ReportWire

Tag: Shopping

  • This Weird-Looking Recovery Shoe Does Miracles for My Feet

    This Weird-Looking Recovery Shoe Does Miracles for My Feet

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    Even on a surface as hard as bricks (literally), these sneakers feel a bit like walking on a cloud.

    Editors Pick Licensing Seal 150

    Editors’ Picks are the Fashionista team’s true (#notspon) fashion and beauty obsessions, handpicked by professionals who see it all. 

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    Andrea Bossi

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  • Art from Microsoft founder Paul Allen sells for $1.5 billion

    Art from Microsoft founder Paul Allen sells for $1.5 billion

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    NEW YORK — Works by artists including Cézanne, Seurat, and van Gogh sold for a record-breaking $1.5 billion during the first part of Christie’s two-day auction of the late Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen’s masterpiece-heavy collection.

    All 60 of the artworks put up for auction Wednesday night in New York sold, and five paintings sold for prices above $100 million.

    Georges Seurat’s pointillist “Les Poseuses, Ensemble (Petite version)” sold for $149.2 million, the evening’s highest price. The larger version of “Les Poseuses” is at the Barnes Collection in Philadelphia.

    Christie’s experts said that pointillism, a revolutionary technique when it was developed by Seurat and Paul Signac involving dots of color that combine to form an image, was of particular interest to Allen because of his computer background.

    The auction house quoted Allen saying he was “attracted to things like pointillism or a Jasper Johns ‘numbers’ work because they come from breaking something down into its components — like bytes or numbers, but in a different kind of language.”

    Other highlights from Wednesday’s sale included Paul Cézanne’s “La Montagne Sainte-Victoire,” which sold for $137.8 million, and van Gogh’s landscape “Verger avec cyprès,” which sold for $117.2 million.

    “Never before have more than two paintings exceeded $100 million in a single sale, but tonight, we saw five,’ Max Carter, vice chair of 20th and 21st century art at Christie’s, said in a news release.

    Eighteen works sold for record prices for the artists, who ranged from the 17th century Flemish painter Jan Brueghel the Younger to the 20th century photographer Edward Steichen.

    All proceeds from the sale will benefit philanthropies chosen by Allen’s estate.

    Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with his childhood friend Bill Gates, died from complications of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2018. During his lifetime, he donated more than $2 billion to causes including ocean health, homelessness and advancing scientific research.

    The previous single-evening auction record of $852.9 million was set at Christie’s contemporary art sale in New York in 2014.

    The Paul Allen estate sale continued on Thursday.

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  • These Will Be the 12 Most Coveted Skincare Gift Sets This Season, Guaranteed

    These Will Be the 12 Most Coveted Skincare Gift Sets This Season, Guaranteed

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    You knew it was coming—the holiday season is upon us and it’s time to start thinking about what to buy for every kind of beauty lover in your life. Some may want a few buzzy new skincare items to add to their routine while makeup enthusiasts might simply need a few good brush sets. If you’ve come to the conclusion that you have quite a few skincare-obsessed people on your list, look no further for gift inspiration. Below, we’ve rounded up *the* skincare gift sets of the season anyone on your list would love to get their hands on. Keep scrolling—good stuff ahead.

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    Shawna Hudson

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  • In NIL era, business is good for college hoops returnees

    In NIL era, business is good for college hoops returnees

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    Armando Bacot didn’t bolt early from North Carolina after a memorable run to the NCAA championship game to chase a professional playing career. Neither did Gonzaga’s Drew Timme, an All-American star of one of the nation’s top programs.

    No, business is already good for men’s and women’s college basketball players able to cash in on their fame now.

    The option to remain in school is more enticing than ever since the NCAA permitted college athletes to profit from use of their name, image and likeness in summer 2021.

    “It definitely is a factor, definitely something that helped,” said Timme, a two-time Associated Press second-team All-American and a preseason pick this year. “If you look across the landscape of not only college basketball, but all college sports, it’s a big reason a lot of people are inclined to come back.”

    That’s particularly true on the women’s side, where NIL deals and chartered travel offer more appeal than rookie salaries and much-debated commercial flights in the WNBA.

    The women’s game has seen stars like Connecticut’s Paige Bueckers – who is sidelined this year by a knee injury but will return in 2023-24 – and Iowa State’s Ashley Joens opt to stick around. Other prominent names like Louisville’s Hailey Van Lith and North Carolina’s Deja Kelly soon face choices; they become draft eligible by turning 22 next year.

    “If you’re an influencer, especially as a student-athlete in college, and that’s your appeal for NIL, you’re going to want to stay in college because that’s how you’re going to make your money,” Van Lith said. “But I think when it comes to people who are going to pursue professional (playing) careers, I don’t know if it’ll make much of a change.”

    Deals have come fast from businesses seeking the most marketable of athletes, many of whom have hired agents to manage those opportunities. College-town businesses have looked for ways to partner with an athletes to tap into local notoriety. National companies have done it with social-media promotions or ads.

    Athletes are given wide latitude provided they provide some type of service in exchange for compensation. While deal terms aren’t public, they’re estimated to be in some cases six figures or more – with some of the most well-known athletes even pushing past million-dollar projections.

    “The difference in college sports, and we’ve seen this time and again, is: do they follow individuals?” said Columbia University lecturer Joe Favorito, a sports and entertainment marketing consultant. “Kind of. But they really follow the school.

    “So there are people investing in Duke or North Carolina or Notre Dame because that’s part of the school. So if you go from St. John’s and transfer to Villanova, does that mean all the brand equity is going to come along with you? Maybe not.”

    Favorito added: “That’s the challenge of college athletics. It’s much more about community and the collective than it is about individuals sometimes.”

    Yet that also explains why there’s value in sticking around to stay tied to the college’s brand, especially in the annual spotlight of March Madness.

    On the women’s side, Bueckers’ partnerships include Gatorade. Van Lith has deals with adidas, Dick’s Sporting Goods and JCPenney – which led to a back-to-school shopping spree for Louisville-area kids over the summer. Kelly’s partnerships include Dunkin’ Donuts and Beats By Dre – even presenting her team with custom headphones from the company – and she modeled a Sports Illustrated-themed swimsuit line for retailer Forever 21.

    “It’s kind of just taking that (NIL) into consideration as far as I definitely do want to play professionally,” Kelly said. “But it’s just seeing what the best option is as far as what’s going to set me up best successfully, financially in that moment. So I guess we’ll talk about it when the time comes.”

    Joens, a preseason AP All-American, returned to Iowa State instead of entering the WNBA draft. While NIL money and chartered flights factored into her decision, the biggest motivator was getting her finishing her graduation requirements this fall.

    “It was a long process and I went back and forth,” she said. “I didn’t think about it much last year because you’re focused on the season. I talked to my family a little more and they said what’s more important to you right now? I knew being able to graduate and have a degree was a big.”

    Dynamics differ on the men’s side with players eligible for the NBA draft at age 19. There’s also the fact that big men who formerly were surefire first-round draft picks have seen their value slide as the pro game evolves to more floor spacing and 3-point shooting.

    Neither Bacot nor Timme were considered first-round prospects. Nor was Kentucky big man Oscar Tsheibwe, last year’s AP national men’s player of the year. All three are back in college and making money from NIL partnerships, notably with Timme turning his handlebar mustache into a deal with Dollar Shave Club.

    And then there’s Bacot. The 6-foot-11 fourth-year center suffered a bad ankle sprain in the Final Four and limped his way through the NCAA title-game loss to Kansas, so he wouldn’t have been healthy enough for NBA pre-draft workouts.

    But NIL mattered, too.

    The preseason AP all-American’s long endorsement list includes local outlets such as having a burger named for him at Town Hall Burger and Beer and helping the local Me Fine organization raise money for families with children suffering a medical crisis.

    Expanding beyond North Carolina, Bacot partnered with Arkansas-based Bad Boy Mowers and Kentucky-based horse thoroughbred and breeding facility Town & Country Farms – which ultimately had him travel to this year’s Kentucky Derby.

