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By Katie McDonough | 14 June 2018 00:05:20A few weeks ago, I visited a beauty shop in Beijing, one of the worlds largest and most heavily policed cities.
It was packed with men and women, all of whom were dressed in brightly coloured outfits and in long, flowing, flowing dresses.
The shop was selling the latest trends and accessories for women, but for the first time, I could see the people behind the counter.
My guide told me about a small charity that supplies beauty products to the Chinese people, and that they had just received an anonymous donation.
I had never heard of the charity before, and asked about the details, as I had been hoping to see some of the products myself.
“There’s a beauty clinic here, a little bit further down the street,” she said.
When I asked what they were selling, she said that a lot of the items were made from natural ingredients.
Her guide had not mentioned that there were cosmetics companies that make beauty products in China.
Beauty is a global industry and Chinese women use a wide range of products.
Many people around the world rely on beauty products as a way to cover their skin and their blemishes, and even to treat a range of skin problems such as acne and eczema.
We are all familiar with the cosmetic industry’s reputation as a factory that produces cosmetics.
But the world of beauty is still largely a male-dominated one, with just a few women making up the vast majority of cosmetic brands.
This is particularly true of China, where women account for only 15 per cent of the global market, according to the International Beauty and Wearing Institute.
China is the world leader in the manufacturing of cosmetic products, with over $300 billion invested in cosmetics.
A staggering 80 per cent (more than $500 billion) of cosmetics in China are made by women.
While cosmetics are seen as a luxury product, there is a growing market for the simple act of taking a few steps in a day, such as shaving, shampooing and flossing.
In recent years, women have been taking more cosmetic risks, according the Global Beauty Forum, a group of leading brands and companies working to tackle gender inequality.
They are also using the internet to make sure their brands are known, with more and more women using the services of online beauty consultants and services.
One example of the increasing number of women taking a risk is the beauty brand, Aveda, which is known for its products that help women heal their skin.
However, many women are not happy with their choice of products, and are often disappointed when they find the products are not the same as what they want.
Aveda has launched a range that are more affordable, including an affordable beauty mask, a makeup palette, a moisturiser, a face moisturiser and a cream.
There are also some beauty products that are not quite as appealing as others, like facial scrubs.
And women are still not allowed to wear makeup, which means many women end up spending time in the bathroom to remove the makeup.
These are just some of our everyday lives, but there is more to this story.
Over the past few years, the beauty industry has been struggling.
Its sales have been falling, and in 2017, the world was left without enough cosmetic products to meet the demand of a rapidly ageing population.
At the same time, the industry has seen a number of scandals in recent years.
Among the biggest were the scandal of “Lush” that erupted in 2014, where the company had allegedly manipulated sales figures in an attempt to drive up its revenue.
As well as the allegations, a new scandal was sparked by a case of “Glamour” magazine, where it was alleged that women were paid for posing in sexy lingerie in an effort to make more money.
Even though these scandals have not stopped the beauty business in China, there are some positive signs.
Last year, Aptly Beauty became the first company to win the prestigious prestigious Golden Plum award, which recognises the best beauty products.
The awards are given out annually by the International Association of Beauty Industry, and Aptlys beauty products have won five awards in the past 10 years.
In the United States, beauty sales have increased over the past decade.
Despite the global economic downturn, China still remains the largest beauty market for women globally, according Nielsen Beauty.
So how does the beauty sector benefit from the economic downturn?
A huge amount.
According to the World Economic Forum, in 2017 China grew its economy by 2.7 per cent and its gross domestic product by 2 per cent, and by 2020, it will surpass the US as the world with the largest economy.


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Existing investors, including WestBridge Capital and Udaan cofounder Sujeet Kumar, have also participated in the round and Third Wave Coffee is now valued at around $150 million, people aware of the matter said.
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A new wave of coffee brands is gaining traction in Indian metros and beyond as the coffee drinking culture expands across the country. Goel said the majority of the new capital will be used to double down on store expansion in existing markets as well as to enter new cities.
“We have about 105 stores, half of which are in Bengaluru. We are looking to add another 50-60 this year across metros and tier-1 cities,” said Goel. Started in 2017, Third Wave Coffee was largely a Bengaluru-focussed coffee QSR brand but started expanding to other cities following a $21 million fundraise, as reported by ET.
In recent weeks, brands such as Blue Tokai and Abcoffee have also raised new capital from investors, including actor Deepika Padukone. In January, Blue Tokai had raised $30 million from A91 Partners and others. Starbucks India and Canada’s Tim Hortons are among other major players in the space.
Third Wave Coffee is said to be on an annualised revenue run-rate of around Rs 300 crore. The company did not, however, comment on the statistic. “Most of its stores are operating profitably minus corporate costs,” a person aware of the matter said.
“We believe that the coffee-first QSR industry is one of the fastest-growing consumer categories in the country. We have grown five times through the last year and strategically expanded our footprint across the nation. Going forward, we will continue to double down on technology and product innovation to deliver a superior cafe experience across the country,” Goel added.
Besides Bengaluru, Third Wave Coffee has a presence in Mumbai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Pune, Hyderabad, Noida, Coonoor and Chandigarh
According to Goel, the company will also continue to invest in its technology through its independent app. It sells products, including its own coffee powder, through platforms such as Zomato and Swiggy as well.
“We are excited to support the management team in their next phase of growth, using a digital-first approach,” Prakash Parthasarathy, managing partner & CEO, and Nitish Bandi, partner at Creaegis, said in a joint statement.
Wednesday, 29 Nov, 2023
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Top shareholders at Byju’s have demanded the company meet certain conditions before they consider any future capital infusion into the beleaguered edtech firm that is battling a deepening fund crunch, people in the know of the matter said.Virtual Influencers Now Making Real Money? AI, AI, Sir!
As social media influencers, Kyra and Naina have hit the big time. Only thing is, they’re not actually real — not entirely anyway. Titan, Realme, MG Motors and Boat are paying a premium to advertise through 3D-animated humans, or virtual influences, who have become quite the phenomenon on Instagram with views of up to 21 million for their reels.Timing of Burmans’ Open Offer Fishy: Religare Ind Director Ahmed
Hamid Ahmed, an independent member on the Religare Enterprises board, has described the timing of the Burman family open offer to buy more shares as ‘fishy’ in the first such media comments by any of the independent directors at the financial services company the founder-promoters of Dabur are seeking to control.

domain: news


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Jarrolds in Norwich opened the redesigned womenswear area on its first floor this week.
The extensive revamp, which was started in June and finished last week, cost £500,000. In the first week of trading, sales on the 17,000 sq ft floor were up 10% on own-bought and 14% on fashion concessions.
In this latest stage in the ongoing refurbishment of the 1840s building, the floor has been made “light, airy, calm, elegant and sophisticated”, says director Michelle Jarrold. “We wanted people to be inspired, have fun and not find shopping stressful.
“I am conscious of the ability of anyone to shop online and, as a department store, we need to think about why people want to come and shop; they want an enjoyable experience. We wanted to reach out to women of all ages and for them to feel welcome and enjoy great service levels,” she tells Drapers.
The design was created by Simon May from Furniss & May and Mark Brown from Now London, who both worked on the revamp of Jarrolds’ ground floor, where the redesign of the beauty, accessories and menswear areas was completed last year.
The new womenswear floor was remodelled in stages over a nine-week period. Attention was given especially to the lighting and floor coverings (a mix of toning, neutral porcelain tiles and carpet). More space was created for walkways and sightlines; each shopfit is restricted to a height of 2.2 metres to create a unified feel.
Halo lighting around each brand panel gives them focus. Windows have been uncovered to allow more light into the lingerie area.
We wanted people to be inspired, have fun and not find shopping stressful. We wanted to reach out to women of all ages and for them to feel welcome and enjoy great service levels
While retail prices have remained steady at Jarrolds, the floor looks more expensive and there has been a refocus of younger brands such as Superdry, Vero Moda and White Stuff. The personal shopper area is now more comfortable, while the boutique area, called Emporium, carries brands exclusive for the Norwich area, including Weekend Max Mara, Bitte Kai Rand and Maison Scotch. Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren and Hugo Boss are new to the floor for this season.
Concessions for the previously stocked Kurt Geiger, Moda in Pelle and Florida form a new shoe lounge featuring metallic, dark wood, bronze and white fixtures and back panels. Other footwear cross-merchandised across the floor includes LK Bennett, Mint Velvet and Hobbs. Jarrolds claims to have the biggest choice of women’s footwear in Norwich.
Says Michelle Jarrold: “Shoppers have been extremely positive; they can’t believe the change. We were 10% up last week [the first week of trade following the refit] on own-bought and 14% up on fashion concessions. We are amazed at how well we are doing as a store. Investment is really paying off and it’s really encouraging for bricks-and-mortar retailers. People talk about the future only being online, but we are 4% up as a store on last year, excluding online growth.”


