ResidentialBusiness

The drop in mortgage rates as measured by Freddie Mac, came about even as the 10-year Treasury yield used to price loans moved higher since Thanksgiving. View the full article

Of the 50 highest risk markets in the country, 16 reside in California, followed by New Jersey with nine, Attom found. View the full article

The rise of artificial intelligence is transforming every industry, but it also creates enormous demand for digital infrastructure and natural resources. Data centers, the engines of this transformation, consume vast amounts of water and energy. A single hyperscale data center consumes up to 5 million gallons of potable water every day. In Phoenix, 58 centers together demand more than 170 million gallons daily, enough to ​​serve up to several hundred thousand households. This is the internet’s hidden water footprint, amplified by AI, cloud computing, and data-heavy services. Training a single large AI model in a Microsoft data center can require about 185,000 gallons of clean water. By 2027, AI-related data centers could consume 1.7 trillion gallons annually, nearly matching the domestic water use of some developed nations. Most data centers still rely on evaporative cooling, which consumes massive volumes and discharges chemical-laden wastewater. The challenge is not only scale but also geography. More than 40% of U.S. data centers are located in water-stressed basins. AI’s rapid growth demands a new approach. Water cannot become the bottleneck to the next chapter of human progress. FROM COMMUNITY PUSHBACK TO BUSINESS RISK Public concerns are already reshaping the industry: Oregon: Google faced lawsuits over water secrecy. Indiana: Amazon’s Project Rainier is under state scrutiny for allegedly draining wells while pumping millions of gallons per hour. Georgia: Families near Meta’s complex report unusable wells. Virginia: Utilities now require new data centers to secure their own water sources or adopt closed-loop systems. Investors are paying attention. Water use per AI training cycle is emerging as a core accountability metric, alongside carbon intensity. Communities are responding with moratorium requests. THE CALL FOR INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP The industry can no longer rely on incomplete data, inconsistent reporting, or distant offsetting schemes. Declaring a “water positive” target by some far-off date is no longer enough. Communities demand tangible action where the water is drawn. The technology exists today. Around the world, data center and cloud providers are proving that sustainability and scalability can coexist, with each breakthrough setting a new benchmark for what is possible. Microsoft has deployed closed-loop systems in Arizona and Wisconsin, saving up to 125 million liters per site. Google used reclaimed wastewater at 22% of its campuses as of 2023. Amazon is building new centers with closed-loop treatment, recycling every drop used for cooling. NVIDIA is partnering with Singtel to deploy next-generation liquid and immersion cooling systems designed to achieve industry-leading water efficiency in Singapore’s new AI data centers. The opportunity is clear: Water must be engineered into AI’s growth, not treated as an afterthought. THE TECHNOLOGIES DRIVING SUSTAINABLE AI Building a sustainable digital future requires bold adoption of both proven and emerging solutions that reduce environmental impact while enabling continued growth. The tools already exist. What we need now is the conviction to scale them. Smarter cooling technologies Closed-loop and liquid cooling: Advanced systems can reduce water consumption by as much as 30 to 50% while maintaining the high-performance environment that AI workloads demand. Water recycling at scale: Leaders like AWS plan to deploy treated wastewater at more than 120 data centers by 2030, setting a new baseline for responsible water use. AI-Driven optimization Smart workload scheduling: By applying AI to manage computing loads, operators have shown they can ​​​​​​cut water consumption by a third without increasing carbon emissions. This type of efficiency breakthrough makes sustainability scalable. Alternative water sources Seawater desalination: In coastal or arid regions, seawater offers an abundant alternative. Advanced desalination technologies convert it into a reliable cooling supply without burdening municipal drinking water systems. High-value water reuse: Modern treatment technologies can transform sewage, brackish groundwater, and industrial effluent into high-quality process water, eliminating dependence on limited freshwater supplies. This is our approach at Gradiant, where our feedwater-agnostic treatment systems enable data centers to operate using seawater, wastewater, or other unconventional sources, reducing dependence on fresh supplies. By recycling blowdown and cooling tower reject, we achieve zero-liquid discharge and drastically reduce freshwater withdrawals, even in the largest hyperscale AI facilities. With the right technologies, sustainable AI data center growth can align with both environmental and business imperatives. AI’S GROWTH HINGES ON WATER The next era of AI will be defined by those who treat water as critical infrastructure. Companies that lead will gain faster permitting, avoid regulatory shocks and operational disruptions, and build lasting trust with the communities that host them. Water is not compliance. It is resilience. It is innovation. It is license to operate. AI’s future depends on leadership that recognizes water as the defining resource of our digital age, one that must be safeguarded through innovation rather than depletion. Advanced recycling, seawater desalination, and next-generation water treatment will be the pillars of responsible growth. The companies that act now will determine not only how AI grows but whether it grows responsibly, securing both digital progress and planetary resilience. Prakash Govindan and Anurag Bajpayee are the cofounders of Gradiant. View the full article

The Bronx stands apart from New York City’s four other boroughs in stark ways. Home to 1.4 million residents and the nation’s poorest congressional district, it once flourished as fertile farmland. Today, we’re restoring this land—not to its agricultural roots, but as fertile ground for raising healthy, happy, and prosperous children. And in the process, we’re cultivating opportunity for a new generation of citizens. My wife Lizette and I founded and run Green Bronx Machine (GBM). Our nonprofit is dedicated to rewriting the narrative about the Bronx and its residents. Inside Community School 55, just across the tracks from rows of dilapidated public housing towers, sits an unexpected oasis: a thriving garden where fruits and vegetables grow alongside young dreams and possibilities. All year long, grandmothers find respite in the greenery while children eagerly plant seeds, harvest crops, raise chickens, and gather eggs. But this transformation didn’t begin outdoors—it started in a classroom. AN “UNEMPLOYED” TEACHER I playfully call myself an “unemployed teacher.” An educator/administrator since 1984, I left formal employment determined to launch a program that has now spread to more than 1,000 schools across the United States and a dozen countries—with ambitious plans to scale that impact. Dubbed “A Miracle in the Bronx,” we combine urban agriculture, project-based learning, and community engagement that transforms educational outcomes in areas where success seems improbable, if not impossible. GBM’s classroom model began almost by accident. When struggling to engage my students, I received a box of daffodil bulbs. Instead of discarding them, I tucked them behind a radiator. Weeks later, the bulbs sprouted and bloomed, and with them, a change in students’ engagement and attendance. These kids, who wouldn’t come to school to see me, were suddenly showing up to see plants. That was