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Blog: Special offer for just-style registered members
Michelle Russell | 21 September 2015
just-style has just launched an exciting offer for registered members: A full-year subscription with a saving of over one third on the usual price AND a free, 33-page report on how to develop a comprehensive sourcing strategy, by vendor, country and overseas representation. For full details on this offer, click here. Further information on the sourcing report can be found here.
Meanwhile, last week on just-style:
In the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiation, the US has tabled a market access offer that seeks to protect the most “import sensitive” textile and apparel (T&A) products - also known as the “X-basket”. Details of what this will include are still being kept secret, but Dr Sheng Lu, assistant professor at the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware,believes it most likely refers to cotton and man-made fibre apparel and fabrics.
Meanwhile, growth in world apparel and textile production in the second quarter depicts a mixed picture, reflecting wider challenges in the global economy, new data has shown. An update by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) forecasts a rise of 3.5% in total world manufacturing for 2015, but warns that regional conflicts, especially in the Middle East and North Africa, and financial instability in Europe, may adversely affect growth.
In Bangladesh, the group of North American brands and retailers working to improve safety in the country's ready-made garment factories continued to make progress in their second year of operation. But, it seems challenges remain in remediation and financing, and more work is needed if the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety is to leave a legacy of safer factories in 2018.
Yet, while there has been considerable focus on the remediation work being carried out in Bangladesh, a new report by the Garment Worker Center uncovered "alarming" health and safety violations occurring in the Los Angeles garment industry. These include physical violence and sexual harassment, in an industry employing around 45,000.
Elsewhere, while technology is often an important tool for innovation, new technology in itself does not necessarily result in innovation, according to industry expert David Birnbaum. He believes, however, that the technology is available to finally help solve the mass-customisation problem.
And in other news, Turkey's Söktas is joining forces with Kattan Group to make finished shirts for the US market; Nine West is reducing its Asia sourcing team; and Adidas, Kering, Burberry, H&M and Gildan have all been ranked among the best-in-class sustainability performers in the world; while in human resources, Patagonia has appointed a head of environmental activism, and both the CEO and CFO of Clarks have stepped down with "immediate effect".
Continuing our look at what lies ahead for the apparel industry and its supply chain in 2017, the panel of industry experts consulted by just-style last week tackled likely shifts in the sourcing land...
This week our focus turns to first thoughts from a panel of industry experts consulted by just-style on the challenges and opportunities likely to face the apparel supply chain in 2017, with prospects...
Welcome back after the holiday break, and from the team here at just-style I’d like to wish all our readers a happy and prosperous New Year....
Apparel sourcing is a complex process built on a mix of location, logistics, lead-time, price, compliance, risk and reliability. And it's in a constant state of flux as retailers, brands and manufactu...
- Outlook 2017 – What next for apparel sourcing?
- $1.7bn package to boost Pakistan clothing exports
- Mexico riots hit apparel retailers and shipments
- Is China about to burst its apparel trade bubble?
- M&S clothing growth – What the analysts say
- MAS Holdings planning second industrial park
- Cambodia clothing exports at risk from Brexit
- Aéropostale to reopen 500 stores across the US
- JC Penney latest retailer to shutter stores?
- Target leads funding for mobile quality inspection
- Global apparel markets: product developments and innovations, October 2016
- Anti-odour clothing: fresh fashion for an active lifestyle
- Outdoor performance apparel 2016: A broader perspective
- Southeast Asia strategic sourcing review – a focus on Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar
- Global market review of lingerie – forecasts to 2022


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William Wragg, MP for Hazel Grove constituency, today expressed his disappointment at the news that Royal Mail is set to close local delivery offices from next year, despite a long-running campaign against the closures.
Royal Mail confirmed today it is to relocate its delivery operations in Bredbury and also in Marple to its larger sorting office in Stockport from January 2018, following a business review of its services.
William Wragg has fought a campaign on behalf of local residents opposing the closures since they were first proposed in 2016. He organised a local petition which attracted over 3,000 signatures which he presented to Parliament and held several meetings with Royal Mail to urge that the offices are kept open and the current service is maintained.
William was, however, able to secure assurances from Royal Mail’s Chief Executive that, whatever the outcome of the review, there would be no job losses for the 50 staff working at the two depots; and that, should the offices be closed, alternative arrangements would be made for customers living in and around Bredbury and Marple to be able to collect packages and mail locally without having to travel into Stockport.
William Wragg said today following the announcement:
“I am of course disappointed that Royal Mail have decided to press ahead with the closure of the Bredbury and Marple delivery offices despite strong local opposition. They provide a service that is very convenient, and each employ dozens of local people. I had hoped the strength of local feeling may have persuaded Royal Mail to take a different course of action.
“I am however pleased that, by honouring the commitment Royal Mail’s Chief Executive gave to me personally last year, there will be no compulsory redundancies, and that alternative arrangements will be available to collect mail locally. I now urge Royal Mail to work hard with their employee’s to ease the transition in their working arrangements and with their customers to minimise disruption to their delivery services.”
"I wish to thank all of the more than 3,000 residents who supported my campaign to keep the offices open."
Royal Mail confirmed today that there will be no compulsory redundancies as a result of the relocation. Customers in Bredbury and Marple will be able to collect any undeliverable mail from local post offices.
A spokesperson for Royal Mail said:
“These moves are part of Royal Mail’s ongoing transformation of its business to increase the efficiency of its operations and provide delivery offices that are fit for purpose for our staff and our customers. There will be no impact on deliveries to our customers, who will continue to be served by the same postmen and women.”

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Lenovo has announced, among other things, the world's first 5G laptop at CES 2020.
The new Lenovo Yoga 5G, the device supports both millimetre wave full-band and sub-6GHz 5G networks.
It's a 2-in-1 ultra-portable machine, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8cx 5G Compute Platform and runs the Ardeno 680 GPU. It weighs 1.3kg and allows its users to log in either through the fingerprint scanner, or via infrared camera. Lenovo says the device's battery can last up to 24 hours, but that statement is yet to be put to the test.
The Lenovo Yoga 5G comes sporting a 14-inch Full HD IPS touch display, with 400 nits brightness and narrow bezels on all sides. As with all Yoga devices, this one too comes with the digital pen.
Expect it to hit the stores in spring this year, for around $1,499.
5G, as the latest and greatest in mobile internet technology, is set to give the idea of a connected world another push. IoT, industrial IoT, connected cars, video streaming, video conferencing, smart cities, those are just some of the solutions which rely heavily on the existence of high-speed mobile internet.
5G is currently available in a handful of locations. Also, there are currently very few devices capable of connecting to 5G. The technology is also being used as a tool in the trade war between the US and China, with the former accusing the latter of using 5G as means of possible espionage. Chinese Huawei, as one of the world’s leading 5G infrastructure builders, is banned from working on the network in the US.


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While some political and corporate leaders have been eager to invest in and adopt cryptocurrencies, others are entirely hostile. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan recently declared outright war on the Bitcoin network. President Erdoğan: "We Are At War" President Erdoğan expressed his opposition to Bitcoin in a meeting with Turkish students this Saturday. The event comes after one of them asked if the country's central bank would adopt cryptocurrencies. Erdogan responded with total rejection: "We have absolutely no intention of embracing cryptocurrencies. On the…
In Japan, a cryptocurrency company Freessets has announced a new technology for the enhancement of Bitcoin wallet privacy.
The top enterprise cryptocurrency wallet provider came up with the new technology using a protocol in cryptography known as Private Information Retrieval (PIR). The technology was implemented using a customized version of Microsoft SealPIR which is among the PIR implementations. Microsoft SealPIR uses Microsoft SEAL, which is an entirely homomorphic encryption library.
Based on the announcement on June 8, it is now possible for wallets to request their addresses’ Bitcoin balances through the system developed by the company and it will not reveal the balances or transaction history to the servers from which they made the request.
The company’s CEO expressed his thoughts regarding the new development, noting that the company promises to continue with the development of proprietary products that maintain security and privacy. He said the commercialization of this technology guarantees high privacy and security for enterprise clients.
Existing technologies expose account balance and transaction history to a variety of servers and malicious third parties, thereby putting the wallets at greater risk of being hacked. This is due to utilization of the client-side Bitcoin address to query servers and this poses big privacy concerns, specifically for individuals who have a large amount of cryptocurrency.
Based on mathematical proof, the technology developed by the company will not allow the servers to learn anything from the user’s query, thereby removing these privacy concerns. The technology works as follows:
“Sorts server-side UTXO sets in the ascending order of Bitcoin addresses to enable binary search. Since there is typically more than one UTXO set per Bitcoin address, it applies “binary search for a range”. With the search, the client-side identifies the index of its targeted UTXO sets and retrieves actual UTXO sets based on it. The client-side gets to know the Bitcoin balance it has by collecting these UTXO sets.”


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At least one conventional crop breeder and even an organic farmer consider genetically modified crops worth being allowed on the market. The example is GMO potatoes that aren’t registered because of opposition to GMO foods, even though they could help reduce the use of pesticides and save a higher percentage of potatoes against diseases and insects.
The distaste for Monsanto Company’s original monopoly of GMO crops and its early business practices have fueled much of the world’s ant-GMO protests and regulations against GMO crops, according to a lengthy article written by Amy Maxmen that appears on www.pbs.org.
Worldwide huge amounts of pesticides are used to grow and store potatoes, and there is no doubt about it that GMO potatoes with genetic trait resistance to insects and disease would reduce the amount of pesticide put into the environment and reduce pesticide residue concerns on foods being consumed—especially in third-world countries.
Walter DeJong, a potato breeder and geneticist at Cornell University, who isn’t a real fan of Monsanto, contends GM potatoes, such as those being developed in Indonesia to resist potato blight, make sense, and should be registered. Maxmen quoted DeJong as saying, the potato’s future is uncertain because of politics, rather than faulty science. “I worry that when the Indonesian government nears its approval, Greenpeace will invade with a lot of money and a lot of PR stunts. The questions is, what happens then?”
To read the article click here.