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“AT&T customers will now be able to select BitPay as a payment option, allowing for bill payment in Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash. The telecom company had over 150 million subscribers as of Q4 2018.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve and expand our services,” said Kevin McDorman, vice president, AT&T Communications Finance Business Operations. “We have customers who use cryptocurrency, and we are happy we can offer them a way to pay their bills with the method they prefer.”
For more: https://cryptoslate.com/att-now-accepts-bitcoin-as-payment-for-its-150-million-subscribers/


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One of the more surprising game reveals in recent memory was the announcement of Armored Core 6 Fires of Rubicon. Coming off the smash success of Elden Ring, FromSoftware is returning to one of its dormant franchises. Originally given a tentative 2023 release window, it has now been confirmed that Armored Core 6 Fires of Rubicon will be released this August.
In a new trailer released this morning, FromSoftware announced that Armored Core 6 Fires of Rubicon will be released on August 25, 2023. This comes after rumors began to circulate earlier this week that the new Armored Core could launch in August. The trailer shows off the diverse locations featured in the game, as well as the various mechs that will be duking it out. We also get a light story tease with the quote "Augmented human C4-621 has awakened."
Armored Core 6 was first announced during The Game Awards in December 2022. It’s the first installment in the Armored Core series since 2013’s Armored Core: Verdict Day, and the rare non-Soulslike from FromSoftware in the modern era.
Its August release date puts Armored Core 6 roughly a year and a half after the launch of Elden Ring, which took home Game of the Year at Shacknews in 2022. FromSoftware recently announced that it was working on a DLC for the action-adventure game.
With its August 25 release date locked in, Armored Core 6 joins a stacked summer of video game releases that includes Diablo 4, Street Fighter 6, and Final Fantasy 16. With less than four months until launch, stick with Shacknews as we await more details on Armored Core 6 Fires of Rubicon.
Donovan Erskine posted a new article, Armored Core 6 Fires of Rubicon gets August release date
"Armored Core 6 joins a stacked summer of video game releases that includes Diablo 4, Street Fighter 6, and Final Fantasy 16. "


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Shenzhen, China (PressExposure) January 07, 2010 -- Googleâs Nexus One is really focal point of the public and inline enterprises. Now, cellphone-china.com is transferring the latest authoritative information of Nexus One.
January 6th, 2010, Google issued the first Nexus One in American headquarters, showed the world's first Android2.1 system phone for the public.
Soon after the launch event, Ludwig, from Adobe Company, played the video of FLASHPlayer10.1 supported by Nexus One, which shows powerful functions of Nexus One.
Ludwig simply displayed the flash effect of web page to the public, furthermore, he also said that FLASH technology will be applied massively in the game, video and web advertising, and it will have a very bright future. At the same time, Ludwig also vigorously praised the outstanding performance of adopting Snapdragon processor. However, the Adobe Company expressed, at present, there is still a great many jobs needed to finish if FLASH Player 10.1 intend to operate perfectly on Nexus One; furthermore, the company predict to launch Flash application facing the user interface and enhance usesâ internet experience.
Besides, cellphone-china.com also releases some other kinds of high quality China cellphones and cellphone accessories. No matter which function or shape customers prefer, customers will hunt their most satisfied cellphones. Whatever mode consumers need, they can buy a cheap and compatible one for their cellphones.


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Good news, Canada! You're about to save yourselves a lot of money, if you're in the market for a new Xbox 360. Microsoft announced today that prices have slashed across the board, with the Elite now ringing in at $US 449, the Pro at $US 349 and the Arcade at $US 279. An Arcade for $US 279? That's Wii pricing, Canucks. Looks like someone noticed the Canadian dollar isn't as lowly as it used to be. Maple whiskey shots for everyone!
The official word, with all of the details for our brothers to the north is right after this.


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ZURICH -- Cement-maker Holcim Ltd (HOLN.VX) Wednesday said it expects sales volumes for all kinds of building materials to decline in Europe during 2012 but sees rising demand in Asia, Latin America, and higher cement sales in North America as it reported lower-than-expected third quarter profit.
-3Q net profit of CHF394 million versus CHF356 million in 2011.
-3Q revenue CHF5.84 billion versus CHF5.32 billion in 2011
-Outlook: "Holcim expects demand for building materials to rise in emerging markets in 2012 in Asia and Latin America, as well as in Russia and Azerbaijan. In North America, cement volumes will also increase. In Europe however, sales volumes are expected to decrease in all segments."
- The company says it will give "cost management the closest attention," and pass on inflation-induced cost increases.
- Holcim's approach to new investments will be cautious, the company said.
- Holcim expects to achieve organic growth in 2012 on the level of operating EBITDA, and additionally to reap the first positive effects of the Holcim Leadership Journey this year.
- Five analysts polled by Dow Jones Newswires on average forecast a net profit of CHF434 million.
- Five analysts polled by Dow Jones Newswires on average forecast revenue of CHF 5.32 billion.
- Rival cement maker HeidelbergCement AG reports (HEI.XE) its nine months earnings on November 8; Lafarge SA (LG.FR) its 3Q results on November 9.
- Holcim shares closed Tuesday at CHF65.5. The stock has gained 30% in value since the start of the year.
Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires


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Baku. Ali Ahmadov – APA-Economics. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Georgia exceeded $700 mln in 2012, while it was $450 mln in 2009, said the Chairman of State Customs Committee Aydin Aliyev at the meeting with the delegation led by head of Customs Service of Georgian Ministry of Finance Lashi Khuchishvili.
“The trade turnover reached $ 300 mln during the first three months of 2013”, he added.
SCC Chairman noted that increase of trade turnover was caused by extension of economic relations and joint projects between two countries.
In turn, Khuchishvili said that economic relations and humane treatment between two countries are at high level.


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JAST USA’s Black Friday Sale Has Begun
JAST USA is Holding a Black Friday Sale on select titles.
St. Yariman’s Little Black Book ~Complete~ Now Available
Orcsoft’s nukige, St. Yariman’s Little Black Book ~Complete~, has been published by FAKKU and is now available on Steam, FAKKU, and Itch.io.
JAST USA is Holding their 2022 Halloween Sale
A number of spooky and sexy titles have been discounted during JAST USA’s 2022 Halloween Sale.
Episodic Nukige St. Yariman's Little Black Book ~Complete~ Now Available for Pre-Order
A man indulges in a series of flings after his divorce in Orcsoft’s remastered St. Yariman's Little Black Book ~Complete~, now available for pre-order.
JAST USA's 2022 End of Summer Sale Has Begun
JAST USA has decided to send off Summer with an extra End of Summer Sale, currently live and offering over 140 adult titles for up to 80% off.
Romance Visual Novel Iku Iku Succubus Now Available on Steam
A lustful teacher is given a class of succubi to teach about the human world in Orcsoft’s Iku Iku Succubus, a romantic visual novel published by FAKKU on Steam.
JAST USA’s 2022 Summer Sale is Underway
After enjoying the summer sun and the seaside, treat yourself to a number of titles discounted during JAST USA's 2022 Summer Sale.
The Denpasoft 2022 Summer Sale Is Now Live
Denpasoft has started their annual summer sale, discounting over 200 gaming titles on their storefront.
JAST USA’s 2022 Golden Week Sale Has Begun
Enjoy Golden Week by splurging on your favorite titles during JAST USA's 2022 Golden Week Sale, running from April 29th until May 5th.
JAST USA is Holding a Short Forever Alone Sale
Treat your love interest to something special during JAST USA’s Forever Alone Sale, currently live until February 26th.


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PARADISE — You can’t go wrong with something as sumptuous as chocolate. Joy Lyn’s Candies has won two first-place awards for its help in planning and producing the Paradise Chocolate Fest, a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of the Paradise Ridge.
The candy maker received the Best Advertising and President’s Choice awards from Retail Confectionery International at its annual convention, said Joy Lyn’s owner Bill Hartley.
“Judges were pleased not only with how much time we spent putting together the event, but how much support we were able to get. About 200 people in the community helped put the chocolate fest together,” Hartley said. “It was more successful than any of us realized it would be.”
The three-day event, held in May, netted $81,000 for the Boys & Girls Club. Capitalizing on the fest’s success, several ridge businesses and organizations are already planning for next year’s event, which will again be in May.
“We’ve had three meetings,” Hartley said last week. “We’re looking to make small improvements here and there for next year’s event.” The fest culminated in an all-day series of events at Terry Ashe Park and the Veterans Memorial Building on the Skyway. Activities included a chocolate pancake breakfast, chocolate cuisine cookoff, cake walks and pie-eating contests, craft and food booths, children’s games and entertainment.
“We’re hoping to do a better job of promoting the chocolate theme throughout the park. We’ll probably put up more signs. We might sponsor a children’s chocolate costume contest. We might mix the chocolate candy booths in with the other food booths.”
He said the queen contest will be held again, but the event at which the winner is crowned will be more simple than it was last year. “It won’t be a dance.” Hartley said fest organizers will again seek out queen candidates “who have name recognition.” The candidates collect “votes” in the form of donations to the Boys & Girls Club. The highest fundraiser is declared the winner. Hartley said last year’s candidates brought in about $52,000.
Another returning event will be the chocolate and wine tasting. “We hope to have more food than we did last year,” Hartley said. Karen White from Guittard Chocolate Co. will probably be available again to answer questions about how to pair wine and chocolates, he said.
Hartley said Retail Confectioner’s International is made up of both large and small chocolate companies, most of which are located on the East Coast. “See’s is the largest representative from the West Coast. To be in the organization you must make what is considered to be premium chocolate.” Joy Lyn’s makes chocolate candy at its Paradise store.
“We were thrilled at the success of the Chocolate Fest, especially since it was a first-time event,” said Debbie LaPlant Moseley, community development director for the Boys & Girls Club of the North Valley. Proceeds from the fundraiser “go directly into our general operating fund to support the programs we operate on the ridge,” she said.
“Next year, we hope to add an art and wine auction at the chocolate and wine-tasting event and put together a cookbook with recipes used in the chocolate cuisine cookoff,” Moseley said. “We’re thinking of inviting artists to illustrate the cookbooks. We want to bring more of an art element into next year’s fest.
“We’re so pleased and proud of Joy Lyn’s for the awards it won,” Moseley said. “We’re going to submit the Chocolate Fest to a Boys & Girls Club of America competition in the special events category. The results will be announced at an annual conference in the spring.”
Staff writer Steve Brown can be reached at 896-7755 or firstname.lastname@example.org.


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According to the latest rumor the operating system giant Microsoft will launch the next version of Windows Operating system “Threshold” (codenamed) up to the first quarter of the next year 2015. There is also a news coming with this latest rumor that the New Windows ‘Threshold’ coming with virtual desktop support
According to one of the sources, the upcoming windows OS will similar kind of virtual desktop that is available on the Linux-based OS Ubuntu. It is basically allowing for more than one desktop to be on screen at once, each running their own applications. While the tech giant Microsoft might be testing this feature in Redmond, even the Neowin admits that it may not make it in the final shipping version of Threshold.
A Couple a weeks ago, Microsoft’s chief operating officer Kevin Turner has claimed that the next version of Windows would have some “game changing” features. The Microsoft has already admitted that the next variant of Windows operating system will enclose a more traditional Start menu for the desktop, but one which will still have some “Modern” UI features. According to the current rumors claim that the Microsoft might offer a public preview of Threshold, which might be called as Windows 9 operating system when it is officially released, this fall.
The final version launch of Threshold will be launched in the spring of 2015 and there are rumors, Microsoft might release it as a free update for Windows 7 and 8.1 users. Other details of this Upcoming Windows might be getting soon, until we have to wait for that.


