Macy’s and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh collaborated on a free purchasing spree for 45 Pittsburgh-area children at several local malls on Sunday morning.
The children and their mentors, known as “littles” and “bigs” by the organization, visited Macy’s locations in Ross Park Mall, South Hills Village, Monroeville, Robinson, and Pittsburgh Mills. Due to a donation from Macy’s, they were able to select items worth up to $200.
And not just clothing said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh CEO Becky Flaherty.
“Free anything,” she said after the purchasing sprees on Sunday. “One lady focused on restroom decor, including bath towels and mats… She was extremely elated.”
Ms. Flaherty stated that a second young lady purchased expensive cosmetics. A few lads chose Lego kits and clothing.
“And they were the only ones in the store,” she explained. They had the entire place to themselves, making it even more special for them.
Greater Pittsburgh Big Brothers Big Sisters is a youth mentoring organization that primarily services children from single-parent families, low-income households, and historically under-resourced schools.
Ms. Flaherty stated that in many instances, the children have incarcerated parents, experience bullying at school, and face other challenging circumstances.
All children need three positive adult relationships to thrive.
Ms. Flaherty stated, “We know that all children require three positive adult relationships in order to thrive, but many children from single-parent households lack these.”
“We provide children in need of a mentor with strong, enduring, and professionally supported one-to-one relationships that improve their lives permanently.”
She thanked Macy’s representatives for being “really great partners” and stated that future shopping excursions are planned.
Today, Aotearoa’s largest 24-hour retail floor was visited by a large number of bargain hunters.
Hundreds of consumers waited in line to view Kmart’s entire selection, which was previously unavailable at the Manukau location.
Matthew Halal, the country manager, remarked that the store’s trading floor was its largest at just under 5,000 square meters.
He stated that the reason for the 24-hour store was to provide consumers with extended access.
“The airport is very near to us. We have a large number of shift employees. We have a large number of contractors who must buy at night.”
According to Halal’s sales data, the number of consumers spikes between 10 p.m. and midnight.
“At midnight, there was still a desire to continue shopping at our old location,” he said.
“We’ve gone as big as possible, which is why it’s taken us a little longer to secure the site.”
When asked if the success of Kmart’s 24-hour store in Sylvia Park influenced the opening of the new store, he responded, “I think it’s a different customer, a different community.”
Halal stated that the store’s selection distinguished it.
“We had to narrow our selection for the consumer. Therefore, you now have access to the entire Kmart assortment, which was previously unavailable to this community.
In our strategic growth plans for New Zealand, this particular site is crucial, said Halal.
He stated that the large-scale retailer had no plans to open additional 24-hour stores unless consumers demanded it.
Flying to and from a main British airport is a unique experience that perfectly reflects life in the United Kingdom. However, not everyone is as well-prepared or as pleased with the experience.
For most Britons, a relaxing vacation begins at 4 a.m. with a struggle through overcrowded airport security, followed by an inexplicable trip to the fake pub in the middle of the terminal for a drink, but only after navigating the labyrinthine duty-free shopping corridor.
Then, regardless of how early you arrived, you’re always in a rush to the gate, which is odd given that you’ll likely wind up waiting there for what feels like an eternity.
For most Britons, this is how every vacation begins; it’s woven into the very fabric of our culture, and we’d never alter it. However, for some American tourists flying into or out of Stansted, this experience was not quite as enjoyable.
A few even took to the review website Yelp to express their “ideas” on our beloved airport culture, including but not limited to the “sullied” security guards, the blasts of excruciating heat followed by freezing temperatures, and the mind-numbing maze of long identical corridors as they attempted to locate their gate.
Below are some of the finest (and most angry) reviews of our favorite local airport. Imagine how grumpy those visitors would have been if they had landed at Luton instead of Stansted!