my a-ha moment. We planted 25,000 bulbs all across NYC that year. [Photo: Green Bronx Machine] Today, the program features indoor Tower Gardens and Babylon Micro-Farms, where students grow vegetables year-round in classroom settings, along the way learning math, English, biology, even phys. ed. The results extend far beyond agriculture. Participants show improved academic performance, higher attendance rates, better nutritional habits, and increased environmental awareness. Teachers are similarly inspired and engaged. Meanwhile, the produce students grow is sold to provide much-needed jobs and income, or taken home by students to feed their families. I learned that when a child plants a seed and nurtures that plant to harvest, they never go hungry again—not intellectually, emotionally, or physically. THE VISION DEFICIT IN AMERICAN SCHOOLS It is common to think that America’s educational challenges stem primarily from limited funding. But the more fundamental issue is a clear vision of what’s possible in today’s schools—something increasingly scarce in an environment dominated by misinformation, politics, and eroding social cohesion. For children growing up today, the harsh reality is that in America, despite our cherished narrative of meritocracy and individualism, one’s ZIP code remains the primary determinant of social, educational, and health outcomes. That’s exemplified in marginalized areas like the South Bronx. This geographical determinism is driven by many things. That includes schools in low-income areas being starved for funding, experienced teachers, and enrichment opportunities. Students also face additional barriers such as food insecurity, housing instability, and exposure to environmental hazards—all impacting their ability to learn effectively. END ZIP CODE DESTINY By transforming schools into centers of community wellness, individual excellence, and environmental stewardship, we’ve demonstrated that innovative approaches can overcome systemic barriers. We’re growing high performing schools, engaged citizens, responsible neighbors, vibrant communities, jobs, and we’re growing healthy food—all together. The program has driven impact across a wide variety of communities, national and international, and that impact is captured in a documentary, Generation Growth, which highlights the program’s success and led to GBM being named a 2024 Most Innovative Company by Fast Company. SCALE A TRANSFERABLE MODEL What makes GBM’s method so impactful is its transferability across states and international borders. Schools in diverse settings, from rural Alabama to suburban Colorado, have successfully adapted it to local needs while maintaining core principles. We’re projected to impact 30,000 schools in the United States by 2030. This isn’t just about the Bronx. There is a Bronx in every American city and around the world; we’ve built a turn-key program that serves all of them. This is about transforming how we think about education, community, sustainability, poverty, and progress everywhere. [Photo: Green Bronx Machine] Many think I have a larger-than-life personality, but you don’t need that to be effective. It’s about community engagement. Ana Christina Garcia of Sloan Kettering and a GBM board member notes that “Green Bronx Machine capitalizes on community assets and unlocks the potential, desire, and passion that children, principals, and teachers already have. Community engagement is about making organizational resources more accessible to unlock people’s existing talents and power. It’s a two-way street where everyone benefits from sharing their wonderful talents as human beings and creating stronger community connections.” I call this social vitamins fortified with human capacity. We’re not just growing plants, we’re growing hope. And hope is the most powerful seed we can plant. In 2026 I’d like to shake hands with other thought leaders to continue bringing this proven program across the country. It takes a village, of course, but it also takes an inspiring vision. Join me please. The author thanks Joel Makower and Jeff Senne for their contributions to this article. Stephen Ritz is founder of Green Bronx Machine. View the full article

The update screen is a normal occurrence on Windows machines, so of course hackers are now manipulating it to sneak malware onto devices. The scheme, a recent iteration of a ClickFix attack, is designed to trick you into executing a dangerous command under the guise of completing a "critical security update." But what you're actually doing is installing an infostealer that hands data over to bad actors. When a Windows update pop-up is actually a ClickFix attackClickFix is a social engineering ploy that uses tactics like fake error messages, CAPTCHA forms, and command prompts to deliver malware to your device. As PCMag reports, the Windows update scam is a pop-up that looks like a standard Windows blue screen but is actually a full screen browser page being displayed from a malicious domain. The ClickFix element is a set of keystrokes—not part of the real update interface—that have the user paste and execute a malicious command, ultimately delivering malware to their device. These instructions have an air of urgency, which is a common element of a scam. Researchers at cybersecurity firm Huntress have detailed the exact mechanism behind this attack, including an iteration in which users are prompted to verify they are human (rather than complete a security update). As Bleeping Computer outlines, the malicious code is embedded into the pixel data of PNG images, and the final payload is one of two known infostealers. According to the Huntress analysis, following a recent law enforcement operation, fake Windows update pages continue to exist across multiple domains, but those domains no longer seem to host the malware payload. That doesn't mean, however, that this attack, or some version of it, won't pop up elsewhere. How to stay safe from this ClickFix attackIf you run Windows on your device, you've probably seen a blue or black update or error screen many times, and you may not be suspicious if your computer randomly begins an update or prompts you to take an extra step to confirm it. But while a legitimate update screen will have a progress indicator and instructions not to turn off your computer, you should never need to input manual commands. This is a red flag of a ClickFix attack and not something a trusted service will require. Of course, it's important to keep your computer up to date. Microsoft releases security updates on the second Tuesday of the month, known as Patch Tuesday, and you can enable automatic updates on your machine to ensure you get fixes as soon as they're available. If you want to take additional steps to prevent ClickFix attacks on Windows, you can disable the Windows Run box to prevent unauthorized access to commands. View the full article