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Kroger Nashville ends double coupons and senior discounts
Attention Kroger shoppers: Kroger is discontinuing its double coupon policy and eliminating its weekly senior discount days.
The double whammy changes, announced Wednesday, will be effective March 15 in all Kroger stores in the Nashville region, which includes 96 stores in Middle and East Tennessee, southern Kentucky and northern Alabama, according to Kroger spokeswoman Melissa Eads.
The trade-off, Eads says, is that Kroger has reset its price structure to offer lower everyday prices on "thousands of items" so that all customers get the savings break, instead of just seniors and avid couponers.
"Today we lowered prices again for all customers in our Nashville division. As a result, we are discontinuing two smaller targeted discount programs. Those being Senior Day and Double Coupons. The last day these two programs will be offered is March 15th.
"We want all customers to save every day, without regard to shopping day or time required to search out coupons. These new lower prices on thousands of items throughout the store make the shopping experience easier and a great value for everyone," she said.
For decades, Kroger's policy here has been to double the face value of coupons up to 50 cents, meaning your 50-cent-off coupon would save you a dollar. However, other Kroger divisions, including Memphis and Atlanta, discontinued the doubling years ago. And the Alabama stores in the Nashville division had dropped the double coupons several years ago.
"Only a very small percent of our customers double coupon," Eads said. "And with the increase in digital coupons, not as many people use paper coupons anymore. They are just so much easier, and digital coupons have never been doubled."
As far as the senior discount, until now, Kroger has offered a 5 percent savings on most everything in the store on Wednesdays for shoppers 60 and older who are signed up.
Kroger downsized its senior discount in early 2014, from a monthly one-day 10 percent discount to a 5 percent discount every Wednesday, which put its stores in line with Publix and then competitor Harris Teeter, which is no longer in this market.
Facebook reaction was mixed, with most postings dissing Kroger, but there were a few that were more moderate, saying that lower prices across the board would be welcome. Many posts mentioned Publix as a good alternative because it continues to offer double coupons and a 5 percent senior discount.
Publix officials said they are "not at liberty to discuss our promotional strategies."
Kroger's senior shoppers seemed surprised and disappointed. "I save (my shopping list) up for Wednesday to get my discount," said Betty Cole, who was shopping Wednesday at the Eighth Avenue South Kroger store. "Whenever I can save a little bit, I'm glad. With this, I don't know where I'm going to go."
"I am very upset. I save on the average every Wednesday between 33 to 50 percent," said Jennifer Clemens of Hermitage. "I am a big coupon clipper and do downloading. Last week I saved $96, 49 percent" with the double coupons and senior discount, she said, adding, "I adjust my schedule to be able to go shop on Wednesdays."
Eads said the lower prices would be on national brands as well as store brands and that the pricing changes represent a "huge investment" on Kroger's part.
A visit to a local Kroger store Wednesday showed price reductions on items including: 64-ounce Kroger apple juice, which was $1.99 and is now $1.49: 15- to 16-ounce Kroger peanut butter, which was $2.29 and is now $1.49; and a 12-ounce package of Kroger cheese slices, which was $2.69 and is now $1.79.
Eads said Kroger is trying to get the word out to shoppers through email and direct mail, as well as with a notice on the receipts of seniors and double couponers. The notice says, "The senior discount and double coupons are retiring March 15 but the savings aren't. We've lowered prices on 1000s of items, including fresh produce, our quality brands, and so many of your favorites down every aisle. That means you can still save more ... EVERY DAY of the week."
Reach Ms. Cheap at 615-259-8282 or firstname.lastname@example.org. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/mscheap, at Tennessean.com/mscheap and on Twitter @Ms_Cheap.


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Afterpay, the leader in “Buy Now, Pay Later,” today announced that its customers can now use Apple Pay to make purchases through Afterpay in physical retail stores and online.
Beginning in July 2020, select retail stores in the U.S. will begin offering Afterpay. Customers can initiate a purchase by simply tapping the “card” icon in the Afterpay app, which activates the Afterpay card in the Apple Wallet. Similar to using Afterpay online, customers in the U.S. will be able to pay securely and simply for their in-store purchases in four installment payments, without the need to take out a traditional loan or pay upfront fees or interest. The service is completely free for consumers who pay on time.
Forever21, Fresh, Skechers and Solstice Sunglasses are among some of the first stores to offer this solution this year. By using Apple Pay with existing payment terminals, there are no merchant integration costs associated with accepting Afterpay. Customers in Australia will be able to use Apple Pay to make retail store purchases via the Afterpay app in the coming months.
Afterpay first introduced its in-store solution in 2016 in ANZ and immediately became one of the only online payment companies to also successfully offer its service in physical stores. As at the end of the 2019 calendar year, Afterpay’s in-store offering represented approximately 24% of total ANZ underlying sales – with almost 40,000 storefronts offering the service. To date, customers have used barcode technology to complete their purchases in ANZ physical stores.
“As we enter the second half of the year and retail re-emerges across the world, it’s critical we help our partners drive business growth, both online and offline,” said Nick Molnar, Afterpay’s co-founder and U.S. CEO. “As a proven solution for driving incremental sales and new customer growth, we are thrilled to introduce our new omni-channel solution to U.S retailers as they begin to open their doors and bring shoppers back to their physical stores.”
With Afterpay, retailers attract a growing segment of the population who prefer to pay without incurring traditional credit style debt, interest or fees. For this reason, retailers offering Afterpay see an average increase in conversion of approximately 22% – as well as increased basket size, higher customer satisfaction and repeat customers. More than 89% of US customers who use Afterpay select debit cards to make purchases.
With iPhone, customers can pay with Apple Pay in stores and many more places. Every Apple Pay purchase is authenticated with just a glance or a touch with Face ID or Touch ID, or a device’s passcode.


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Yantai is one of the main production areas of red Fuji apples in China. The new harvest will enter the Chinese market in the middle of October. The production areas still suffered from hailstorms in early October, as well as continuous rainfall. Some of the apples developed rust spots, which will undoubtedly have an impact on the production volume and the average product quality of red Fuji apples this year. However, so far the impact has barely spread to smaller production areas such as Penglai.
"In truth, many apple production areas throughout the country have suffered from extreme weather conditions this year. The overall production volume of Chinese apples is estimated to decline by 20%. The market is likely to polarize between low prices for poor-quality apples and high prices for top-quality apples. The price for top-quality apples may even rise somewhat in comparison with previous years." This is according to Mr. Lu Lin of Yantai Xitian Farm Co., Ltd.
Red Fuji apple
Mr. Lu Lin continued, "there have been several new apple varieties in the market that did quite well in the last few years, such as the Jinshuai and Guoguang varieties. But in terms of consumer appreciation the red Fuji apple is still number one. In the new season we are selling our red Fuji apples under our own brand 'Xitian' [Happy and Sweet]. We primarily sell via offline retail channels, but have begun to augment our retail strategy with online sales as well. Our apples are mostly sold in high-end gift markets and high-end hotels or restaurants.
For more information:
Mr. Lu Lin
Yantai Xitian Farm Co., Ltd.
Tel.: +86 152 6677 7866


