U.S. Employers Seeking Part-Time Workers

By Staff
Wednesday, July 3, 2024 9:00 AM Whether out of competitive necessity to attract workers in a still-tight market with the promise of additional flexibility, and/or out of economic necessity as the economy cools and fewer worker hours are needed, the upshot for workers is clear: More part-time roles are available for those that desire or require them.

Is There Relief on the Way for First-Time Home Buyers?

By Staff
Tuesday, July 2, 2024 9:00 AM This will take many years to work itself out. There isn’t a magic fix.

Consumer Adoption of TikTok on the Rise

By Staff
Monday, July 1, 2024 10:35 AM When it comes to consumer adoption of TikTok, 31 percent of U.S. adults are using the social media app, making it the fifth most-popular behind Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest, respectively.

‘Reasonably Healthy Consumers’ Lead the Way in May Retail Sales Growth

By Staff
Friday, June 28, 2024 11:39 AM May’s retail sales give us a snapshot of a reasonably healthy consumer even though spending growth is fluctuating somewhat.

Consumers Embrace Loyalty Programs

By Staff
Thursday, June 27, 2024 3:05 PM Loyalty program offerings are a key factor when considering which companies and brands consumers choose to do business with.

Male Consumers Are Top Gift Card Buyers

By Staff
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 10:32 AM Gift cards remain a win-win for both consumers and retailers, but after years of confusion and anxiety around the economy and the rising cost-of-living, it's important to continue to reassess how consumers are purchasing and utilizing gift cards.

Consumers Downloading Apps for Loyalty Promotions

By Staff
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 9:00 AM Sales have gone from specific moments in time, like Black Friday and back to school, to consistent opportunities for deals—and strong loyalty programs elevate that culture of consistent savings even further.

Consumers Still Spending Despite Smaller Jobs, Wage Gains

By Staff
Monday, June 24, 2024 10:39 AM The good news is that the economy is growing, inflation is moderating, and overall fundamentals look fine as increased consumer spending supports underlying momentum.

Can Unhappy Workers Hurt the Economy?

By Staff
Friday, June 21, 2024 9:00 AM Employees who dislike their jobs tend to have high levels of daily stress and worry, as well as elevated levels of all other negative emotions. For many employees, being actively disengaged at work is equivalent to or worse than being unemployed.

Balancing AI Use and Ethics in Retail

By Staff
Thursday, June 20, 2024 9:00 AM AI can be a powerful force for good, but only when employed ethically and authentically.

Are Americans Feeling More Optimistic About Their Finances?

By Staff
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 11:59 AM U.S. consumers are more optimistic about their current and future financial situation, the stock market and slowing inflation.

Inflation Cooled in May as Consumers Welcome Relief

By Staff
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 9:00 AM This is the best news we could’ve gotten this morning.

Brand Perception Influenced by Easy Product Discovery

By Staff
Monday, June 17, 2024 11:15 AM Finding products in easy fashion has the strongest impact on the perception of a brand.

Resiliency in Uncertain Times

By Staff
Sunday, June 16, 2024 3:00 AM As the first half of 2024 draws to a close, we are afforded the opportunity to look back at 2023 with the blessings of distance and perspective. The year marked a time of continued global turmoil, with escalating conflicts in both eastern Europe and the Middle East. Within the U.S., borrowers from the everyday consumer to large corporations engaged in tenuous dances with rising interest rates that tightened available credit and limited the generosity of profit margins, all while making the cost of borrowing money prohibitively high for many, whether the purpose was to finance a car, buy a house, or eye potential practice acquisitions or consolidations. This climate, coupled with inflation-fueled increases affecting everything from gasoline to groceries to takeout, made 2023 a financially skittish time at best.

Optical Dips Its Toe Into the AI Waters

By Mary Kane
Sunday, June 16, 2024 2:59 AM It seems that artificial intelligence (AI) is touching many parts of our lives these days, especially in the workplace. Companies are trying to integrate AI into their workflows to save time and make workers more productive, allowing employees to take on new projects and responsibilities. As with any new and developing technology, workers are understandably skittish about adopting something they don’t fully understand. Let’s be honest, the power and reliability of AI can be daunting.