It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Here are four updates from past letter-writers. There will be more posts than usual this week, so keep checking back throughout the day. 1. Everyone likes me, so why am I not in the group chat? Well, I’m still not in the group chat, so I’m sorry to say I can’t report if it’s really about medieval falconry as discussed in the comments :-) I’m still happy at the job and have not asked to be included or started a new chat or anything like it. You and several commenters suggested I could just leave it be and that’s what I did. When I started the job, I was a bit apprehensive about being new to (and the only woman in) such a tight-knit long-term team, and then everyone was so nice that it seemed too good to be true, and I was maybe looking a bit too hard for red flags that might mean that I’m not accepted/excluded/people didn’t like me. Now I know a bit more about my coworkers and their dynamics, and I think it’s just the case that, because they have been working together for so long, they know a lot of things about each other’s private lives. Health issues, trouble with grown kids, stuff like that, which I, by now, have heard about in broad terms, but I assume that the other chat is where they go into more detail about this. Could be totally wrong of course, but they are generally super supportive of one another (which I hadn’t expected from an all-male team, but that’s my own bias I guess). So it’s plausible, that, when the main chat gets “I leave early today for an appointment,” the other one gets “It’s my turn to host the support group for spouses of people with depression, wife is still not doing great” or something along those lines. If that’s the case, I’m totally okay with not being in there because I just don’t have the same history with them. I still haven’t found any other signs that people try to exclude me or are in any way toxic, so even if the chat is about something else, I don’t think me not being in there means anything bad. However, my one-year anniversary is coming up, so there is still a chance that I will be added with great fanfare (and hopefully not an initiation ritual, as other commenters speculated) on that day, who knows ;) 2. New manager’s team hates her — but she says they’re the problem I did try your advice, along with some other guard rails — for instance, processes fully documented so that there was no question about team members being given conflicting direction — and, long story short, it became clear that Catelyn wasn’t going to change, and was never going to be able to manage the team effectively. And it became really clear that our HR wasn’t going to back me in addressing her problems, in any sense of the term. My prediction in the comment thread of how that was going to play out was pretty accurate. I couldn’t fix her and I couldn’t fire her, but I found an opportunity to at least salvage the team. There was another section of the organization which desperately needed help of the kind of work that Catelyn is actually good at (not managing, obviously, but the rest of her job), and I knew that layoffs were in the air and I was going to be told to give up one or more positions. I managed to broker a trade where I “gave up” Catelyn’s position, with her in it, to this other area as an individual contributor — with the asterisk that when (if) finances recover, I will need to refill her previous role, which I wouldn’t be able to do if she’d just been laid off. The team is now being managed by someone they know and trust and they’re happy, in spite of there being one fewer person to do the work. Catelyn seems to be doing well in her new role, though I understand they’re moving at least one person to report to her and I wouldn’t put money on how that’s going to go. I also hear that even more shuffling is coming, and that she will end up reporting to the person who labeled the team member who’d carefully documented Catelyn’s issues as a “troublemaker.” So all the toxicity is in a single basket, and hopefully it won’t spill far enough to reach us … though when you have to say a thing like that, it does not bode well for the organization as a whole. Thanks for your response. It really helped me reframe what I was seeing (and not seeing). 3. My “on-site” coworker is never on-site So first and foremost, I dropped the spreadsheet immediately. Both you and the (very adamant) comments section made very compelling and correct cases for my mental health. That, on top of pointing out the now obvious fact that my boss cared less about it than I did, was immensely helpful in changing my mindset around the whole thing. I’m only responsible for my own work and business. Worrying about things out of my scope doesn’t do anything except add to my stress levels. So I let all that ish go and focused on getting my stuff done. My day to day improved greatly. As for my coworker, there’s still the occasional delay or surprise day off, but much less than before. There was a large company-wide return to office initiative earlier this year and there’s a lot more folks around in general. I suspect those two things are related. I actually took some vacation time in September, and it went swimmingly. Thanks for the advice, and the folks who took my struggles seriously. This kind of thing can be very difficult when you’re autistic, and the kind voices doing the explaining heavily outweighed the ones calling me a nosy Nelly. It was very much appreciated. 4. I’m ready to retire young but don’t want to burn bridges (#5 at the link) I’m happy to report that I carried out my plans earlier this year! It was scary timing, as the stock market was in a bit of a free fall and the job market is tough should I need or want to go back, but I’d spent too much time planning for this to not see it through. The first few weeks of the break were filled with administrative tasks, like enrolling in an ACA health plan, but that’s behind me now and I’m enjoying just my time off. It’s still early days, but I can’t imagine myself ever wanting to get back into the corporate grind. If I have one regret, it’s that I gave more than two weeks’ notice. As I’d been planning for this departure for a long time, I had everything well-organized and prepared, and my likely successor was as ready as they would ever be to step into my role. The notice period was intense, because as I suspected would happen, I was subjected to multiple “what can we do to keep you?” conversations with my boss and grandboss. I’d been transparent over my tenure about the stressors of the job and things that I’d have liked to see changed, but it seems they were only willing to take action when I was on my way out the door. It’s possible I could have gotten them to agree to let me go part-time, remote, or any number of other things, but I had already mentally moved on and wasn’t willing to entertain these conversations. I needed a clean break … and I got it! The post updates: I’m not in the group chat, new manager’s team hates her, and more appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Twilio’s latest research sheds light on an increasingly pressing issue for small businesses: the digital overload many mid-career professionals face. The findings from Twilio’s “Age of Distraction” report reveal that adults aged 36 to 50 are grappling with an average of 2,228 unread personal emails—more than double the UK national average. As small business owners look to connect with this demographic, these insights can guide how they shape their customer engagement strategies. The report notes that mid-career adults, who are often juggling demanding professional and family lives, report an overwhelming pressure to stay online. Surprisingly, 44% of those aged 36 to 50 feel this pressure, compared to just 28% of younger adults aged 18 to 25. Yet, this group experiences lower emotional fulfillment from digital communications, with only 36% indicating an emotional uplift from video calls and messaging. For small business owners, these findings present both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, understanding this demographic’s struggles with digital noise allows businesses to tailor their approaches. Sam Richardson, Director of Executive Engagement at Twilio, emphasizes, “To win their attention, brands must respect boundaries and build trust.” By creating meaningful engagements rather than bombarding potential customers with messages, small businesses can stand out amid the clutter. Moreover, the report highlights a growing desire for digital detoxes among this age group. One in five UK adults have attempted a digital detox in the past year, with 83% believing that time spent alone helps recharge their energy. Brands that offer solutions catering to these needs can foster genuine connections with their audience. Companies like Posh, an events platform, demonstrate how to implement these strategies. According to Eli Taylor-Lemire, Co-Founder and CPO