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Data breach has become a universal problem; it is getting common as well as costlier day by day. A data breach can result in a loss of millions of Dollars. Such a case can become a nightmare if it gets proven that you are on the fault of losing data. Such an incident occurred with TJX, it was hit by hackers’ attack, but, security experts said that TJX has to shoulder some responsibility as it does not make proper security measures. TJX was accused to lose 94 million credit cards; it was twice than what TJX estimated. The worst part was that TJX was not able to discover data breach; it was VISA who first got aware of such data leakage. The incident harmed the goodwill of TJX big time and the company also had to suffer big financial losses.
You may think that the internet is the perfect invention; however you couldn’t be more wrong. The internet with all its advantages also comes with some shocking drawbacks. Foremost, with information going digital, it has given birth to a new breed of crime which is known as cybercrime.
Another constant source of losing data is through emails. There are many incidents where employees have sent unsecured attached files that contained some sensitive information to a wrong email address. Surveys revealed that more than 20 percent of the employees have sent an unsecured to email to some wrong email address. Similarly, there are many employees who have received confidential information from an unknown email id that contained unsecured secret records. Many companies have realized that the biggest threat to their data is a common way of communication i.e. email, so that, companies are educating their employees regarding its security importance.
Since companies are encouraging the use of blogs as a medium of communication between them and their clients, it is also proving to be a nightmare for them. Some irresponsible employees write blogs, but unwillingly, unintentionally they communicate some of the information that should not be leaked. As these employees are not aware enough of blogging as well as of the company’s policy, they spill out some secrets. The companies just assign the task of writing who has fine writing skills without educating him/her about the company’s policy.
Usually, the companies face trouble during the process of downsizing or merging. When downsizing, the employees who get fired often have some useful information about the company’s business. The anger of the employees pushes them to breach them information and the competitors use that data against the entrepreneur. The employees can also sell the company’s data in the market and get a handsome amount against it.
All of the above situations are scary, but, the worst nightmare for the company is when an employee loses a USB flash drive that has important records. USB flash drives are so small and have an amazing capacity of saving data, due to their tiny existence; these portable drives are prone to getting lost or stolen. The majority of the portable data storing devices that get lost or misplaced are not properly secured. Using security software that can secure USB can make your portable data storing devices completely secure.
Top Data Breaches
1. Equifax – In 2017, Equifax suffered a data breach that exposed the personal information of 147 million people. This included Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and driver’s license numbers.
2. Yahoo – In 2013, Yahoo suffered a data breach that exposed the personal information of 3 billion people. This included names, email addresses, passwords, telephone numbers, and dates of birth.
Consequences Of Data Breach To An Organization
The consequences of a data breach to an organization can be far-reaching and damaging. The most immediate consequence is the financial cost associated with the breach, which can include fines, legal fees, and reputational damage. Additionally, the organization may suffer from a loss of customer trust and loyalty, as well as the potential for a decrease in customer numbers. Finally, the organization may face a decrease in stock prices and a decrease in investor confidence.
Examples Of Data Breaches
Examples of data breaches include unauthorized access to sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or Social Security numbers, exposure of confidential data, such as trade secrets, or the theft of data from a computer system. Additionally, data breaches can occur when an organization fails to properly secure its systems or when an employee or third-party vendor misuses or mishandles data.
The Biggest Data Breach
The biggest data breach in history is the Yahoo data breach, which affected more than 3 billion user accounts. This breach occurred between 2013 and 2014 and was discovered in 2016. The breach exposed names, email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, passwords and security questions and answers.
Most Common Data Breach
The most common type of data breach is a phishing attack, which is when an attacker attempts to gain access to sensitive information by sending an email or other communication that appears to come from a legitimate source. This type of attack is often used to gain access to financial information, passwords and other confidential information.
Data Breach For Organizations
A data breach for organizations is an incident in which sensitive, confidential or protected data has been accessed, stolen or otherwise exposed to an unauthorized individual or entity. Data breaches can result in the loss or theft of sensitive customer information, intellectual property, trade secrets, financial information and other confidential data. Data breaches can also lead to reputational damage and financial losses for organizations.
Biggest Threat To An Organization In Terms Of Breaching Security
The biggest threat to an organization in terms of security breaches is cyberattacks. Cyberattacks can come in many forms, such as malware, ransomware, phishing, and distributed denial-of-service attacks. These attacks can be used to gain access to sensitive information, disrupt operations, or even shut down whole systems. Organizations must take steps to protect themselves from cyberattacks by implementing strong security measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems.
Main Causes Of Data Breaches
The main causes of data breaches are human error and malicious cyberattacks. Human error can include mistakes such as leaving confidential information exposed or not properly securing access to data. Malicious cyberattacks can include any type of attack that is intended to gain access to sensitive information or disrupt operations. Examples of malicious cyberattacks include phishing, malware, and distributed denial-of-service attacks.
Security Breach For An Organisation
A security breach is an incident where sensitive information is accessed, stolen, or compromised without authorization. It can include unauthorized access to a system, network, or database, as well as the theft of confidential data such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal information. Security breaches can have serious consequences for organizations, including monetary losses, reputational damage, and legal liabilities.
Common Causes Of Data Breaches
1. Weak Security Practices: Weak security practices, such as outdated software, poor password management, and lack of encryption, can make it easier for cybercriminals to gain access to a system and steal data.
2. Human Error: Human error, such as clicking on malicious links or downloading malicious software, can also lead to data breaches.
3. Malware: Malware is malicious software created by cybercriminals to gain access to a system and steal data.
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A McDonald's in Palmetto, Fla. By Brian Blanco, for USA TODAY
Tampa, Florida -- McDonald's is helping FCAT test takers get their brains in gear with free breakfast Monday.
Nearly every student in Florida from 3rd through 10th grades will be taking some kind of FCAT test Monday.
And they're all able to pick up a free Egg McMuffin; apple slices; and milk, chocolate milk, or orange juice Monday between 6 and 9 a.m.
All 188 McDonald's in the Tampa Bay area are taking part, and last year they served more than 30,000 free meals on the first day of FCAT testing.
To get their free breakfast, students must be present at the restaurant and in 3rd through 11th grades.
The free McDonald's FCAT breakfast is only available inside at the counter in most locations -- not at the drive thru -- although some busy locations have an outside pick-up area set up where parents can get the breakfast without leaving their cars.
School districts are allowed to schedule some FCAT testing all the way through April 27th. While McDonald's is only serving free breakfast on Monday, April 16th, many school cafeterias offer free breakfast on each FCAT testing day.
Grayson Kamm, 10 News


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Secretary of State Adrian Fontes makes proclamation for Arizona Beer Week
A week to recognize Arizona’s beer culture and its economic contributions became officially recognized once again Friday. Arizona Beer Week is now running in its 14th year.
As acting governor until Saturday, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes made the designation while attending an event at a local brewery.
"It's a celebration of the hard work and craftsmanship that goes into making beer here in Arizona. It's important that we celebrate that because it's not just the beer, it's the business. It's the economic impact. And it's the people that really make this part of Arizona so special," he said.
Joining Fontes at the event was Rob Fullmer, the executive director of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild.
“We were fortunate then to catch up with the rest of the country on the growth of craft beer. So our industry is unique in that there's a lot of cooperation at the production level," he said.
Fullmer says the guild focuses on training and fostering collaboration among breweries. And Fontes said craft beer’s impact goes far beyond just brewing, extending to other segments of the economy, such as suppliers, transportation and the service industry.


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National Pipe & Plastics Inc., an extrusion firm headquartered in Vestal, N.Y., will invest about $2.5 million to add higher capacity equipment to both its plants by the end of the year. Although the firm will not add more extrusion lines, National Pipe will upgrade the equipment at its Greensboro, N.C., and Vestal plants. The firm has 29 lines.
``We've been selling out of pipe,'' said Allan McLean, president and chief executive officer.
The company has 260 employees. McLean said National Pipe will add a few more employees.
The company makes PVC pipe for the plumbing, water and sewer, and electrical industries. It reported sales of $65.8 million for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31.
The firm also has installed a natural gas engine to lower its utility expenses. The engine cost $130,000 with installation and does double duty. It powers a compressor that provides the air needed to extrude the PVC pipe. In addition, the heat generated from the engine is used to heat the 28,000-square-foot warehouse.
``Natural gas engines are fairly revolutionary when used as air compressors. There are only three other companies in New York state that use it,'' McLean said.
``We installed it because of the high cost of maintaining a manufacturing facility in New York state. Electricity is so expensive here, it's one of the highest in the country. We will save $50,000 per year; the engine itself pays out in less than two years,'' according to McLean.
Research and development money from New York State Electric and Gas reduced Nation-al Pipe's capital cost for the project by one-third.
National Pipe & Plastics also has a facility in Greensboro, N.C.
McLean said the firm will not install a natural gas engine there because the utilities are one-third to one-half of what they are in New York.


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Back in November 2011 AUO unveiled a 4" flexible AMOLED prototype. Today the same panel won the "Outstanding Photonics product award" at the Display Taiwan 2012 conference. Here's a video showing the display. You can skip to 2:43 if you want to see a closeup footage of the AMOLED panel, showing how AUO setup a nice mechanism that keeps bending it:
AUO's 240x320 4" panel is made on an Oxide-TFT (IGZO) backplane, is a bottom-emitting device and it's only 0.3mm thick and can be bent with a curvature radius of 10mm.


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Android is most popular mobile operating system, most widely-used by many manufacturers to power their phones.
But that doesn't mean it's the safest in the market. Google had frequent troubles policing Android. And despite numerous attempts to improve the security and app scrutiny, Google Play Store still has malware problems that won't go away.
A New Zealand-based independent security researcher Andy Michael found four popular Android apps that are capable of not just showing ads while running in the background, but also place ads outside the apps, including the home screen.
Michael discovered this when he browsing for media files on his Samsung Galaxy S5 device and saw popup ads showing up in places there weren't supposed to. Using Popup Ad Detector app, he discovered the four VPNs are the culprits:
Hotspot VPN, Free VPN Master, Secure VPN, and Security Master.
These four have a cumulative downloads of over 500 million, meaning that they are popular in the market and among their users.
As explained in detail on his website post, here are the summary.
Besides having advertisement APIs from both Google and Facebook, Hotspot VPN that is developed by HotspotVPN 2019, contained obfuscated code capable of showing full-screen ads at any given point of time.
The ads can show whenever they want, irrespective of whether the VPN app was in use running in the foreground or otherwise. This results in significant battery and CPU usage.
Free VPN Master
Free VPN Master is developed by Freemaster2019. And just like Hotspot VPN, it share the same code for serving Google ads. The two apps also share APK files and code structure. The only significant difference is the way the two apps hash their files.
"We think that both applications are the same with slight modifications in the name of packages in order to get a different hash for both APKs due to the fact that once they were reversed they had the same code and were obfuscated with the same tool. In contrast, the names of providers on Google Play are different, although it does not mean by different people," the researcher said.
Developed by SEC VPN, the Secure VPN app is considered the worst in the finding.
Not only that it served ads even when users are using other apps, Secure VPN can also render an overlay on top of the home screen, hiding app icons.
The app was also found to have references to code that recorded activities, including ads that were displayed, clicked and dismissed by the user. This suggests that the developers were using tracking methods to monitor and display ads based on users' activities.
The fourth, is Security Master from Cheetah Mobile (AppLock & AntiVirus).
This developer of the app has been previously accused for committing ad fraud using click injection technique. The developer has also been banned from publishing apps from the Play Store. But revising a little and submitting back the apps, Google somehow allowed Cheetah Mobile's apps to regain access to its Play Store.
If compared to the three other VPNs, Security Master took a unique approach in its fraudulent scheme.
For example, instead of constantly showing ads, the VPN app leverages its enormous user base and intrudes less often and randomly. It uses a more sophisticated approach by popping up the app instead and showing the ads immediately after users try to get back to the home screen.
According to Michael:
It should be noted that of the four apps are meant for 'improving security', suggesting that the developers are increasingly banking on users' trust in security-related Android apps to commit ad fraud. What's more, the VPN apps originate from either Hong Kong or China, where citizens typically rely on VPNs to bypass China's Great Firewall.
This is not the first time the Google has struggled to curb the spread of harmful apps on its Play Store.
Google has a strict policy with regards to adware and disruptive ads in general.
Saying that: “We don’t allow apps that contain deceptive or disruptive ads. Ads must only be displayed within the app serving them. We consider ads served in your app as part of your app. The ads shown in your app must be compliant with all our policies.”
But still, developers of many kinds have managed to slip through the scrutiny, and managed to put up their malicious apps to the Play Store, exposing threats and discomfort to billions of potential users.
For example, back in August 2019, Lukas Stefanko, an ESET security researcher, unveiled that Google Play Store had 205 malicious apps with over 32 million installs, in July alone.
Although Google's security measures have improved and resulted in the removal of hundreds of thousands of harmful apps, the security procedures aren't entirely bulletproof.