    “Because of the success we had at the end of the year and me, just having a pretty big name in college, it allowed me to leverage that and capitalize on those big opportunities,” Bacot said. “It definitely was something that weighed into coming back.”

    And Bacot’s not done. Over the summer, he filmed a role in the upcoming season of Netflix’s “Outer Banks,” a teen adventure series set on the coast of the Carolinas.

    The only problem? His summer practice schedule interfered with filming dates, prompting him to joke that Netflix was “probably pissed at me” and might write him out of the show.

    If he sticks around long enough, he even might get his own IMDB page.

    Not a bad haul for sticking around to play for the preseason No. 1-ranked team.

    “It allowed me to know I have some security and I had a little money, which is better than having no money,” he quipped. “That’s great.”

    ———

    AP Basketball Writer John Marshall in Phoenix contributed to this report.

    ———

    Follow Aaron Beard on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/aaronbeardap

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  • The Race to the Diamond: Morristown’s Braunschweiger Jewelers is Giving Away a 1-Carat Diamond Engagement Ring to One Lucky NJ Couple

    The Race to the Diamond: Morristown’s Braunschweiger Jewelers is Giving Away a 1-Carat Diamond Engagement Ring to One Lucky NJ Couple

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    Press Release
    –


    updated: Nov 3, 2022 09:32 EDT


    MORRISTOWN, N.J., November 2, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Braunschweiger Jewelers, a fifth-generation family-owned jewelry store and landmark in the downtown Morristown community for more than 50 years, is holding their second Diamond Dash this Saturday, Nov. 5, in Morristown, where one lucky couple will win a 1-carat diamond engagement ring.

    “We’re so excited to bring back the Diamond Dash this year,” says Robin Braunschweiger Silva, Braunschweiger’s Marketing and Events Manager. “After not being able to have it for a few years, we can’t wait to see which lucky couple will get to the ring first.”

    The participants in Braunschweiger’s Diamond Dash will be tasked with a series of clues as they race across Morristown. In 2019, couples visited other local businesses to participate in nearly a dozen challenges, ranging from guessing the type of wine in a blind tasting, a pasta eating challenge and dressing up in bridal gowns. This year, even more Morristown businesses have joined in on the fun and have offered great second- and third-place prizes, along with free gifts in the ‘swag bag’ that each competitor will receive. 

    The first couple to solve all the clues, finish the tasks and find where the ring is hidden will claim the ultimate prize – a solitaire 1-carat diamond engagement ring. But there’s a twist – the winning couple must get engaged on the spot.

    Braunschweiger Jewelers, located in Morristown for more than 50 years and in New Providence for 60-plus years, is known for featuring styles with modern yet timeless design, and for its impeccable use of exquisite-colored gemstones and diamonds and distinctive details. Its elite collections cater to a savvy clientele that seeks pieces from renowned designers like Marco Bicego and John Hardy, premier bridal selections, and unique estate pieces. The Braunschweiger philosophy guarantees the highest quality pieces that are born of superior craftsmanship and are consistently up to date with the newest trends. Braunschweiger Jewelers has been providing unparalleled service and selection since the 1930s. In 2021, Braunschweiger Jewelers won the NJ Family Business of Year award, coordinated by the Rothman Institute, part of Fairleigh Dickinson University. The company is regularly featured in top magazines and has received “best of” awards from NJ Bride, New Jersey Monthly, The Knot, Morris/Essex Health & Life Best of Morris Essex, and The Daily Record. Braunschweiger Jewelers recently earned distinction during the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards.® 

    For more information and store locations, visit www.braunschweiger.com.

    Source: Braunschweiger Jewelers

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  • 8 Fall Skirt Trends That Will Make You Want to Ditch Your Pants

    8 Fall Skirt Trends That Will Make You Want to Ditch Your Pants

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    Photo:

    Courtesy of Bottega Veneta; Courtesy of Tory Burch; Courtesy of Prada; Courtesy of Proenza Schouler

    While full skirts have been a staple since the 19th century, we’ve typically seen this style at its peak popularity during times of austerity (i.e., the civil war, the great depression, and the ’50s). And with the world being in such a state of fluxation, it only makes sense that we’d see designers drawn to more voluminous silhouettes. But unlike past iterations, these skirts have a more modern take that can be attributed to tailoring and color blocking rather than draping. 

    At Bottega Veneta, leather fringe was used as an underskirt to create a full silhouette, while pleats were used at Prada to the same avail. In contrast, Proenza Schouler used color blocking and bias-cutting to create the illusion of volume. And then (my personal favorite) was how Tory Burch paired full lurex shirts with contrasting fitted wrap tops to create a crisp, accentuated silhouette. Each iteration of this skirt proves that while this trend may be “old,” it can never be dull (if done right). 

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    Jasmine Fox-Suliaman

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  • US uses farmers markets to foster ties at bases in Japan

    US uses farmers markets to foster ties at bases in Japan

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    TOKYO — As the United States and Japan further strengthen their military alliance, they’ve turned to farmers markets to foster friendlier ties between American military bases and their Japanese neighbors.

    On Sunday, about 20 Okinawan farmers and vendors came to Camp Hansen, a Marine Corps base on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa, bringing locally grown spinach, pineapples, big lemons and other fresh vegetables and fruits that the U.S. embassy said attracted hundreds of customers.

    U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, who proposed the event, said the market brought healthy, local produce to consumers at Camp Hansen, while providing Japanese farmers and businesses with new customers. He bought Okinawan spinach, according to the U.S. Embassy.

    “A win-win for all,” Emanuel tweeted.

    Fostering good relations with their host communities is important for the U.S. military based in Japan — especially in Okinawa where a heavy U.S. military presence has carried a fraught history.

    Emanuel said in a statement he expects to see farmers markets foster a benefit between the Okinawan residents and American servicemembers who are contributing to the defense of Japan. He said he hopes to establish more farmers markets at other U.S. bases across Japan and hold them regularly.

    Emanuel, a former congressman who served as former President Barack Obama’s first White House chief of staff, tweeted that he later joined Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki at a festival of Okinawans gathering from around the world, including Americans of Okinawan descent, held every five years.

    Okinawa was reverted to Japan from U.S. occupation in 1972. Today, a majority of the 50,000 U.S. troops based in Japan under a bilateral security pact, as well as 70% of U.S. military facilities, are still in Okinawa, which accounts for only 0.6% of Japanese land.

    Many Okinawans who complain about noise, pollution, accidents and crime related to American troops are now concerned about a possible emergency in Taiwan — just west of Okinawa and its outer islands — as an increasingly assertive China raises tensions amid its rivalry with Washington.

    Tamaki, who was reelected for his second four-year term in September, supports the bilateral security alliance but has made the reduction of U.S. military bases a key component of his platform.

    Sunday’s launch of the farmers’ market on Okinawa came a week after one at the Yokota Air Base in the western suburbs of Tokyo.

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  • US uses farmers markets to foster ties at bases in Japan

    US uses farmers markets to foster ties at bases in Japan

    [ad_1]

    TOKYO — As the United States and Japan further strengthen their military alliance, they’ve turned to farmers markets to foster friendlier ties between American military bases and their Japanese neighbors.

    On Sunday, about 20 Okinawan farmers and vendors came to Camp Hansen, a Marine Corps base on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa, bringing locally grown spinach, pineapples, big lemons and other fresh vegetables and fruits that the U.S. embassy said attracted hundreds of customers.

    U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, who proposed the event, said the market brought healthy, local produce to consumers at Camp Hansen, while providing Japanese farmers and businesses with new customers. He bought Okinawan spinach, according to the U.S. Embassy.

    “A win-win for all,” Emanuel tweeted.

    Fostering good relations with their host communities is important for the U.S. military based in Japan — especially in Okinawa where a heavy U.S. military presence has carried a fraught history.

