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US ally and biggest foreign investor stunned by sweeping levies including on crucial automotive sectorView the full article

Risky assets are cheaper — but not cheap enoughView the full article

Beijing permits exchange rate to drop below long-defended levelView the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Should I check on my boss when she’s late to work? I have autism and this falls into the realm of social norms that I struggle to navigate. My department is made up of just my supervisor and myself. We’re in public-facing roles and our office is open 12 hours a day, so we alternate shifts. Each day one of us opens and one of us comes in four hours later and then closes for the day. On the days my supervisor closes, she sometimes comes in late with no notice. I’m currently sitting at my desk wondering if I should check in with her because she was supposed to be here 45 minutes ago. She’s in her late 60s and lives alone, so it’s not outside the realm of possibility that something could have happened and I’d be the only person to realize it. She’s a bit prickly and guards her personal time carefully, though, so I don’t want to intrude if she’s just choosing to sleep in or run an errand on the way to the office. When I’ve made comments to her in the past about wondering if I should have texted her to make sure everything is okay, she has brushed it off and seemed annoyed so I let it go. At what point is it my responsibility to make sure she’s okay? I don’t want to reach out to her manager because I don’t want to get her in trouble. She’s really good at her job and is the sort of person who never stops working once she’s here so I don’t think it’s a big deal for her to come in a bit late. It doesn’t impact my ability to get my job done. I just don’t know the etiquette around checking up on her when she’s not here. It’s not your responsibility to make sure she’s okay if she’s just an hour or two late, and she’s been annoyed when you’ve indicated concern in the past — plus you know she has a pattern of sometimes coming in late without notice, so it doesn’t need to set off alarm bells when she does it. So from this point forward, assume all is fine unless it’s close to the end of your shift (like within an hour) and she’s not there; it doesn’t sound like she’s typically that late and so that would be an aberration that you could treat differently (plus, it raises a looming coverage issue that you’d be right to flag). 2. My staff wants me to attend events with them — but it’s not my job I am a manager of primarily part-time staff. They are the outreach team, and I oversee outreach in addition to a bunch of other duties. My problem is that I seem to have done too good a job making them feel like they’re my first priority, because during the mid-year check-in (which was done by anonymous survey), multiple staff complained that I am not doing enough to support them because I am not actively attending outreach events like they do. I check in periodically but I don’t spend the whole four-hour shift, with them — probably only about a half hour as I do rounds, check in, and see if they need anything, etc. But the thing is, it’s absolutely NOT my job to actively participate in the outreach events. That would amount to about 20 hours of my work week, which simply is not feasible considering my other responsibilities. But everything I try to think of how to phrase “it’s not my job to do that” it’s feels like a deflection or like I’m trying not avoid taking ownership. How do I handle this? I’m thinking of just printing my list of job duties and sharing it but that feels passive aggressive. Help! I think your opening for this conversation will be easier if you focus more on the fact that they feel unsupported and less on the specific thing they’re proposing as a solution to that. Talk with each of them and say you’ve received the feedback that people would feel more supported if you attended more outreach events, explain you can’t do that because you’re also charged with doing XYZ and your job is specifically designed not to include time for attending events so you can handle other priorities, and ask if they can brainstorm with you about other ways for them to get the support that currently feels lacking. If it’s literally just a matter of wanting you at events and they don’t really feel unsupported beyond that, this conversation will bring that out — and hopefully help them understand why you can’t do that. But it’s possible that you’ll hear they wanted you at more events because, I don’t know, the public asks questions that they don’t know how to answer, or there’s not enough coverage for them to leave their booth for bathroom breaks, or who knows what. They might be thinking the solution is “we need Jane here more often,” whereas you might have a dozen other ways you can solve those problems once you know they exist. Either way, approaching it as if the problem is “people feel unsupported” and not just “they want me there too much” should make it easier to solve. 3. My colleague is using parts of my resume as their own I used to work for one of the agencies that the current administration has gutted. It was a great place to work and many employees stayed there for a long time, so they haven’t been on the job market in a while. My field is small, so I shared my resume with any old coworkers who asked in the hopes that it’d help them get their resumes up-to-date. One former coworker openly told me they stole my formatting and alluded to copying things like the awards, too! I was too shocked to say anything, but I wish I had, because I don’t know the extent to which they ripped off my work. Now my agency is up on the chopping block and in this small field, I’m inevitably applying to the same places they are. I have asked to see their resume, but they demurred, instead offering generic job search tips. While I know there are only so many ways you can format a resume, I don’t know if I’m applying to places that have already seen “my” resume (whether just format or contents as well), I don’t even know if the former coworker bothered to change the typeface! Do I need to rebuild my resume from scratch? What would you do here? Their copying your formatting is no big deal — people copy other resumes’ formatting all the time and that’s not going to set off any alarm bells for an employer and it’s definitely not going to make them think they’ve already seen “your” resume before. But if they’re listing awards that they didn’t receive, that’s wildly unethical! It still doesn’t mean that you need to somehow rebuild your resume to avoid having similar content (and presumably more than one person can receive those awards over time) but if your coworker is directly competing with you for jobs, claiming your accomplishments as their own would be extra awful. As for what to do, don’t worry about the formatting at all, but you could go back to them and say, “Hey, when you said you copied my awards, do you mean you claimed awards that you didn’t actually receive? If so, can you correct that for both our sakes? You could end up having a job offer pulled over it once they do a background check, and I of course didn’t show you my resume intending for you to copy the actual content.” If you want, you could add, “And I don’t appreciate you doing that when we’re applying for the same positions.” 4. Airline mix-up means I’m missing my first day of work I am out of state, and the airline had a mix-up with my ticket. I am set to start work Monday at a new job and now I can’t fly back home until Monday. No other option. What is the likelihood that they will “fire” me before I even start due to this? I have left a voicemail explaining the situation to my new supervisor already, but I’m worried. I didn’t get this in time to answer it before Monday but: they’re not likely to tell you “never mind then” just because of an airline snafu. Stuff happens. Decent employers know that. Exceptions to this would be if you had already seemed flaky to them before now and this was a final straw moment, like you had already rescheduled multiple interviews with little notice, or if you’d already asked to push your start date back a couple of times. (That said, I admit to being curious about what “the airline had a mix-up with my ticket” means! If it was their mistake, I’d think you could push pretty hard for them to find you a seat on another airline — but by the time this is publishing, it will be past the point where that would be helpful.) 5. How to list contractor to employee on your resume I’ve recently gotten a new job and started as an employee after a few months as a contractor. As a contractor, I was employed through a completely different staffing company. I have the same title, team, and responsibilities, but now I’m employed directly through the company. I’m not sure how to list that on my resume, if only because I’m pretty sure the staffing company would probably have to be the one to verify employment, etc, during that time. I’m not planning on job searching anytime son, but I like to keep my resume up to date. I would do it like this: Taco Institute, Taco Strategy Coordinator, July 2024 – present (contracted through Tasty Foods Contracting July – November 2024, then converted to employee) * accomplishment * accomplishment * accomplishment View the full article