“Complete chaos”
Marina M surprisingly reported that she relished the train ride to the airport, but her experience deteriorated thereafter. She wrote, “I will only return if absolutely necessary. While the train journey from London to the airport was pleasant, the airport is a complete mess.
“The distance to the entrance is very great. Once we arrived at our gate, they made us stand on the stairwell for an additional 20 minutes, during which time it became extremely hot and people began to remove their jackets. Once the door was opened, we found ourselves outside in the dark next to an aircraft, freezing as we waited an additional 10 minutes to board. We’re ecstatic to have priority boarding.”
“Forced shopping”
Tracy L was perplexed by the ‘winding corridor of forced purchasing’ also known as duty-free.
She stated, “The express train ride from London to Stansted Airport took us 45 minutes. When we arrived, we were required to navigate a winding corridor lined with stores and salespeople – speak about forced shopping! It was somewhat inconvenient that carrying luggage through this retail corridor was such a lengthy endeavor.
“Overall, a mediocre airport; if not for the shopping corridor, I would give it a higher rating.”
“I’m confident that there are still people searching for their gate days later”
Scott T left a scathing review of the airport, stating, “Getting to your gate at this train wreck of an airport is like the rock and roll parody “This Is Spinal Tap,” and the memorable scene where the band is ready to perform but can’t find their way, continually turning another corner, going through another door, to an endless series of the same…
“Welcome to Stansted Airport, where to get to your gate you must pass literally hundreds of duty-free shops, bars, make-up counters, and juice bars, as well as every chain you’ve ever heard of and those you will quickly tire of.
“I’m fairly certain that people are still seeking for their gate days later, lost in the maze of duty liquor and cosmetic shops.
“When you reach the primary holding area, you are not given your gate until a few minutes before boarding begins. Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. is, you know, peak hour, and it is dreadfully crowded.
“Please take a seat on the most uncomfortable wooden chairs conceivable. In addition, there are no outlets for laptops or mobile devices. Nada. Find a store; they may carry it. I did.
“However, there is a silver lining: the security personnel are just as glum and miserable as anywhere else you’ve been. That is a plus in this case.”
“The campground for passengers of low-cost airlines”
Amber Y exclaimed, “Oh boy, Stansted.” The wilderness, where budget airline passengers lodge. It’s a 60- to 90-minute transfer from central London, and if you reach at midnight, there are rows of people sleeping outside departures to save money on a hotel room.
“Pros: Security is clean and comparatively swift, and border control has a sense of humor. Negatives: Distance from the city center or bus station; the cost of transfers may outweigh flight savings.
“I’m hesitant for others to discover this oasis, but the Prayer Room within the gates is the ideal location for a nap. Rest in the presence of whatever higher being you believe in or do not, am I right?
There is a wifi connection here that is distinct from the default airport wifi and is free for four hours.
“TSA needs to learn from the security team here”
Barbara B from Honolulu thought that airport security in the United States or the TSA could learn something from Stansted Airport.
She remarked, “The TSA needs to learn from the security team at this airport, which is so efficient at moving thousands of passengers through the lines! Highly impressive! Because Ryanair does not verify baggage to the final destination, you must stand in line once more!”
A pair of shoes priced at $500 (after a significant discount) in a Queensland thrift store has raised eyebrows.
Christian Louboutin’s footwear for men first retailed at the Palm Beach St. Vincent de Paul on the Gold Coast for a jaw-dropping $1,483. The silver and gold slip-on shoes with the trademark red outsole had their price drastically reduced when they failed to attract enough buyers.
Someone in Palm Beach noticed the shoes for sale and shared a photo of them on Facebook, where they rapidly became a topic of conversation.
“You know when Palmy has gone really upmarket… designer shoes at Vinnies,” she captioned the photo.
The St. Vincent de Paul price tag caused quite a stir.
I believe it is important for them to keep in mind that they are running a thrift store and not a high-end boutique. “[Such] a rip-off,” one individual commented.