    Emanuel said in a statement he expects to see farmers markets foster a benefit between the Okinawan residents and American servicemembers who are contributing to the defense of Japan. He said he hopes to establish more farmers markets at other U.S. bases across Japan and hold them regularly.

    Emanuel, a former congressman who served as former President Barack Obama’s first White House chief of staff, tweeted that he later joined Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki at a festival of Okinawans gathering from around the world, including Americans of Okinawan descent, held every five years.

    Okinawa was reverted to Japan from U.S. occupation in 1972. Today, a majority of the 50,000 U.S. troops based in Japan under a bilateral security pact, as well as 70% of U.S. military facilities, are still in Okinawa, which accounts for only 0.6% of Japanese land.

    Many Okinawans who complain about noise, pollution, accidents and crime related to American troops are now concerned about a possible emergency in Taiwan — just west of Okinawa and its outer islands — as an increasingly assertive China raises tensions amid its rivalry with Washington.

    Tamaki, who was reelected for his second four-year term in September, supports the bilateral security alliance but has made the reduction of U.S. military bases a key component of his platform.

    Sunday’s launch of the farmers’ market on Okinawa came a week after one at the Yokota Air Base in the western suburbs of Tokyo.

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  • 29 Comfy Things For Anyone Who’s Dying To Get Out Of Their Work Clothes

    29 Comfy Things For Anyone Who’s Dying To Get Out Of Their Work Clothes

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    Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women’s.

    Popular items on this list include:

    • A cropped pullover just begging you to break up with your emotional support college sweatshirt (that has gone through so many washes, it doesn’t even feel remotely soft anymore).
    • Crisscross slippers for your feet that have been patiently waiting to switch out of those uncomfy work shoes.
    • A waffle knit sweater coat for anyone who’s just sent their umpteenth email of the day and is now ready to swaddle their entire being under a cozy layer that resembles the feeling of their comforter.

    HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Prices and availability are subject to change.

    A cropped pullover

    Available in sizes S–XL and 15 colors.

    Promising review:     “This sweatshirt is so soft, not too heavy but not thin by any means. It’s just perfect. Looks super cute with leggings or high waisted jeans. I just love it! Already purchased another color.” — Gabrielle Dewey

    A pair of drawstring lounge pants

    Oh! And! — reviewers say these are a great Lululemon “On The Fly” dupe. Available in sizes XS–XL and 23 colors.

    Promising review: “I was so excited to find this brand on a TikTok video (LOL) that claimed to be a Lululemon dupe, and they totally are! Purchased two different pairs and will definitely be buying more. Great quality for the price!” — Jalyn

    Crisscross slippers

    Available in sizes 5–10 and 13 colors.

    Promising review:     “Incredible. Wow. I don’t even know where to begin. These slippers are so soft and sturdy. My feet never slide out of them. There’s foam padding for foot support…OMG. I can go on and on. These are incredible. 10/10 recommend for anyone.” — NG

    Torrid

    An ultra-soft fleece hooded dress

    Available in sizes M–6X and in grey and pink.

    Promising review:     “This is soooo comfy and pretty. I love the way it fits and even after I washed it. Does not shrink at all..” — Torrid customer

    A ribbed racer front tank

    Available in sizes XS–XXL and 22 colors.

    Promising review:     “I really love the fit of these tanks on me. They are a super soft and thick but breathable material. I have ordered multiple colors at this point and have paired them in so many different ways. I love to wear them with long skirts for a more dressed-up look. They look great with shorts in the warm weather. I get hot very easily and though the material is warmer, I was super comfortable! These will be great for wintertime in New England as well because the fabric is thicker and comfortable! These tanks are a good length and go great tucked in or over your bottoms.” —Ashley Bonnett

    Classic roomy, high-waisted joggers

    Available in sizes S–XXL and nine colors.

    Promising review:     “I am so happy I got these!! Exactly what I was looking for! Extremely comfy. I am a 6 and got a large so they would be super roomy and they are! Plenty long and pants are always short on me. Have washed and dried them and they came out perfect. Getting two more pairs and happy to see they’re even cheaper!” — Saraisme.

    Aerie

    The popular pair of high-waisted crossover Aerie leggings

    TikTok caused these leggings to sell out once, so you might want to run to grab a pair before it happens again. Available in sizes XXS–XXL, long, short, and in three colors and patterns.

    Promising review: “Most comfortable leggings. I love AE because they make short lengths that actually fit me (4′ 11″). These leggings are lightweight, super stretchy, and perfect for lounging. I am definitely going to buy a couple more pairs!” — Aerie customer

    Trendy baggy overalls

    Available in sizes S–3XL and 21 colors/patterns.

    Promising review:     “I have bought four of these, now, in different colors. I originally thought I might feel frumpy, but I wanted something loose-fitting to allow airflow. I never fail to receive a compliment when wearing these out and about. They are very cute jumpers! For the price, the fit, and the quality, they’re worth buying. The material seems to be linen which is very breathable, but is thick enough that I don’t worry about it being see-through. I highly recommend these to anyone, any size!” — M. morson

    Free People

    An FP Movement printed fleece jacket

    Available in sizes XS–XL and 10 patterns.

    Promising review:     “Best running around town jacket! Love love love this jacket! It’s so comfy and soft while also keeping you warm and snuggly. Deep pockets are a plus. Made to feel a little baggy — great for over a sweater. Highly recommend!” — Free People customer

    High-waisted flares

    Available in sizes S–XXL and in 16 colors.

    Promising review:     “I wore these pants on a first date, and they made my booty and thighs look amazing. I also wore these pants to my office job, and my coworkers went crazy over them. I literally emailed and texted shared item and copied links to these pants all day. They are so soft. You want to touch them all day, and they make great sleep pants.” — Christina Tahey

    A multipack of warm and fuzzy socks

    Available in packs of four, five, seven and in 36 styles.

    Promising review:     “These fluffy socks are so cuddly and warm, plus they are thin enough that I can wear them like regular socks in my shoes. I also love the fact of the softness at the top where other socks have restricting elastic bands that can cut into your skin. These fit just right!! I had ordered one four-pack and just received my SECOND order of two MORE four-packs. I love these THAT much!! Thank you for a great product!” — Diane

    Amazon

    A long-sleeved jumpsuit

    Available in sizes S–XXL and 15 colors.

    Promising review:     “I love this jumper. Super comfy, perfect fit. The waist is a string tie (not elastic!), which I really like. Elastic waistbands can sometimes be too tight even on comfortable clothes so the string is great. The ankles and wrists are stretchy with the perfect amount of ‘give’ so I can get my feet and hands in and out easily. The fabric is lightweight and easy to move, dance, yoga in. Of course, it’s a v-neck so I wear a cami, sports top or halter underneath. And pockets!” — Debbie

    Superfit Hero

    A pair of Superfit Hero’s sweat-wicking pocket bike leggings

    Superfit Hero is a US-based, female-founded small business established in 2015 that specializes in sustainable, premium activewear that is specifically made to fit you and your lifestyle for sizes L–7XL.

    Promising review: “I have worn Superfit bottoms for years now, but I had to drop yet another five star review for these leggings. I just got home from a 3-day backpacking trip (28 miles and 6000’ gain) and I wore these leggings the entire time. From fording a river, to hoisting myself over downed logs, and even sleeping, they fit comfortably and securely. No snags, rips, or thinning. My phone even stayed in the pocket while I pooped in a hole in the ground. I can’t recommend these highly enough.” — Gina R.

    A tapered loungewear set

    Available in sizes S–XXL and in 16 colors.

    Promising review:     “Super cute and comfy. Perfect to lounge around the house and can still be seen in public if you need to run an errand. Runs true to size, and the cropped top isn’t TOO cropped!” — Amazon customer

    A hooded open-front cardigan

    Available in sizes S–XXL and in 24 colors.

    Promising review:     “Oh man, this thing is SO soft and smooshy…I LOVE it. I’m really happy with this cozy little jacket. It still manages to be big and slouchy, and it’s just SO SOFT. I can’t decide whether to just wear it around the house or out — it’s definitely a casual look, but it would work either way.” — Wrenn M.