at Posh, “People don’t need more notifications, they need more meaningful moments.” Posh has leveraged Twilio’s programmable messaging to facilitate over a million real-time updates daily, encouraging users to participate in events that matter. This case shows how businesses can use technology as a bridge to deeper connections rather than just a source of digital noise. However, small business owners should be mindful of potential pitfalls. As they adapt to these new insights, the risk of overloading customers with attempts to engage or inform remains high. The key lies in adopting a quality-over-quantity approach, delivering content that resonates without overwhelming the audience. Catherine Knibbs, a human behavior technologist, emphasizes the significance of adopting considered approaches to technology usage. She states, “Modern life doesn’t allow for us to totally turn our back on technology,” suggesting that while businesses must engage digitally, they should also foster environments that allow for meaningful human connections. For small businesses looking to implement these strategies, here are a few actionable insights: Focus on Personalization: Use data intelligently to craft personalized messaging that resonates with the audience. Tailored connections can significantly increase engagement while reducing the feeling of overload. Offer Value, Not Just Messages: Concentrate on delivering solutions that genuinely benefit the customer, rather than simply trying to sell a product. This creates trust and fosters stronger relationships. Incorporate Opportunities for Offline Engagement: Facilitate in-person interactions when possible. This can help cut through the digital noise and create lasting customer loyalty. Be Mindful of Frequency: Understand the right balance in communication. In a world where customers are already juggling numerous digital obligations, too many interactions can push them away. The digital landscape is evolving, and small business owners need to navigate it thoughtfully. By recognizing the challenges faced by mid-career professionals and responding with empathy and strategic engagement, businesses can not only capture attention but also build lasting connections. To explore the full findings of Twilio’s research, visit Twilio’s Age of Distraction Report. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Mid-Career Adults Overwhelmed by Digital Noise, Seek Real Connections" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Twilio’s latest research sheds light on an increasingly pressing issue for small businesses: the digital overload many mid-career professionals face. The findings from Twilio’s “Age of Distraction” report reveal that adults aged 36 to 50 are grappling with an average of 2,228 unread personal emails—more than double the UK national average. As small business owners look to connect with this demographic, these insights can guide how they shape their customer engagement strategies. The report notes that mid-career adults, who are often juggling demanding professional and family lives, report an overwhelming pressure to stay online. Surprisingly, 44% of those aged 36 to 50 feel this pressure, compared to just 28% of younger adults aged 18 to 25. Yet, this group experiences lower emotional fulfillment from digital communications, with only 36% indicating an emotional uplift from video calls and messaging. For small business owners, these findings present both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, understanding this demographic’s struggles with digital noise allows businesses to tailor their approaches. Sam Richardson, Director of Executive Engagement at Twilio, emphasizes, “To win their attention, brands must respect boundaries and build trust.” By creating meaningful engagements rather than bombarding potential customers with messages, small businesses can stand out amid the clutter. Moreover, the report highlights a growing desire for digital detoxes among this age group. One in five UK adults have attempted a digital detox in the past year, with 83% believing that time spent alone helps recharge their energy. Brands that offer solutions catering to these needs can foster genuine connections with their audience. Companies like Posh, an events platform, demonstrate how to implement these strategies. According to Eli Taylor-Lemire, Co-Founder and CPO at Posh, “People don’t need more notifications, they need more meaningful moments.” Posh has leveraged Twilio’s programmable messaging to facilitate over a million real-time updates daily, encouraging users to participate in events that matter. This case shows how businesses can use technology as a bridge to deeper connections rather than just a source of digital noise. However, small business owners should be mindful of potential pitfalls. As they adapt to these new insights, the risk of overloading customers with attempts to engage or inform remains high. The key lies in adopting a quality-over-quantity approach, delivering content that resonates without overwhelming the audience. Catherine Knibbs, a human behavior technologist, emphasizes the significance of adopting considered approaches to technology usage. She states, “Modern life doesn’t allow for us to totally turn our back on technology,” suggesting that while businesses must engage digitally, they should also foster environments that allow for meaningful human connections. For small businesses looking to implement these strategies, here are a few actionable insights: Focus on Personalization: Use data intelligently to craft personalized messaging that resonates with the audience. Tailored connections can significantly increase engagement while reducing the feeling of overload. Offer Value, Not Just Messages: Concentrate on delivering solutions that genuinely benefit the customer, rather than simply trying to sell a product. This creates trust and fosters stronger relationships. Incorporate Opportunities for Offline Engagement: Facilitate in-person interactions when possible. This can help cut through the digital noise and create lasting customer loyalty. Be Mindful of Frequency: Understand the right balance in communication. In a world where customers are already juggling numerous digital obligations, too many interactions can push them away. The digital landscape is evolving, and small business owners need to navigate it thoughtfully. By recognizing the challenges faced by mid-career professionals and responding with empathy and strategic engagement, businesses can not only capture attention but also build lasting connections. To explore the full findings of Twilio’s research, visit Twilio’s Age of Distraction Report. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Mid-Career Adults Overwhelmed by Digital Noise, Seek Real Connections" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Ralph Lauren revealed Team USA’s Milan Cortina Winter Olympics looks Thursday, complete with Americana knit sweaters and plenty of vintage call-backs. The formal opening ceremony look pairs a patterned red, white and blue knit sweater with tailored cream trousers and a matching wool coat. Moving sportier, the closing ceremony outfit features a graphic puffer coat inspired by vintage ski kits over a color-blocked sweater. “We are creating something that we know has to become timeless and has to be something that people will wear forever and appreciate forever,” said David Lauren, the Chief Branding and Innovation Officer at Ralph Lauren. “So in creating jackets like this and creating things, we’re looking at the things that we most cherish. Things that are already enduring parts of the Ralph Lauren lexicon, and then we’ll build on that.” Beyond the ceremony looks, a Team USA collection, which will also be given to athletes as Olympic village wear, became available to public Thursday. The collection follows similar design themes as the opening and closing ceremony looks, with