The prices they set for everything are really obscene. Someone else chimed in, “I saw a Kmart dress in there last week, and they were selling it for more than Kmart sold it for.”
However, one supporter of Vinnies said that the organization’s sales benefit a good purpose.
It is unclear whether the loafers are new or used, but the same item, sold brand new in the United States, is currently available for purchase online for the equivalent of $1483 AUD (Australian Dollars).
One lucky consumer, in spite of the reaction, may get their hands on a one-of-a-kind designer item at a steep discount. Christian Louboutin’s “Dandyrocks” loafers feature a jacquard fabric upper and are available in a variety of colors.
The American retailer also touts the following additional features:
Gucci Beauty has expanded its presence in the Singapore market with the opening of a new store in the Raffles City Shopping Centre.
The store’s design is intended to evoke a warm and inviting ambiance, and it reflects the diverse codes that are associated with the brand.
The area is decorated with sophisticated mixes of materials and features, such as bespoke cosmetic chairs, exquisite makeup counters, convenient digital touch displays, and pale pink furniture that is contrasted against black tiles to create the illusion of a soft gloss.
Gucci Beauty has been opened at Singapore’s Raffles City Shopping Centre.
The retail site has an interactive fragrance bar that encourages customers to immerse themselves in the world of The Alchemist’s Garden, as well as Gucci’s selection of luxury fragrances, and finally, digital screens that provide educational product materials to guests who are interested in learning more about the products.
In addition, customers have the opportunity to have their monograms etched on a variety of Gucci Beauty products as well as their initials embroidered on those items.
The new location of the boutique can be found at Raffles City Shopping Centre, Level 1, #01-40A, and it is open from 10 am to 10 pm daily.
Opry Mills announced the second annual National Outlet Shopping DayTM for June 10 and 11 after last year’s initial event drew hundreds of bargain hunters.
Opry Mills will celebrate National Outlet Shopping Day 2023, the biggest outlet savings event of the year, along with more than 90 Simon Premium Outlets® and The Mills® sites in the US, Canada, Mexico, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Opry Mills merchants gave hundreds of amazing bargains during National Outlet Shopping Day 2022, and this year’s event promises even more fantastic finds on the most sought-after brands and unique in-store and center-wide experiences.
Live-streaming activities and limited-time deals on Simon Premium Outlets’ ShopPremiumOutlets.com will increase the event’s omnichannel footprint.
Consumers are making tough spending decisions.
In 2023, bargain seekers who open a Simon American Express® Credit Card from Cardless will enjoy double points on certain purchases at Simon Mills and Premium Outlets during the two-day event.
Cardholders will receive 6 percent statement credits at any on-property Simon retailer and 10 percent at select stores, including Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Forever 21, Finish Line, Lucky Brand, Nautica, and Banana Republic, up to $1,000.
Cardholders will also receive a National Outlet Shopping Day tote bag and a $10 meal and beverage credit for Opry Mills restaurants that weekend. Specs apply.
“We know consumers are making difficult choices about how to prioritize their spending,” said Paula Hankins Director, Marketing & Business Development.
“During National Outlet Shopping Day, we want our shoppers to reclaim the joy and exhilaration of finding a great deal on something they really want, without breaking their budget.”
Nashville-area power shoppers who can’t wait until June can enter Simon’s Ultimate Outlet Shopping Giveaway to win an all-expense-paid trip to Orlando Premium Outlets and Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise, Fla., for National Outlet Shopping Day weekend.
First-class airfare, in-market transportation, accommodation, dinner, VIP activities, and $5,000 shopping spree are included. Register at PremiumOutlets.com/NOSDContest by April 23 to win.
This month, a neighborhood coffee shop offers more than lattes and pastries. Blue Sparrow Coffee includes a detailed sustainability report, including water bills.
Since 2017, their coffee has been sustainable.
Food and beverage sustainability is fascinating since it’s customer-driven. Customer garbage created Blue Sparrow Coffee.