    Boohoo

    A maxi split-front lounge set

    Available in sizes 14–24.

    A scoop neck romper

    Available in sizes S–XL and in 17 colors.

    Promising review:     “Absolutely LOVE this romper! SUPER soft and comfy. It fits me true to size. I wore it all day at Disney and got tons of compliments. Will definitely be ordering more colors!” — Heather Harris Parker

    An animal-print duster cardigan

    FYI, if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can give this a spin before you buy it! sizes S–XL and six colors.

    Promising review: “Love this cardigan!!! It can easily be dressed up or can be dressed down. It’s super cute, and I always get compliments on it. Love this find on Amazon.” — AndreaF

    Amazon

    A tiered swing dress

    Available in sizes L–4X and eight colors.

    Promising review:     “This dress is so comfortable! The material is stretchy and soft and does not cling to your body. I originally got this dress because I needed something roomy after my shoulder surgery. I’ve already ordered another one in a different color. I really recommend this dress. It’s fantastic!” — Susan Kirby

    Mallory Mower / BuzzFeed

    A cute and cozy sweatshirt

    Femfetti is a woman-led small brand based in Columbus, Ohio. They’ve been making apparel since 2013 — every design features hand-drawn illustrations and lettering! Available in unisex sizes S–5X.

    Promising review: “YASSSSSSS! listen, if I could wear this everyday I would because it is EVERYTHING

    Pull-on rib knit pants

    Don’t forget to snag the matching sweater bralette and peplum cardigan! Available in sizes XXS–5X and six colors.

    Promising review: “I was afraid the pants were going to be too long, but they fit perfectly! So comfortable, love them! You should definitely get the whole set, looks great together!” — UBEUreview

    A pair of high-waisted quick-dry running shorts

    BuzzFeed Shopping editor Emma Lord loves hers: “I recently bought these shorts because I’m in love with the similar ones you can get at Old Navy, but they sell out so fast. Turns out, I love these even more! I love the huge range of colors you can buy these in (at other places, they often sell out too quickly to get to pick!), love that the high-waistedness of them meets about where my running crop top ends, so I don’t have to go wild with sunscreen, and love love loooooove the side pocket for my keys or face mask. I only have them in purple so far, but I’m excited to try other colors!” Available in sizes XS–3XL and 40 colors.

    Promising review: “LOVE these shorts!! They look and feel just like my Lulus!! Wore them around the house and to work out and they’ve held up and are comfy! Love the side pocket-perfect size for key cards. Size up If you’re in between sizes!” — Cddd

    Never Fully Dresssed

    A belted jumpsuit

    Never Fully Dressed is a woman-founded fashion business based in Essex, England. Available in sizes M–XL and also in a curve cut here.

    Amazon

    A cool-to-touch bamboo sleepwear set

    Available in sizes S–4X, S-L petite, and in 12 colors.

    Promising review:     “I will never buy another pair of warm weather pjs again other than these. I needed pjs that were cool and comfortable, but I often found that the fabric of other pjs would rapidly get worn, pilled, and rough. These silky soft PJs have been going strong for months now through countless hot flashes and heat waves when it would get into the 80s in our bedroom. If you are a hot-blooded person and need to cool down, I can’t recommend these PJs enough. I literally never leave reviews but felt compelled to preach to others the good word of Latuza’s PJs. I was even so impressed with them that I got a second pair the following week and two more pairs for my Mama and sis. I plan on buying all the special ladies in my life their own sets this coming holiday season.” — Margery

    Lululemon

    The TikTok-approved Lululemon scuba hoodie

    Available in sizes XS/S–XL/XXL and in 10 colors.

    Promising review    : “TikTok wasn’t joking when they were hyping this up. I’ve wanted a scuba for years and a cropped version PLUS a half zip was too good to pass up. I am so excited to wear this! It’s so soft, cute, and baggy, which I am a fan of. I love me a comfy hoodie in the cold winter months. So excited to put this to use!” — macefaceee

    A huggably soft two-piece cuffed sleeve and shorts set

    Available in sizes XS–XXL and 26 colors.

    Promising review:     “I love this set! It’s so cute and great quality. I love it regardless. The top can actually be worn with jeans or athletic leggings which is a huge bonus. All in all, I love it.” — Amazon customer

    A simple T-shirt dress

    Available in sizes S–3XL and 42 colors.

    Promising review:     “I love this dress; it is the fourth I bought (they come in beautiful different patterns). It’s comfortable, the fabric is light and soft, it does NOT wrinkle (not even after being in my suitcase for six hours!).” — Mindful

    Hackwith Design House

    A Hackwith Design House shirt

    Hackwith Design House is a woman-owned small business that creates made-to-order apparel. This shirt can be worn as a V-neck, off-the-shoulder, boatneck, V-back, and even open as a jacket. And the color is simple, which means it can be paired well with many different bottoms. Available in sizes XS–4X and in five colors.

    BuzzFeed Shopping editor Chelsea Stuart says: “I have this shirt and I *love* it. All credit for its discovery goes to TikToker @jennifer.bianca who I happened to stumble across on my FYP. It checks all my boxes: black, comfortable, versatile, and durable. My initial worry was that I wouldn’t feel secure in it (I have a 38DDD chest and most wrap tops/dresses I’ve tried haven’t stayed where they’re supposed to), but I haven’t had an issue with this! I’ve worn it tied in the front giving me a square neck (like the middle picture) and tied in the back giving me a V-neck up front (just like the photo on the right) — both were super comfortable, and I didn’t have to adjust myself at all. As someone whose weight fluctuates, I also appreciate that this piece can handle pounds gained and lost. The fabric is medium weight, so I’ll be wearing it season to season, and there’s just enough elasticity in the arms that if you roll up your sleeves, they won’t fall back down. All that is to say trust that I will be buying additional colors!“

    A maxi dress with a side slit

    Available in sizes 14–26 and 26 colors.

    Promising review:     “Fits great and is comfy! I never do reviews, but this dress is a gem! It’s roomy, and the pockets are deep enough for my phone and glasses. The fabric is soft and lightweight. If you want a slouchy, oversized look, size up. I will likely order in other colors. Yay!” — PSC

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  • Flashy Dubai will cash in on a World Cup a short flight away

    Flashy Dubai will cash in on a World Cup a short flight away

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    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The FIFA World Cup may be bringing as many as 1.2 million fans to Qatar, but the nearby flashy emirate of Dubai is also looking to cash in on the major sports tournament taking place just a short flight away.

    Some soccer fan clubs have already said they’ll be commuting to Qatar during the cup on 45-minute flights from Dubai, the skyscraper-studded, beachfront city-state in the United Arab Emirates. Other fans plan to sleep on cruise ships or camp out in the desert amid a feverish rush for rooms in Doha.

    Dubai’s airlines, bars, restaurants, shopping malls and other attractions now hope to benefit, further boosting their rebounding tourism industry in the crucial fall and winter months after the blows delivered by the coronavirus pandemic.

    “If you can’t stay in Qatar, Dubai is the place you’d most like to go as a foreign tourist,” said James Swanston, a Middle East and North Africa expert at Capital Economics. “It’s somewhere safe, somewhere more liberal in terms of Western norms. It’s the most attractive destination.”

    Now home to the world’s tallest building, cavernous malls — including one with an indoor ski slope — and thriving nightclub scene, Dubai has seen explosive growth fueled by its boom-and-bust real estate market that’s transformed the one-time pearling village over the last 20 years.

    Its long-haul carrier Emirates helped make Dubai International Airport the busiest in the world for foreign travel and provides a steady stream of new visitors who stay for layovers or longer. And while still an autocratic sheikhdom like its other Gulf Arab neighbors, Dubai has a relatively more-liberal view on drinking and nightlife.