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Apple revealed the iPhone 12 during its hour-long livestream titled “Apple Event ? October 13” via YouTube. Along with various versions of the iPhone 12, Apple also announced the release of numerous accessories and the HomePod Mini. The event was hosted by Apple CEO Tim Cook at the Steve Jobs Theater in California. Cook began the presentation by introducing the HomePod Mini, which is the latest addition to Apple’s line of smart speakers. The company is promising vast changes from its predecessor, such as new software, improved audio, and voice recognition. The HomePod Mini will have an “Intercom” feature as well, allowing its users to communicate through other HomePods within a household. The feature will also be accessible through iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches. After news about Apple’s entry into the world of 5G, the event reached its peak with the iPhone 12’s reveal. Available in five different colors, the latest model will also be offered as the downsized iPhone 12 Mini, the high-end 12 Pro, and bigger 12 Pro Max. Along with hardware and software improvements, the new phones utilize computational photography, allowing for dynamic range. Through the event, Apple expressed notable interest in releasing console-quality games when announcing League of Legends: Wild Rift for iOS. The company also mentioned the release of magnetic phone cases, wallets, and chargers for the latest iPhone before concluding the event. Insiders believe there will be a subsequent event in November revealing products such as the highly rumored wireless headphones called the AirPods Studio.
Ray Hong Staff Reporter
1. What phone did Apple unleash at its October event?
2. Who hosted this year's October event?
3. What are insiders expecting from Apple in November?
1. Are you a fan of Apple products?
2. Do you think most people were satisfied by Apple's October event?
3. What are your thoughts on people that upgrade their phones to the latest model every year?
4. Do you use any smart speakers like the HomePod or Amazon's Alexa?


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Demand for European destinations among Asian travellers is getting stronger as the euro weakens
Lake Geneva: A popular destination in Switzerland. Courtesy of Simona Dumitru
Strong Singapore dollar goes far
Longhaul travel out of Singapore is up, spurred by a stronger local currency and thirst for exotic destinations.
Senior vice president of marketing and public relations at CTC Travel, Alicia Seah, said bookings to Europe rose about 40 to 50 per cent in 2011.
“Uncommon destinations such as Turkey, Tibet, Croatia, Slovenia and South Africa have attracted many, especially the middle-aged and affluent experienced travellers,” she added. There was also a clear shift towards exploring destinations in-depth.
Chan Brothers Travel’s manager for marketing and communications, Jang Chang, expects a 30 per cent rise in longhaul bookings this year. Europe – particularly Switzerland, France and Italy – remains popular for Chan Brothers.
Seah added: “European NTOs in Asian markets promote their natural, cultural and historical attractions well, while the US is still only popular for its theme parks.”
Las Vegas and Orlando are the main destinations for CTC Travel. However bookings to the US are up by only five per cent, as most Singaporeans are still deterred by the extended travelling time.
And longhaul destinations are still unable to shake off Singapore travellers’ love affair with Australia, which, despite the rising Australian dollar, saw a 40 per cent growth in the last 12 months.
Chang claimed bookings to Australia rose 80 per cent for Chan Brothers at the recent NATAS (National Association of Travel Agents Singapore) Travel Fair), fuelled by Singaporeans looking for winter respite during the June school break. – Linda Haden
A Thai soap opera gives Prague (above) the limelight. Courtesy of Free-Jpeg-images.com
More Thais head for Eastern Europe
Severe flooding in Thailand late last year has hit outbound travel as Thai consumers cope with the cost of property repairs and cut back on spending.
But the good news is, strong currencies in Australia and New Zealand against a weakening Euro have triggered a swing to Europe among Thais who still have the budget to travel beyond nearby destinations.
Many travel consultants, including Chamnong Intarot, managing director of Sawasdee Holidays, said Europe was the most popular destination at the moment. Italy, Switzerland and France remain favourites among Thai travellers who gravitate towards major cities such as Rome and Paris.
Yet, Eastern Europe is the fastest-growing destination. More Thai travellers are heading to Austria and the Czech Republic after Prague was featured in a popular Thai soap opera last year.
Suthipong Pheunphiphop, vice president of Thai Travel Agents Association, said many travelling Thais had already visited Western and Southern Europe and, as the Schengen zone expands eastwards, travellers were looking towards the new frontier.
As demand centres on Europe, travel companies are responding. Traditionally an Australia and New Zealand specialist, Big World Holidays is now offering tours to Europe. Agents are also adapting itineraries to reduce the cost of package tours by shortening the length of stay and budget accommodation.
The trade still sees potential in the longhaul, including the US, but complicated visas procedures are a drawback. – Timothy France
London: In demand, but ‘expensive’ due to Olympics. Courtesy of James Wilsher
Philippine longhaul numbers ‘steady’
Travel professionals in the Philippines are reporting steady longhaul business, with no major upsets except for pilgrimages to Israel and neighbouring Middle Eastern cities – still the bread-and-butter for some – due to news of armed conflict.
Helen Hao, vice president of Pan Pacific Travel Corp, GSA for Trafalgar, said: “I don’t see a marked increase of tourists to Europe or the US – it’s been the same.”
At Rajah Travel Corp, business has been “good” and “a good mix of different destinations”. President Aileen Clemente credits the stable Philippine peso, which has appreciated gradually over the years. “Last year, the US west coast was big – places like Las Vegas, where hotel prices had dropped tremendously,” Clemente said.
She said that “hot” destinations were not always defined geographically. “What’s ‘hot’ is river cruising in Europe, as opposed to sea cruising, which feels safer at this point,” Clemente said.
But longhaul destinations appear to have new competitors in the form of Nepal and India, which are rising destinations for Philippine travellers.
Mamerth Banatin, president of Adam’s Travel Corp, said: “Kashmir is opening up. Ten years ago it was a war zone; now it’s up-and-coming,” said Banatin.
The established pilgrimage tour company has developed six-day Delhi-Agra-Jaipur packages using Thai Airways flights. The tours offer extensions to Kashmir or the “mini-Tibet” area of Ladakh, or a stopover in Bangkok on the way back to Manila. – Marianne Carandang
Switzerland hikes effort
Switzerland Tourism will open a South-east Asia office in Singapore in June.
The Swiss NTO has named Ivan Breiter, its market manager-Belgium and Luxembourg, as market manager-South-east Asia based in Singapore effective June 1. Breiter will market the destination to the travel trade and media in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.
South-east Asia is Switzerland’s fourth “booming” market after China, India and Russia.
The move to step up presence in the region is hastened by declining arrivals from main markets such as Germany, Holland, Belgium, Italy and the UK due to the economic crisis. In contrast, South-east Asia grew 13 per cent to around 170,000 pax last year, said Switzerland Tourism executive vice president-markets & meetings, Urs Eberhard.
“The decline (in the European markets) is quite prominent, up to 10 per cent. Because of their large numbers, it is substantial, although markets like France are not declining as much, say, three per cent, and those like Spain, Poland and the Nordic countries are still registering positive growth,” he said.
Eberhard was in Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur with around 12 representatives from the various Swiss cantons to conduct a workshop for some 100 travel consultants.
Singapore is the largest South-east Asian market, accounting for some 35 per cent of total arrivals from the region, followed by Thailand (30 per cent). But growth is fastest from Indonesia, up 46 per cent last year.
Currently, Switzerland Tourism has a representative in Singapore and Malaysia in the form of an embassy staff who dedicates about 30 per cent of his time to tourism representation. This will be the first time a full-time dedicated director is appointed to increase Switzerland’s share of the South-east Asian market, with a target of 12 per cent annual growth.
The director will continue to be supported by the embassy representatives in Singapore and Malaysia. In Thailand and Indonesia, there would also eventually be similar support by an embassy staff, said Eberhard.
The Singapore regional office will be located within the Swiss embassy.
Eberhard said Switzerland Tourism believed in working with the travel trade and would be supporting travel consultants in conducting consumer promotions, joint advertising and raising awareness by organising fam trips to Switzerland, among other initiatives.
Lucerne Tourism overseas market manager, Mark Meier, said: “We have been pushing for Switzerland Tourism to have a dedicated person to promote Switzerland in South-east Asia. The figures are growing. We saw 20 per cent growth from Malaysia, for example.” – Raini Hamdi
China consultants hail US visa easing policy, but those in Taiwan remain skeptical
Travel consultants in China are embracing President Barack Obama’s call to expedite visa processing to increase travel and tourism to the US.
China International Travel Service (CITS) account manager, Candice Wang, said extended visa interview hours would allow more people to go after working hours.
Currently, visa applications are also hampered by high competition for them, especially during summer travel.
Travel consultants are hopeful that more visas will be issued following the call and expect leisure travel to the US, more than business travel, to boom. Yao Qian, whose firm manages international travel for students at Beijing Language and Culture University, also believes more students will travel to the US for fun, not just to study. Currently, they have to rely on student visas to enter.
In Taiwan, the possibility of a visa waiver to the US by September alone is unlikely to turnaround flagging leisure travel demand to the States, according to consultants.
Currently, individual travellers must obtain their own visa at the US embassy, a process that is time-consuming and costly. Travel companies cannot apply for group visas for travel to the US.
But consultants said the US was mainly for business travel, not leisure, as it was not as attractive as other popular shorthaul destinations.
Antonio Liao, Phoenix Tours president, expects a short-term bump at best. “There might be a 30 to 40 per cent increase in the first year after it goes into effect. The same thing happened when Canada and the UK launched visa waiver programmes,” he said.
Star Travel Corp CEO, Vincent Lin, agrees, saying other barriers remain, especially high air fares. “Airlines have to reduce their fares by 30 to 40 per cent to see a big increase in tourism to the US,” he said.
But Liao does not see this happening in the near future. He said: “China Airlines lost US$22.5 million on the Taipei to New York route last year, and it just cut its London route. They want to recoup that loss.” – Glenn Smith in Taipei and Manuela Zoninsein in Beijing