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The European Commission is being urged to take “swift and decisive action” against Apple for what Spotify and several other firms in Europe say are anti-competitive actions that have hurt their operations.
Margrethe Vestager, executive vice president of the European Commission, was the recipient of the open letter. The CEOs and senior executives of companies in the digital space who work in publishing, audio streaming, online software, communications, and markets all signed it. The letter primarily addresses the App Store and is also signed by Basecamp, Deezer, and five other companies. It claims that Apple “artificial obstacles” their progress, levies “excessive” costs, and arbitrarily alters the regulations.
Apple benefits from a monopoly position over its mobile ecosystem and extracts exorbitant rents from app developers who have no choice but to remain on the App Store to reach European consumers.
We are writing to you to call for swift and decisive action by the European Commission against anticompetitive and unfair practices by certain global digital gatekeepers, and Apple in particular […]
Since years ago, Spotify has resisted Apple’s intransigent hold on the App Store. In 2019, the firm filed an antitrust lawsuit in Europe, claiming that Apple’s regulations impeded innovation and hurt customers by driving up costs and creating a worse user experience for music streaming applications.
In its first conclusions from 2021, the European Commission agreed with Spotify and said that Apple had “abused its dominant position” in the distribution of music applications. But over two years later, the Commission is still working on its probe and hasn’t asked Apple to make any adjustments.
EU’s DMA Act is Expected to Provide a Fair Ground to Apple and its Competitors
The groundbreaking Digital Markets Act of the European Union is also rapidly approaching enforcement. The rule will probably name Apple as a “gatekeeper,” compelling the firm to relax its control over iOS and the App Store and give third parties like Spotify greater latitude. According to reports, Apple intends to comply with the DMA by enabling iOS sideloading and third-party software shops.
The firms’ complaints centers on a few limitations Apple imposes on iOS and the App Store. Apple mandates that all iOS applications be distributed via its storefront, where businesses are often obliged to give up a 15–30% share of earnings from digital sales. Apple restricts the ability of app developers to alert their users to more affordable choices elsewhere, which puts businesses like Spotify in a difficult position and transfers a significant portion of income to the owner of the rival music streaming service Apple Music.


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Sweden – Jumio checks VIP ID at Mr GreenBy Phil - 8 October 2014
Jumio, the next-generation payments and ID software company, has been integrated by Swedish online gaming company, Mr Green, to verify customer identity for the VIP customer experience.
Mr Green is one of Europe’s leading online casinos, offering over 200 games in seven languages and is carving out a reputation as an eGaming provider that offers a personal service which makes every customer feel like a VIP.
Mr Green is licensed and regulated by the Lotteries and Gaming Authority in Malta and since its launch in 2008 has posted an annual growth in excess of 70 per cent. The online Casino Mr Green is 100 per cent owned by Mr Green & Co AB, which is listed on the Swedish stock market.
As a fast growing company with annual growth rates of 70 per cent, Mr Green was faced with the challenge of how to maintain their reputation for treating every customer like a VIP and providing a personal service. Secondly, Mr Green was acquiring customers from many countries and was faced with the challenge of meeting regulatory requirements of checking customer age and identity.
Mr Green had been asking customers to email or upload copies of their identity documents and was manually reviewing a range of ID documents from different countries. Jumio worked with Mr Green to integrate Netverify, Jumio’s automated ID document scanning and authentication solution, into the Mr Green website. Netverify authenticates ID document security features such as fonts, holograms, microprint, and customer details coded in the ID document data.
With Netverify integrated in the site, Mr Green’s customers are now able to use their webcam or camera phone to scan and authenticate their ID documents for instant identity and age verification. In the first week of being live with Netverify, Mr Green was able to receive the same amount of authenticated ID documents that they previously would have received in a month. The key result is that Mr Green has been able to welcome and verify their customers much quicker than before whilst providing a great customer experience and meeting regulatory age and identity check requirements.
Luke Gauci, Head of Payments & Fraud at Mr Green, said: “In the first week of being live with Netverify, we received and validated more customer ID documents than we would have previously in a whole month. Jumio is easy for customers to use and their document validation solution travels better across borders than database-led identity checking.”


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US: Yoghurt maker Chobani "mulls stake sale"
Chobani has reportedly contacted possible interested suitors
Privately-owned US yoghurt firm Chobani has reportedly approached trade buyers and private-equity firms over the possible sale of a minority stake in the company.
Reuters reported yesterday (10 March) Chobani was working with Bank of America to gauge interest in a stake in the business, which is among the leading companies in the fast-growing Greek yoghurt sector in the US.
Citing anonymous sources, the news agency said Chobani's management, led by founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya, was mulling selling around 20% of the company. Ulukaya set up Chobani in 2005 and launched its first products two years later.
Chobani spokespeople had not returned a request for comment at the time of writing.
Greek yoghurt has been one of the most notable recent success stories in the US food sector, with the category driving the growth of the overall sector.
Chobani has faced growing competition from the likes of Danone and General Mills. In February, Danone CEO Franck Riboud claimed the French group had been able to gain ground on Chobani and was now "joint number one" in the sector.
As well as the US, Chobani has entered the UK and Australia. It has endured a rocky start to life in the UK, with a court battle over the use of the term 'Greek yoghurt' in the country.
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| Jul 23, 2014
| 10:33 AM
Questions about Terrence P. Carter's background multiplied Tuesday, a day after the New London school board delayed a vote on approving a contract for him to start Aug. 1 as superintendent of schools.
Board members want to ask Carter about The Courant's...
| Aug 1, 2014
| 6:37 PM
KidsPeace, the Orefield-based organization that's been treating troubled children for more than a century, emerged from bankruptcy Friday after shedding more than $80 million in pension obligations and millions of dollars in yearly debt.
| Aug 14, 2014
| 9:00 PM
The idea that some banks are "too big to fail" became common in 1984 when Continental Illinois was on the brink of failure. The seventh-largest bank in the U.S. at the time, Continental Illinois had $40 billion in assets, but many of those assets were bad...
| Aug 17, 2014
In this year's one contested race for Seminole County judge, voters must decide between incumbent Jerri Collins and two candidates who have filed for bankruptcy, Alex Finch and Sandra I. Rivera.
Collins, 52, has been on the bench eight years,...
| Aug 1, 2014
| 3:20 PM
Fiat shareholders approved a merger today that will lead to the creation of a new company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles at a meeting in Turin, Italy.
The decision marks the end of an era in Italy as Fiat founded 115 years ago by Giovanni Agnelli exits the...
| Aug 5, 2014
| 5:59 PM
Joe Francis could be headed for a jail cell. Again.
The "Girls Gone Wild" founder, famous for tempting intoxicated spring-breakers to mug for cameras topless and French kiss their friends in videos he'd later make millions from, could now be the subject...
| Jul 29, 2014
| 7:44 PM
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Best Buy are warning consumers that 10 different recalled products continued to be sold or were resold by Best Buy, Magnolia stores and liquidators Best Buy Private Auction, CowBoom and...
| Jul 30, 2014
| 5:05 AM
Now that consumers can use digital currencies like bitcoin to buy rugs from Overstock.com, pay for Peruvian pork sandwiches from a food truck in Washington, D.C., and even make donations to political action committees, states are beginning to explore...
| Jul 22, 2014
| 6:35 PM
Pasadena's OneWest Bank, which rose from the ashes of failed high-risk home lender IndyMac Bank, agreed to be bought by commercial lender CIT Group Inc. in a $3.4-billion deal that would create the biggest bank based in Southern California.
| Jul 12, 2014
| 8:53 PM
The recent death of a 10-year-old disabled foster child at an Anne Arundel County group home was just the latest in a series of problems at LifeLine, the state contractor that has been paid millions in taxpayer funds to care for "medically fragile"...
| Jul 14, 2014
| 5:56 PM
Maryland lawmakers and child advocates called Monday for an investigation into regulators' oversight of a troubled group home operator, asking why the state continued to give the company millions in taxpayer dollars despite long-standing financial and...