    In the lead-up to the tournament, concerns about hotel room space and high prices for the rooms available have trailed Qatar, which lacks hotel capacity for all teams, workers, volunteers and fans at the World Cup. So Doha has created camping and cabin sites, hiring cruise ships, and encouraging fans to stay in neighboring countries and fly in for games.

    Qatar has estimated it will have 45,000 hotel rooms for the tournament.

    Surrounding nations, like Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, also suggest they could see a spike in visitors — even though Bahrain is the only among them that allows alcohol. Even Iran, months ago, suggested developing plans for World Cup tourists to stay on its Kish Island. Apparently, nothing came of the idea and now the Islamic Republic is gripped by nationwide protests.

    Meanwhile, Dubai has over 140,000 hotel rooms, putting it easily into the top 10 destinations worldwide as far as available hotel rooms go, said Philip Wooller, a senior director at STR, a company that monitors the hotel industry. Dubai also offers price ranges greater than what Qatar can at the moment, given the demand, he said.

    “I think Dubai is an incredibly eclectic city,” Wooller said. “You can buy a room for $100 or you can buy a room for $5,000.”

    Still, he added, he expects “Qatar will be able to accommodate most of the fans coming to the World Cup (but) there will be a knock-on in Dubai.”

    Dubai appears fully poised to take advantage of the tournament.

    Its low-cost carrier, FlyDubai, plans as many as 30 round-trip flights a day during the World Cup, shuttling fans between Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, or DWC, in the city-state’s southern reaches, to Doha International Airport, Qatar’s old main airport.

    Other airlines that may use Al Maktoum airport include KLM, Qatar Airways and Wizz Air, while private jets will fly from there as well to the tournament, said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. That could help boost the profile of an airfield that Dubai hopes will expand in the future as Dubai International Airport nears its capacity.

    “It’s a great experience for us to see DWC suddenly so busy for the World Cup,” he said. “It will give exposure to the convenience of the airport for so many people that (airlines may) actually favor operating from there.”

    The expected economic boost from the World Cup for Dubai comes after its turnaround since suffering through the pandemic. It spent billions for its delayed Expo 2020 world’s fair — which largely attracted visitors already in the UAE.

    Dubai, like much of the world, had a lockdown early in 2020. However, by July that year, it announced it was reopening for tourists. Though Dubai faced a surge of international criticism when cases spread from the emirate months later, around New Year, Dubai and the rest of the UAE widely rolled out vaccines.

    The UAE dropped its mandatory mask policy about a month ago.

    “Dubai is on a lot of people’s radars as one of the most phenomenal places to come and visit,” said Dennis McGettigan, the CEO of an eponymous empire of Irish bars in Dubai and elsewhere. “And I think the World Cup has added a layer” of desire to visit.

    McGettigan said his bar business is already up as much as 40% on its sales, compared to 2019, something he linked to pent-up demand for socializing after the worst days of the virus. He said he’s overstaffed his locations and expects strong business through the tournament.

    But McGettigan and others acknowledged headwinds Dubai faces in attracting World Cup tourists — the strong U.S. dollar. The Emirati dirham has long been pegged to the dollar, making a Dubai trip now more expensive for those using British pounds, euros and other currencies.

    Other financial dangers also lurk for tourist-reliant Dubai, built on the promise of globalization.

    “We still need to be cautious of global economic pressures, including rising interest rates, high oil and commodity prices, supply chain issues that are creating inflationary pressures which could impact Dubai’s economic recovery,” said Sapna Jagtiani of S&P Global Ratings.

    McGettigan doesn’t expects that to be too much of a damper. His firm also will be organizing a massive fan zone venue in the grassy expanses of Dubai Media City, complete with musical performances, massive televisions and even a winter-themed area in Dubai’s desert environs.

    “I, for one, am absolutely delighted to see everything back on full steam ahead and actually a little bit more,” he said.

    ———

    Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Jerusalem contributed to this report.

    ———

    Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellAP.

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  • Flashy Dubai will cash in on a World Cup a short flight away

    Flashy Dubai will cash in on a World Cup a short flight away

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    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The FIFA World Cup may be bringing as many as 1.2 million fans to Qatar, but the nearby flashy emirate of Dubai is also looking to cash in on the major sports tournament taking place just a short flight away.

    Some soccer fan clubs have already said they’ll be commuting to Qatar during the cup on 45-minute flights from Dubai, the skyscraper-studded, beachfront city-state in the United Arab Emirates. Other fans plan to sleep on cruise ships or camp out in the desert amid a feverish rush for rooms in Doha.

    Dubai’s airlines, bars, restaurants, shopping malls and other attractions now hope to benefit, further boosting their rebounding tourism industry in the crucial fall and winter months after the blows delivered by the coronavirus pandemic.

    “If you can’t stay in Qatar, Dubai is the place you’d most like to go as a foreign tourist,” said James Swanston, a Middle East and North Africa expert at Capital Economics. “It’s somewhere safe, somewhere more liberal in terms of Western norms. It’s the most attractive destination.”

    Now home to the world’s tallest building, cavernous malls — including one with an indoor ski slope — and thriving nightclub scene, Dubai has seen explosive growth fueled by its boom-and-bust real estate market that’s transformed the one-time pearling village over the last 20 years.

    Its long-haul carrier Emirates helped make Dubai International Airport the busiest in the world for foreign travel and provides a steady stream of new visitors who stay for layovers or longer. And while still an autocratic sheikhdom like its other Gulf Arab neighbors, Dubai has a relatively more-liberal view on drinking and nightlife.

    In the lead-up to the tournament, concerns about hotel room space and high prices for the rooms available have trailed Qatar, which lacks hotel capacity for all teams, workers, volunteers and fans at the World Cup. So Doha has created camping and cabin sites, hiring cruise ships, and encouraging fans to stay in neighboring countries and fly in for games.

    Qatar has estimated it will have 45,000 hotel rooms for the tournament.

    Surrounding nations, like Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, also suggest they could see a spike in visitors — even though Bahrain is the only among them that allows alcohol. Even Iran, months ago, suggested developing plans for World Cup tourists to stay on its Kish Island. Apparently, nothing came of the idea and now the Islamic Republic is gripped by nationwide protests.

    Meanwhile, Dubai has over 140,000 hotel rooms, putting it easily into the top 10 destinations worldwide as far as available hotel rooms go, said Philip Wooller, a senior director at STR, a company that monitors the hotel industry. Dubai also offers price ranges greater than what Qatar can at the moment, given the demand, he said.

    “I think Dubai is an incredibly eclectic city,” Wooller said. “You can buy a room for $100 or you can buy a room for $5,000.”

    Still, he added, he expects “Qatar will be able to accommodate most of the fans coming to the World Cup (but) there will be a knock-on in Dubai.”

    Dubai appears fully poised to take advantage of the tournament.

    Its low-cost carrier, FlyDubai, plans as many as 30 round-trip flights a day during the World Cup, shuttling fans between Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, or DWC, in the city-state’s southern reaches, to Doha International Airport, Qatar’s old main airport.

    Other airlines that may use Al Maktoum airport include KLM, Qatar Airways and Wizz Air, while private jets will fly from there as well to the tournament, said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. That could help boost the profile of an airfield that Dubai hopes will expand in the future as Dubai International Airport nears its capacity.

    “It’s a great experience for us to see DWC suddenly so busy for the World Cup,” he said. “It will give exposure to the convenience of the airport for so many people that (airlines may) actually favor operating from there.”

    The expected economic boost from the World Cup for Dubai comes after its turnaround since suffering through the pandemic. It spent billions for its delayed Expo 2020 world’s fair — which largely attracted visitors already in the UAE.

    Dubai, like much of the world, had a lockdown early in 2020. However, by July that year, it announced it was reopening for tourists. Though Dubai faced a surge of international criticism when cases spread from the emirate months later, around New Year, Dubai and the rest of the UAE widely rolled out vaccines.

    The UAE dropped its mandatory mask policy about a month ago.

