Investing in hobbies can be money well spent — just don’t take on debt

Ryanjlane | E+ | Getty Images People often start the year by revisiting their budgets with a resolution to save money and cut back on discretionary spending. Yet, experts say hobbies shouldn’t be the first category to go. Americans on average spent $3,458 on entertainment in 2022, according to the most recent Consumer Expenditures report … Read more

CVS to close ‘select’ pharmacies in Target stores in the coming months

CVS Health plans to close select pharmacies inside Target stores early this year, a company spokesperson said Thursday, as retail pharmacy chains in the U.S. struggle to boost profits.  The closures will begin in February and finish by the end of April, the spokesperson said in a statement. She added that employees affected by the … Read more

Google Cloud launches new generative AI tools for retailers

Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images Google launched several new tools for retailers using generative AI to improve online shopping experiences and other retail operations, its cloud business announced in a release Thursday.  The suite of new products includes a generative AI-powered chatbot that retailers can use on websites and mobile apps. The virtual … Read more

Red Sea crisis could jeopardize inflation fight as shipping costs spike globally

A ship transits the Suez Canal towards the Red Sea on January 10, 2024 in Ismailia, Egypt.  Sayed Hassan | Getty Images U.S. shipping costs are spiking as attacks in the Red Sea disrupt global trade, raising fears that inflation might pick up again if the disruption persists. The diversion of container ships from the … Read more

New York and California make retail theft top 2024 priority

The governors of New York and California announced sweeping plans to crack down on retail crime this week, as trade associations and police departments lobby for government action to curb theft. The plans include new legislation designed to increase the penalties for retail crime offenses and more funding for police departments and district attorney’s offices … Read more

Wolverine World Wide sells Sperry to Authentic Brands Group

Sperry Top-Sider Bill fish Tan and Beige. Mayra Beltran | Houston Chronicle | Getty Images Wolverine World Wide has sold Sperry to brand management firm Authentic Brands Group and Canadian retailer the Aldo Group, the company announced Thursday. The deal will generate $130 million, which Wolverine plans to use to pay down debt, it said. … Read more

Consumer spending rises in December to end solid holiday season, CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor shows

People carry shopping bags as they visit a department store during the holiday season in New York City. Eduardo Munoz | Reuters Retailers chalked up solid gains in the final month to wrap up the holiday season, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor for December. However, the data also shows the true state of consumer … Read more

Neiman Marcus CEO addresses Saks sale rumors

Shoppers enter and exit the Neiman Marcus at the King of Prussia Mall in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 8, 2018. Mark Makela | Reuters ORLANDO, Fla. — As rumors swirl over whether Saks Fifth Avenue will acquire Neiman Marcus, Neiman’s CEO told CNBC there’s “no need” to sell the business, adding it’s unlikely … Read more

LeBron James signs Fanatics deal, leaves Upper Deck

LeBron James signs with Fanatics Collectibles in a trading card deal, leaving Upper Deck after 20 years. Courtesy: Fanatics LeBron James is moving his trading card sponsorship to Fanatics Collectibles after more than 20 years with rival Upper Deck. Fanatics will kick off the deal by selling a unique Bowman brand card featuring a dual … Read more

Revisited: The Post Office scandal, part 2 – podcast | UK news

This episode originally ran on 11 May 2021. The Post Office brought prosecutions against dozens of its employees after accusing them of theft and false accounting based on evidence from its IT system called Horizon. Janet Skinner was one of those who went to jail for false accounting and last month she was one of … Read more