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Several firms showcased how they are using Microsoft technology to help manufacturers transform production and engineering processes and build the smart factories of the future at Hannover Messe 2023.
During the event, which took place in Hanover, Germany from 17-21 April, digital transformation firm Rockwell Automation showcased its Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform at the Microsoft booth. The solution, which is now available on Microsoft Azure in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, is a cloud-based production platform that can connect people and systems, automate processes and track data from end to end.
“Together, Rockwell Automation and Microsoft are accelerating and simplifying the digital transformation of industrial enterprises with the proven expertise, market-leading technology, and resources needed to deliver better business outcomes,” said Dominik Wee, corporate vice president of manufacturing and mobility industry at Microsoft, who was on Microsoft’s booth at the event.
Also at the Microsoft booth, Sight Machine presented its Azure-optimised Manufacturing Data Platform, which captures an entire manufacturing process through digital twins and creates a common data foundation that contextualises all plant data collected.
Sight Machine's stand at Hannover Messe 2023
Threedy, a solution provider that specialises in 3D data, demonstrated the integration of its instant3Dhub on Microsoft Teams. The platform will allow teams to collaborate, share and visualise 3D data across multiple devices which will streamline engineering and manufacturing processes.
Supply Chain Wizard was also at Hannover Messe showcasing SCW.AI, a digital factory platform. SCW.AI integrates artificial intelligence, automation, internet of things, and the Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing to help firms gain an oversight of the entire supply chain process on one platform.
Meanwhile, Software AG demonstrated its IoT solutions, including WebMethods.io, TrendMiner and Cumulocity IoT, at the Microsoft booth. The Cumulocity IoT platform was developed to help firms simplify IoT projects by offering them self-service tools and a configuration-driven approach with out-of-the-box connectivity.
In addition, Ecolab showed how it is using Microsoft technology to support firms with their sustainability initiatives. The ECOLAB3D platform is cloud-based and uses IoT to help businesses gain insight into and improve their water management strategies, reduce usage, and optimise performance across supply chains.
Read more news from Hannover Messe 2023 on the Technology Record website.


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By Euro Weekly News Media • 25 April 2014 • 11:19
It turns out that paella, the dish people around the world most associate with Spain, may be being misrepresented.
There are fears that the saffron rice signature dish that originated in Spain’s Valencia and has many devoted fans around the world, is experiencing degradation on a global scale.
A group from the region of Valencia is arguing that the local dish of choice is being corrupted by tourism and celebrity chefs like the UK’s Jamie Oliver.
To counter this, they’ve launched a new website that aims to change perceptions of paella, as they argue that most people wouldn’t know the real thing if it hit them with a frying pan.
The main aim is to preserve the tasty dish’s integrity and to fight against additional taboo ingredients like chorizo, avocado and peas.
The pro-paella party, via website Wikipaella, condemn “infringements against authentic paella” worldwide, and provide a site for paella aficionados and amateurs alike.
Wikipaella co-founder Guillermo Navarro says that paella, which is traditionally cooked on an open fire in a gigantic pan, is a much-loved symbol of identity for Valencians:
“Maybe other countries have a flag or an anthem or a dance, but for us it’s food, which is very important as a society.
“When we live abroad — and in this time of economic crisis there are a lot of people living abroad — we want to enjoy our culture in its proper place.”
Navarro argues that authentic paella is “very simple with very basic ingredients, even plain”, with more than six or seven ingredients being “paella prostitution.”
Wikipaella’s list of approved ingredients includes broad beans, tomato, saffron, paprika and Valencian rice. Meat such as rabbit, chicken, and even duck and snails are also common.
Navarro maintains: “It’s about kilometre-zero gastronomy”, with the use of ingredients found within a one-kilometre radius being favoured.
Wikipaella has looked in depth at over 170 traditional recipes to determine what constitutes authentic paella. Chorizo, for example, will never appear in an authentic traditional recipe – even though it tends to crop up repeatedly.
Brit chef Jamie Oliver has advocated using chorizo, choosing it in his paella recipe.
Oliver has described the dish as “incredibly flexible” and says that it’s alright to take “the principal of it” and adjust it to whatever ingredients are available.
But Navarro disagrees – especially if you aim to keep the title of “traditional.”
Navarro said: “I don’t have a problem with Jamie Oliver or any innovation with paella.
“But when Jamie or other chefs say the paella they’ve invented is traditional or authentic, it’s a fail. It’s wrong.
“That label evokes a kind of heritage, a concept, a meaning that can add to the price. Which is cool when it’s true but when it’s false you are lying about price and quality.”
Wikipaella wants everyone to be able to sample the best of traditional Valencian paella and to avoid being ripped off – at home and abroad – by high-price, low-end quality versions that are nothing at all like the real thing.
Navarro says that paella time is usually on a Sunday, when family members help prepare the dish. He describes the event as “the peak of our culture.”
Check out the site here.
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According to its foreign ministry, China is testing a one-year visa-free travel program for nationals of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia.
Ordinary passport holders from these countries will be able to travel to China for up to 15 days without a visa for business purposes between December and November 30, 2024.
According to spokeswoman Mao Ning, this will “promote China’s high-quality development and opening up” on Friday.
Most visitors today require a visa in order to enter China.
Citizens of Singapore and Brunei who are traveling to China for up to 15 days on business, vacation, family visits, or transit are among the infrequent examples of those who are exempt.
China only started issuing all kinds of visas again in March.
Following the coronavirus pandemic, it enforced stringent travel restrictions in March 2020. China imposed some of the toughest COVID restrictions in the world for three years, including frequent testing requirements, travel restrictions, and lockdowns.
It took until last December to lift its zero-covid policy, which had a severe negative impact on the economy.
Before the pandemic, China welcomed tens of millions of foreign tourists annually.
Increasing China’s Openness and High-Quality Development
China aims to achieve high-quality development and expand its global influence, and its decision to test visa-free travel is in line with this objective. A spokesman for China’s foreign ministry, Mao Ning, claims that this initiative is a calculated step toward advancing China’s global openness. China aspires to improve its standing as a popular travel destination for both leisure and business travelers by creating a more welcoming atmosphere for foreign visitors.
The Importance of China’s Trial Travel Permission Free of Visa
China was the destination of tens of millions of foreign tourists annually before the COVID-19 outbreak. However the tight travel restrictions put in place during the pandemic had a big effect on the travel and tourism sectors, as well as the Chinese economy overall. China is now trying to boost its tourism industry by granting visa-free travel to these six nations in light of the pandemic’s slow recovery and the easing of travel restrictions.
A Change in the Direction of More International Collaboration
China has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing international cooperation by deciding to trial visa-free travel for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. China seeks to promote stronger relations with these nations in order to facilitate more trade, cross-cultural interactions, and commercial cooperation. In addition to helping China, this action creates new prospects for citizens and companies in the six participating countries.
The Effect on Travel
China’s tourism sector is anticipated to benefit from the trial program for visa-free travel. Citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia will likely have easier access, which will likely result in a significant increase in the number of tourists visiting China. Numerous industries, including hospitality, transportation, and retail, will profit from this spike in tourism, giving the local economy a much-needed lift.
A Win-Win Context
The trial program for visa-free travel benefits all participating countries as well as China. China will gain from higher tourism-related income, the creation of jobs, and an improvement in its reputation as a travel destination worldwide.


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When Aston Martin first revealed the all-new Vanquish last June, we only saw it in photos as well as a video that gave us a close look at its finer details with a matching soundtrack that was supposedly of its engine going through its paces.
Now, the British carmaker has finally released a two-minute-long video actually showing a "Hammerhead Silver-finished" Vanquish being driven around the Italian countryside with the sound of its engine accompanying the images.
"We know from the feedback we have received for other images of the Vanquish that Aston Martin owners, enthusiasts and friends of the brand worldwide are very keen to see much more of our incomparable new sports car," said Aston Martin chief executive Dr. Ulrich Bez. "I'm very happy to say that, via our website, we can now offer everyone an exciting new view of the great new Vanquish."
If you're viewing this on a mobile device and can't see the video, please click here.