    “Dubai is on a lot of people’s radars as one of the most phenomenal places to come and visit,” said Dennis McGettigan, the CEO of an eponymous empire of Irish bars in Dubai and elsewhere. “And I think the World Cup has added a layer” of desire to visit.

    McGettigan said his bar business is already up as much as 40% on its sales, compared to 2019, something he linked to pent-up demand for socializing after the worst days of the virus. He said he’s overstaffed his locations and expects strong business through the tournament.

    But McGettigan and others acknowledged headwinds Dubai faces in attracting World Cup tourists — the strong U.S. dollar. The Emirati dirham has long been pegged to the dollar, making a Dubai trip now more expensive for those using British pounds, euros and other currencies.

    Other financial dangers also lurk for tourist-reliant Dubai, built on the promise of globalization.

    “We still need to be cautious of global economic pressures, including rising interest rates, high oil and commodity prices, supply chain issues that are creating inflationary pressures which could impact Dubai’s economic recovery,” said Sapna Jagtiani of S&P Global Ratings.

    McGettigan doesn’t expects that to be too much of a damper. His firm also will be organizing a massive fan zone venue in the grassy expanses of Dubai Media City, complete with musical performances, massive televisions and even a winter-themed area in Dubai’s desert environs.

    “I, for one, am absolutely delighted to see everything back on full steam ahead and actually a little bit more,” he said.

    ———

    Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Jerusalem contributed to this report.

    ———

    Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellAP.

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  • SHEIN is Worse than you Thought. Here’s Where to Shop Instead

    SHEIN is Worse than you Thought. Here’s Where to Shop Instead

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    Yeah … it’s time to stop doing those SHEIN hauls, girlies.

    Look, we all know fast fashion is bad. But maybe you can’t help yourself when you see an influencer in a cute outfit that you can actually afford. Or maybe you simply can’t resist a good deal. And haven’t we all panic-ordered a questionable look for a last-minute event, Halloween costume, or birthday party? No judgment here.

    However, the era of microtrends and the culture of hauls has gone too far. TikTokers have popularized absurdly frequent orders on fast fashion giants like SHEIN. Plus, the stigma of outfit repetition normalized having a different look for social media posts every. Single. Day.

    Now look at us: our closets are overflowing with clothes we’ve only worn once. We’ve gotten used to bad-quality fabrics that disintegrate before we pull them on. And we thrift with a “more is better” mentality to show off just how cool and unique we are with how many cool and unique pieces we have.

    Well, all this comes at a price. And while it might seem like a low one — SHEIN famously has mega blowout sales where some items cost less than a dollar. Turns out someone else is paying it.

    A groundbreaking documentary exposes just how harmful the fast fashion brand SHEIN actually is. Untold: Inside The Shein Machine focuses on the abhorrent working conditions at SHEIN factories in China.

    @alderapparel

    IN: mindful consumption ✅ OUT: impulse shopping ❎ #slowfashiontiktok #antishein #mindfulconsumption #shoplesswearmore #sustainablefashion

    Here are just a few of the most shocking discoveries from their investigation:

    1. SHEIN workers routinely work 18-hour days
    2. Each earns just over $500 a month
    3. Each produces an average of 500 pieces of clothing per day
    4. If a worker makes a mistake, they’re penalized at about two-thirds of their daily wage
    5. Each receives one day off per month — with no weekends off

    These are just a few findings about the grueling working conditions at SHEIN. And it might be easy to say it’s out of our control. But SHEIN’s insane trajectory would screech to a halt if we all stopped buying their clothes.

    Think it’s too big a giant to conquer? We’ve watched the fall of brands like Victoria’s Secret — why can’t SHEIN be next?

    Besides, their clothes are cheap rip-offs of popular designs you can pick up elsewhere. Did I mention the quality is abysmal? So save yourself the trouble.

    But where to shop instead? My favorite source for sustainable braids is Good On You..

    This site holds brands accountable for their claims and practices. They rate every leading brand on a sustainability scale so you can keep informed about where you’re shopping.

    Some Good On You-approved brands are my absolute favorites. Here are the sustainable, ethical, and fashionable brands I’ve been shopping these days:


    All products featured are independently selected by our editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

    Afends

    Australian fashion brands don’t get enough hype. A few luxury and swimwear brands make it big across the pond. But c’mon — I watched Heartbreak High, so I know Australians have killer style. My latest hot streetwear source is Afends, an Australian brand that stocks super cool, edgy, and original pieces that no one else is wearing on the street.

    Nudie Jeans

    I love denim. But hunting for the perfect pair of vintage Levis is an extreme sport. I understand the temptation to buy the first passable jeans you see online. But now you don’t have to compromise. Enter: Nudie Jeans. They blend trendy styles with classic engineering. Good denim, great for the environment. We love to see it.

    Girlfriend Collective

    Finding sustainable activewear is tough. Especially if you’re looking for cute, Instagrammable sets that feel soft, wash and wear well, and withstand high-performance workouts. Luckily, Girlfriend Collective fits the bill. It’s my source for all things active. And I finally got my hands on their slides — grab yours before they sell out.

    MATE the Label

    For sweats, loungewear, and all your comfy needs, look no further than MATE the Label, your one-stop shop for sustainable, well-made basics. Get your fix of cute sweat sets here.

    Pangaia

    This versatile brand is loved by celebs everywhere for a reason. Pangaia’s timeless, yet trendy, silhouettes come in uncompromisingly sustainable fabrics. It’s a win-win. These pieces will last you years.

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  • Amazon to allow US customers to pay with Venmo

    Amazon to allow US customers to pay with Venmo

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    FILE – This March 20, 2018, file photo shows the Venmo app on an iPad in Baltimore. Amazon is rolling out a feature that allows shoppers to pay for items using their Venmo accounts. The e-commerce giant said in a news release the payment option will be available for select customers beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022. By Black Friday, it will be available nationally. Venmo is largely known for peer-to-peer transactions, but it has been expanding its offering to allow payments to businesses. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

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  • Small businesses brace for cautious holiday shoppers

    Small businesses brace for cautious holiday shoppers

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    NEW YORK (AP) — Small businesses are stocking the shelves early this holiday season and waiting to see how many gifts inflation-weary shoppers feel like giving.

    Holiday shopping was relatively strong during the past two years as shoppers flocked online to spend, aided by pandemic stimulus dollars. Sales in November and December have been averaging roughly 20% of annual retail sales, according to National Retail Federation, making the holiday season critical for many retailers.

    This year, small businesses are bracing for a more muted season, as some Americans spend more cautiously. AlixPartners, the global consulting firm, forecasts that holiday sales will rise between 4% to 7%, far below last year’s growth of 16%. With inflation running above 8%, retailers would see a decrease in real sales.

    To prepare, owners say they’re ordering inventory earlier to avoid the supply-chain snags that frustrated them the past two holiday seasons and to draw in early birds. They’re stepping up discounts as much as they can in the face of their own higher costs. And owners also hope more people will shop in stores and holiday markets after doing more of their shopping online during the pandemic.

    Max Rhodes, CEO of Faire, an online marketplace used by small businesses to sell their wares wholesale as well as buy goods for retail shops, said he’s seeing earlier ordering from merchants who for two years had trouble getting enough holiday inventory stocked in time for Christmas. Stores faced shortages of everything from holiday décor to gift items as COVID-19 lockdowns forced factories to shut, costs rose and fewer shipping containers and truckers were available — all causing delivery snarls.

    A study for the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals by global consulting firm Kearney found U.S. business logistics costs surged 22.4% in 2021 to $1.85 trillion.

    “There’s a bit of a hangover from that, a bit of fear,” Rhodes said. While it’s too early for sales data, the term “Christmas” was the most searched for term on the site in mid-September. That’s two weeks earlier than last year, and eight weeks earlier than 2020, Rhodes said.

    “The one thing we’re certain of is it’s not going to be predictable … We really don’t know what to expect and our retailers feel the same way,” Rhodes said .