classic red, white and blue patterning on lots of knits, and includes Ralph Lauren’s versions of winter staples like bomber jackets and hockey jerseys. The process of creating these looks is a long one. The Ralph Lauren team, which has been designing Team USA’s Olympic apparel since 2008, starts on each Olympics’ looks about 2 1/2 years out from the Games, meeting with athletes and brainstorming ideas for the kits. As Milan-Cortina’s looks are unveiled, Lauren said the looks for the 2028 Los Angeles games are already months in the making. He knows the cultural importance each Olympics’ outfits holds, and the attention they garner in the fashion world and among American consumers. “The fact that we know people will want them and collect them and chase them down across eBay, is just an exciting part of the game,” he said. Sometimes, even international Olympic athletes are on the lookout for them. Beyond being an addition to an American athlete’s Olympic wardrobe, the pieces are also sometimes used as bargaining tokens in the Olympic village. Para snowboarder Brenna Huckaby and snowboarder Red Gerard explained to The Associated Press that there’s a tradition of swapping team sweaters and jackets with other nations at the Olympics, if there’s a certain country’s design that catches an athlete’s eye. That’s only if there’s a piece of their collection that they’re willing to let go of, that is. “I rarely trade, because I almost always love every single piece of Team USA stuff,” said Huckaby, modeling the color-blocked closing ceremony sweater that she said “is going to be on rotation after.” “But every now and then there will be some random thing that another country has. And it’s so hard to sit with all my bags, all my stuff open, like, ‘OK, what am I willing to part with?’ That is probably, aside from competing, the hardest part of the Games,” she said. AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics —Alyce Brown, AP Sports Writer View the full article

How to address common objections. By Jackie Meyer Go PRO for members-only access to more Jackie Meyer. View the full article

How to address common objections. By Jackie Meyer Go PRO for members-only access to more Jackie Meyer. View the full article

Welcome to AI Decoded, Fast Company’s weekly newsletter that breaks down the most important news in the world of AI. I’m Mark Sullivan, a senior writer at Fast Company, covering emerging tech, AI, and tech policy. This week, I’m focusing on the increasing pressure on the AI industry’s wunderkind, OpenAI. I also look at the change in AI leadership at Apple, and at the music industry’s new cooperation with AI music generation apps. Sign up to receive this newsletter every week via email here. And if you have comments on this issue and/or ideas for future ones, drop me a line at sullivan@fastcompany.com, and follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @thesullivan. Is OpenAI still the king? The AI industry has always been very competitive, and it’s getting even more so. A relatively small group of AI labs are slugging it out to release the smartest models, and, by extension, the smartest chatbots. Ever since OpenAI released its ChatGPT chatbot three years ago, the upstart company has been seen as the leader, but that status has been called into serious question by Google’s new Gemini 3 Pro model (and the Gemini app). ChatGPT has grown quickly. The official number is 800 million weekly active users. Google’s number is 650 million monthly active users for the Gemini chatbot. So, apples and oranges. SimilarWeb provides a somewhat better comparison, saying that Gemini’s share of web traffic grew from 5.7% a year ago to more than 15% today. Meanwhile, ChatGPT’s 87% share a year ago shrunk to 71.3% today. OpenAI is feeling the pressure from Gemini (and probably from Anthropic’s new Claude Opus 4.5 model). CEO Sam Altman sent a memo to staff Monday declaring a “code red” effort to improve ChatGPT, according to The Information and other outlets. The effort includes reducing investments in enhancing the health information available on ChatGPT, as well as reducing work on the shopping experience, and the advertising that could go around that. “Our focus now is to keep making ChatGPT more capable, continue growing, and expand access around the world—while making it feel even more intuitive and personal,” ChatGPT product lead Nick Turley tweeted Monday. In a wider sense, OpenAI is losing billions, and spending billions, a fact that must make its investors both nervous and curious. Leaked documents and analyst estimates show OpenAI will lose between $9 billion and $11 billion in 2025 (spending roughly $22 billion while bringing in about $13 billion in revenue). The company recently told investors that its spending through 2029 could rise to $115 billion. Altman has said his company, partners, and investors will commit as much as $1.4 trillion to infrastructure (chips, data centers, etc.) in the next eight years. OpenAI is an aggregator, as the analyst Ben Thompson points out. The fact that it’s willing to de-emphasize its shopping and advertising experiences, which are potential revenue generators, shows that it’s still in the mode of growing users, and not yet in the mode of growing revenue. And the way that aggregators (like Facebook) grow is by becoming more things to more people in order to maximize attention and engagement on its platform, regardless of whether the users are paid subscribers. In the aggregator model, actually monetizing all those eyeballs comes later. The confidence in that model, which requires constant growth toward a critical mass of users, has afforded OpenAI a certain swagger, and even a cavalier attitude about making returns for its investors. One of those investors, Altimeter Capital’s Brad Gerstner, asked Sam Altman during an October podcast (12:30 mark) how he explains to the markets spending more than a trillion on infrastructure when his company is operating deep in the red. Altman was exasperated. “Brad, if you want to sell your shares, I’ll find you a buyer,” he said. “I just . . . enough.” But it’s no longer clear that OpenAI has the best models and the go-to chatbot. Setting aside the shopping and advertising work, OpenAI is right to reassign its talent to work on new models and new skills for ChatGPT. This also might mean taking talent off “fun” projects like the Sora app, which seems far afield from the mission of making ChatGPT the highest performing chatbot available. On the other hand, things can change very quickly in the AI world. Reports say OpenAI is already set to release a new reasoning model codenamed “Garlic” that will overtake Gemini 3 on a number of key benchmarks. We’ll see if Garlic gets a better reception than GPT-5. Apple must keep publishing AI research under Subramanya This week Apple announced that its AI boss, John Giannandrea, will be leaving the company. Giannandrea had been a successful AI leader at Google, but his name is linked to Apple’s failure to seize on generative AI to improve its Siri voice assistant and make the iPhone and other iDevices smarter and more personalized. He’ll be handing the reins to another Google vet, Amar Subramanya, who once led engineering on Google’s Gemini chatbot, and is stepping down after seven years on the job. Apple’s stock price got a slight boost on the news, as some investors saw Apple signaling a new urgency to bring AI to its devices. Subramanya’s remit will be restoring Apple to some kind of parity with its peers in developing AI models and applying them in meaningful ways. As Mark Zuckerberg can attest, achieving that goal will depend on recruiting and retaining top-shelf AI researchers. Giannandrea’s AI/ML group saw a lot of churn and lost a number of top shelf researchers to Meta and others, including Ruoming Pang and Robby Walker. One reason for this was the group’s habit of investing time and labor in technical approaches