Author: Scott Dylan

Shopper enthusiasm soared this Thanksgiving, breaking previous spending records. Heightened discounts across various categories like toys, electronics, and clothing spurred consumers to spend more than ever online. The allure of substantial savings initiated an early start to the holiday shopping season. Purchase convenience via mobile phones contributed to this increase in consumer activity. Adobe Analytics reports a significant growth in year-over-year sales, illustrating the power of strategic discounting.Record-Breaking Thanksgiving SalesThe recent Thanksgiving sales marked a historic high, with consumers spending an outstanding $6.1 billion. This surge represents an 8.8% increase from the prior year, according to Adobe Analytics. The aggressive…

The annual Christmas windows competition invites UK and Irish fashion independents to showcase their creative visual merchandising.This event highlights the creative display designs of independent fashion retailers.Participants stand the chance of having their winning designs featured in a prominent fashion publication’s January issue.A previous winner cleverly utilised fabric scraps to create an engaging community-focused display based on the 12 Days of Christmas.Submissions must include high-resolution photos of the display from various angles and details of the store’s location.The Christmas windows competition provides a platform for independent fashion retailers across the UK and Ireland to exhibit their visual merchandising talents. In…

Charles McManus, CEO of ClearBank, urges Meta to tackle online fraud.Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram contribute significantly to fraud cases.Major financial institutions invest heavily in fraud prevention, expecting tech firms to participate.Revolut demands Meta’s accountability in reimbursing fraud victims.UK government pressure mounts on social media companies to enhance fraud controls.Charles McManus, the CEO of ClearBank, has publicly called for Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to step up its efforts in combating online fraud. According to McManus, fake and clone accounts on these platforms are a significant source of fraudulent activities, and social media firms need…

UK retailers face challenges as November footfall decreases for the second month.High street visits fell by 3.7%, highlighting consumer reluctance.Shopping centres and retail parks also saw reductions in foot traffic.Economic factors like delayed Black Friday and Storm Bert impacted shopping patterns.Retailers remain optimistic about a rebound during the festive period.Recent data from the British Retail Consortium revealed a troubling decline in footfall throughout November, marking the second consecutive month of reduced consumer visits. High street footfall decreased by 3.7% compared to the previous month, indicating a notable hesitancy among shoppers. This downward trend was also observed across retail parks and…

Recent research unveils the sophisticated techniques used by orca pods to hunt whale sharks, the ocean’s largest fish. Found off the coast of Mexico, these remarkable interactions offer a glimpse into the intelligence and adaptability of these apex predators.Orcas have long been acknowledged for their complex hunting methods, but documenting their tactics against the formidable whale sharks provides new insights. Employing teamwork, orcas have demonstrated their dominance, intriguing scientists and expanding our understanding of marine life.Orca Hunting TechniquesIn the Pacific Ocean, a distinct pod of orcas employs an ingenious hunting technique to prey upon whale sharks. This method involves the…

NewJeans, a prominent name in the K-pop world, has captured attention by announcing their departure from their agency, ADOR. This announcement unfolds amidst complex internal disagreements that have strained the relationship between the group and their management.The decision marks a significant turning point for the band, as they seek to forge a new path in the competitive music industry. It raises important questions about the future of artist-agency dynamics and the pursuit of creative freedom.The Decision to LeaveMembers of NewJeans, a widely popular K-pop ensemble, have declared their intention to depart from their current managing agency, ADOR. The announcement was…

Amazon, the global retail behemoth, is set to face widespread protests from workers across more than 20 countries. These planned actions coincide with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, two critical retail events. It raises questions about the potential impact on operations, especially for UK consumers. This article explores the motivations behind these protests and their expected effects.The ‘Make Amazon Pay’ campaign, at the heart of these protests, demands better working conditions and accountability from Amazon. Countries such as Germany, Brazil, India, and the United States are seeing significant mobilisation. This piece examines the breadth and depth of these protests and…

Footprints imprinted 1.5 million years ago on a Kenyan lakeshore unveil a rare interaction between two ancient human species. These tracks reveal more than just their makers; they provide insights into cohabitation and lifestyle.This extraordinary discovery in Koobi Fora opens a window to our distant past where Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei lived side by side. Such evidence offers fresh perspectives on ancient ecology, raising questions about survival and adaptation.Ancient Footprints UnearthedDiscovered on the eastern shore of Lake Turkana, fossilized footprints have provided a window into the lives of two ancient human species. Dated to 1.5 million years ago, these…

In today’s health-conscious world, dietary habits are continually scrutinised. Yet, the appeal of snacking persists. Despite new health directives and political influences, the love for snacks remains unwavering among Americans.With the emergence of weight-loss drugs and political figures advocating for stricter diet controls, one might predict a decline in snack consumption. However, the reality suggests otherwise, showcasing an enduring societal affection for familiar indulgences.The Resilience of Snacking CultureIn a world where health trends are ever-evolving, the allure of snacks persists. Despite the rise of GLP-1 medications for weight loss and political agendas like Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s health push, the…

A London-based tech founder expressed dissatisfaction with Starling Bank after her company’s account was closed.The account was shut down due to a policy concerning company shareholders, which the founder found troubling.This situation highlights concerns about the suitability of Starling Bank for startup businesses.The founder highlighted that the bank’s policy may affect many UK startups with venture capital investors.The founder urged startups to reconsider their banking choice with Starling Bank.A tech founder from London has openly criticised Starling Bank for what she perceives as a decision unfriendly to startups. Alicia Navarro, CEO of Flown, reported that her company’s account was closed…