This year, their sustainability report is displayed in a complete gown.
“Local designer Alejandro Gaeta’s gown is the sustainability report’s star. It’s entirely store-made. Pastry bag bottoms. The flower has coffee-dipped to-go handles. Coffee and matcha color the dress. The outfit is made of single-use cups that were discarded and torn up. Mainspring sustainability analyst Sara Van Hatten. Blue Sparrow is officially a Denver Certified Green Business, a rare designation.
“We have this full data report that’s very unusual for a coffee shop. “Identifying your water, waste, and energy usage,” stated Van Hatten. “We quarterly train our baristas on our sustainability efforts and why.”
Last year, they audited trash to find their top three contaminants.
Top, sugar packets.
We now buy bulk sugar and create glass-bottled syrups. Van Hatten noted that eliminating single portions reduces waste.
Coffee mugs.
They charge 10 cents for each cup taken out of the store to lower the price of alternative milks.
“Alternative milks are traditionally much more expensive than cow milk but we want to ensure that the more sustainable option is kept affordable for individuals,” said Van Hatten.
And napkins.
“This year, we are hoping to work with our suppliers to create reusable and recyclable lower waste products that we hope will have a larger impact not only for us, but the coffee industry as a whole,” said Van Hatten.
“No matter who does it, it’s not optional. “Baking sustainability into our DNA,” Van Hatten remarked.
Blue Sparrow will have interactive methods to view the full sustainability report on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, and the gown will be on display at their Platte Street location during the month.
Walmart launched Walmart Plus in 2021, during the epidemic, to compete with Amazon Prime. Annual membership costs $98. Paying monthly at $12.95 costs $156 a year.
Consumer Reports says Walmart Plus has good perks for Walmart regulars. See if Walmart Plus is appropriate for you.
Streaming Discount
Walmart Plus customers get free Paramount Plus streaming, which includes over 40,000 episodes of TV series, movies, sports, and more.
The membership is confined to the ad-supported Paramount Plus Essential Plan. This may lower streaming service prices. To receive this perk, you must cancel your Paramount Plus subscription and sign up through Walmart Plus.
Six Months of Free Spotify
Walmart Plus offers six free months of Spotify Premium (normally $9.99) for Spotify fans. Saving almost $60.
Free Delivery
If you use Instacart or other grocery delivery services, you know how those fees pile up, making each transaction more expensive. Walmart Plus delivers fresh groceries to your home for free and with no order limit. Some restrictions and a $35 minimum order apply.
Free Shipping
Walmart Plus allows you free shipping on a wide range of Walmart products, not just groceries. Location and freight costs may apply to some products.
Fuel Discounts
Walmart Plus members save 10 cents per gallon at Walmart gas stations and over 14,000 Exxon, Mobil, and Murphy stations nationwide. However, fuel discounts vary by station.
Simple Customer Rewards App
Walmart Plus members can use the app to earn points that can be redeemed for Walmart merchandise. Better better, these points never expire, but you need a Walmart Plus account to spend them. They have no other value and cannot be exchanged for cash. Gift cards, prescriptions, pharmacy products, optical products and services, alcohol, cigarettes, guns and ammunition, lottery tickets, and a few other items cannot be purchased with these points.
Early Deals
Consumer Reports says Walmart Plus members learn about Black Friday and new product bargains first. Walmart Plus gives you a heads-up with a members-only message.
Scan-and-Go Mobile
With a Walmart Plus membership, you can scan your items in your basket and conduct a quick, contact-free checkout instead of waiting in line.
Easy Savings
Consumer Reports recommends a Walmart membership if you prefer saving money and shop there for most of your necessities, including petrol. They say weekly shopping delivery saves $32 in shipping and other fees. If you buy 20 or more gallons of petrol per week, you may save $8 a month, which virtually covers the Walmart Plus membership.
