunders last week, EOH said it is committed to pursuing legal action against the main perpetrators identified to try to recover losses caused by the culprits.
“We are just moving forward one by one and we will get through each and every one of them. We have got information that we have been able to share with any of the regulators,” Van Coller notes.
Digitally native combo
Besides the troubles besetting EOH, Van Coller is excited with the progress of the company’s iOCO brand, which was announced last year.
On 1 August 2019, the group announced it would be “simplifying the ICT business, integrating client offerings under one brand, driving governance imperatives, and aligning the service-delivery model and offerings for the cloud economy and fourth industrial revolution”.
This led to the launch of iOCO.
According to EOH, the name iOCO is the combination of the digitally native “Internet organisations” (iO) and “creative organisations” (CO) of the future, but symbolises more than four simple letters.
Van Coller explains that before iOCO, EOH was made up of a number of businesses. “We had a number of brands – whether in the fintech business or information services. We had Nextec, which was an engineering business. We also have an ICT business.”
He points out that the problem with the ICT business was because it was a regional operation, it was also called EOH, so there was confusion between EOH Holdings and EOH – the ICT business.
“This is what really drove the decision to change the ICT business so that as we create transparency, people would know which business we will be talking about.
Although there have been media reports suggesting the organisation is driving the iOCO brand while pushing the tainted EOH brand to the periphery, the CEO says: “The company has not yet made a decision on whether to change the holding company’s brand or not, but there was just confusion between EOH Group, which was a number of companies and the ICT systems integration brand which was also EOH.
“So we had EOH Holdings and EOH Muthombo and so forth. So it was just creating confusion in the market and we wanted to get rid of that confusion.”
He notes the iOCO business is made up of four parts.
“The first part is the service part, which I call the infrastructure layer, which is the connectivity layer where we run people’s server farms, data storage farms, desktops and so forth.”
Van Coller says this is an outsourced service and iOCO is seeing more business in that space, as organisations want their IT to be always on.
“It’s a bit like not so long ago. We would have to come home, fire up a generator or put up a fire on the boiler to get your hot water going. But now you walk in and flip the switch and you basically have outsourced your electricity to the likes of Eskom.
“So outsourcing is an important part of the business and we are seeing that grow, especially in the medium and small business space which cannot afford a full service IT.”
The second part of the iOCO business is the original equipment manufacturer, says Van Coller. “That’s the SAP, Oracle, IBM, Dell and Microsoft. These are big global companies that have got their own strategies. So they use companies like EOH in South Africa to be their agents. They pay us a margin for doing that.”
The other business units that fall within iOCO are open source as well as sales solutions and advisory services.
He believes its diverse portfolio makes iOCO a serious contender in the market.
Van Coller has been amazed at how quickly iOCO has managed to consolidate from about 50 businesses into four main units.
“I talk about them as being 50 speed boats with no communication, just going out into the ocean to execute a battle. Now they have put themselves up as four destroyers fully communicating between each other in sharing IP, sharing customers as well as sales. This is what is making them a powerful force.
“We are probably six months ahead of where we expected us to be at the moment and it’s very exciting. iOCO currently contributes about 65% of revenue and about 60% of EBITDA, but this will change as the businesses that EOH sold are no longer in the revenue set.”
In closing, Van Coller says: “We have managed, across the six-month period, for the first time to keep our cash flows stable and slightly positive as we accelerate our repayments to the banks. I think this is why our share price has reacted quite favourably over the past three months as people see that we have stabilised the business.
“What’s really important about that is that we have largely stopped the bleeding and move the business forward to a much more positive frame.”


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FDA to test food ingredients for melamine
to inspect food manufacturing facilities and test protein
ingredients following the recent news that the chemical melamine
may have entered the human food chain.