    Mat Pond operates The Epicurean Trader in San Francisco, including four brick-and-mortar stores, an online shop and a corporate gift basket business. In past years, he started building inventory in November, but this year he’s already stocking up on items such as gourmet food, chocolate, wine and giftware. He’s seeing corporations order holiday gift baskets earlier as well.

    “Everyone’s planning ahead,” Pond said. “I think everybody’s learning from the past two years.”

    While the pandemic’s economic impact has subsided somewhat, consumers are now being tag-teamed by high inflation and rising interest rates. Overall, spending has held up, although some Americans have been forced to pull back on discretionary items. Any decline can be meaningful because consumer spending makes up 70% of economic activity.

    Hannah Nash, the owner of the online jeweler Lucy Nash, expects sales of her earrings, bracelets and other jewelry to slow after two years of strong growth. The main culprit: inflation.

    “There is less money going around to the average person and we expect their living expenses to impact how much they can spend on holiday shopping,” Nash said.

    Nash also expects more people to shop in stores during these holidays. She started her business, based in Indianapolis, during the pandemic, when online shopping boomed. The percentage of total retail sales done online jumped from 11.5% in 2019 to 17.7% in 2020, then rose again to 18.8% last year, according the Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks all kinds of payments, including those by cash and debit card.

    Nash is stepping up discounts and offering bundles to attract shoppers: Her plans include a 15% discount for new customers this year, up from 10%, starting in November. And she’ll offer bundles of products that are about 20% cheaper than buying items separately.

    Major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart are also offering holiday deals to cash-strapped Americans earlier this year. Amazon held a two-day discount event on Oct. 11-12 where the average order was $46.68, $13 less than what shoppers spent during the company’s Prime Day sales event in July, according to the data group Numerator.

    Some business owners are hoping to take advantage of any shift to shopping in holiday markets and in stores.

    Kimberly Behzadi operates Read It & Eat Box in Buffalo, N.Y., which sells themed boxes with food and a book in each box. She started the business in 2020, during the pandemic. She has an online shop but is hoping the return of holiday markets to full capacity will boost sales. She depends a lot on the holidays — 40% of her annual revenue comes between October and December.

    She’s planning on being at six markets this year, with two more applications pending.

    “Last year, holiday markets were still limited by the necessary safety protocols for Covid-19 ,” she said. “This year, gratefully, we are able to attend and sell at more holiday markets locally, so my expectation is to double my holiday revenue this year.”

    Behzadi also plans on being more promotional.

    “With inflation rates high this year I expect consumers to be looking for deals, so I have adapted my holiday strategy to include more bundles and deals,” she said. She’s offering a $60 box that’s bundled with a blind-date book worth $25 for Black Friday, for example.

    Mariana Leung-Weinstein sells alcohol infused jam and marshmallows and other farm-inspired gifts at about 25 stores via her Wicked Finch Farm brand in Pawling, N.Y. that she started in 2019. She’s focusing on stocking up in stores in case online sales slow.

    “I expect people will enjoy seeing and touching things in person this time around, which puts more of my focus in getting my products in physical stores in time for the holidays,” she said.

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  • Amazon’s holiday sales event sees lower sales, group says

    Amazon’s holiday sales event sees lower sales, group says

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    NEW YORK — Amazon said Thursday its Prime members ordered more than 100 million items during a sales event this week that analysts are expecting to be a bellwether for the holiday shopping season.

    As expected, the Seattle-based e-commerce company did not share sales figures. Still, some third-party estimates offer clues on how consumers spent during the two-day discount event that ran on Tuesday and Wednesday.

    According to the data group Numerator, which tracked roughly 44,670 orders during the sale, the average order size clocked in at $46.68, $13 less than what it was during Amazon’s Prime Day sales event in July. Inflation also had an impact – 26% of shoppers passed on a deal because it wasn’t a necessity, Numerator said.

    Major retailers have been offering more holiday discounts this year and doing it much earlier than usual, aiming to offload excess goods and offer cash-strapped Americans better deals amid high inflation.

    Amazon’s discount event this week was the first time the company offered major sales to its Prime members twice in one year. Walmart has also been offering sales this week and has expanded its window for gift returns to between Oct. 1 and Jan. 31, compared with last year’s return window of Nov. 1 to Jan. 24. Meanwhile, Target began offering holiday deals last week during a two-day discount event. The company declined to share its revenue from those sales.

    According to Salesforce, which analyzes online shopping data, the average online discount rate on Tuesday and Wednesday was roughly 21%, the deepest discount rate since the beginning of the pandemic outside of Cyber Week, the time between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday.

    But despite the deep discounts, consumers are still generally paying more than they did in the past two years due to high inflation. The average online selling price on Tuesday and Wednesday, for example, was up 8% compared to last year, and 17% compared to 2020, Salesforce said.

    Online spending in November and December is expected to hit $209.7 billion, a 2.5% jump from 2021, according to Adobe Analytics. That’s sluggish growth compared to last year’s gain of 8.6%.

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  • This Internet-Favorite Desk Treadmill Is On Sale Right Now

    This Internet-Favorite Desk Treadmill Is On Sale Right Now

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    FYI: Deals move quickly during the Prime Early Access sale. We’ll do our best to keep this post and imagery as up-to-date as possible, but we can’t catch everything immediately. Check back now through October 12 to see our latest updates as the deals change.

    There are three things I simply cannot survive without when it comes to my workday: coffee, my standing desk and my foldable desk treadmill, which I first discovered thanks to numerous TikTok videos.

    Since purchasing this Walking Pad folding treadmill from Amazon a few months ago, my entire workday has changed. Gone are the 3 p.m. energy slumps and the aches that come with hunching over a keyboard. Instead, I get anywhere from 5,000 to 12,000 steps in while I power through my to-do list. (One day I walked an actual half marathon’s-worth of steps without even thinking about it!)

    The slim treadmill folds in half and comes with wheels, making storage easy; it’s great for anyone who lacks the space to have a bulky machine in their office space. It comes with a remote control, and you can also connect it to an app. The walking pad goes up to about 3.7 miles per hour and has two modes: automatic, which allows you to control how fast the belt goes using your own steps and walking speed, or manual, through which you can set your pace using the remote.

    If you’ve been contemplating upgrading your work setup by getting a treadmill, now is certainly the time to do it. The Walking Pad is on sale now during the Amazon Prime Early Access sale event at a great price (I paid almost $100 more than it’s going for right now!). Step up your office and get your steps in. You’ll be glad you did ― trust me.

    HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

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  • Century-old nonprofit Goodwill on taking thrifting online

    Century-old nonprofit Goodwill on taking thrifting online

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    NEW YORK — Goodwill is expanding its online presence, promising high tech features from digitized receipts to personalized alerts.

    The 120-year-old Maryland-based nonprofit organization this month launched GoodwillFinds, a shopping venture that is making roughly 100,000 donated items available for purchase online and expanding Goodwill’s internet presence that until now had been limited to auction sites like ShopGoodwill.com or individual stores selling donations online via eBay and Amazon. GoodwillFinds aims to offer 1 million items online in the next year or two.

    Spearheading the venture is Matthew Kaness, newly appointed CEO of the online shopping arm who has 20 years of retail experience. GoodwillFinds is a separate entity from Goodwill Industries International Inc., but will support the larger organization by helping fund its community-based programs across the U.S., provide professional training, job placement and youth mentorship. It should also increase donations, while also helping to expand its base of customers.

    The Associated Press spoke to Kaness about the online experience and why the venture’s timing is right. The interview has been edited for clarity and length.

    Q: What makes this venture different from the existing Goodwill online experience?

    A: Access to shopping and thrifting on Goodwill will be unparalleled for the first time online compared to going to your one store location or trying to go through a sea of items on Amazon and eBay. The second thing is that because of technology, we’re going to be able to personalize the discovery, the recommendations, the notification, the email alerts, everything that you’re accustomed to when shopping at other brands.

    Q: How will a greater presence online amplify Goodwill’s mission?