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EU Signs Trade Agreement with Colombia, Peru28 June 2012
GLOBAL - EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht signed the deal together with Danish Ambassador Jonas Bering Liisberg representing the Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Colombian Minister for Trade Sergio Díaz-Granados, and the Peruvian Minister for Foreign Trade José Luis Silva Martinot.
Once fully implemented the Commission estimates that the trade deal will relieve EU exporters of €270 million in duties annually; it will further open up markets on both sides as well as increase the stability and predictability of the trading environment.
Once fully implemented, the agreement will eliminate tariffs in all industrial and fisheries products, increase market access for agricultural products, improve access to public procurement, services and investment markets, further reduce technical barriers to trade, and establish common disciplines including on intellectual property rights, transparency and competition.
The EU will open its market to exporters from Peru and Colombia by committing to an immediate liberalisation in industrial and fisheries products as well as substantial tariff concessions in agriculture.
This is expected to have a direct impact on growth and jobs in these countries and contribute to the sustained move up the value chain of their economies.
The agreement establishes a set of disciplines which go beyond those agreed in the multilateral framework on non-tariff barriers to market access, competition, transparency and intellectual property rights among others - allowing in particular for the protection of over 100 EU geographical indications on the Colombian and Peruvian markets.
The agreement will promote internationally agreed best practices while securing a transparent, non-discriminatory and predictable environment for operators and investors via a mediation mechanism designed to address non-tariff barriers and - if necessary - an advanced bilateral dispute settlement mechanism.
The agreement also includes a cooperation chapter aimed at promoting competitiveness and innovation; modernising production, facilitating trade and the transfer of technology between the Parties.
Finally, the agreement provides for an accession clause which opens the door to the other countries that are members of the Andean Community of Nations to take part in the Agreement when they see fit.
The agreement is also worth over €33 million of tariff reductions for the automotive and car parts sector, around €16 million for chemicals and over €60 million for textiles. Other noticeable tariff reductions will be on pharmaceutical and telecommunication products.
"I welcome today's signature of the Trade Agreement with Colombia and Peru, which creates a stable framework to boost trade and investment between the EU and the Andean region", said EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht.
"In times of economic crisis, increasing trade and investment is the way forward to create growth and jobs. The agreement establishes a foothold for European business in this rapidly growing area and an anchor for further structural reforms in both countries.”
TheFishSite News Desk


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"A trust has been formed for construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya. This trust will work rapidly," he said at a public meeting during his day-long visit to his Lok Sabha constituency.
The government had recently set up the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra on the Supreme Court's directive to the Union government to form a trust that can look into the construction and management of the temple.
- Front Page
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- Big Apple Harvest: India to be Major iPhone Maker
India is set to emerge as a major hub for iPhone manufacturing as US smartphone giant Apple looks to diversify production units outside China.India may Export Handsets Worth $9 billion in FY23
India is likely to export mobile phones worth about $9 billion in FY23, up from $5.8 billion in the year before, as manufacturers step up production and outward shipments.Russia Biggest Oil Supplier to India for 2nd Month Running
Russia remained the top oil supplier to India in November, the second month in a row, ahead of Iraq and Saudi Arabia, according to energy cargo tracker Vortexa.
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Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin can replace several aging patrol cars following Monday action by the county council. They agreed to appropriate money from the Jail CEDIT and Therapeutic Community funds to cover the cost.
Dulin plans to buy one new Ford Interceptor patrol car from Best Ford in Knox with money from the local option tax. He’s also looking to purchase three or four reconditioned police vehicles from a dealer in Chicago for between $15 and $20,000 each.
Dulin says they have less than 50,000 miles each and come with warranties. He adds the Chicago Police Department purchases vehicles from the same dealer to supplement its fleet.
The commissioners agreed to the purchase and noted they like the idea of purchasing one new vehicle along with the reconditioned ones. The Starke County Sheriff’s Office did not buy any vehicles last year.
Dulin says four of the five they are looking to replace have more than 110,000 miles, while the fifth one has 92,000.
The Sheriff’s Office truck will still be used by the jail maintenance director, while the other vehicles will be allocated to other departments within the county.


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Oyos Saroso H.N.,
INDONESIA. The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung, 12 Oct. 2008
Another coffee farmer, Suharno of Sumberjaya, West Lampung, said he was ready to "change" his coffee plantation if the price continued to drop. "If it's no longer profitable, why we should keep on with it? We may change over to cassava. After all, the demand for cassava is on the rise because of the opening of an ethanol factory in Lampung," Suharno said.
Lampung coffee farmers and exporters claim the U.S financial crisis has contributed to the fall in the price of the commodity.
The price of robusta coffee fell from around Rp 18,000-20,000 (US$1.8) per kilogram in August to its current price of Rp 13,000-15,000 per kilogram.
"We are afraid that the price will drop below Rp 10,000 like what happened in 2001," Mukardi, a farmer from Way Tenong, West Lampung, said Friday.
"In the past, 2001-2002, when the price fell to Rp 3,000 per kilogram, many frustrated farmers cut down their coffee trees."
The 40-year-old farmer admitted he could do nothing to stop the declining price of the commodity.
"We will try not to sell our harvest. But if the situation forces us, we will sell it even though the price is down," he said.
Another coffee farmer, Suharno of Sumberjaya, West Lampung, said he was ready to "change" his coffee plantation if the price continued to drop.
"If it's no longer profitable, why we should keep on with it? We may change over to cassava. After all, the demand for cassava is on the rise because of the opening of an ethanol factory in Lampung," Suharno said.
Lampung is one of the few major coffee-exporting provinces in the country. The U.S. financial crisis has also dealt a severe blow to Lampung coffee exporters.
Without giving the exact amount of money involved, exporters claimed to have suffered losses of 30 percent because of the decline in price of coffee at the London terminal. The price has fallen from US$2,200 to $1,600 per ton in the past two days.
"The exporters suffered big losses. In two days, the price dropped about US$700. It's never happened before in history," chairman of the Lampung chapter of the Indonesian Coffee Exporters Association (AEKI), Suherman Harsono, said Friday.
According to Lampung AEKI data, as of August, the volume of coffee exported from Lampung to various countries had reached 34,061 million kilograms. Main export destinations were Germany, Japan, Belgium and the United States.
"In this situation, only disasters such as failed harvests in main coffee-producing countries, such as Brazil, could increase the price," Harsono said.
"While we're waiting for the price to move into equilibrium, we hope the government can issue a policy that eliminates the losses."
Lampung is the largest robusta coffee producer in Indonesia. Currently the province has 163,837 hectares of coffee plantations with 218,447 workers.
At the London terminal, Lampung coffee (and coffee from other areas in Indonesia) must compete with coffee from Vietnam. Brazil, Vietnam, Columbia and Indonesia are the world's largest four coffee producers.
Brazil produces 32 million packs of coffee (one pack is equal to 50 kilograms) per year. Vietnam produces 14 million packs, Columbia 12 million packs and Indonesia 5.7 million packs.
According to the data, last year Indonesia exported 312,086 tons of robusta coffee and 135,373 tons of arabica coffee at an average price of US$3.2 to US$3.5 per kilogram.


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Recent crimes and emergencies
- Crews called to fire at Scranton tire and auto shop
- Man charged with rape for impregnating mentally disabled woman
- 61 computers stolen from Nanticoke High School
- State files charges in 2014 Scranton Cooperage fire
- Five sentenced on federal tax charges
- Man charged for smashing mother's car
- Police seize 150 bags of heroin, arrest one
Beer store cited for sales to minor
MOOSIC - The state Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement cited a borough store for a liquor law violation in September, the bureau reported Monday.
Moosic Beer Mart LLC, 819 Springbrook Ave., sold or permitted the sale of alcoholic beverages to a minor on Sept. 7, the bureau said.
An administrative law judge can impose a penalty ranging from $50 to $1,000. The judge can also suspend or revoke a license based on the severity of the charge.


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Just the other day, Google reworked how it determines which Android users are using which platform. The change caused the percentage of Android users on Jelly Bean to jump from 16% to 25%. But what does this change really mean?
The largest group of people who will most likely care about the change is Android app developers. Instead of gathering Android platform information when users access a Google server, the company is now looking at when a device accesses the Google Play store. This is relevant data for app developers who need to know which platform versions are most likely to download apps, so they can create apps that are compatible with the greatest number of Android devices.
Let's take a look at how the Android devices break down:
Source: Android developer site.
I've written before about which devices developers want to create apps for, and these numbers play a key role in that decision. The smartphone wars aren't just about bigger screens and better cameras -- they're also about whose operating system is the best and how many people are using it.
More than just numbers
There's a back-and-forth battle going on between Apple and Google about how up-to-date their smartphone customers are. The problem for Android is that there's major fragmentation across all of the platforms.
According to BGR, Android's Ice Cream Sandwich (version 4.0) was supposed to be the unified platform that brought consistency to Android tablets and smartphones. But after launching in October 2011, only about 30% of Android users are on it, while almost 40% are on a version that was first released in 2010. In contrast, research firm Chitika reported at the end of February that 83% of iPhone users in North America are using iOS, Apple's latest operating system.
Apple benefits from disjointed Android operating systems, given that smartphone user experience is a selling point for new devices. Lack off apps or apps that don't update because the platform is outdated both hurt a user's experience on that device.
But despite the varying Android operating systems on the market, Apple is fighting an uphill battle against the sheer number of Android phones on the market. Although Apple is typically more concerned about revenue market share and than shipment or sales market share, investors should take note that some users simply may not care which OS version they're running. Time will tell whether or not fragmented Android versions will work in Apple's favor, but for now I think the lack of cohesiveness among the Android versions and devices will eventually hurt Apple competitors.
There's no doubt that Apple is at the center of technology's largest revolution ever, and that longtime shareholders have been handsomely rewarded with over 1,000% gains. However, there is a debate raging as to whether Apple remains a buy. The Motley Fool's senior technology analyst and managing bureau chief, Eric Bleeker, is prepared to fill you in on both reasons to buy and reasons to sell Apple, and what opportunities are left for the company (and your portfolio) going forward. To get instant access to his latest thinking on Apple, simply click here now.
The article Playing the Numbers: Android Jelly Bean Users Hit 25% originally appeared on Fool.com.
Fool contributor Chris Neiger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Apple and Google. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple and Google. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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But the bigger issue, analysts say, is that Sears hasn't invested in remodeling, leaving its stores uninviting.
Preschool teacher Sara Kriz concurred. Picking up conditioner at a Kmart in Manhattan on Tuesday, Kriz said she shops at Kmart "only when I have to," which amounts to once every few months. Yet she goes to Wal-Mart or Target nearly every week because, she said, they are cleaner and better stocked.
"It seems easier to go to Target and Wal-Mart to get the same thing at the same price," she said.
Sears Holdings announced Tuesday that revenue at stores open at least a year fell 5.2 percent for the quarter-to-date at both Sears and Kmart. That includes the critical holiday shopping period. Its Kmart stores reported a 4.4 percent decline, with layaway faltering as rivals like Wal-Mart and Toys R Us found success with their own layaway programs, which allow financially stressed shoppers to finance their holiday purchases by paying a little at a time.
Both Kmart and Sears stores reported weak consumer electronics sales. Sears, whose same-store revenue dropped 6 percent, also reported softer sales of home appliances. The same-store revenue metric is a key gauge of a retailer's health because it excludes results from stores recently opened or closed.
Sears Holdings appeared to stumble early in the holiday season, as it opened its Sears, Roebuck and Co. stores at 4 a.m. on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. Rivals including Best Buy Co., Wal-Mart and Toys R Us opened as early as Thanksgiving night. Sears stores had opened on Thanksgiving Day in 2010. Kmart has been opening on Thanksgiving for years.
A hint that trouble might be brewing came in mid-December when Sears Holdings unexpectedly announced that 260 of its Sears, Roebuck and Co. locations would stay open until midnight through Dec. 23.
In an internal memo Tuesday to employees, CEO and President Lou D'Ambrosio said that the retailer had not "generated the results we were seeking during the holiday."
Like Sozzi, Balter believes the shopping experience is hurting Sears' performance.
"The extent of the (sales) weakness may be larger than expected but the reasons behind it are not. It begins and some would argue ends with Sears' reluctance to invest in stores and service," Balter said.
Sears has yet to determine which stores will close but said it will post on http://www.
searsmedia.com when a final list is compiled. The company would not discuss how many, if any, jobs would be cut.
The company said that the store closings would generate $140 to $170 million in cash from inventory sales. It expects the sale or sublease of real estate holdings to add more cash.
The Hoffman Estates, Ill., company has more than 4,000 stores in the United States and Canada.
Its stock dropped 27 percent to $33.38.
Aside from the planned store closings, Sears is altering the way it handles stores that are not performing as well as others. The company says it will no longer prop up marginally performing stores in hopes of improving their performance and will now concentrate on cash-generating stores.
Sears Holdings said it also plans to lower its fixed costs by $100 million to $200 million and trim its 2012 peak domestic inventory by $300 million from 2011's $10.2 billion at the third quarter's end.