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Articles by Gary Fowler
AI has opened doors to many transformation opportunities and increasingly minimised many risks -- personal and economic -- that are alarming today. And illicit trade is one of those pains AI can offer a promising solution against. Illicit trade is a serious threat and problem that affects governments and societies on every level. While governments lose financial funds in tax revenues, thriving businesses are losing potential customers, and customers are getting tricked into purchasing cou...
With the pandemic still in full swing and no certainty as to when exactly it will come to an end, the world has been battling anxiety for months now. And with each day, circumstances change quickly and almost make it impossible to predict what will happen next, how events will unfold, and what actions to take in light of a new situation. But one thing is certain: the world has been shut down and paralyzed for way too long, and the eventual reopening is unavoidable – in fact, it’s we...
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Looking back at 2016, anti-Muslim sentiments and racial tensions polarized society. Though that might give cause to some serious pessimism about our future as a society and the inclusion of marginalized groups, there are some major encouraging developments in the marketing field. It seems that for some big companies, 2016 was the year in which they made bold moves and decided to prominently feature everyday Muslims.
Amazon, FBTO and OMNIA
In this article Moxi.Biz will share examples of international and national ads that prove that brands, contrary to political statements have indeed embraced diversity. The ad that became an internet sensation on the web is the Amazon showcasing a Muslim imam and a white Christian pastor having tea together and laughing about their bad knees, The two are friends and shown to send each other a package (kneepads), which they then are shown to be using when they kneel down to pray. One in church, the other in the mosque: different, yet alike. Amazon casted a real life practising vicar and the imam as a Muslim community leader.
Though risky, Amazon was very motivated to deliver their message of inclusion while advertising their products. “This type of a project is definitely a first for us,” said Rameez Abid, communications director for the social justice branch of the Islamic Circle of North America, one group Amazon worked with. “They were very aware that this was going to cause controversy and might get hate mail and things like that, but they said it’s something that they wanted to do because the message is important.”
In 2016 other US other major brands like Microsoft, Chevrolet and CoverGirl picked up on speaking to the Muslim customer. The latest inclusion of a hajib wearing beauty blogger as the face of the popular cosmetics brand in 2016 was a groundbreaking moment in Moxi.Biz’ opinion. While such ads were apolitical in nature and focused on themes of community and acceptance, they were viewed as bold, even risky, in a year when there were campaign statements by Donald J. Trump about a Muslim registry and a ban on Muslim immigrants.’
There are also some examples closer to home, such as the latest FBTO (Dutch insurance company) ad campaign: no one knows you better than yourself” (Niemand kent je beter dan jezelf). This ad highlights the fact that one never knows someone when only looking at the exterior; everyone is unique in their own way. The ad features people of all colours, generations and walks of life.
FBTO worked with advertising agency Indie Amsterdam and director Madja Amin for their commercial. ‘A lot of so called knowledge of the customer is based on derivative information and assumptions, without having had any personal contact.’ says Emilio de Haan, creative director of Indie Amsterdam. Customers are pigeonholed based on assumptions, but in the end, no one knows you better than you yourself. We all think this way, but more often than not, these assumptions are wrong. We wanted to prove that with this ad.’
That diversity marketing is more than just ad campagn as Zilveren Kruis has proven this year. As we discussed in an earlier Moxi.Biz news item, Zilveren Kruis put started partnering with a new collective called OMNIA, which specializes in catering to the cultural and religious healthcare needs of citizens with a migrant / Muslim background. In 2016 Zilveren Kruis proved the benefits of diversity marketing through their partnership with Omnia specializing in catering to the cultural and religious healthcare needs of citizens with a migrant background.
Internet backlash and controversy
Moxi.Biz’ aim is to create awareness of the benefits of diversity marketing, but is also aware that acceptance of this marketing form requires one to set aside (unconscious) biases of agencies and brands. Social media reactions of the public a shown in the following segment show the hidden sentiments that in our opinion make it difficult for companies to embrace the decision of going for a more inclusive images in advertising. Ads showing any kind of racial diversity can now attract heaping amounts of hatred online — most of it delivered anonymously — as State Farm discovered last month when it posted an ad of a black man proposing to a white woman on Twitter. Remarks, like “they don’t belong here,” peppered the comments under Chevrolet’s video in June of two twins from Los Angeles, named Ruqaya and Qassim, who were accepted into a soccer program the company sponsors. They were 8 years old when the video, which did not mention religion, was made.
The 2016 movement
However, chief marketing officer at YouTube Danielle Tiedt, states that highlighting diversity is “more important than ever. I don’t think diversity is a political statement, this is an issue of universal humanity.” A campaign for YouTube Music in the middle of last year highlighted five individuals, including a young woman in a hijab, rapping to a song by Blackalicious while walking through a school corridor. The inclusion of the ad, “Afsa’s Theme,” was purposeful for YouTube.
New York Times reporter Maheswari compares these campaigns featuring Muslims and people of other religions to the movement in 2013-2014, when large companies launched campaigns featuring same sex couples and their families making inclusion and acceptance a priority over potential criticism from some customers. “With the kind of gay parent issue, we’ve gotten a little closer to acceptance, but the Muslim issue in America is still pretty raw for a lot of people,” said Kevin Brady, an executive creative director at the ad agency Droga5, which worked last year with Honey Maid on a commercial about white and Muslim-American neighbours. “I don’t think it should be, but it’s one that I think brands took an extra step of courage to really go out there with it in 2016.”
Glimmer of hope
Commercials have the potential to reach audiences with diverse viewpoints. Amazon said its ad had aired during programs including the “Today” show, “Empire” and “Blue Bloods,” while Microsoft said its placements had included “The Voice,” “Pitch” and “This Is Us.”
Moxi.Biz is hopeful about the potential. In a year filled with negative imaging and harsh political statements towards Muslims, companies have dared to take a different edge as they embraced diversity and inclusion in marketing.
Managing director of Moxi.Biz
Moxi.Biz believes that integrating diversity in doing business is a ‘must have’ rather than a ‘nice to have’. Our mission is to raise awareness of the benefits of diversity marketing and help companies reach a more diverse clientele successfully. We do this by sharing relevant news, best practices and organizing inspirational business events.


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The pharmaceutical industry has led the growth of jobs in the manufacturing sector, industry data showed Tuesday.
The annual growth of jobs at drugmakers stood at 3.1 percent between 2007 to 2016, almost double that of the total manufacturing sector at 1.7 percent, according to data from the Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-pharma Manufacturers’ Association. It analyzed statistics by the Bank of Korea, Statistics Korea, and the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.
The job increase rate of the pharmaceutical industry was also higher than 2.4 percent annual job increase in the entire industries over the cited period. The pharmaceutical industry also achieved a rapid growth in revenue and total assets, which are the key indicators of growth.
In the past decade, the pharmaceutical industry’s combined revenue rose 9.2 percent, higher than that of the whole industries at 7 percent and the manufacturing sector’s, at 5.5 percent. The revenue growth rate of the pharmaceutical sector plummeted from 13.4 percent in 2007 to 2.5 percent in 2012 due to the government’s universal cut in drug prices in 2012. The revenue growth rate rebounded to 8 percent last year.
Over the same period, the average growth rate of total assets in the pharmaceutical sector was 13.1 percent, 5 percentage points higher than the whole industries’ 8.1 percent and the manufacturing sector’s 8.2 percent.
Drugmakers also performed well in exports. The pharmaceutical industry’s annual export growth rate has been higher than 10 percent every year over the past decade, ranking top in export growth among 45 manufacturing industries.
In the past decade, the pharmaceutical industry has achieved a 13.1 percent annual export growth on average, four times higher than the 3.3 percent recorded by both whole industries and the manufacturing sector. Export volume of the pharmaceutical sector drastically expanded by 201 percent to $3.15 billion last year from $1.45 billion in 2007.
“While Korea’s economic growth rate is forecast to mark 3 percent this year, the economic growth did not accompany job growth. So, the total industries face limitation in boosting economic activity,” the association said. “But our analysis proved that the pharmaceutical industry is achieving growth both in revenue and jobs. This trend is likely to continue,” it said.
<© Korea Biomedical Review, All rights reserved.>