to problems only to see them scrapped. Another was the slow pace of developing and releasing new AI features for products like Siri. Another problem is publishing. Apple is famously secretive about its R&D in all areas of the company. The company likes to talk about customer-facing products, and dislikes talking publicly about the technology that makes them work. AI researchers aren’t OK with that. They want to publish their research. They want the exposure and influence that can bring within an ultra-competitive industry. When Giannandrea came to Apple, the company began allowing its AI talent to publish more of their research—to the extent they could do so without revealing trade secrets. Apple now has a “Apple Machine Learning Research” web page that lists published papers, technical reports, and conference submissions. It will be crucial that Subramanya keeps this practice going, or expands it. Otherwise Apple risks losing key researchers to competitors. Record Labels are having their iTunes moment with AI The Music Industry has stopped suingAI music generation apps—instead, it’s making deals with them: The three major record labels have now signed licensing agreements with AI music startups. Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment have made licensing deals with an AI music startup called Klay Vision. The agreements grant Klay Vision permission to train its music generation models on music catalogs owned by the labels, replacing previous models that relied on scraped or unauthorized data. AI-generated music is getting more popular. An AI-generated song using a simulation of a real human country singer’s voice recently hit number one on the Billboard Country Digital Song Sales ranking. Suno, another AI music company that previously faced lawsuits from major labels, has signed what it calls a “first-of-its-kind partnership” with Warner Music. The deal moves the company toward licensed, artist-opt-in AI models. The moment feels similar to the record labels’ decision in the early 2000s to sell digital music on Apple’s iTunes platform. The labels saw CD sales tank as consumers downloaded free MP3s from sites like Napster and Limewire. More AI coverage from Fast Company: The The President administration keeps taking stakes in chipmakers — it may come back to haunt them Will chatbots ever be funny? Why these comedians aren’t worried about an AI takeover, yet Can your AI adapt to multiple cultures? 10 ways I use AI to be a better journalist Want exclusive reporting and trend analysis on technology, business innovation, future of work, and design? Sign up for Fast Company Premium. 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. Earbuds don’t usually get major design overhauls, but the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro make a clear break from earlier models. This new version leans into a more angular, stemmed shape that feels closer to the AirPods silhouette, complete with small customizable LEDs that add a bit of personality. With today’s drop to $159.99 from $249.99, you’re getting a premium pair for $90 off its regular price. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro AI True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds $159.99 at Amazon $249.99 Save $90.00 Get Deal Get Deal $159.99 at Amazon $249.99 Save $90.00 Samsung uses a 10.5mm dynamic driver paired with a 6.1mm planar driver, which gives the buds a wider, more layered sound than you’d expect from something this size. Music comes through with good depth and detail, but this PCMag review notes that active noise cancellation can soften the treble a little. You can fine-tune that through Samsung’s EQ, though only Galaxy phone users get the full set of audio tools and support for Samsung’s Seamless Codec for 24-bit audio. Living with the Buds 3 Pro feels different depending on the device you pair them with. Galaxy users get the complete experience: auto-pairing, in-depth customization, and access to features like Interpreter Mode, which handles real-time translation during conversations. Android users outside the Samsung ecosystem still get most core features through the Wear app, with some limitations—no 24-bit audio and fewer advanced controls. iPhone users get the shortest end of the stick, as the buds function as regular Bluetooth headphones with no app support at all. That means no EQ tuning, no control customization, and no access to Samsung’s smart extras. The saving grace here is that the hardware itself holds up well on any device. Calls come through clearly, ANC works well for everyday noise, and the earbuds stay comfortable enough for long listening sessions. Durability is another bright spot. The IP57 rating puts these buds ahead of many competitors in this price range, making them solid for workouts, commutes, and even rainy runs. The case is compact, and the buds snap into place securely without fuss. Battery life is solid, though not chart-topping, and you can stretch it further by toggling between ANC modes. The lack of LDAC support might disappoint Android audiophiles looking for maximum bitrate playback, but for most listeners, the combination of comfort, sound quality, and smart features will outweigh that gap. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $249.00 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $353.00 (List Price $353.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $278.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $399.99 (List Price $399.99) Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus 1080p Security Camera (White) — $99.99 (List Price $179.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $329.00 (List Price $399.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Google Search Console is rolling out an experimental AI feature that lets you configure Search results Performance reports using natural language prompts. The post Google Adds AI-Powered Configuration To Search Console appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Today's Bissett Bullet: “Imagine you’re a business owner and you’ve just had a meeting with an accounting firm.” By Martin Bissett See more Bissett Bullets here Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

Today's Bissett Bullet: “Imagine you’re a business owner and you’ve just had a meeting with an accounting firm.” By Martin Bissett See more Bissett Bullets here Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

Gallego introduced legislation to amend the EB-5 immigrant investor visa program in order to funnel more money into the construction and rehabilitation of homes. View the full article

Manufacturing requires a lot of attention to detail and coordinating various moving parts to deliver the final product. To accomplish those goals and meet a tight deadline and an even tighter budget, you need these 23 free manufacturing Excel templates. ProjectManager has dozens of free templates to download. We curated our template page to select 23 of the essential manufacturing templates for Excel that all manufacturers can benefit from. It doesn’t hurt that they’re free, either. 