Donald Trump’s trade war has put the Federal Reserve in an awkward spotView the full article

Former Google chief becomes the latest in a surge of US buyers at the top end of the London property marketView the full article

Market volatility expected to drive bumper quarter in trading while depressing M&A and IPO revenuesView the full article

A glut of former fleet cars may explain the fall rather than any link to Elon Musk but the brand is undoubtedly under pressureView the full article

Businesses with supply chains vulnerable to sweeping duties had been hoping to negotiate concessions from Washington View the full article

Even if Trump backs down he will have succeeded in building uncertainty, which is itself a sort of tariffView the full article

Shifting parts of a product’s supply chain may cut charges under ‘rules of origin’ but trying to take advantage comes with risksView the full article

The build-to-rent (BTR) housing market continued its upward surge in 2024, reaching a historic milestone with 39,000 new single-family rentals completed across the United States, according to a new report from Point2Homes. Based on Yardi Matrix data as of March 2025, this figure marks a 15.5% increase over 2023 and underscores the sector’s rapid growth since the pandemic era, when completions hovered around 6,000 to 7,000 units annually. Point2Homes’ analysis highlights how the BTR model—which merges the low-maintenance appeal of rentals with the space and privacy of detached homes—has evolved into one of the fastest-growing segments of single-family home construction. The sector now accounts for nearly 10% of all home builds, a stark rise from 3% just a few years ago. Southern and Southwestern Metros Lead the Charge Phoenix led the nation in BTR completions last year with 4,460 new units, an 18% year-over-year increase. It was followed by Dallas with 3,197 completions and Atlanta with 3,035. These three metros, along with Houston (2,505 units), formed the core of a rapidly expanding BTR frontier across the South and Southwest. Other metros with more than 1,000 new single-family rental units completed in 2024 include Charlotte, NC (1,415); Jacksonville, FL (1,201); Huntsville, AL (1,098); Columbus, OH (1,018); and Tampa, FL (1,005). In total, the top 10 states for BTR completions in 2024 were led by Texas (6,994), followed by Florida (5,379), Arizona (4,812), and Georgia (4,095). North Carolina, California, Ohio, South Carolina, Alabama, and Utah also posted significant growth in completions, with all but South Carolina recording five-year highs. Inventory Pipeline Remains Strong The BTR sector is not only looking back on a record year but also preparing for continued growth, with nearly 110,000 single-family rentals currently in various stages of development. This includes 76,000 units under construction and almost 34,000 more in the permitting pipeline. Phoenix again leads all U.S. metros with 13,010 units in development, followed by Dallas (8,450), Atlanta (6,644), Charlotte (4,886), and Houston (3,969). Drivers of Growth The ongoing expansion of the BTR sector is being driven by several key trends. These include millennials forming families but unable to afford homeownership, high-income renters opting out of ownership, retirees seeking low-maintenance lifestyles, and remote workers needing more living space. Additionally, fast-growing states such as Texas, Florida, and Arizona continue to attract new residents, further fueling demand. Between 2023 and 2024, Texas added nearly 563,000 people, while Florida gained over 23 million residents, and North Carolina surpassed 11 million in population. Largest Communities Completed in 2024 Among the largest BTR communities completed in 2024 was Litsey Creek Cottages in Roanoke, TX, with 396 units. Other significant completions included Viviano at Riverton in Utah with 364 units, and The Bungalows on Camelback in Phoenix with 334 units. These projects feature extensive amenities such as swimming pools, clubhouses, fitness centers, and playgrounds. Five-Year Growth Overview From 2019 to 2024, the total number of completed BTR homes more than doubled from around 107,000 to over 217,000 units. Phoenix led all metros with 12,702 completions over this five-year span, followed by Dallas (10,413), Atlanta (7,553), and Houston (5,250). Notably, metros like Charlotte, Jacksonville, and Huntsville saw some of the most significant percentage increases, with Huntsville posting a 1,368% rise in inventory compared to 2019. Image: Envato This article, "Build-to-Rent Sector Hits Record High With 39,000 Single-Family Rentals Completed in 2024" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The build-to-rent (BTR) housing market continued its upward surge in 2024, reaching a historic milestone with 39,000 new single-family rentals completed across the United States, according to a new report from Point2Homes. Based on Yardi Matrix data as of March 2025, this figure marks a 15.5% increase over 2023 and underscores the sector’s rapid growth since the pandemic era, when completions hovered around 6,000 to 7,000 units annually. Point2Homes’ analysis highlights how the BTR model—which merges the low-maintenance appeal of rentals with the space and privacy of detached homes—has evolved into one of the fastest-growing segments of single-family home construction. The sector now accounts for nearly 10% of all home builds, a stark rise from 3% just a few years ago. Southern and Southwestern Metros Lead the Charge Phoenix led the nation in BTR completions last year with 4,460 new units, an 18% year-over-year increase. It was followed by Dallas with 3,197 completions and Atlanta with 3,035. These three metros, along with Houston (2,505 units), formed the core of a rapidly expanding BTR frontier across the South and Southwest. Other metros with more than 1,000 new single-family rental units completed in 2024 include Charlotte, NC (1,415); Jacksonville, FL (1,201); Huntsville, AL (1,098); Columbus, OH (1,018); and Tampa, FL (1,005). In total, the top 10 states for BTR completions in 2024 were led by Texas (6,994), followed by Florida (5,379), Arizona (4,812), and Georgia (4,095). North Carolina, California, Ohio, South Carolina, Alabama, and Utah also posted significant growth in completions, with all but South Carolina recording five-year highs. Inventory Pipeline Remains Strong The BTR sector is not only looking back on a record year but also preparing for continued growth, with nearly 110,000 single-family rentals currently in various stages of development. This includes 76,000 units under construction and almost 34,000 more in the permitting pipeline. Phoenix again leads all U.S. metros with 13,010 units in development, followed by Dallas (8,450), Atlanta (6,644), Charlotte (4,886), and Houston (3,969). Drivers of Growth The ongoing expansion of the BTR sector is being driven by several key trends. These include millennials forming families but unable to afford homeownership, high-income renters opting out of ownership, retirees seeking low-maintenance lifestyles, and remote workers needing more living space. Additionally, fast-growing states such as Texas, Florida, and Arizona continue to attract new residents, further fueling demand. Between 2023 and 2024, Texas added nearly 563,000 people, while Florida gained over 23 million residents, and North Carolina surpassed 11 million in population. Largest Communities Completed in 2024 Among the largest BTR communities completed in 2024 was Litsey Creek Cottages in Roanoke, TX, with 396 units. Other significant completions included Viviano at Riverton in Utah with 364 units, and The Bungalows on Camelback in Phoenix with 334 units. These projects feature extensive amenities such as swimming pools, clubhouses, fitness centers, and playgrounds. Five-Year Growth Overview From 2019 to 2024, the total number of completed BTR homes more than doubled from around 107,000 to over 217,000 units. Phoenix led all metros with 12,702 completions over this five-year span, followed by Dallas (10,413), Atlanta (7,553), and Houston (5,250). Notably, metros like Charlotte, Jacksonville, and Huntsville saw some of the most significant percentage increases, with Huntsville posting a 1,368% rise in inventory compared to 2019. Image: Envato This article, "Build-to-Rent Sector Hits Record High With 39,000 Single-Family Rentals Completed in 2024" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Beijing and Washington swap warnings of additional trade retaliation as markets rebound in AsiaView the full article