An annual Walmart membership may be worth it if you order delivery or buy gas weekly.
Approximately a decade ago, the QR code was a jest. More recently, the novel coronavirus pandemic made QR codes a common solution for other contact-free use cases and a standard fixture in restaurants for viewing menus. By 2027, the QR code or a very similar technology is expected to replace the UPC code, a familiar sight in retail for nearly 50 years.
Axios reports that GS1 US, the non-profit standards organization responsible for barcodes, has announced the Sunrise 2027 initiative, which will replace the familiar UPC with a two-dimensional QR-code-like alternative.
Two-dimensional barcodes, which encode information along the X- and Y-axes instead of a single line, can store and provide the consumer or employee scanning a product with significantly more information than a traditional UPC. As a result, the algorithms claim to offer several advantages over the legacy technology, such as:
Giving stores access to information about recalls, sell-by dates, and other information at the shelf edge to better manage inventory and discounting;
Providing customers with enhanced product information such as ingredients, recipes, and sustainability data;
Permitting customers to access loyalty and rewards programs at the point of sale when an item is scanned.
Despite the fact that QR codes have proven to be a more convenient solution in certain instances over the past few years, the pervasive adoption of 2-D barcodes throughout the retail industry could introduce new types of risk.
According to an article by Chargeback Gurus, QR code fraud has already emerged as the codes have grown in popularity.
More prevalent scams have substituted publicly displayed codes with stickers of new codes that direct viewers to malicious links that install malware or directly steal funds by redirecting a payment to a different recipient. More inventive ones have emerged, such as counterfeit parking tickets with QR codes that can be scanned in the parking lots of companies that have instituted the codes for other purposes.
As the codes or similar ones become more widely used, such schemes may find more susceptible targets.
Supply chain constraints and rising inflation have hurt car sales. Last year, UK new automobile sales hit a 30-year low.
While recovery is expected, Gartner projected in February that “2023 will be a deceptive year for automotive online sales” as automakers slow digital retail spending due to instability. Gartner also advises that automobile firms can use the economic crisis to improve their online capabilities, save costs, and gain market share.
What trends are changing the sector as shoppers increasingly shop online and offline?
Online-only sales growth slows post-pandemic, but digital acceptance grows.
Online-only car buyers have decreased in recent months. What Car? found that 4.2% of consumers plan to buy a car without a salesperson, down from 9.7% in June 2022.
Auto Trader COO Catherine Faiers saw this tendency, according to Car Dealer. “We did see significant growth during the pandemic,” Faiers told Car Dealer Live.
Faiers also noted that more clients are arriving at the forecourt after starting their journey online.
“Many of those consumers were highly informed and ready to buy, so they had spent a lot of time doing their research and narrowing down to a specific vehicle, understanding the finance options, and were fully ready to buy by the time they arrived on the forecourt.”
While most consumers still prefer to buy cars in person, data reveals a rising acceptance of digital and omnichannel automotive retail. This parallels customer behavior across retail, with ecommerce sales plateauing over the past year while high street retailers have grown.
Markets mixed, with auto parts increase.
Carvana and Cazoo benefited from the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased used car purchases. As consumer demand declines, many marketplaces must decrease costs to make a profit.
Due to consumer need for test drives and forecourt fulfillment, some pundits have questioned the long-term viability of the online-only automobile business. Pureplays’ high marketing spending and low used car margins offset the cost savings from not having brick-and-mortar facilities.
AIM’s “2022 Automotive Marketplaces Report” suggests that more automaker-owned marketplaces could challenge third-party internet markets like Auto Trader. AIM cites Stellantis’ SpotiCar, which runs in 11 countries, and General Motors’ CarBravo, a new site.
Auto parts ecommerce is growing as consumers want a hybrid online-offline car-buying experience. The worldwide automotive aftermarket is anticipated to reach $559.9 billion by 2030, with online automotive part revenue reaching $67 billion.