1. Production Schedule Template A production schedule is how you ensure that you get your product into the hands of your customers on time. But a schedule is similar to keeping a lot of balls in the air. You have to juggle your employees and their work schedule, vendors and suppliers, materials, maintenance of your machinery and more. /wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Master-Production-Schedule-Screenshot.jpg Our free production schedule template for Excel is a gift to manufacturers. It helps put all of the pieces of your manufacturing schedule together in such a way that you’re on time. There are places to note the order status, product variations and quantity, but also starting and ending inventory, ship date and much more. A production schedule template is an essential part of your supply chain management. It helps you manage your resources effectively and even supports the sales team as they know when products will be delivered and available for sale. 2. Gantt Chart Template Gantt charts have been essential project management tools for over a century. Project managers across all industries have flocked to them to organize tasks and resources. They are best for traditional projects, such as manufacturing, which follow a more waterfall type of methodology. /wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Gantt-Chart-Screenshot.jpgOur free Gantt chart template for Excel helps you organize all the tasks in your manufacturing cycle. It captures the start date, end date and duration. But more than that, it then translates those columns of numbers into a visual timeline that you can color code to make it easy to see the different stages of your manufacturing process. The Gantt chart is the cornerstone of any project schedule. You can share the Gantt chart with stakeholders so they have a picture of the manufacturing process. If there are changes, you can input them manually and the timeline adjusts accordingly. ProjectManager’s Gantt Chart does so much more than an Excel template. Rather than manually creating and adjusting each part of the Gantt, simply input your task details and the Gantt chart populates in minutes. As scheduling changes pop up, simply drag and drop and all the dependencies will automatically update. Plus, you can track costs, progress and workload across your team. /wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Manufacturing-gantt-chart-light-mode-costs-exposed-cta-e1712005286389.jpg 3. Inventory Template Managing your inventory is key to manufacturing. If you don’t know your stock, you’re not going to be able to build your products without costly delays. To keep track of what’s in your warehouse so you can better plan your manufacturing, you need to know your inventory. /wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Inventory-template-v2.jpg That’s where this manufacturing Excel template comes in. It’s a customizable spreadsheet with columns to capture the inventory number, name and description of the material or part, including unit price, quantity and whether it’s in stock. There’s even a pulldown menu to note whether you have to reorder the item. The reorder level column allows you to avoid the stock falling so low that you can’t continue the manufacturing process and gives you time to reorder and restock before anything is delayed. 4. Daily Production Report Template A daily production report provides a snapshot of everything that occurred on a manufacturing line during a single shift. It summarizes how many units were planned versus how many were actually produced, capturing efficiency and resource usage in real time. Supervisors use this document to track worker attendance, machine availability and any disruptions that slow workflow. The insights gained help managers improve productivity, maintain quality standards and ensure the next shift begins without confusion. /wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Daily-Production-Report.png Our daily production report template for Excel organizes data from multiple factory functions into one clear report. Production output is compared against goals to highlight performance strengths or inefficiencies. Material consumption and remaining stock levels are documented to prevent shortages that could halt assembly. Machine downtime, defect rates and safety metrics are also included, giving decision-makers a holistic view of operations. Space for shift notes and improvement instructions ensures seamless coordination between teams and supports continuous manufacturing progress. 5. Product Development Template Driving new ideas to market requires a process that blends creativity with disciplined execution. Product development brings together cross-functional teams to research customer needs, design solutions, test prototypes and refine features based on real-world feedback. By following a structured approach, manufacturers reduce the risk of costly redesigns, accelerate launch timelines and ensure the final product meets market expectations. Transparent communication and data-driven decisions keep innovation aligned with business goals from concept through production. /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Gantt_Manufacturing_Wide_Zoom-175_Focus-on-Tasklist_Spreadsheet.jpg Our free product development template is the ideal tool for making a manufacturing project plan. Break your plan down into phases like ideation, design and prototyping: then link dependencies to keep everything moving as your schedule changes. Once you open the template, you’ll find a spreadsheet on the left side, where you’ll enter task details like due dates, duration, task owner and estimated costs. You can then break down your tasks further into subtasks to keep everything organized. This template will give you an idea how manufacturing project management software can help you deliver new products faster to the market. /wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Product-Development-Template.png Get your free Product Development Template Use this free Product Development Template to manage your projects better. Get the template 6. Bill of Materials Template A bill of materials describes the materials, assemblies, parts and components needed to make a product. Bills of materials are primarily used to train manufacturing employees on how to assemble products, but they might also be sent to external parties when outsourcing manufacturing processes. /wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Bill-of-materials-template-screenshot-big-1600x613.jpg 7. Material Requisition Form Template To keep production moving without interruption, manufacturing teams need a reliable way to request raw materials, components and tools. A material requisition form captures exactly what is required, when it should arrive and where it will be used on the factory shop floor. By replacing informal requests with accurate documentation, the process reduces bottlenecks, strengthens inventory control and ensures procurement delivers the right materials on time while improving traceability across the supply chain. /wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Material-Requisition-Form.png This material requisition form template is tailored to factory environments where multiple shifts and departments rely on just-in-time access to resources. It includes fields for request approvals, department ownership and detailed line items such as part numbers, units, quantities, due dates and vendor preferences. Priority labels help planners allocate budget and warehouse space effectively. Clear delivery instructions ensure materials arrive at the correct workstation, allowing production teams to stay focused on throughput and quality. 8. Stock Register Template A stock register is a detailed record of all materials and goods moving in and out of a manufacturing warehouse. It tracks opening balances, purchases, issues, reorder levels and current stock on hand, ensuring teams always know what is available to support production. By maintaining up-to-date quantities and values, manufacturers avoid costly stockouts, reduce excess inventory and safeguard material traceability across the entire supply chain. /wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stock-Register-Format.png This stock register template gives procurement, inventory and production teams a clear overview of material flow. It includes structured sections for item details such as SKU, category, unit of measure and reorder thresholds, plus transactional logs that capture supplier deliveries and internal issues. Calculated running totals show real-time availability, while cost fields strengthen financial oversight. With accurate records in one place, businesses can monitor usage patterns, schedule replenishments proactively and maintain uninterrupted manufacturing operations. 