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There's a motoring revolution quietly gaining momentum, and it's all to do with hydrogen.
Throughout the world, vehicle manufacturers are spending billions developing technology that can allow cars to run on hydrogen instead of fossil fuel, and to emit clean water from exhaust pipes instead of pollutants.
Significant progress is being made, with some manufacturers developing ways of running their cars' engines on hydrogen as a fuel, while others are going the fuel cell way - hydrogen is converted into electricity so the car can run as an electric vehicle.
It's all gathering speed. In recent weeks, a number of manufacturers, including General Motors, Toyota, Nissan, Mercedes- Benz and Honda, have said they will have product ready for commercial release within the next two years.
But all these motoring giants have just been beaten to the start line by that fast-growing upstart from South Korea, Hyundai Motor Company.
It has become the first in the world to begin commercial production of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. It has set aside an area at its sprawling vehicle assembly plant in Ulsan, where it is taking standard ix35 SUVs that we can buy in New Zealand, and turning them into fuel cell electric vehicles or FCEVs.
What this means is that right now if you are a motorist in Europe, USA or South Korea, you can pop into your Hyundai dealership and order the ix35 that has an electric motor and uses hydrogen as its fuel.
Nobody has actually done that yet - and a primary reason is that it's not cheap. While no retail prices are officially available, it is likely it will be six to seven times more than a standard petrol or diesel-fuelled ix35.
But the big news is that it can happen.
Not yet in New Zealand mind you, because we haven't got any facilities to refuel a vehicle with hydrogen. But you can guarantee that it will happen, because now that one company has commercialised hydrogen automotive technology, the others will quickly follow suit, and hydrogen will become an increasingly viable transport mode - just as hybrid technology did almost two decades ago.
Key to this improving viability will be the number of hydrogen refuelling stations for customers to use. At present there are 223 of them around the world, including 80 in Europe, 72 in USA, 22 in Japan, and 13 in Korea.
This number is rapidly increasing. For example Germany alone expects to have 100 by next year and 400 by 2020. Norway, Sweden and Denmark are busy developing the Scandinavian Hydrogen Highway which will feature 27 stations, while Italy is establishing a similar "Highway" designed to connect the country in a hydrogen way to Germany and Scandinavia.
So even now, the Hyundai ix35 FCEV is entering a market scenario that is ready to accept it - even though one of the major problems it will immediately encounter is that most of the existing refuelling stations can only fill tanks to pressures of up to 250 bar, whereas the new Hyundai has tanks that need to be filled to 700 bar to achieve a range of almost 600 kilometres.
But that will change, said Hyundai executives at a briefing for a New Zealand media contingent in Korea last week. The new versions now being installed are all capable of pumping to the higher pressures, and the existing ones will be either upgraded or replaced.
The start to commercial production of the ix35 FCEV is the climax to 15 years of research and development by Hyundai. It all started in 1998, and the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to be tested was a Santa Fe in 2002, followed by a Tucson in 2007, and then the ix35 last year.
Each time the vehicles have featured fuel cell equipment that has got smaller and smaller.
At Hyundai's Environmental Technology Centre at Mabuk, an hour from Seoul, the early Tucson is on display next to a cut-out of the new ix35 to show just have much more compact the new componentry is - in 2007 there was no way the fuel cell stack and electric engine could fit under the vehicle's engine bay, but now with the ix35 it can.
Host at Mabuk was Dr Sae Hoon Kim, the general manager of Hyundai's fuel cell vehicle team 2.
"Our target was to make the electric engine and fuel stack the same size as a conventional engine so we could put it into a normal vehicle," he explained. "We've been able to achieve that with an SUV - now the challenge is to make the technology even more compact so it can be installed in many more Hyundai vehicles."
The main components in the ix35 FCEV are a hydrogen tank, battery, a stack of 400 ultra-thin fuel cells, and an electric motor.
When the hydrogen enters the fuel cell stack, it reacts with an inflow of air and breaks down into protons and electrons. The flow of electrons in the fuel cell provides the electricity, while the protons react with oxygen molecules from the air to generate heat and water.
The electricity generated by the fuel cell is first transmitted to an inverter which converts the direct current into alternating current, and then it is passed on to the electric motor.
This all happens in a totally silent way. At Mabuk the New Zealand media were invited to drive the new ix35, and as we approached the vehicle it was making quite a noise - but it was the air conditioning system which Dr Kim promptly turned off, no doubt figuring it would be worth the Kiwis sweating for a time in the Korean heat in the interests of a totally silent drive.
And it is silent, too. As we drove around a closed circuit within the technology centre's grounds, the only noise was tyre roar. Probably the only other noise would have been the drip-drip sound of the quite substantial amount of water that emerged through the exhaust system as the Hyundai rolled along.
Performance is very good. Whereas a standard 2.0-litre petrol ix35 offers 122 kilowatts of power and 197 newton metres of torque, the FCEV version features 100kW of power and 300Nm of instantly available torque.
This means that it is substantially faster than a standard ix35 from a standing start, and it is only as momentum increases that the petrol model begins to be the superior performer.
But only just - while the petrol model's time to 100kmh is 10.6 seconds, the hydrogen-fuelled version takes 12.5 seconds, and much of that extra time can be put down to the fact that the FCEV is 250kg heavier than a standard ix35.
But here's the thing. While the petrol version can travel 12.5 kilometres on a litre of fuel, the fuel cell model covers 27.8 kilometres on an equivalent amount of hydrogen. And adding to that environmental equation is the fact that only water comes out the exhaust pipe.
Of course there is a long way to yet go before hydrogen fuel cell electric cars can become truly acceptable as transport for the masses - the current $200,000-plus price is obviously a major hurdle - but you can guarantee that as the technology develops and more manufacturers introduce their versions, the price will amortise down.
Remember that's what happened with hybrid cars, and it is what is happening now with the extended-range electric cars that are now moving on to new vehicle markets around the world, including New Zealand.
And now, at long last, it is the turn of the fuel cell car. Thanks to Hyundai starting the ball rolling with commercialisation of its product, the future of hydrogen power is now.
THE KEY PARTS Hydrogen Storage System
At the rear of the Hyundai ix35 FCEV are two high-pressure hydrogen tanks plus ancilliary equipment including solenoid valving, high pressure regulator and overflow control valve for maximum safety safety. The tanks are strong enough to store the hydrogen at 700 bar - that's about 10,000 psi - which gives the Hyundai its operating range of close to 600km.
High Voltage Battery
A lightweight and compact lithium polymer battery is located under the floor about underneath the front seats, and its job is to temporarily store a portion of the electricity generated by the fuel cell stack. This electricity is then used to give the ix35 extra boost during that small amount of time at the start of acceleration when the fuel cell stack begins to produce its power.
Fuel Cell Stack
This is located in the engine compartment. Hydrogen and oxygen combine in the fuel cell stack to produce the electricity that powers the vehicle. Water is the only byproduct of this reaction - and people have actually drunk it - which makes the ix35 FCEV a truly zero- emissions car.
The inverter converts high voltage direct current from the fuel cell stack into alternating current, which is then used to operate the electric motor. It also controls the rotating speed and torque of the motor.
Electric Drive Motor and Reducer
The electric drive motor is the powertrain that connects the motor with the wheels and converts electric energy supplied through the inverter into mechanical torque. When the vehicle decelerates, the motor also converts the torque into electricity which is then stored in the battery. The reducer, which essentially plays the role of a gearbox, amplifies torque by adjusting the rotational speed of the motor, allowing for more efficient operation of the Hyundai on different terrains.
- © Fairfax NZ News
Should the NPDC councillors get iPads?Related story: Tech-wary councillors hedge their bets


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OnePlus has no plans to left behind as Huawei, Samsung launch the first 5G phones in 2019. OnePlus becomes the latest player to join the 5G enabled phones. The Chinese company has confirmed that a 5G phone is slated to release in the early half of 2019. Carl Pei, the co-founder of OnePlus, himself, confirmed for us a “5G phone” launch in 2019.
The 5G device is reported to launch in Europe first. OnePlus no longer can claim that it is launching the first 5G phone but it proudly touts the 5G launch as one of the first. Huawei, on the other hand, becomes the first 5G phone launching company. Carl Pei at a recent event confirmed that in launching the “5G phone”, Samsung has teamed up with Qualcomm.
Will the phone be called OnePlus 7?
Fact is that this “5G phone” will become the next launch after OnePlus 6. Some say OnePlus will choose to rename the phone while others say that OnePlus will stick with the same name. The nomenclature is debatable as of now. Carl Pei said that OnePlus has been working since 2016 now, just to bring a 5G phone on the global level. The device name however, remains unnamed for now. But the progress on this “5G phone” is faster than ever. Carl Pei claimed that OnePlus has tested the “5G phone” at Qualcomm’s headquarters in San Diego back in August of 2018.
In another news, at the newest OnePlus 6T launch OnePlus CEO Pete Lau confirmed that “5G phone” will be the first 5G phone to launch in Europe. OnePlus 6T comes with a Snapdragon 845 processor. At the same time, Lau mentioned that time has become conducive for a 5G phone. No where in the world have 5G networks/ infrastructures set up and built. But there is no quell in demand from the customers.
Lau, the CEO says that more than anything OnePlus wants to know the scope of the 5G network, what it can bring to the table. 5G might be a real game changer in the coming year but the LTE won’t go. The 5G will work with LTE too. 5G might take time to widen its reach so a new handset that enables 5G and LTE will also be launched.
So this means OnePlus customers will be eyeing two 5G flagships phones. Like I mentioned before Huawei and Samsung lead the game. Others such as Asus, HMD Global, LG, Motorola, Oppo, Sony, vivo and Xiaomi will follow the suit.


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Buyers throughout the globe and asset lessons awaited the most recent Shopper Worth Index (CPI) knowledge due on Friday. Inflation numbers are prone to damage riskier property as sell-off stress lingers on the digital token market.
Majority of the crypto tokens have been buying and selling flat, with minor adjustments, on Friday. Avalanche dropped 3 per cent, whereas Dogecoin and Cardano additionally traded within the crimson. However, Solana jumped 5 per cent, adopted by a 4 per cent rise in Polkadot.
The worldwide cryptocurrency market cap was buying and selling flat on the $1.24 trillion mark, with no materials change within the final 24 hours. Nonetheless, the whole cryptocurrency buying and selling quantity plunged about 7 per cent to $61.86 billion.
Cryptocurrency costs have been in a stoop this yr because the Federal Reserve withdraws stimulus and hikes charges to fight inflation.
Whats cooking in India
Chief Financial Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran mentioned cryptocurrencies are akin to ‘a world of Caribbean pirates’ within the absence of a centralised regulatory authority and is but to go the take a look at of a fiat forex.
He mentioned that the federal government is pursuing a ‘high-wire balancing act’ to make sure that the positive factors in progress, inflation, and rupee stability of the final 4 years are usually not frittered away.
Edul Patel, CEO and Co-founder of Mudrex mentioned Bitcoin has misplaced practically 12 per cent in worth over the past month and is down greater than 35% from its all-time excessive.
Most cryptocurrencies have additionally dipped a bit when in comparison with the day before today. Crypto costs have declined this yr with the Federal Reserve mountaineering charges to fight inflation, he added.
Bitcoin continues to carry $30,000-level as buyers await key inflation knowledge, which is able to trace about what the Federal Reserve could do in September, mentioned Kunal Jagdale, Founder, BitsAir Alternate.
“Inflation numbers are scorching and can stay scorching within the new replace. Fee hike expectations are prone to climb after the brand new report. Crypto market suffers a sell-of threat forward over the outbreak of unhealthy information,” he added.
South Korean regulation enforcement companies are investigating Do Kwon’s Terraform Labs, following final month’s collapse of its controversial algorithmic stablecoin, terraUSD (UST), in line with a report by the Monetary Occasions.
Ethereum scaling software Optimism introduced Wednesday that attackers stole $15 million in OP governance tokens. Optimism meant to ship the funds to a crypto market maker.
Bamboo believes its user-friendly, micro-investment and financial savings utility (app) is a solution to make crypto funding simpler and fewer scary for customers.
International brokerage firm BGC Companions (BGCP) plans to construct a cryptocurrency alternate and launch it by the top of this yr or the primary quarter of 2023, CEO Howard Lutnick mentioned throughout Piper Sandler’s International Alternate & Brokerage Convention.
Tech view by BuyUcoin crypto forex alternate
Solana has just lately introduced its $100 million funds to assist web3 initiatives in South Korea which can be deployed for creating gaming and NFTs and Defi initiatives.
The announcement has strengthened Solana’s place within the altcoin ecosystem. Solana is hovering across the $40 mark which is nearly 85% down from its peak.
Solana will simply take 2-3 years to retest its all-time excessive however the progress momentum will rely on the macroeconomic components surrounding the crypto markets. The inflation numbers may even impression the expansion of crypto markets across the globe within the coming weeks.
(Views and suggestions given on this part are the analysts’ personal and don’t symbolize these of ETMarkets.com. Please seek the advice of your monetary adviser earlier than taking any place within the asset/s talked about.)