In a letter to industry, the agency said that food manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their products, and should not wait for possible FDA testing to implement safety measures. The food regulatory agency urged manufacturers to make sure they have procedures in place that ensure the safety of the ingredients in their products, as well as the packaging and processing supplies they use. Manufacturers were also told they should verify that their suppliers have such procedures in place. The announcement comes in the wake of a contamination scare after hogs and chickens meant for human consumption were fed pet foods thought to contain melamine. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), pet food made with contaminated wheat gluten from China was mixed into feed used on 30 broiler chicken farms in Indiana. About 3m chickens fed the feed have all been processed and sold on the market. Melamine is a chemical compound used in a number of commercial and industrial applications. The US has banned its use as an ingredient in animal and human foods. It has limited authorization for use in contact materials such as packaging for human food. The FDA said it has no evidence that humans have suffered any health problems after eating the processed products made from the hogs and poultry. In its letter to industry last week, the agency said it has issued a protein ingredient surveillance assignment. As part of this assignment, FDA, in conjunction with state regulatory authorities, will inspect various food and feed facilities. They will also carry out tests to ascertain the presence of melamine in a variety of protein ingredients and finished products containing such ingredients. FDA said it initiated this assignment to help ensure the safety of the US food supply. The assignment is designed to supplement melamine testing already conducted by FDA. The protein concentrates being tested currently include wheat gluten, corn gluten, corn meal, soy protein, and rice protein concentrate. In coming weeks, testing is expected to expand to include additional types of protein concentrates and finished products. FDA said it will collect samples primarily during inspections of domestic food manufacturers or, in the case of imports, at the point of entry. The samples will be analyzed at a variety of laboratories that are part of the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN). In April, melamine contamination was linked to an outbreak of cat and dog deaths and illness associated with pet food manufactured with vegetable proteins from China. About 18 pet food manufacturers and others have recalled dog and cat food and other suspect products and ingredients. The FDA noted that it had collected about 750 samples of wheat gluten and products made with wheat gluten. Out of these, 330 tested positive for melamine or melamine related compounds. Of the 85 samples of rice protein concentrate and products made with the ingredient, 27 tested positive. All the ingredients were imported from China. China has since banned its food exporters from using melamine. The findings could potentially further raise consumer fears over the safety of the food chain, even as Congress is examining whether the FDA failed to prevent recent contamination outbreaks linked to spinach and lettuce. FDA advice on how to ensure that food ingredients and food products are safe for human consumption can be found here. Companies interested in performing their own tests for melamine, can access the methodology used by the FERN laboratories here.


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- Is Kohl’s closing in 2020?
- Is Starbucks closing in Canada?
- Is Lowe’s closing stores 2020?
- Is Reitmans closing in Canada?
- What businesses are closing for good?
- What stores are closing in Canada 2020?
- Is Victoria’s Secret Going Out of Business 2019?
- Is Home Depot closing stores in Canada?
- Are Bath and Body Works stores closing?
- Which Victoria Secret locations are closing?
- Is Stein Mart closing stores in 2020?
- What Bath and Body Works stores closing?
- Is Bath and Body Works Canada closing?
- Is Bath and Body Works closing stores in 2020?
- Which Victoria’s Secret stores are closing in Canada?
Is Kohl’s closing in 2020?
MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis., March 30, 2020 – In its ongoing support to slow the spread of COVID-19, Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) today announced that it will extend the duration of its temporary store closures until further notice..
Is Starbucks closing in Canada?
Starbucks says it will be closing hundreds of locations in Canada and the U.S. as it restructures its business model. … TORONTO — Starbucks is planning to close up to 200 coffee shops across Canada as it responds to changes in consumer habits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Is Lowe’s closing stores 2020?
Store closures will reportedly include 26 Ronas, 6 Lowe’s, and 2 Reno-Depots that are expected to close in January and February of 2020. The Canadian store closures add to the 51 U.S. and Canada locations that Lowe’s announced it was closing back in November 2018. … Ellison, Lowe’s president and CEO said.
Is Reitmans closing in Canada?
Reitmans (Canada) Ltd. will close two of its retail chains and lay off roughly 1,400 workers as the company continues a restructuring amid the pandemic. Montreal-based Reitmans said Monday that it will shutter its 77 Addition Elle stores on Aug. 15 and 54 Thyme Maternity locations on July 18.
What businesses are closing for good?
Here’s a list of the stores expected to close this year.Tailored Brands: 500 stores. Getty/ Andrew Burton. … Pier 1 Imports: 450 stores. Shoshy Ciment/Business Insider. … RTW Retailwinds: up to 378 stores. … GameStop: 320 stores. … Signet Jewelers: 300 stores. … Stein Mart: 279 stores. … Papyrus: 254 stores. … GNC: 248 stores.More items…
What stores are closing in Canada 2020?