Japan stocks rebound after US says it would start tariff talksView the full article

Bankers are growing frustrated as President Donald Trump's trade policy causes turmoil in markets and confusion for clients. But banking trade groups in Washington — at least publicly — are remaining silent. View the full article

Central bank’s Prudential Regulation Authority has so far found little sign of serious financial distressView the full article

10-year Treasury yields jump most in almost three yearsView the full article

The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. The creator economy has evolved from a marketing tactic to a C-suite priority, driven by a cultural shift that positions creators at the core of brand strategy. Over the past decade, it has transformed from a niche segment of digital culture into one of the most powerful forces shaping modern businesses. Today, creators sit at the epicenter of consumer attention, shaping purchasing decisions, brand perceptions, and cultural trends at scale. This evolution didn’t happen by accident. The movement from the fringes of culture to the mainstream was propelled by creators’ ability to authentically connect with audiences, build communities, and operate as entrepreneurial media company owners. In doing so, they’ve transformed how brands connect with customers and reshaped the core of modern marketing and communications. Creators have proven they’re more than content producers or influencers. They’re strategic partners shaping the future of business. In 2023, many C-suite executives reached a new level of familiarity and comfort with the creator economy as the industry continued to evolve. Now, part way into 2025, that awareness is cementing. Creators are no longer an experimental line item in the marketing budget; they’re critical growth partners driving innovation, storytelling, and consumer loyalty. Embrace the creator economy Creators have become a boardroom priority. They’re shaping conversations at marketing events, influencing business meetings, and redefining how brands connect with consumers. My biggest piece of advice? Plan early and plan integrated. A creator strategy shouldn’t be an afterthought—it should be embedded from the start, whether in a campaign’s early planning stages or during product development. Creators don’t just understand the audience; they are the audience. And they’re masters of the platforms where real influence happens today. By embracing this early on, brands will position themselves for long-term relevance. Those that hesitate risk falling behind, as creators continue to command cultural and consumer influence. The rise of creators is part of a bigger cultural shift, and brands can’t afford to ignore it. The creator revolution is changing what consumers expect and how businesses drive product awareness and sales. This year, we’ll see more creators diversify their collaboration as strategic partners across multi-dimensional industries. The conversations that began as niche marketing discussions are now guiding decisions in innovation labs, investor presentations, and executive off-sites. Creators are shaping brands Creators aren’t just marketing assets anymore. They’re reshaping how we think about building brands from the ground up. “Today, creators are redefining how stories are told, connecting with audiences in deeply personal and immediate ways. Prioritizing creators isn’t just an opportunity—it’s essential, which is why the Tribeca Festival launched its creators vertical in partnership with the Whalar Group last year,” said ​​Chris Brady, president, global chief commercial officer at Tribeca Enterprises. “Creators are shaping culture, driving conversations, and changing the future of entertainment. To stay competitive, global brands and platforms must recognize them as essential voices in this new era.” The time for hesitation is over. Brands that see creators as mere marketing tools will be left behind. Those that embrace them as strategic partners and extensions of their team will shape the future, while the rest struggle to keep up. The creator economy isn’t just here to stay—it’s a growing focus in the boardroom, and in 2025, it will distinguish the leaders from the followers. Neil Waller is co-CEO and cofounder of the Whalar Group. View the full article