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Mate 20 Pro deals
There's some big new deals available from today across a huge selection of smartphones and accessories including the Mate 20 Pro.
Carphone Warehouse announced the sale this morning with the price cuts continuing until July 16.
The sale means customers can now pop Huawei's flagship in their pocket for £33 per month with no upfront fee.
This deal includes 30GB of data plus unlimited calls and texts plus you get a free pair of Huawei Freelace Headphone worth £99.99 as well.
It's not just the Mate 20 Pro you'll find getting a discount as there's also contract deals on the Galaxy S10, iPhone XR and Huawei's P20 Pro.
Other deals give Samsung customers, who pre-order the Galaxy A80, the chance to grab a free pair of AKG Y500 Headphones worth £129 plus there's £50 cashback when you buy the new Pixel 3A.
If it's a SIM-only deal you are after then there's 100GB of data for £24 per month on Vodafone plus £50 cashback or 3GB and 1,500 minutes with iD Mobile on a 30-day rolling contract for only £8 per month.
There's also money off some smartphone accessories including cuts to Mophie Juicepacks, Gear 4 cases and money off the Google Home and Google Hoem Mini smart speakers.
Speaking about the sale Zeena Hill, Customer Go-to-Market Planning Director, Dixons Carphone comments: “We’ve launched our “Deals Too Good To Miss” event with those looking to treat themselves or a loved one to a new handset this summer - especially handsets from our top tier range.
"Both online and in-store, Carphone Warehouse is set to receive a surge in orders, showing how shoppers are eager to take advantage of the offers available during the summer.”


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|Posted: January 22, 2007
Massive price reductions for carbon nanotubes on Nanowerk
|(Nanowerk News) Nanowerk is proud to announce its new, massively reduced prices for MWNTs from Cheaptubes.
|Due to economies of scale (greater than 1000% sales growth in 2006), increased CNT production by Cheaptube's exclusive supplier, as well as increased synergies in their supply line the company has been able to significantly reduce their already low prices on the same high quality CNTs that they have been selling for the past two years.
|Please check our database where we have recently reduced the prices on Cheaptube's MWNTs in KG and ton quantities as well as their OH and COOH functionalized MWNTs.
|As always, Nanowerk visitors get a 5% discount on Cheaptube's already low prices!
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The acquisition provides Heineken with an additional technical capacity of 3.7 million hectoliters. According to the company, this will help to “alleviate the company’s current capacity constraints in the market” and improve the geographic location of its breweries.
The acquisition has been funded from existing resources. The transaction price has not been disclosed.
Heineken is to explore the possibility of consolidating the newly acquired breweries into its existing business structure in Nigeria during 2011. Discussions with Nigerian Breweries and Consolidated Breweries will begin now the transaction has been finalised. The acquired breweries will continue to provide and expand contract brewing services to Nigerian Breweries and Consolidated Breweries for the meantime, while continuing to own, brew and support the Goldberg, Williams Dark Ale and Malta Gold brands as well as various smaller regional brands.
Tom de Man, President Africa & Middle East of Heineken, said: “This important move reflects Heineken’s strategy of increasing our exposure to and growth from developing markets. Nigeria is one of the world’s most exciting beer markets and one of the most important countries for Heineken. This acquisition underlines our ongoing commitment to the country and will significantly strengthen our platform for future growth.”
The Nigerian beer market (est. 16.5 million hectolitres in 2009) is the second largest in Africa and has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 9% over the past 10 years ending 2009.
Heineken’s geographic footprint now stretches across 15 countries on the continent with 37 breweries.


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Metro stations at Syntagma and Panepistimio that were closed for precautionary reasons during a rally in Athens for Alexis Grigoropoulos opened after the conclusion of the students rally in Athens.
The Athens Polytechnic School opened its gates to the public on Thursday morning, in preparation for the celebrations commemorating the November 17, 1973 student uprising against the Junta.
The Archaeological Museum of Corfu, fully renovated and ready to receive the public, will open its doors again on Friday after being shut for six years.
The wineries of the "Wine routes of Greece" along with hundreds of other European wineries will take part in the European Day of Wine Tourism on Sunday, November 11.
Schools throughout Greece are to open for the first day on Tuesday, as they do every year on September 11. The first day normally ends early, being devoted to a start-of-year assembly, assignment to classes and the distribution of text…
In accordance with a tradition first established in 2002 to celebrate the August full moon, Greece's culture ministry will be opening 132 archaeological sites and museums throughout the country and offering night-time tours to the public…
A total of 132 archaeological areas and museums will take part in the "Panselinos 2018" event, remaining open to the public for the full moon on the night of Sunday August 26, while there will be activities at 95 of them.
Most shops selling fish, vegetables, bread and other 'Lenten' food - including street markets and mini-markets - will be open for business until midday on the Clean Monday holiday on February 19, when Greeks will celebrate the start of…
Small retail shops will be open from 11:00 until 18:00 this Sunday, while chain and department stores will remain open until 20:00 to help consumers shop for the holidays.


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Facebook unveiled its new Timeline feature in September at its annual f8 conference. However, the feature, which streamlines the user profile, had not become available to users – until now. On Thursday, Facebook announced all users now have access to the feature and marketers should be prepared for the more visual, customized layout.
Since the launch of Facebook Timeline, some users have expressed concerns regarding the amount of information on the website. Facebook has also added tools aimed at allowing users to avoid content they do not want to see or select who can see the content they add. With this in mind, marketers should be aware of the fact that they need to offer compelling content or risk being tuned out by users.
However, Facebook announced on November 29 that it has adjusted its privacy controls to give users greater awareness of the information they’re sharing on the website. While the social media giant has added a series of new third-party applications that provide marketers with information, each application or feature a user adds comes with a prompt informing him or her of the effect the app will have on their privacy.
Social media marketing campaigns that rely solely on posting content and engaging users will be less affected than those using applications on the website.
As Timeline continues its roll out, social media marketing campaigns should begin their adjustments earlier to be fully prepared when all users have image-friendly Timelines. Moreover, visual content is an especially important element of social campaigns.
A report from WebLiquidResearch found that images generate the most engagement on Facebook, which provides even further motivation for marketers to embrace Timeline. The study found that 0.37 percent of all images draw some form of action from Facebook users, which is the most of any media type.


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The maker of KitKat has failed in its attempt to trademark the shape of the chocolate bar in the UK.
Nestlé lost a ruling at the Court of Appeal yesterday in a long-running legal battle with its rival Cadbury. The two food giants have been wrangling over trademarks for a decade, with Nestlé successfully blocking Cadbury’s attempt to trademark the purple used on Dairy Milk bars.
Experts said the decision meant that rival manufacturers could start making and selling products that looked similar to KitKat with less risk of litigation.
Nestlé said that it was disappointed by the judgment and considering its next step. “KitKat is much loved around the world and its four-finger shape is well known by consumers. [This] has been granted trademark registration in many countries,” a spokesman said.
Tania Clark, a partner and trademark lawyer at Withers & Rogers, said the decision was a blow for the company but that it might not be the end of its efforts to secure trademark protection. “This case highlights the difficulties that often accompany attempts to obtain commercial protection for the shape of a product. Nestlé feels strongly about the matter and, depending on whether there are sufficient legal grounds, they could apply for leave to file an appeal to the Supreme Court.”


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Higher earners will pay almost £1,000 more in taxes in 2021 as rises in wages, council levies and spending outpace increases to any tax-free allowances.
The bigger tax bills will come even if the Chancellor holds off on tax rises in his anticipated Budget, which many have said are inevitable to cover the huge levels of public debt created by the state's coronavirus bill.
Sarah Coles, of investment firm Hargreaves Lansdown, said most people would end up paying more next year.
"We know the Government will eventually raise taxes in order to claw back some of the money it spent during the pandemic. Some of these tax hikes could be announced as early as the Budget in March, but even if it holds fire for longer, we will pay more tax next year.
"Chancellor Rishi Sunak doesn't need to hike taxes to increase what we pay – inflation will do that for him."
Rising wages will result in larger income tax and National Insurance bills. Salaries will rise 2.1pc in 2021, according to the official forecaster, the Office for Budget Responsibility.
Despite this, the amount anyone can earn tax free will only rise by a fraction of this – just 0.5pc to £12,570. It means someone earning £50,000 will pay £392 more in income taxes in 2021, assuming their wages go up in line with the national average.
On top of this, council taxes will go up. Councils can increase levies by up to 5pc to help fund social care, plus an extra £5 for local policing. The bill for an average home (band D) could increase from £1,818 to £1,924 next year – a £106 jump.
Those in the highest band – band H – could end up paying £212 more.
Going back to the shops following months of lockdowns and restrictions will mean bigger VAT bills, too.
A combination of a fall in spending this year and emergency tax holidays for some sectors hit particularly hard by the crisis means the Treasury's VAT take is expected to fall 7pc to £116bn.
But as the economy starts to recover, consumer confidence is expected to shoot up by 13pc to more than £131bn.
The average taxpayer's VAT bill will therefore rise from £2,796 to £3,159 – a £363 year-on-year increase, according to analysis of OBR figures by Hargreaves.
All in, a £50,000 earner could end up paying £966 more in 2021, even before including other potential tax rises yet to be announced.