Store closures in 2020JCPenney JCP +0.7% : 152 stores (bankruptcy)Pier 1 Imports PIR -8.3% : 936 stores (bankruptcy)Stage Stores SSI +12.9% : 738 stores (liquidating)Stein Mart SMRT -37.9% : 250 est. … AT&T T +0.6% : 250 stores.GameStop GME -6.1% : 320 stores.Macy’s M -2.5% : 125 stores (over 3 years)More items…•
Is Victoria’s Secret Going Out of Business 2019?
Is Victoria’s Secret going out of business? So far, Victoria’s Secret hasn’t announced a plan to shut the doors of all of their stores, but there’s some writing on the wall. For starters, they actually did close many doors in 2019. Over the course of the year, 53 stores were closed, due to a “decline in performance”.
Is Home Depot closing stores in Canada?
Beginning Saturday, March 21, stores will now close daily at 6 p.m. As an essential retailer to the communities it serves, The Home Depot Canada is committed to keeping stores open just as it always does during times of crisis and natural disaster.
Are Bath and Body Works stores closing?
Fifty U.S. stores and one in Canada are slated to close this year, the retailer’s parent company L Brands said in an earnings report last week. L BRANDS INC. Nearly all Bath & Body Works stores, which specialize in scented candles, fragrances, cremes and lotions, closed in mid-March due to the spread of COVID-19.
Which Victoria Secret locations are closing?
Parent company L Brands also announced it plans to close 250 Victoria’s Secrets locations and 50 Bath & Body Works locations.Hollywood, 6801 Hollywood Blvd.Beverly Center, 8500 Beverly Blvd.Westwood, 1046 Westwood Blvd.Canoga Park, 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd.Northridge Fashion Center, 9301 Tampa Ave.More items…•
Is Stein Mart closing stores in 2020?
The off-price chain Stein Mart, which announced Wednesday it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, will officially be closing all of its stores for good.
What Bath and Body Works stores closing?
51 ‘vulnerable’ Bath & Body Works stores are closing. By the end of 2020, 50 Bath & Body Works locations in the U.S. and 1 location in Canada will close permanently. There are 1,635 Bath & Body Works stores nationwide, and 102 in Canada, so these closures represent about 3% of all stores.
Is Bath and Body Works Canada closing?
TORONTO — The parent company of Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works says hundreds of locations in Canada and the U.S. are permanently closing as retailers struggle to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Is Bath and Body Works closing stores in 2020?
Bath & Body Works is the latest retailer to announce store closures in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The store’s parent company, L Brands, revealed in a first quarter earnings presentation that 50 Bath & Body Works locations in the United States, as well as one store in Canada, will close in 2020.
Which Victoria’s Secret stores are closing in Canada?
The struggling Victoria’s Secret brand has been quietly shutting down some of its stores in Canada. The latest is the lingerie and bra retailer’s location in CF Market Mall in Calgary after it shut down operations in CF Sherway Gardens in Toronto, CF Richmond Centre near Vancouver, St.


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The 20th floor of Sydney’s Opera Residences
sold for $26 million in mid November, breaking an Australian record for the most expensive penthouse sale, according to marketing agency CBRE Residential Projects
The sale, secured by Macrolink and Landream’s residential development, Opera Residences, averages at $95,500 per square metre. Situated on the Eastern side of Circular Quay, the Bennelong apartment features 270 degrees of uninterrupted views of the city sky line, Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. The 272 square metre penthouse includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a triple lock up garage.
The anonymous local buyer also purchased two sub-penthouses at $16 million and $15 million, spending at total of $57 million. Commercial Real Estate Services
residential Director Tim Rees
said the sale reflects a significant demand for premium apartments with city views as well as a supply of luxury apartments in Sydney’s Northern CBD.
“There has been unprecedented demand for Opera Residences’ super premium apartments and this represents the last opportunity to purchase a brand new apartment on Bennelong Point. The sale now positions Sydney as a mature global city, reflecting rates achieved in cities like New York and London,” he said.