Republican Senator Josh Hawley sent a letter urging the Justice Department to investigate FICO's price increases, which he said have "been borne by borrowers, especially lower-income borrowers." View the full article

Shopify CEO’s memo mandating AI for virtually everything marks a pivotal moment in how AI is used by workers and entrepreneurs The post Shopify CEO’s Memo Marks A Pivotal Moment For AI In The Workplace appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. If you’ve ever tried dragging a too-large speaker—or worse, relied on your phone’s tiny audio for sound projection—you should appreciate this sale on the Skullcandy Terrain Mini: It's palm-sized, no-frills, and currently on sale for $34.99 down from $39.99 on StackSocial, with free shipping in the U.S. That price drop isn’t jaw-dropping, but for under $35, you’re looking at a IPX7-rated waterproof speaker that won’t be damaged if it's dropped in the pool this summer. The Skullcandy Terrain Mini has Bluetooth 5.3, so the connection holds steady within a 33-foot range. The battery is said to give you 14 hours of playtime, which should cover most day-long adventures or at least a solid workday playlist without needing a recharge. When it does die, it uses USB-C, which is thankfully included in the box, so you won’t need to dig through old cords. It also comes with a wrist strap that you can clip it to a bag or swing it around like a lanyard when you’re on the move. As far as sound goes, it's decent on its own, but the True Wireless Stereo feature means you can pair it with a second unit for real stereo separation. You can also use Skullcandy’s Multi-Link to chain together up to 99 of these. Realistically, you’ll probably never do that, but the option’s there if you ever want to DJ a flash mob. That said, this speaker doesn’t punch far above its size. It’s built more for casual, portable listening than booming bass or high-volume precision. The fabric mesh helps with durability and sound clarity, but it’s not going to replace your home speaker setup. If you’re in the market for a rugged little speaker that’s waterproof, rechargeable, and easy to toss in a bag, the Skullcandy Terrain Mini fits. View the full article

The historic Buffalo Trace Distillery has temporarily closed after deadly flooding ravaging Kentucky swept into its facilities, forcing the popular bourbon company to turn away the public and staff. In a statement released on Sunday, the Frankfort, Kentucky-based distillery said it would remain closed through April 10 but warned that date could change. “Due to the unprecedented and ongoing rain and flooding, we are not able to advise on the impact to our total distillery footprint,” Buffalo Trace said. “We will assess those realities in the coming days as the facilities become safe to navigate and will make necessary adjustments to operations as required.” A spokesperson for Buffalo Trace declined to comment further. Days of unrelenting torrential rain in Kentucky and across the U.S. South and Midwest have caused catastrophic flooding and raised fears the damage could linger for days as rivers swell. In Frankfort, the Kentucky River curves throughout the capital city and has been known to flood. On Monday, the river was cresting at Frankfort Lock — approaching the record of 48 1/2 feet (14.78 meters) set on Dec. 10, 1978, according to CJ Padgett, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Louisville, Kentucky, office. Buffalo Trace is far from the only distillery in Kentucky, the home of bourbon country, but it is one of the closest to the banks of the Kentucky River. Notably, the distillery has markers of several high-water marks from previous floods inside its Frankfort buildings, with the most recent being the 1978 flood. As of Monday, several Buffalo Trace buildings were flooded at lower levels and parking lots and cars were underwater. The water tower bearing the brand’s logo stood over the visitor center and warehouses that appeared to be inundated with water. Residents stopped to take pictures of the well-known bourbon maker’s property as it was flooded out. Traffic signs directing trucks and visitors to parking peeked over several feet of rushing water. Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American, family-owned company that has operated for more than 200 years. Its products include the holy grail for bourbon fanatics: Pappy Van Winkle 23-year-old, which can sell for tens of thousands of dollars on resale markets. —Kimberlee Kruesi and Kristin M. Hall, Associated Press View the full article