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From a note to Loup Venture subscribers that landed on my desktop late Monday:
The philosophical question on safety An Apple-branded car creates an intense philosophical dilemma for Apple; do you build products that may result in the loss of life? In 2019, almost 39k people lost their lives in auto accidents in the US. We believe this dynamic is important to Tim Cook, who may be reluctant to release a standalone car given this risk. For tech companies, this dynamic is amplified given when they are involved in an auto fatality, it generates media attention, evidenced by any fatal Tesla accident or the Uber self-driving accident. The reality is that cars are dangerous, and tech will make them safer. That said, tech companies need to get more comfortable with negative press that will come in building towards this better future.
Apple TV, a cautionary tale For years, we predicted Apple would launch an Apple-branded television. All of the markings were there. The TV experience was broken, an Apple-branded TV fit nicely within the company’s product road map, and Apple hired people from the TV panel industry to build a prototype. To cap it off, Steve Jobs even mentioned “an integrated television set… I finally cracked it.”
In the end, I was wrong. Apple never did a TV. As talk of Apple Car gains momentum, I’m reminded of a valuable lesson I learned the hard way: just because Apple is working on a product doesn’t mean it will see the light of day.
My take: Munster is a mensch.


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Marshalltown Mall sells for $2.3 million
The Marshalltown Mall was sold on Wednesday for $2.3 million in an online auction which lasted two days on the Ten-X Commercial website.
The final bid met the reserve price of $2.2 million. The identity of the winning bidder will not be revealed until it is publicly released – sometime in the next 30 days, but a Ten-X representative did say a handful of participants placed bids.
The winner of the auction received two hours to sign a purchase agreement which the California-based Ten-X emailed.
Mayor Joel Greer said he was surprised the property sold. He said the city spoke with potential investors from Illinois who felt the suddenness of the auction and the speed of the closing would not give them enough time to talk to architects.
Whether or not Greer is happy about the auction results remains to be seen.
“I won’t know that until I know who bought it and what they plan to do with it,” he said.
The auction began Nov. 19 with a participation deposit of $10,000, a starting bid of $900,000 and bid increments of $250,000.
For the first 24 hours, there was not a lot of activity on the auction page, except one bid which raised the cost to $1.1 million.
The bid increments were lowered to $100,000 during the final hours and more bids came in during the final 18 minutes. A bid was submitted in the final two minutes raising the final price to $2 million.
This caused the auction to go into overtime, more minutes were added and the increments lowered to $50,000 and finally to $25,000.
Ten-X Commercial has a policy in place that prevents snipe bidding, meaning final bids cannot be placed during the last seconds of the auction, which prevents other participants from submitting higher bids. The policy states that any bids entered in the last two minutes of an auction will add another three minutes to the time block.
The previous anonymous owner of the mall – a New York City investment firm – did not announce the intention of placing the facility up for auction. Nor were store owners in the mall notified of the sale.
Some of the mall residents include the Chop Shop, Tom Harris Auctions, Hobby Lobby and JC Penney.
The sales history of the mall is:
• 2012, sold to Marshalltown Center 10 by 2500 South Center Street Holdings for $4.1 million.
• 2012, sold to 2500 South Center Street Holdings by the Marshall County Sheriff for $3.9 million.
• 2004, sold to Marshall Town Center Partners by Marshall Town Center Associates for $13.5 million.
• 1998, sold to Marshall Town Center Associates by Tristate Joint Venture for $8.9 million.


text: Top Picks Video: BNN Market Call's top picks Add to ... BNN Video Published Thursday, Sep. 13, 2012 7:51AM EDT Last updated Thursday, Sep. 13, 2012 7:58AM EDT Paul Harris, partner and portfolio manager, Avenue Investment Management, shares his top picks on BNN's Market Call Tonight. Watch More Video: South Korean judge refuses arrest of Samsung boss China turns up the heat on Trump over trade and Taiwan Money for nothing? Finland trials basic income scheme Poloz says any changes to U.S. trade would have 'complicated' effects for Canada Video: HSBC plans Paris move after Brexit Deutsche Bank looks ahead after U.S. settlement Samsung boss awaits judge's call on his arrest U.S. companies find China less welcoming: survey 2017: Credit ratings outlook never worse Video: Wal-Mart to add 10,000 U.S. jobs in 2017 Brexit hit pushes up UK inflation BAT-Reynolds: Big Tobacco living up to its name Is the view from the top changing? Brazil's Temer says unemployment, not graft probe, biggest worry China to target 6.5% growth in 2017 Hyundai aims for U.S. investment boost under Trump Saudi's flynas boosts Airbus order book Sterling battered by Brexit woes Trump threatens German carmakers with import tariff Venezuela's Maduro wants new plan to boost oil prices DH-TDH CorpLatest Price$23.34+0.18(+0.78%)Updated January 19 9:40 AM EST. Delayed by at least 15 minutes. Comments Share via email Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on LinkedIn Print More Related to this Story Investor Clinic Video: Investor Clinic: So you want to be a millionaire? Investor Roundtable Video: Investor Roundtable: Can the iPhone 5 save the U.S. economic recovery?


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Many decades ago when people were looking to what the 21st century might hold, they probably didn’t think that teenagers would be eating laundry soap to get famous — or poisoned — on the Internet. Unfortunately, here we are.
And because of the stupidity of the few who have done so, the mighty hand of the nanny state feels the need to step in and make a minuscule problem affect everyone else.
In steps the saviors of peoplekind from New York’s Democratic Party: State Sen. Brad Hoylman and Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas, who introduced a law that would force Procter & Gamble, the makers of Tide Pods, to completely redesign its product and add even more warnings to the label in hopes it will make teenagers less likely to put them in their mouths. Clearly, these legislators have spent very little time on YouTube.
The bill would require Tide to stifle its designers to create an uninteresting, single-color laundry pod and wrap them individually with an included warning label on each packet. Yeah, warning labels always stop idiots. But as Democrats always say, “If it would help save just one life, it’d be worth it!”
P&G responded to the latest craze and assured the public that there are no studies that indicate colorful packaging increases any risks in ingesting chemical products. The company also said adding extra plastic wrap around each individual Tide Pod would be bad for the environment AND create yet another ingestion hazard.
The Blaze adds:
According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, there have been over 80 cases of intentional misuse of Tide Pods reported so far in 2018, up from only 53 cases in all of 2017.
Although a number of cases of child poisoning due to Tide Pods are reported every year, that number is not out of line with other, similar household products, which strongly suggests that the product is not objectively more dangerous to children due to its packaging or colorful design.
This is a clear-cut case of teenagers being stupid teenagers and it’s not the fault of the manufacturer. Not to mention, households have plenty of other laundry detergent to choose from in many forms if they feel a small pod is a danger for their family. But the government must govern.
Both Hoylman and Simotas held a news conference on Tuesday where the real reason behind their crusade was ultimately revealed. (SPOILER ALERT: It’s not about the children.)
“Convenience should never trump safety,” Simotas said. “The companies that manufacture these items should be more concerned with public safety than with profit.”
“Put people over profits and good measures, like we’re suggesting today, over good marketing,” demanded Hoylman.
Ah, yes, the evils of capitalism strike again.