The previous record for the most expensive penthouse was Melbourne’s Australia 108 Development. The penthouse of the residential sky scraper, which is the highest in the Southern Hemisphere, sold for $25 million in July 2015. Another penthouse that sold for top dollar in 2014-15 included a Pacific Bondi Beach Penthouse
, selling for $21 million. The two-storey apartment boasts 40 metres of beach, an internal lift, a gym and spa and five bedrooms. Following closely behind is The Residence
penthouse on Sydney’s Hyde Park
, which sold for $17 million. The premium residence comes with a personal rooftop pool and breathtaking views of Sydney’s iconic landmarks.


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When life gives you lemons ...
￼Poulsbo youngsters sell lemonade for charity.
POULSBO — Pals Bridget Eissler and Ava Neal are looking to earn some funding for charity today at the Poulsbo Farmers Market. Joining a nationwide, Crayons-sponsored drive, Bridget, 6, and Ava, 7, will be selling lemonade starting at 9 a.m. this morning. At $1 a can, the girls are donating all proceeds to the Kitsap Community & Agricultural Alliance (KCAA).
“I thought it would be fun,” said Bridget on raising money for a cause. She and Ava were among the first 1,000 kids to respond to Crayons’ call, meaning the company sent them supplies for their lemonade sale.
The girls decorated their stand, which will offer 120 cans of all-natural lemonade.
After today’s fundraiser, the girls will present their earnings to the KCAA at their July meeting. Bridget’s mom, Annie Eissler, said the group works to maintain and promote the area’s rural community — something Bridget loves.
“She’s kind of a little entrepreneur,” Eissler said of her daughter, who’s been eyeing the idea of opening her own Farmers Market stand for some time.
The national movement has been tabbed the “Pink Lemonade Brigade.”
This is its inaugural year.
According to a Crayons release, the kid-empowering “Pink Lemonade Brigade” was sparked by 7-year-old Connor Lloyd, the son of Crayons CEO Ron Lloyd. The one-day event will unite kids across America and raise funds for an array of philanthropic causes.
Six-year-old Anya Anunson will also be doing her part today, selling Crayons-sponsored lemonade for North Kitsap Fishline.
Her stand will be set up in conjunction with a Liberty Bay Presbyterian Church car wash, which will earn money to benefit missions through the summer. Both start at 10 a.m. For more information, call (360) 779-7545.


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Terrifying truth: It’s getting scarier on America’s roadways
New Nationwide Agency Forward survey shows dangerous driving behavior drastically higher than last year
Consumers fear drivers are faster, more aggressive, and more reckless compared to 2022. They are right. New research from Nationwide shows dangerous driving behavior has not improved since last year. In fact, it has reached alarming highs.
The younger the driver, the scarier the driving behaviors
Nationwide’s Agency Forward research found that Gen Z has especially developed unsafe driving habits. 59% of Gen Z drivers admit being more impatient on the road than they were a year ago, and 47% report driving faster and taking phone calls on a handheld device. During the past year:
- 38% of Gen Z consumers admitted to looking at their phone more frequently while behind the wheel.
- 34% of Gen Z drivers video chatted while driving.
- 24% of Gen Z and 23% of Millennials used/checked social media while driving.
Americans overrate their driving behavior
Just like in 2022, drivers think highly of their driving skills. 86% of consumers rate their own driving behavior as excellent or very good, while only 23% would say the same of other drivers on the road.
Many drivers speed and multitask behind the wheel
Speeding remains an issue, with 54% of Americans admitting they’ve driven 10+ mph above the speed limit over the past 12 months. More than a third (35%) of vehicle passengers witnessed their driver texting while behind the wheel.
“The trends we’re seeing are not heading in the right direction,” said Beth Riczko, President, P&C Personal Lines at Nationwide. “This unnecessary multitasking behind the wheel is not worth the risk and drivers create danger for themselves, the passengers, others on the road, and even pedestrians.”
Bad driving more inconvenient and expensive than you might think
Dangerous drivers might not be prepared for the wait and costs associated with repairs after a car accident. Like most industries, auto repair shops are dealing with inflation, workforce shortages and supply chain issues - increasing the average cost and wait time for repairs on vehicles.
Car repair cost and wait times have increased:
- 47% of drivers believe that a car can be repaired within 2 weeks following a fender bender, on average.