From reduced demand for auto loans to a slowdown in mergers and acquisitions, here's some of the new trade war's potential fallout for lenders. View the full article

Key Takeaways Engage Customers with Events: Hosting events, such as seasonal promotions and holiday-themed activities, creates memorable experiences that attract foot traffic and foster customer loyalty. Leverage Local Collaborations: Partnering with local businesses for joint events can amplify visibility, enhance community ties, and drive traffic to your store through shared audiences. Support Community Causes: Organizing charity events around local nonprofits can enhance your store’s reputation while demonstrating commitment to community welfare, helping customers connect with your brand on a deeper level. Offer Educational Experiences: Workshops and demonstrations not only showcase your products but also provide valuable learning opportunities, making your store a go-to destination for expertise. Utilize Online Engagement: Implementing social media challenges and virtual shopping experiences helps to enhance accessibility and maintain customer interest, broadening your brand’s reach beyond physical constraints. Create Exclusive Launch Events: Intimate product launch parties with loyal customers and local influencers can generate buzz and excitement, promoting new items while strengthening customer relationships. In today’s competitive retail landscape, creating memorable experiences can set your store apart. Hosting events not only draws in customers but also fosters a sense of community and loyalty. Whether you’re launching a new product or celebrating a seasonal sale, the right event can transform your store into a vibrant hub of activity. You might be wondering where to start. From interactive workshops to themed parties, the possibilities are endless. Engaging events can showcase your brand’s personality while offering customers a unique reason to visit. Let’s explore some creative event ideas that can elevate your retail space and leave a lasting impression on your audience. Creative Event Ideas For Retail Stores Creating engaging events invites customers into your retail space and fosters community connections. You can incorporate various events to enhance your brand’s visibility and strengthen customer loyalty. Seasonal Promotions Seasonal promotions capitalize on specific times of the year, drawing in customers eager to take advantage of special deals. You might host a summer sale with outdoor activities, like a picnic at your store or free refreshments. For autumn, consider a harvest festival that includes local vendors, live music, and seasonal treats. These promotions not only attract foot traffic but also create an enjoyable shopping atmosphere. Holiday-Themed Events Holiday-themed events make your retail store a festive destination. You could organize a winter wonderland experience, featuring holiday decorations, gift-wrapping stations, and hot cocoa. For small businesses, hosting a “Shop Local” night during the holiday season encourages residents to support local shops. Offer exclusive discounts or bundles that showcase your products’ appeal. Engaging your customers with mini-events like meet-and-greets with local artisans further enhances the holiday shopping experience and builds lasting relationships. Community Engagement Strategies Engaging with your community fosters loyalty and boosts your retail business’s visibility. Implementing effective strategies can create lasting connections and enhance customer experiences. Local Collaborations Partner with local businesses to host joint events that attract customers to your retail store. Collaborations can include co-hosted workshops, pop-up markets, or local artist showcases. These partnerships not only cross-promote products but also strengthen community ties. For example, teaming up with a nearby café for a “Shop and Sip” event encourages customers to enjoy a unique shopping experience while supporting multiple local businesses. This strategy leverages shared audiences, maximizing foot traffic and sales for everyone involved. Charity Events Organize charity events to demonstrate your commitment to community welfare while driving traffic to your store. Consider hosting fundraising activities where a percentage of sales goes to local causes. Events like donation drives, awareness campaigns, or themed fundraisers can create positive buzz around your retail business. For instance, a fashion show featuring your products, with proceeds supporting a local nonprofit, can engage customers while contributing to a good cause. This approach not only enhances your store’s reputation but also builds stronger relationships with customers who value community support. In-Store Experiences Creating engaging in-store experiences is essential for attracting customers and building loyalty in your retail business. By hosting events, you can not only highlight your brand’s personality but also forge deeper connections with your community. Workshops and Demonstrations Organizing workshops and demonstrations