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Culture ministry to publish book about late Denis Ten
ASTANA. KAZINFORM - The Ministry of Culture and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan is preparing additional 2,000 copies of ‘Nash Denis' (‘Our Denis'), a book about the great Kazakh figure skater, Kazinform correspondent reports.
"We collected all essential materials about Denis and released this book overnight. We distributed this book in Barys Arena during the final farewell ceremony for the figure skater. We also intend to release 2,000 copies of the book containing additional information," said Aidar Kyrykbai, the Spokesman for the Ministry.
According to him, the book about the tragically killed Kazakh athlete will be handed out in various places.
He also mentioned that the new 10 pages of the book will include well-known compatriots' speeches made during the final farewell ceremony for Denis Ten.
"It is planned that tomorrow we will make up and finalize everything. For sure, the book is available for reading in libraries. Besides, it will soon be possible to read the digital version of the book on the official website of the Ministry of Culture and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan," the spokesman said.
It is to be recalled that on July 19, Denis Ten died in hospital of massive blood loss from multiple stab wounds. The Almaty Interior Department detained two suspects in the murder of the athlete.


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Earlier this year, H&M collaborated with international South Korean singer/actor Choi Si-won and Chinese supermodel Liu Wen to star for their brand’s Chinese New Year 2016 campaign.
Now, H&M has revealed that Chinese celebrity couple Li Chen and Fan Bingbing will front their upcoming Chinese New Year 2017 campaign. The campaign will be photographed by the renowned Chinese visual artist Chen Man.
“Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays on the lunar calendar and what better way to celebrate the season than with your loved ones?” said Li Chen, the 37-year-old Beijing-born actor who is known for his acclaimed performances in Chinese blockbuster movies including Assembly (2006) and Aftershock (2009).
“During the Spring Festival, everyone wants to stand out in style when the streets are awash in auspicious red. We hope that our campaign with H&M encapsulates the style and happiness that the Year of the Rooster brings,” said Fan Bingbing, who is engaged with Li Chen. Best known as a Chinese fashion icon and an established actress in China with movies like Lost in Beijing (2007), Shinjuku Incident (2009), Bodyguards and Assassins (2009) as well as the popular TV drama The Empress of China (2014), Bingbing has successfully made her Hollywood crossover starring in Iron Man 3 (2013) and X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014).
The H&M Chinese New Year 2017 campaign will be launched in nine Asian markets including China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines at the beginning of January next year. The 2017 Chinese New Year festive season will usher the year of the rooster on January 28.


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kim kardashian Answer the controversy around Balenciaganow condemned promotional gift collection. The campaign featured children carrying plush teddy bears dressed in BDSM items, such as leather harnesses. Meanwhile, it spring image 2023, released at roughly the same time, was staged in an office environment and included a visible court document about child pornography. “I appreciate Balenciaga removing the campaigns and sorry“she posted for her Instagram Story on Sunday, Nov. 27, “In speaking with them, I believe they understand the seriousness of the problem and will take the necessary measures to make sure this never happens again. About my future with Balenciaga, I am currently re-evaluating my capabilities. relationship with the brand.”
social network users immediately put Kardashian on duty, claiming she wasn’t doing enough to sever ties with the agency. “Marriage to the right person is so important that the fact that kim kardashian was quick to denounce kanye his statement about the Jews but don’t rush to denounce her relationship with Balenciaga because their child pedophilia campaign tells you that she cares more about money than keeping her family together,” one person said. Twitter users comment. “People really expect kim kardashian condemn Balenciaga… when she let 9-year-old North West wear a gimp mask for fashion week LAST MONTH,” pointed out again.
POPSUGAR has reached out to Balenciaga for comment. At the time of publication, a spokesperson for Balenciaga Bella Hadid and Nicole Kidman have yet to remove the spring ’23 promotional campaign from their personal accounts or issue a statement. French actress Isabelle Huppert removed her more recent work for the French fashion house from her feed, though the pictures she posted in June is still present.
Keep scrolling for updates on the controversy surrounding Balenciaga’s children’s advertising campaign.


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Last week, we announced the crossing of a major milestone. As of Q2 2022, OAREX has processed more than 18,000 transactions totaling over $1 billion dollars. The OAREX team would like to thank everyone who trusted us along the way. Reducing the wait for digital ad payments has been our pleasure. We are grateful and look forward to helping more media buyers and sellers reduce that wait in the future. See the full press release here.
It’s no secret that the digital media ecosystem is convoluted. With each year that passes it fragments even further(agencies, DSPs/SSPs, networks, exchanges, publishers, etc.). For supply partners, that means more payment delays and longer wait times.
By using OAREX, digital media businesses can unlock their cash flow and get paid today. Instead of waiting 30 to 120+ days, OAREX accelerates their future revenues and provides on-demand liquidity. Those funds empower operators to maximize scale while preserving their equity.
One billion dollars of transactions processed…It shows that our commitment to our clients remains paramount, and we are excited to continue helping them grow.— Taylor Haddix, COO at OAREX
When asked what he thought of this accomplishment, Chief Operations Officer at OAREX, Taylor Haddix said, “We pride ourselves on speed and flexibility, which is why our clients continue to excel, and our retention rates exceed industry standards.” Haddix continued, “One billion dollars of transactions processed is a volume that speaks for itself, and it is a testament to the efficiency of our ops team. It shows that our commitment to our clients remains paramount, and we are excited to continue helping them grow.”
Whether media buyers and sellers need working capital to cover overhead expenses or cash to buy traffic and drive revenue, OAREX is the fast and flexible solution that can help.
Are you ready to start reducing the wait for digital ad payments? Join here.


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If you love chocolate, you'll love what Cadbury has just created.
Weighing in at 50kg, a giant chocolate egg has been made - and it's 4cm thick in places.
Standing almost three feet tall and weighing 50kg, the finished egg will contain the equivalent of 1,111 standard Dairy Milk bars - and contain a whopping 266,000 calories.
It took three expert Cadbury chocolatiers to delicately create the unique sweet treat all in the name of charity, the Manchester Evening News reports .
Photographs have captured the whole creation and design process.
Cadbury World staff Eve Turner and Gail Deeley carefully poured tempered chocolate into two huge moulds.
They were left to cool down and harden. They then were joined together ready to be decorated.
Dawn Jenks hand-piped spring flowers all over the egg to celebrate the occasion.
Cadbury World in Birmingham have created two of the enormous creations.
One will be put on display and the other will be auctioned off for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
The charity helps make the wishes of terminally ill children come true.
A version of this article originally appeared on Manchester Evening News .
The Hull Daily Mail has recently launched a free app which features all the latest news, sport and what’s on information. You can download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple's App Store, or get the Android version from Google Play.


