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Some companies have warned they'll earn less than expected. Here's why.

Jun 6, 2022
For some, it's about consumers spending less. For others, it's about other businesses spending less.
Snap recently lowered its revenue forecast as businesses rein in advertising.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

For this toy store, summer is here, and so are inventory woes

May 30, 2022
Business is up at a North Carolina shop, but managing inventory and costs are headaches.
A shelf of outdoor toys at Ali Cat. "We had a great Easter," said owner Irene Kesselman. "And now we are starting to sell some of our pool toys and outdoor toys."
Ariel Jackson

For this Michigan stationery company, it's time to look beyond greeting cards

Apr 20, 2022
Rebranding can be risky, but Annie Lang Hartman, owner of Compass Paper thinks it's "definitely going to be worth it."
"We are currently working on relaunching our business," said Annie Lang Hartman. "And because of that we are trying to flip our entire inventory." Above, clearance sale mugs at Compass Paper Co.
Courtesy Annie Lang Hartman

A mobile bookstore in the Bronx “is where my heart is” 

Apr 13, 2022
Storefront prices were too high, so Latanya DeVaughn of Bronx Bound Books used savings, a grant and a bus to realize her dream.
Courtesy Latanya DeVaughn

Inflation expectations are causing this toy store owner to stock up

Apr 1, 2022
Irene Kesselman, owner of Ali Cat Toys, said her store's inventory is high leading up to Easter — partly because she wants to avoid future inflation.
"We have everything from plush Easter bunnies to Easter chocolate," said toy store owner Irene Kesselman. "As well as other things that are non-Easter that will go into a basket, like bath bombs and pencils and that kind of thing."
Andy Lyons/Getty Images

The question the retail world is asking right now: Sell cheap or hold?

Feb 22, 2022
Rising inflation will change the calculus for some apparel wholesalers.
Inflation may allow wholesalers to turn a profit on older goods that would ordinarily be sold at a discount.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Lowe's to test mini Petcos in stores

Jan 27, 2022
E-commerce is driving the stores-within-stores trend.
Lowe's will try incorporating miniature Petcos into some locations, following a trend of similar retail partnerships.
Bruce Bennett/ Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Buy now, pay later services replace layaway

Jan 10, 2022
Services like Affirm and Klarna charge interest for allowing consumers to pay for their purchases in installments.
Layaway has become a relic of retail's past.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

What might consumer spending look like in 2022?

Dec 31, 2021
Retailers are making a calculation about what to put on shelves. And it comes down to supply and demand.
Throughout the pandemic, consumers have shopped quite a bit. It doesn't look like the spread of omicron is going to hamper that.
Paul Ratje/AFP via Getty Images

After 18 months on lists of Black-owned businesses, her clothing company is "leveling out"

Dec 23, 2021
Aliya Wanek's clothing line is still more popular than it was in 2019, so she reduced her hours at her day job.
Aliya Wanek now works part-time as a speech therapist to devote more time to her clothing business.
Photo courtesy Aliya Wanek