allows you to showcase your products while providing valuable learning experiences. These hands-on sessions can cover topics relevant to your business, such as product usage, DIY projects, or craft techniques. For instance, if you run a small business selling gardening supplies, you might host a workshop on planting techniques that include step-by-step guidance. By encouraging audience participation, you foster a sense of community and make your store a go-to destination for expertise and support. Exclusive Launch Parties Holding exclusive launch parties for new products or services generates excitement and draws attention to your retail business. Inviting loyal customers and local influencers can create buzz around your offerings. Provide light refreshments, live music, or giveaways to enhance the experience. For example, if you’re launching a new line of apparel, consider a fashion show to highlight the pieces while engaging your guests. These visually appealing events not only promote new items but also strengthen customer relationships, encouraging repeat visits and word-of-mouth referrals. Online and Virtual Events Online and virtual events provide small businesses unique opportunities to connect with customers and enhance brand visibility without physical constraints. Social Media Challenges Social media challenges encourage engagement and creativity. You can create a hashtag specific to your retail business and invite customers to share photos or videos of themselves using your products. Offering incentives, like discounts or giveaways for participation, can boost interest. Engaging with users through likes and comments fosters community and keeps your brand at the forefront of their minds. For example, a small clothing store might host a style challenge, asking customers to showcase different outfits using the same item, increasing brand awareness. Virtual Shopping Experiences Virtual shopping experiences enhance convenience and accessibility for customers. You could organize live-stream shopping events, where you present products in real-time and interact with viewers. Hosting exclusive online sales or virtual trunk shows allows customers to shop from anywhere while accessing special discounts. Implementing a personalized shopping session via video chat can further enhance customer service by providing tailored recommendations based on individual needs. For instance, a local home goods store might offer virtual tours of their latest collections, allowing customers to ask questions and receive immediate feedback. Conclusion Embracing innovative event ideas can transform your retail space into a vibrant hub that attracts customers and fosters loyalty. Whether you choose to host interactive workshops or seasonal celebrations your efforts will create memorable experiences that resonate with your audience. By engaging with the community through partnerships and charity events you’ll not only boost foot traffic but also enhance your brand’s reputation. Don’t forget the potential of online events to reach a wider audience and keep your customers connected. The right mix of in-store and virtual experiences can elevate your retail strategy ensuring you stand out in a competitive market. Start planning your next event today and watch your customer relationships flourish. Frequently Asked Questions Why are memorable experiences important in retail? Creating memorable experiences in retail helps businesses stand out in a competitive market. These experiences attract customers, build community, and foster loyalty, leading to repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth referrals. What types of events can retailers host to attract customers? Retailers can host various events, including interactive workshops, themed parties, seasonal promotions, and holiday-themed activities. Each event can showcase the brand’s personality and provide unique reasons for customers to visit. How can community engagement enhance a retail business? Engaging with the community through joint events, charity drives, or partnerships with local businesses can strengthen community ties, boost visibility, and create positive experiences that enhance the store’s reputation and customer loyalty. What role do workshops and demonstrations play in retail? Workshops and demonstrations provide valuable learning experiences while showcasing products. They help engage customers, increase foot traffic, and create lasting relationships by offering hands-on sessions relevant to the business. How can retailers effectively use online events? Retailers can use online events, like social media challenges or live-stream shopping, to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. These initiatives allow businesses to connect with a broader audience and strengthen community ties without physical constraints. Image Via Envato: nateemee, denira21, alinabuphoto, BBTree2012, thananit_s, ijeab, IrynaKhabliuk This article, "Creative Event Ideas for Retail Stores to Boost Customer Engagement and Loyalty" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article