The retail industry was facing pressure even before the start of the pandemic as consumers shifted their purchasing behavior to digital-facing platforms. This trend has caught on even more with COVID, and traditional brick-and-mortar retail stores’ margins have taken a big hit. The pandemic has instigated changes to the retail industry that will likely become… Read more
If you’re a small business owner, December usually brings two things: ample opportunity followed by chaos. Once Thanksgiving ends, you’re suddenly thrust right into the heart of gift-giving season. This can be a particularly chaotic time for retail shop owners, and while shopping malls won’t be as bustling this year, that doesn’t diminish the importance… Read more
The inspiration to start a business can come from many places: to showcase a unique skill set, to make more money, to have the freedom of being your own boss. But starting a business to simply make people feel special is a feat that many seek out and that also can be difficult to accomplish…. Read more
Settled on the California coast in Pacifica and Malibu, Traveler Surf Club & Coastal Outpost is a true gift for water lovers who enjoy playing in the Pacific. With ocean temperatures at 64 degrees Fahrenheit on a warm day and down to 50 during the winter, Traveler provides a place for much-appreciated hot showers after… Read more
When Chef Sam Marvin talks, the hospitality industry listens. After all, he built a $10 million restaurant, Bottega Louie, in downtown Los Angeles during the recession in 2008. He’s a person who seizes an opportunity wherever, and whenever, he can. But Chef Marvin says that the hospitality business has evolved—and that it’s now all about perspective…. Read more
Nestled in the quaint Chicago suburb of Evanston stands Hecky’s Barbecue. The neighborhood barbecue joint has been humbly rooted at the same street corner since 1983 when it first opened with no more than $100 in the cash register. Named Best Suburban barbecue by Better Magazine, Hecky’s attracts locals for its mastery of southside Chicago-style… Read more
Purpose matters, even in business. Whether that’s rooted in why you started your business in the first place or that x-factor that turns first-time visitors into lifelong customers, having a purpose draws a larger, more loyal audience. Why? Because authenticity and intention aren’t as frequently incorporated into the day-to-day experience at many businesses, and when… Read more
In 2006, Sydney Perry was casually baking for just her family and friends. Fast forward almost 15 years later, and Sydney’s Sweets is having its busiest year yet. Born out of a genuine love for baking, Jermaine and Sydney describe their bakery as “a place where sugar and smiles come together to create a truly… Read more
The Coronavirus pandemic has introduced a glaring spotlight on the importance of cleaning and disinfection. Consumers who didn’t previously pay much attention are now wiping down groceries, counting to twenty when washing their hands, and factoring in a business’s cleanliness—as much as their products—when making a purchasing decision. Since the onset of COVID, over two-thirds… Read more
Pay attention to the details. We’ve all heard the mantra but taking it to heart and applying it to your business—that’s a different story. In our first episode of Behind the Review, hear from Nic Faitos, a finance professional turned florist, as he explains why investing in the details—though sometimes costly and tedious upfront—is always… Read more