- In reality, Nationwide claims data shows the average repair (from scheduling the repair to completion) can take six to eight weeks.
- Three out of four drivers (76%) estimate it cost less than $2,500 to repair a fender bender.
- In reality, Nationwide claims data reveals the average repair cost is nearly $4,000.
“In the last three years, Nationwide has seen a dramatic increase in repair times and repair costs,” said Riczko. “In 2022, even minor repairs took several weeks to complete, and hundreds of dollars more than they did in 2019. Bottom line: reckless driving will ultimately cost drivers extra time, money and likely, their safety.”
Certain tech can help with bad driving
Telematics is a tool consumers can use to help them stay alert and safe on the road. Nationwide’s SmartRide app provides personalized feedback and discounts for safe driving. Drivers interested in learning more about SmartRide’s distracted driving feedback are encouraged to talk to their independent insurance agent.
Nationwide commissioned Edelman Data & Intelligence to conduct a 10-minute quantitative online survey among a sample of 1,000 U.S. adults who own cars between February 17 and February 22, 2023 (generational ranges include Gen Z 18-26, Millennial 27-42, Gen X 43-56, Boomers 57+). As a member in good standing with The Insights Association as well as ESOMAR Edelman Data and Intelligence conducts all research in accordance with local, national, and international laws as well as in line with all Market Research Standards and Guidelines.
Watch Nationwide's Elizabeth Riczko, President of P&C Personal Lines and the Ohio Department of Transportation Highway Safety Program Manager, Michelle May as they discuss American’s driving behaviors and how dangerous driving is impacting American's wallets.


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VICTORVILLE — One local Walmart Supercenter will host a Build-A-Bear party to celebrate the First Anniversary of opening Build-A-Bear Workshops inside the popular big box retailer nationwide.
On Saturday, the public is invited to a “fun and experiential” party at the Build-A-Bear Workshop inside the Walmart Supercenter at 12234 Palmdale Road in Victorville.
The celebration is scheduled from 10 a.m to 9 p.m. with Build-A-Bear’s huggable mascot, Bearemy, at the store from 11 a.m. to noon to give hugs and to pose for pictures. There will also be coloring sheets, party bear ears, stickers and more.
The first 20 guests at the Build-A-Bear Workshop will receive a special $5 gift card for their purchase including Condo Cubs, a brand-new collection of furry friends starting at $10 each.


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Banks fighting debit card fee changes
- Staff Wichita Business Journal
As the Federal Reserve prepares to write new rules for lower “swipe fees” on the debit cards consumers use at retail sites, banks and debit card companies are going on the offensive.
The New York Times reports that banks, who have launched a campaign claiming “Bureaucrats want to take away your debit card!”, are saying the fee reductions will leave many of them unable to issue debit cards unless they hike up fees elsewhere.
Meanwhile, retailers also are heading to Capitol Hill to push for the change.
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The Changing Marketplace
How monitored smart home security provides peace of mind for homeowners
- By Kelly Atkinson
- Jul 26, 2021
As the Internet of Things (IoT) has continued to evolve, so, too, have the options for pairing smart home integration with both professionally monitored and self-monitored home security solutions. As an industry, we have come a long way from the push-button keypads hardwired to units in closets that had dial-up connections to a central station. Advances in technology, including LTE and 5G networks, Bluetooth and Z-Wave, have allowed home security providers to make our systems a seamless part of everyday life for millions of Americans who own or rent a home.
We have moved beyond providing professional monitoring for deterrence and intrusion only—life safety monitoring is now possible because of products such as connected smoke and CO detectors, flood sensors, temperature sensors and more. Coupled with other home automation products (smart locks, smart lightbulbs, smart thermostats, etc.), a smart security system can streamline the home experience for customers and provide them with security, and peace of mind, for life. While self-monitored systems are popular with entry-level consumers of smart security, a professionally monitored system still offers the most value for money, as customers know that a central station is there in any emergency, 24/7/365—whether they are home or away.