    A: We are going to be elevating the global story around the impact that Goodwill has. Last year, Goodwill provided social services to 2 million individuals across the country. And then last year, all the Goodwills diverted 3 billion pounds of goods away from landfill based on the donations received and sold.

    Q: Why is the timing right?

    A: There’s a reason why secondhand is growing eight times faster than the overall industry. Consumers, in particular, younger consumers, Gen Z, generally love thrifting from a fashion perspective and from a retail store shopping perspective. They really care about the impact that their dollars have on the environment. That, coupled with the incredible value that all families of households for 100 years have found, especially at this time of economic hardship.

    Q: Will this increased shift to online hurt the Goodwill physical stores?

    A: When you are a store-based company and you’re only selling a little bit online through marketplaces, you don’t know who your customer is. You have to reacquire that customer over and over again. There are so many online competitors that are keeping your customers from getting to your store because they’re making it so convenient for shopping secondhand online. This is is going to massively expand the audience and the customer base for each one of our Goodwill members.

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  • Fan who caught Aaron Judge’s 62nd HR offered $2M for ball

    Fan who caught Aaron Judge’s 62nd HR offered $2M for ball

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    The owner of a sports memorabilia auction house says he has offered $2 million to the fan who caught Aaron Judge’s American League-record 62nd home run.

    JP Cohen, president of Memory Lane Inc. in Tustin, California, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he has texted and emailed Cory Youmans, the man who caught Judge’s milestone shot Tuesday night at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Cohen says Youmans has not yet replied.

    “I feel the offer is way above fair, if he is inclined to sell it,” Cohen said in a telephone interview with the AP on Wednesday.

    Youmans grabbed the historic souvenir on the fly as it sailed into the front row of section 31 in left field. The homer pushed Judge past Roger Maris for the AL season record — a mark many consider baseball’s “clean” standard because the only National League players who hit more have been tarnished by ties to steroids.

    Youmans, who is from Dallas, works in the financial world. He was asked Tuesday what he planned to do with the prize while security personnel whisked him away to have it authenticated.

    “Good question. I haven’t thought about it,” he said.

    The record price for a home run ball is $3 million, paid for Mark McGwire’s record 70th from the 1998 season.

    Cohen had previously pledged to offer $2 million for Judge’s 62nd homer. He said his company has a good relationship with the Yankees and it would be willing to loan the ball to the team for an exhibit. He added the team has frequently exhibited items owned by Memory Lane at Yankee Stadium.

    “We did make an offer of $2 million and that offer is still valid,” Cohen said.

    After the Yankees lost 3-2, Judge said he didn’t have possession of the home run ball.

    “I don’t know where it’s at,” he said. “We’ll see what happens with that. It would be great to get it back, but that’s a souvenir for a fan. He made a great catch out there, and they’ve got every right to it.”

    Youmans was among the crowd of 38,832, the largest to watch a baseball game at the 3-year-old ballpark.

    ———

    More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP—Sports

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  • Amazon to hold holiday shopping event in October

    Amazon to hold holiday shopping event in October

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    Amazon said Monday that next month it will hold a second Prime Day-like shopping event, making it the latest major retailer to offer holiday deals earlier this year to entice cautious consumers struggling with tighter budgets.

    During the Oct. 11-12 event, Amazon Prime members will get early access to discounted items. The “Prime Early Access Sale” follows Amazon’s annual Prime Day in July.

    The Seattle-based e-commerce giant has long used these kinds of sales events to lure people into its Prime membership, which offers faster shipping and better deals for $139 a year. But October’s event will be the first time it has held a major sales drive twice in a year.

    Amazon’s retail business had slowed down in recent months. And the shopping bonanza signals a recognition that it needs to provide more deals to inflation-hit consumers in what’s expected to be a challenging holiday shopping season for retailers.

    Last week, Target said it would begin offering holiday deals in early October. Meanwhile, Walmart is expanding its window for gift returns to between Oct. 1 and Jan. 31, compared with last year’s return window of Nov. 1 to Jan. 24.

    “What Amazon wants to do is be part of that early crowd and get a bite of the cherry,” said Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail. “And the best way to do that is, rather than having little deals here and there, is to have a big day that’s almost like a holiday kickoff.”

    This year marks the second year in a row consumers are expected to shop earlier for holiday deals. Last year, Americans started shopping earlier to avoid shipment delays caused by supply-chain snafus. This year, analysts expect many budget-conscious consumers to do the same, aiming to spread out their spending and snag gifts before prices rise later on.

    Jamil Ghani, vice president of Amazon Prime, said the company will offer deals on digital items and products that are “particularly relevant for the holiday season,” as opposed to its Prime Day event in July, which, for example, focused on back-to-school items. He declined to say whether a fall discount event will be a permanent fixture for Amazon going forward.

    “We’re just focused on having a great event this year,” Ghani said. “I can’t say what’s going to happen in the future, we aren’t really thinking about it.”

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  • Card Shop Live App Launches Interactive Shopping Experience for Sports and Pop Culture Collectors

    Card Shop Live App Launches Interactive Shopping Experience for Sports and Pop Culture Collectors

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    Press Release
    –


    updated: Sep 22, 2022


    NASHVILLE, Tenn., September 9, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The Card Shop Live interactive shopping app launches in app stores nationwide, becoming a premier mobile and web marketplace for buying, trading, and selling trading cards, memorabilia, and collectibles. Created to attract serious collectors as well as new hobbyists, the Card Shop Live platform brings enthusiasts together to discover, chat and purchase easily from the palm of your hand, 24/7. Today, users have access to live streaming shopping, live breaks, interviews, exclusive events, and auctions, giving people another way to browse, sell and buy in an environment that is often found offline.  

    “Trust, quality, and community have been our top priorities when designing and launching this new live streaming marketplace,” said Mike Gioseffi, President of Card Shop Live. “I have been collecting for 25 years, and I wanted to ensure a fun and safe way for people to expand their collections, so we have heavily focused our seller vetting and curation process to make sure our community has the best shopping experience.”

    Founded by Mike Gioseffi, co-host of the podcast Sports Cards Nonsense on The Ringer, and five other sports and culture enthusiasts, Card Shop Live completed a funding round, which secured $1.5M and was led by SGC in April 2022. This round of financing will further enable the company to refine its technology, grow its relationships with trusted partners and vetted sellers, and create new tools to support its growing community as they reimagine the shopping experience. 

    “The health and well-being of the trading card industry means everything to us at SGC,” said Peter Steinberg, Chief Executive Officer of SGC. “After speaking to Mike about his vision for Card Shop Live, our team was convinced that a platform like this, grounded in trust, quality, and community, was not only on brand with SGC’s vision for the future but also something that the card collecting community badly needed. We are thrilled to be a part of something that will contribute to the greater good of growing the hobby in a fun and, most importantly, safe manner.”

    Card Shop Live’s community-first approach has led them to integrate features, including chat, direct messaging, and user forums on products that provide a more interactive and transparent shopping experience. 

    Currently, there is a curated selection of vetted sellers with shops that offer live breaks, auctions, and exclusive events for trading cards and comics. Soon they will be expanding their TCG selection of sellers and additional hobby shops. 

    “It’s an exciting time to launch Card Shop Live because more people are really expanding their collections, finding new hobbies they are excited about, or becoming first-time collectors,” said Tamara Laine, Chief Marketing Officer of Card Shop Live. “We are sure our app will become a trusted resource for collectors from all over the world and the most engaging way to shop in the future.” 

    Built by some of the most trusted names in collecting, including Mike Gioseffi. With investors including SGC, the most trusted name in sports card grading, Card Shop Live is currently the only spot for participating in Panini blockchain sports card breaks, with the Panini blockchain integrated into the app.

    About Card Shop Live

    – Sellers on the site are extensively vetted

    – Buy and sell cards and memorabilia with other collectors in real-time 

    – NFT breaks and auctions 

    Press Contact:

    Card Shop Live

    Max Egenolf

    mje@thecardshop.live

    Source: Card Shop Live

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