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Google is on the verge of splurging on its most expensive acquisition, at the tune of nearly US$6 billion, almost double the price it paid of ad firm DoubleClick in 2007. Not content waiting idly for the deal to get the green light, online coupon site Groupon has snapped up three similar deal-of-the-day websites and launched in four markets in Asia. Leila Makki reports.
According to reports earlier in the week from VatorNews, Google had inked a deal worth $2.5 billion. Now, the New York Times claims the takeover bid is worth closer to "$5.3 billion, with the promise of $700 million in performance bonuses for management."
The Chicago-based startup, founded in November 2008 in the midst of the global economic downturn, has become an Internet success story - similar to Facebook and Google, with the latter intending to quickly snap it up so it can share in its prosperity.
Groupon's business model is simple: send out daily emails to 33 million plus users offering up to 90 per cent off a local product or service (ie. haircut, zoo admission) and take a 50 per cent cut in a revenue-share deal with merchants. The deal-of-the-day website is profitable - making an estimated $50 million per month and sparking a bidding war between Yahoo and Google.
The web sensation is now available in 300 markets around the world, due to its expansive plans where it acquires rival deal-of-the-day international operations including, European-based MyCityDeal, Japan's Qpod.jp and Russia's Darberry.ru.
This week, it launched Groupon Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines and Taiwan through the acquisition of daily deal sites uBuyiBuy, Beeconomic and Atlaspost.
“We see enormous potential in the Asian marketplace, and the expansion of Groupon to Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines and Taiwan is an important next step,” said Rob Solomon, president and COO of Groupon. “We’re excited to leverage an incredibly Internet-savvy customer base to generate increased sales for local merchants.”
The company claims that uBuyiBuy and Beeconomic are already dominant players in Asia's local collective buying space, whilst location-based social networking site, Atlaspost, was acquired because of the success of its group buying platform launched in August.
Although the terms of the deals were not disclosed, the acquisitions extend Groupon’s reach across East and Southeast Asia, joining Groupon Japan, which launched in August 2010.
Also this week, Groupon launched 'Merchant Store,' an e-commerce platform where retailers claim their store, create a deal, advertise it and limit the number of users who can purchase it. The virtual storefront could help maximise the potential of Google's local listings directory, 'Places.'
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The biggest business event of the year isn’t upon us just yet, but it’s never too early to prepare for Lowe’s Black Friday and the amazing bargains we see in the holiday sale event. from the hardware store. Whatever you need for your home indoors or out, Lowe’s Black Friday 2021 will be the perfect place to snag a bargain.
From major appliances to holiday decorating, Lowe’s offers price reductions on a wide selection of products each year in its Black Friday discounts. Last year, we saw some great deals on the shelves of smart home, tools and small appliances, to name a few, so you can get everything you need for it. DIY project or that home improvement plan during Lowe’s Black Friday sale.
Of course, Black Friday 2021 is still a few months away, falling on November 26 of this year. But we usually see offers from Lowe’s popping up a few weeks before the main event, so we’ll walk you through what happened in last year’s sales ahead of Lowe’s Black Friday 2021.
Black Friday online sales have surpassed the equivalent in stores in recent years and this trend accelerated last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. To keep up with this, Lowe’s has been working hard on its website to avoid more crashes like the ones it encountered on Black Friday a few years ago. The company’s website is now well equipped to deal with spikes in online traffic, allowing you to shop with confidence online for Lowe’s Black Friday.
For now, this page will walk you through last year’s deals and any questions you might have about the Lowe’s Black Friday event. Then as we get closer to Black Friday and Lowe’s deals start to arrive, we’ll update this page with all the best deals you don’t want to miss.
Lowe’s Black Friday FAQ
When will the Lowe’s Black Friday sale start in 2021?
The Lowes Black Friday sale is expected to peak on November 26, with Lowes Cyber Monday offers after 29 november. However, last year we saw quite a Lowe’s Season of Saving sale, which started on October 22 and continued until December 2. We’re expecting something similar this year, so get ready for over a month of awesome discounts at Lowe’s. Although Lowe’s opts for an extended sale, the hardware store reserves special one-day discounts for Black Friday itself.
The Lowe’s Black Friday sale starts earlier than most, but we expect new offers to roll out every few days, so the good deals will be spread out throughout the Savings event. seasonal. Last year, we also saw daily cyber deals, aptly named Cyber Steals, instead of the traditional one-day Cyber Monday online sales event.
What Lowe’s Black Friday offers are we waiting for?
Lowe’s Black Friday Holiday Shopping Event is the place to be for discounted home improvement products and we expect price reductions on appliances, furniture, bath, garden supplies. , tools and more in 2021. We usually see impressive discounts on a huge range of products from different categories and a few surprises, like great deals on toys and other gifts, too.
Last year, a range of home appliances, smart home appliances, tools and holiday decorations were slashed by up to 50% at Lowe’s Black Friday sale, with similar offers also valid for the Cyber Monday. One of the most notable savings during the holiday shopping event was up to 40% off and up to $ 700 in free Lowe’s gift cards when you purchased two or more eligible major appliances for a total. of $ 1999. Following the Buy More Save More offer in the Labor Day sale at Lowe’s, it wouldn’t be surprising if it once again offered something similar for Lowe’s Black Friday 2021.
When will the Lowe’s Black Friday ad come out?
We don’t have an exact date for the release of the Lowes Black Friday ad just yet, but last year we got our hands on it. November 9. It was earlier than expected and it looks like the release date is coming sooner each year, so expect to see the ad pop up at the early November 2021.
As with any major sales event, Lowe’s produces a print ad outlining the deals to expect at Lowe’s Black Friday sale – last year it was 28 pages long! So if you want to plan your shopping for the holiday shopping event, the ad is a good place to start. However, more deals will appear throughout the sales event, so be sure to come back to this page regularly for a summary of all the best Lowe’s Black Friday event deals and the release date of the event. announcement when we have one.
What are the opening hours of the Lowe’s Black Friday store?
As in previous years, we expect Lowe’s stores to open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday, which falls on November 26 of this year. However, always check your local store’s opening hours in the store directory so you don’t get up early for no reason. Lowe’s is closing its stores on Thanksgiving day before reopening on Friday for the big sales event that continues through the weekend – of course, you can also shop online at Lowe’s throughout the holiday weekend.
Here’s a look at the store hours we expect to see over the Lowe’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales weekend:
Thursday November 25: Firm
Friday November 26: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday November 27: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday November 28: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Monday, November 29: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The best Lowe’s offers of the day
If you’re looking to start some renovations now and can’t wait for Lowe’s Black Friday, there are a range of great deals available today. We’ve rounded up some of the best deals available below, or you can head over to Lowe’s website to check out the Daily Deals page.
Google Nest Smart Learning Thermostat:
$ 249 £ 199 at Lowe’s
Save $ 50 – This Google Nest smart thermostat, which learns the temperature you like and automatically lowers when you’re away to save energy, costs less than $ 200 at Lowe’s until September 30. 20% discount on this smart home device is a big savings. See the offer
Samsung French Door Refrigerator with Ice Maker:
$ 1999 $ 1,599 at Lowe’s
Save $ 400 – Lowe’s is offering a 20% discount on this Samsung French door refrigerator, which qualifies for Energy Star rating. So, if you’re looking for a more energy efficient and environmentally friendly refrigerator, take advantage of that $ 400 savings before the end of September 22.
Premium hardwood mulch:
$ 3.68 $ 2.88 at Lowe’s
Save $ 0.80 – a savings of $ 0.80 may not seem like much, but it’s a 21% reduction on the popular Premium hardwood mulch. If you are looking to landscap your yard, this deal will save you money on every bag, which will add up if you buy in bulk.
Style Selections 5-Piece Metal Frame Patio Conversation Set:
$ 448 $ 380.80 at Lowe’s
Save $ 67.20 – summer is past, but you can still get a 15% discount on the Style Selection patio set. You can upgrade your patio furniture for next year with this savings of $ 67.20 off the 5-piece set through December 15th.
Last year’s Lowe’s Black Friday deals
We’ve kept all the best deals from the last Lowe’s Black Friday sale here on this page to give you an idea of what to expect in the next few months. Take a look to get an idea of the discounts you could get and have your shopping list ready for Lowe’s Black Friday.
If you are looking to upgrade some tech in your home, it might be worth waiting for the holiday shopping event, because last year we saw a savings of $ 100 on the Lenovo Smart Display. 10 and awesome discounts on Amazon and Google smart home products.
To get everyone in the holiday spirit, Christmas trees and Christmas decorations were up to 20% off, with free shipping on freshly cut trees and wreaths on orders over $ 45 . It wasn’t just about the discounts – free gifts with certain power tool purchases were also up for grabs. Incredible discounts were available on small home appliances, with air fryers starting at $ 20.98 and price reductions of up to 50% on refrigerators.
The point is, Lowe’s Black Friday deals covered a huge range of products last year and offered big savings across all categories. So below is an overview of some of the best deals.
Smart Home – Google and Amazon devices starting at $ 19 at Lowe’s
Last year, we saw a huge range of discounted smart home devices in the Black Friday sale, including big brands like Ring, Google, Lenovo and of course Amazon Echo devices. Savings of $ 50 were common, but there were also bigger ones, like a $ 100 price drop on the Lenovo Smart Display 20.
Free Gifts and Up to 35% Off DIY & Outdoor Tools at Lowe’s
In addition to the free gift of a selected bare tool when purchasing a DeWalt Power Detect or Craftsman V20 Max Battery Kit or Combo Kit, you can save up to 28% on power tools and up to 35% on tool sets. So there were savings on leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, pressure washers, and tool sets during Lowe’s Black Friday last year.
20% off interior design at Lowe’s
Holiday decor discounts are among the most popular in Lowe’s Black Friday sale. Last year, we saw great deals on a huge selection of Christmas decorations, which included Christmas trees, wreaths, lights, inflatables, and outdoor and indoor decorations. So you could decorate the house at a reduced price before Christmas.
Up to $ 700 in Bonus Savings on Major Appliances at Lowe’s
One of the most notable deals on home appliances last year was a bonus savings of up to $ 700 on refrigerators, washers, stoves and more – the more you spend, the more you save with this. offer. You can also save up to 41% on ranges from top brands like Samsung, Frigidaire and GE, as well as up to 35% on washers and dryers.


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BT has announced that it has used a new "flexible grid' infrastructure" on an existing core fiber connection in London to achieve "real world" broadband speeds of up to 1.4 Tbps.
Hands On: Preview of HP's new $200 laptop
Nest Learning Thermostat: The Next Generation, review
HP EliteDesk 800 Desktop Mini review
Your Christmas Gaming Guide
Forza Horizon 2 Launch
The latest table for Pinball FX2, Venom, reviewed
12 Days of Deals: Save $130 on a HP Pavilion x2 2-in-1 PC
A new manufacturer is joining the Windows Phone ecosystem! But don't get too excited... Alcatel's new 'One Touch with WP' is a handsome device, but it'll be shipping with Windows Phone 7.8.
A US court of appeals has overturned a judgment in a patent dispute case of Alcatel-Lucent vs. Microsoft. The case, based around a patent for entering information into the calendar on Microsoft Outlook, originally...
On Thursday in San Diego, U.S. District Judge Rudi Brewster dismissed all of Alcatel-Lucent's patent claims against Microsoft Corporation over technology that converts speech into text, meaning that the jury trial set to begin on...


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The Boston Herald has bolstered its digital sales operations by bringing back veteran newspaper advertising executive Walter Coffey as its new director of digital sales.
“I’m very excited, having started out here and kind of coming back to finish what I started back in ’93,” said Coffey, a South Boston native. “This is such a great team. The audience that we have to deliver, the innovation, the effectiveness ... We have a great story to tell as far as helping out advertisers with their needs.”
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The California Alarm Association (CAA) hosted another successful winter convention at the Parc 55 Wyndham hotel in San Francisco. Held Dec. 5-8, the event attracted nearly 400 industry professionals, including representatives from dealer member companies, manufacturers, third-party monitoring firms and other service providers.
Attendees took part in several seminars and workshops geared to help companies improve their businesses, discuss the latest technology offerings and network with other industry professionals. In this photo gallery, you can view images from just some of the goings on during the event. The photography is courtesy Nicholas Koon.


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While leading online poker site PokerStars expects to deal its 100 billionth hand sometime at the end of June, the first 100 percent legal hand of online poker in the United States was dealt by Ultimate Gaming on April 30, 2013. Though New Jersey and Delaware have taken steps to deliver legal online poker, it was the streamlined regulatory approval process in Nevada that resulted in Ultimate Gaming getting a 30-day trial period as the first legal online poker room in the United States, and Nevada dealing the first truly legal hand.
While it may not have the same ring to it as Black Friday, Ultimate Gaming CEO Tobin Prior dubbed the day “Trusting Tuesday”, hoping that players are willing to return to the tables even while as much as $150 million in U.S. players’ funds remain unreturned more than two years after Black Friday. In addition, just last week a former employee of Ultimate Bet (not affiliated with Ultimate Gaming) released audio recordings of Ultimate Bet owners and executives openly discussing and colluding to cover up the fact that one of the owners, Russ Hamilton, had swindled players out of $16-18 million dollars by manipulating the software to allow him to see other player’s hole cards. Following this release, it also came to light that Ultimate Poker was using the same security software service provider, Iovation, that Ultimate Bet had used, and Ultimate Poker was pressured to terminate its relationship with Iovation. Online poker rooms rely on random number generators rather than dealers to “shuffle” the cards, and its these types of scandals that cause further apprehension among players and make it even harder for online poker sites to attract new players.
In addition to the easing concerns of customers, online poker sites will need to also satisfy the concerns of politicians and regulators if they hope to become a permanent fixture in Nevada and expand into other states, by addressing concerns such as underage gambling and identity theft. Unlike past online poker sites that required players to only check a box confirming they were 18, signing up for Ultimate Gaming’s online poker room requires a Nevada address and a social security number, as well as further security measures during play relating to geolocation (to ensure all players are within Nevada state lines).
If these pitfalls can be avoided, the players flock to the tables and Nevada can realize the projected millions of dollars in additional tax revenue, it will likely be only a matter of time before other states rush to adopt their own online poker regimes.