The smart home market is booming, with newcomers to the industry offering budget-friendly options that are tempting more Americans to try adding automation or video cameras to their homes. In fact, research shows that 30 percent of U.S. broadband households now own at least one smart home device. Security is understandably a concern as customers add devices to their home Wi-Fi networks—it’s important to encourage customers to check their network security, install firmware and antivirus protection updates regularly, and keep technology current to avoid threats. While some manufacturers offer devices that can integrate with other smart home products, many of them run on separate proprietary apps, which can make the customer experience a frustrating one. Imagine having to open separate apps to disarm your alarm, open your garage, and unlock the back door—it is not the simple, streamlined life that smart home commercials promise or that customers are telling us they want.
This is where security providers have an advantage over smart home only companies— by being able to integrate many common smart products into a home’s security system, providing a way for one app to control everything from locks and lights to the alarm itself, at the push of a button. And, because of professional monitoring, the customer is in complete control with 24/7 (emergency) coverage should it be needed. This is particularly useful if a connected smoke detector or CO alarm should trip while a homeowner is away—with monitored security, their app will notify them, and their provider will automatically dispatch emergency personnel—potentially saving property and lives.
Another advantage to professionally monitored security is the discount offered by many homeowner’s insurance policies for having a system in place. Self-monitored systems often do not qualify, and most police departments will not dispatch units to a self-monitored home when the owner is not present.
Video is another area where a security provider’s app integration makes a world of difference. Customers who choose to add indoor or outdoor video cameras can now see those feeds in real-time and even reply to video doorbells from within their home security app—whether they are on the couch or away from home. Video analytics and customized notifications allow customers to truly choose the experience that works best for their lifestyle.
It is not just self-monitored systems that are tempting to customers, we know from data shared by Parks Associates that self-installed systems are on the rise—last year 55 percent of new security systems were DIY installations . About one-third of those customers chose this route due to COVID-19 concerns, which means that as the world starts to emerge from the pandemic norms, professional installation will continue to grow. .DIY systems do offer self-service but we continue to see the interest of customers who want a professionally installed and monitored system where a trained technician ensures that everything is connected and set up properly. Customers know that their system is communicating properly to the central station, and all of their smart devices have been properly integrated into their system correctly. The technician will also show them how to use the system in the way that works best for their lifestyle and how to make changes as their needs change.
For Brinks Home, it is an exciting time to be part of the smart security industry, as more and more customers are looking for the peace of mind that a smart home + security system offers.


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A mum has called out Poundland on Twitter for selling a babygrow emblazoned with the words “Lock Up Your Daughters”. Rebecca Roache claims that it teaches boys how to be “sex pests”.
Rebecca who is a senior lecturer of philosophy at Royal Holloway University of London, branded the babygrow as “depressing” and an example of “#everydaysexism”.
She spotted the babygrow on sale of £1.50 in Poundland’s store in Oxon.
Responses to the tweet have been mixed, with some rushing to agree with Rebecca and others making comments like: “You are, in fact, everything that is wrong with today’s world”.
— rebecca roache 🇪🇺 (@rebecca_roache) April 8, 2019
One woman agreed with the Mum, saying it trains everyone that “the right response to sex pests is to regulate women’s conduct”.
Another said: “Gross. Boys’ clothes have a lot of dodgy messages.”
READ MORE: Should babies be raised on a vegan diet?
A lot of the comments called for the woman to “grow up” though, suggesting that people are too quick to take offence to things.
One man described it as a “harmless phrase used as banter”. He went on to say, “I grew up hearing and using the phrase ‘lock up your daughters’ and didn’t grow up to be a sex pest.”
Another replied on Twitter saying, “That baby grow is for 6-9 month old baby. We are offended by everything! Grow up!”
The blue babygrow is available for newborns to infants up to 12 months. It’s for sale next to a pink babygrow with the slogan “Mummys [sic] little diva’ on the front.


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This year was a banner one for initial public offerings (IPOs). Now many of those top names will be added to the Russell 2000 on December 20, 2013. What this means for investors is that there could be a spike in the shares as index funds add them.
Some 55 stocks that were IPOs this year will be added to the Russell 2000. The fact that the IPO market has sprung back to life is no surprise to many on Wall Street. Following the market collapse in 2008, the equity capital markets all but froze up. Many companies that had been right on the verge of going public had to put their plans on hold. Also, many of the top private equity firms had deals in the pipeline and were forced to cancel them.