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Mukesh Ambani announced a thrust into green energy, and the launch of a new affordable smartphone at the 44th annual general meeting (AGM) of Reliance Industries.
He also inducted the Saudi Aramco and PIF boss, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, on the board. There was more good news
in that the partnership with BP is producing gas from KG-D6 basin. Aside from that, RIL will continue to expand its retail footprint and Jio Platforms will continue its push into 5G.
The oil-to-chemical (O2C) division receives a big 'moral' boost from the induction of a Saudi Aramco representative since this indicates concrete developments in the alliance with Aramco announced two years ago. The connection to the Saudi sovereign wealth fund is worth noting.
The Exploration & Production (E&P) division should start generating significant revenues again. Production from the three deep gas wells (two of which are already operational) will generate enough gas to meet roughly 20 per cent of India’s domestic gas demand.
The 'New Energy' initiative will revolve around the creation of four “gigafactories”. This will together entail Rs 60,000 crore in investments over the next three years. These will produce solar PV panels, battery and storage solutions, electrolysers for the production of green hydrogen, and fuel cells to convert said hydrogen into energy.
These are all high tech areas. There have been continuous innovation breakthroughs. The New Energy division’s gigafactories should add scale. The details are not clear, however. Technology induction and the ability to scale up viably will be crucial to meet the typically ambitious targets.
The planned investments do not seem excessive. RIL has raised over Rs 3.25 trillion in the past fiscal alone so it will be able to fund this even though it is cash flow negative. It will need to invest less in the telecom venture in the near future, since it has picked up the spectrum it needs, investing around Rs 72,000 cr in spectrum and network infrastructure in FY21.
The New Energy move is consistent with the RIL philosophy of ploughing profits back into expansion. Ambani indicated the group is looking at investments of $200 billion across all divisions in the next decade, as well as being net carbon zero by 2035.
The smartphone launch in conjunction with Google happens on September 10 (Ganesh Chaturthi). Details like price-points are lacking at the moment. The JioPhone Next will have a stripped-down Android OS. It will target 200 million-plus 2G subscribers (mainly on Voda-Idea and BSNL networks) who have not yet migrated to smartphones. This is a low ARPU segment – much lower than current Jio ARPU of Rs 138. But Ambani indicated Jio has the spare capacity to absorb 200 million new users into its existing network so it would utilise extant capacity.
The Reliance Retail division is already dominant in organised retail, holding 6x the market share of the next largest player. Expansion will continue. The Jiomart model of pulling in local retail partners has apparently been successful. There was no reference to the Future deal, which is mired in legal dispute. But Ambani did mention RIL is open to expanding the retail footprint through acquisitions. The retail division targets expansion of 3x in the next five years.
Jio and Retail produced over 50 per cent of operating profits (EBITDA) in 2020-21, with various segments growing at close to 40 per cent. This balanced off a tough year for O2C, which saw 30 per cent drop in EBITDA.
O2C will always be cyclical. The last fiscal was hit by demand destruction (first half) and rising crude and gas prices. E&P coming back on track with KG-D6 production will counter higher input prices to some extent. But cyclicality is inherent. The major growth areas will be digital, retail and green energy.
Devangshu Datta is an independent market analyst. Views are his own.
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Only 100 days until the holiday day season is in full swing. Yes, we know it’s barely swimsuit season and the kids are still enjoying summer popsicles, but as marketers, we are gearing up for Santa. Get out your jingle bells and stock up on turkey because the holiday season is on the horizon for 2023 and businesses are already preparing to maximize their profits during this festive time of the year. In the midst of growing price-consciousness, consumers are set to kick-start their holiday shopping earlier than ever in 2023. Online retailers will likely kick off their promotions in October, creating an elongated holiday shopping season where consumers wait for the best discounts. ‘Tis the season to sleigh your holiday marketing game, as January Spring spills the eggnog on the latest trends, ensuring you capture even the earliest of holiday shoppers this year! So, what are the consumer predictions for the 2023 holiday season?
The Early Bird Gets the Most Holiday Shoppers
Embracing the spirit of savings, merry spenders are eagerly primed to kick-start their holiday shopping as early as October this year, igniting a wave of festive cheer and early retail success. This proactive approach allows consumers to capitalize on early bird deals and avoid potential shipping delays. Retailers need to be prepared to gain the attention of these early holiday shoppers by capturing enticing promotions and campaigns well in advance. By doing so, they can ensure their products and services are readily available to meet the early surge in demand for a holiday shopping frenzy!
Thriving Amid Economic Challenges: How to Stay Ahead of the Holiday Season
We get asked all the time about effects of inflation on holiday shopping: we’ve got you covered, download our infographic here. Spoiler alert: people are still planning to spend; however, two-thirds of shoppers say they’ll buy holiday items on sale and more than half will buy fewer items overall (Numerator).
In the face of this challenging economic landscape and the ongoing rise in the cost of living, consumers are projected to become more price-conscious, making it crucial for brands to find innovative ways to meet their needs and stand out from the competition. Shoppers will focus on cost-effective options for their holiday celebrations and prioritize value. To adapt to this shift, retailers should focus on offering competitive pricing strategies, attractive discounts, and compelling value propositions in their advertisements to cater to this price-conscious mindset. Convey these important messages to holiday shoppers by showing how they can shop for their family’s needs (and special wants) while not breaking the bank! The two best ways are by offering the best deal or by providing exactly what the customer wants. By catering to the price-conscious mindset of shoppers, businesses can better navigate the challenges presented by the potential recession (Psfk.com).
Jingle All the Way to the Bank: Holiday Spending Soars with a 4.8% Surge
In 2022, the holiday season witnessed a solid 4.8% growth in retail sales, following two years of remarkable expansion in both retail and ecommerce, largely driven by the pandemic. Get ready to celebrate as the 2023 holiday season is projected to bring a 4.5% increase in retail sales, amounting to a whopping estimated total of $1.328 trillion, spreading cheer and prosperity despite a more moderate growth trend (eMarketer).
The number of worldwide digital buyers will rise 3.1% as well this year to reach 2.89 billion, a little over 36% of the global population. As consumers increasingly prioritize convenience, it comes as no surprise that ecommerce has experienced a notable 11.9% growth in 2023. To accommodate this growing number of shoppers, brands will invest in their ecommerce, mobile commerce (also known as mcommerce), and livestream commerce capabilities while also creating a seamless experience across channels. The desire to save time and effort will drive more consumers towards online shopping and mobile apps. Retailers must prioritize efficient and hassle-free shopping experiences, including user-friendly interfaces, fast and reliable delivery options, and convenient return processes, to meet the heightened expectations of convenience-seeking consumers. Last year, online discounts reached record highs (especially on toys, electronics, and computers) as consumers sought out the best deals. This year will be no different (eMarketer).
Leveraging Market Data: TikTok and Buy Now, Pay Later
TikTok is the main reason we can expect social commerce to grow by 29.8% this year (eMarketer). Marketers have an excellent opportunity to capitalize on this trend and should take advantage of this for lifestyle and consumer brands by running both paid and organic campaigns to maximize growth. The #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt trend is in full swing and should be leveraged this 2023 holiday season!
Another way to take advantage of these data projections is to expand buy now, pay later (BNPL) offers to physical stores. As consumers remain cautious about spending, providing flexible payment options can be a game-changer. Offering in-store pay alternatives can allow customers to use incremental payments as a convenient in-store payment alternative, therefore capturing a wider audience of holiday shoppers.
To summarize, in the wake of inflation and a potential 2023 recession shoppers are seeking earlier shopping and attractive deals to accomplish their holiday celebrations. January Spring recommends for marketers to be prepared to capture the attention of these early, value-conscious holiday shoppers by implementing enticing promotions and campaigns well in advance, offering the best deal or by providing exactly what the customer wants, and to prioritize seamless and efficient shopping experiences to meet the heightened expectations of convenience-seeking consumers. In addition, marketers can take advantage of these data projections by cultivating their TikTok presence and introducing buy now, pay later financing to their physical locations. ‘Tis the season to be shopping, spreading holiday cheer, and finding gifts that sleigh with January Spring!


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Facebook lets small businesses offer paid tickets for online events, while criticizing Apple for taking a cut.
The centuries-old retailer will be sold to SPARC, the ABG-Simon Property Group joint venture, but vendors and employees ponder their future.
A creative with a strong background in sportswear will be hired before the end of the year, according to new owner, ABG’s Jamie Salter.
Closed for months, some of L.A.’s iconic flea market will be available through Free People’s web site starting Sunday.
Gap hooks Gen Z activists, adds sustainability options for teens and National Geographic kids capsule, among other moves for fall 2020.
The ceo of the e-commerce platform said Amazon is not yet getting traction with the luxury crowd.
Firmenich, Benefit and Aveda all saw senior-level shifts in leadership.
Plastic-free packaging is a goal for Prana, Mara Hoffman, Outerknown in new initiative. What about the others impacted by coronavirus?
“United for Lebanese Creatives” is aiming to raise funds for 39 designers and artists who collectively faced more than $850,000 in damages.
Data suggests consumers’ increased interest in private label products and economic uncertainty could cause a significant pivot.
The popular Nintendo game will embrace influencers for virtual pop-ups.
The school is reconfiguring its internship program with the help of fashion leaders.
More Memo Pad