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Jefferies put out a very complete list of the stocks slated to go in to the index on Friday. We went through the list looking for the high-profile names that are slated for inclusion. Combining this event with the S&P 500 rebalancing, which is also slated for Friday, may generate one of the highest volume trading days of 2013.
Here are some of the top IPOs of 2013 that are ready to join the Russell 2000 on Friday.
Twitter Inc. (TWTR) was by far and away the highest profile deal this year. After a huge lift on the first day of trading, the stock traded down, briefly under the $40 level, and has now roared back. The social media giant has drawn mixed reviews from Wall Street analysts, but it is here to stay. The Thomson/First Call price target for the stock is $40. Shares closed Tuesday way above that level at $56.45.
FireEye Inc. (FEYE) was a top new IPO this past summer and has maintained the early momentum. The good thing for investors is the stock has backed up off the highs and is providing a much better entry point. The company provides various real-time protection products to enterprises and governments. It provides malware protection system (MPS) products, including software-based appliances, such as Web MPS appliances that are deployed inline at enterprise Internet access points to analyze all Web traffic. The consensus price target for the stock is posted at $49. FireEye closed Tuesday at38.87.
Barracuda Networks Inc. (CUDA) was another tech deal that worked out well. The stock caught an upgrade to Buy two weeks ago from tech boutique shop Pacific Crest Securities. We profiled the stock in early December as a top name to own in 2014. The consensus price target for the stocks is $26.50. Barracuda closed Tuesday at $25.83.
Potbelly Corp. (PBPB) was a top restaurant offering in 2013. The company came to the market in October of this year, and the company has become a hot topic of discussion in the quick-service restaurant industry. The stock soared in its first day of trading, which made those who participated in the IPO very happy and allowed the company to raise a large amount of capital. The consensus price target for the stock is $33.50. Potbelly closed Tuesday at $25.35.
Surgical Care Affiliates Inc. (SCAI) was a top health care IPO in 2013 and has moved steadily higher since the deal. The company has benefited and likely will continue to benefit from the current trend towards cost cutting in medical practices. The firm's ambulatory surgery centers are a much less costly alternative to in-house surgery departments for many medical organizations. The consensus price target for the stock is currently at $34. Surgical Care closed near that Tuesday at $33.94
Rocket Fuel Inc. (FUEL) was another red-hot IPO in 2013. The company is a technology one that provides artificial-intelligence digital advertising solutions. The company offers artificial intelligence-driven solutions built on its real-time optimization engine, which leverages Big Data and its computational infrastructure to deliver highly automated, measurable digital advertising campaigns. This is a sector of advertising where money is pouring in. The consensus price target for the stock is posted at $63. Rocket Fuel closed Tuesday at $51.28.
Apparel Holding Corp. (VNCE) was a top IPO in the apparel manufacturing space. The company provides fashion apparel and accessories under the Vince brand name through wholesale distribution to department stores and specialty stores, as well as direct-to-consumer through its retail stores and the Vince.com website, as well as recreational apparel and products under the Kelty, Sierra Designs, Ultimate Direction, Slumberjack, Wenzel and Isis brand names through wholesale distribution to retailers and through websites. The consensus price target for the stock has not been posted yet. Apparel Holding closed Tuesday at $30.80
Container Store Group Inc. (TCS) was one of the hottest retail stocks to go public in 2013. One of the featured products at every Container Store is the Elfa series of highly customizable shelving units. The Swedish manufacturer makes flexible organization systems for closets, garages and other applications. While Elfa's products provide remarkable functionality and value to consumers, the important thing for investors to note is that Elfa has been a wholly owned subsidiary of the Container Store for the past 14 years. This gives the customer the ability to create and install customized storage solutions that can be designed and installed by the customer or with the assistance of designers and/or professional installers. The consensus price target for the stock is $43. Shares closed close to that on Tuesday at $42.40.
As we head to 2014, the IPO calendar will slow down here in the latter stages of December. With most of the major firms we cover expecting a solid, but not spectacular year for 2014, the flow of new deals should continue to be strong. Years of pent-up demand have created a pipeline that may not be back to normal until 2015. Investors that do not have the ability to get an IPO stock can always look for a "backdraft" trade. That means watching the top names that trade down or flat after a big rise and buying the stock then. The Twitter and Facebook deals prove that it can be a worthy strategy.