9. Supplier Evaluation Form Template When procurement teams assess suppliers with consistent, structured criteria, they gain a clearer view of vendor performance and reliability. A supplier evaluation form brings together insights on product quality, pricing, delivery accuracy, customer support and regulatory compliance, making comparisons more objective. This approach reduces risk, strengthens supplier relationships and helps ensure that only the most dependable partners continue supporting production needs across the manufacturing supply chain. /wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Supplier-Evaluation-Form.png Our supplier evaluation form template for Excel is designed for teams who routinely compare multiple suppliers to determine the best fit for production needs. It centralizes vendor details, certification status and years of experience before scoring their performance in a structured format. Weighted scoring highlights strengths and weaknesses that might otherwise be overlooked. Recommendations at the end help guide future procurement actions, making it easier to prioritize top performers and identify suppliers needing improvement or conditional approval. 10. Resource Plan Template Resources are what make manufacturing work, and a resource plan is how you organize and manage your resources for greater productivity. Resources can mean equipment, tools and materials. But the most important resource is your employees. /wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Resource-Plan-Screenshot.jpg When you use our free resource plan template for Excel you can set up your resources by your team instead of their rate and the cost you’ve budgeted for their work. Then you can schedule them across the week or month and manage your resources more effectively. Now you have the means to align your resources with your schedule and stay on budget. This resource plan template should be part of your larger planning phase. Use it with a scheduler and budget to develop a well-rounded project plan that keeps you on track. To keep your employees productive, you need to know their workload. ProjectManager is online software that tracks your team’s workload in real time. Our resource management tools help you track availability, but once assigned the workload chart is color-coded to make it easy to see who is over or under-allocated. Then you can balance their workload right from the chart and keep them productive. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Workload_Wide_Zoom-150_Reassign-hours-CTA.jpgLearn more 11. Dashboard Template Just as a car has a dashboard so the driver can see how fast the car is traveling, how much gas is left and more, manufacturing projects need a tool to give teams a view of their work to better manage it. What you get is a high-level view of your manufacturing process whenever you want it. /wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Project-Dashboard-template-UPDATE.png Using our free dashboard template for Excel provides you with four metrics to measure your manufacturing process. You can see the percentage complete of all tasks in your schedule, your team’s workload, the length of tasks and even project costs. All of these are displayed in easy-to-read graphs and charts. This manufacturing Excel template is a free tool that can help you capture anomalies in your production cycle so you can respond to them quickly and avoid costly delays. It’s a great tool for any production manager to get a glimpse of the progress and performance of the manufacturing process in one place. 12. Gemba Walk Template Leaders gain their clearest understanding of manufacturing performance when they step onto the production floor and see work happening in real time. A Gemba walk encourages that direct engagement, allowing supervisors to observe safety practices, workflow efficiency, product quality and how teams collaborate. The focus stays on learning, asking questions and uncovering underlying causes rather than assigning blame. By operating this way, organizations build trust, accelerate improvement and make decisions based on firsthand operational insight. /wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Gemba-Walk-Template-Screenshot.png This gemba walk template structures those observations into clear improvement opportunities. It guides leaders through essential focus areas such as safety checks, adherence to standardized work, productivity flow and communication between shifts. Each category includes fields for recording what was seen, the action required, the responsible person and completion deadlines. By documenting both findings and follow-up tasks, the form ensures every walk leads to measurable progress toward safer, more efficient and better-organized factory operations. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Manufacturing-banner-ad-evergreen.jpg 13. Standard Operating Procedure Template A standard operating procedure is a recurring activity that’s part of the manufacturing process of a product. Standard operating procedures should be standardized and well-documented to ensure employee safety, comply with industry regulations and maintain quality standards. /wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SOP-Template-image.jpg 14. Equipment Inventory Template An equipment inventory is a form that helps manufacturers keep track of the various pieces of equipment and machinery that are used in their production process. Equipment inventories typically include the description of the equipment, its current value, operating and maintenance costs, and depreciation information. /wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Equipment_Inventory_Template_Screenshot.webp 15. Implementation Plan Template Getting your manufacturing project off the ground involves turning an idea into a plan and then taking action. An implementation plan helps you create the steps that will lead to the manufacturing of your final product. Planning is key to delivering your product on time and within budget. /wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Implementation-Plan-Screenshot.jpg To do that, you can use our free implementation plan template for Excel. Our free template helps you define the strategy, process and actions necessary to create your final deliverable. The implementation plan template helps you turn your strategic plan into something real. There are places to detail the manufacturing information, such as the manager, stakeholders, etc. The spreadsheet is divided into three, first where you show the strategy, then the process and finally the actions you’ll take to fulfill that strategy. There’s a timeline and planned hours, too, to estimate how long the work will take. 16. Work Order Template When you contract with outside vendors, you need a work order to address the labor, tools and materials that’ll be needed to complete the job. The work order can also show the contractor how to do the work, which can be very important in complex manufacturing projects. /wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Work-Order-Screenshot.jpg Manufacturers will want to download our free work order template for Excel. It standardizes the relationship between manufacturers and contractors as well as details the job, due dates and much more. This governing document also sets the pricing for the work contracted. You’ll want to use this manufacturing Excel template with an external worker. In fact, the template should be filled in when you’re assigning the task to collect all the details surrounding that work to make sure it’s clear for all involved. 17. Project Budget Template You can’t complete a project if you don’t have the money to finance the manufacturing. Those financial details must be created early and cover all the costs necessary to manufacture the product, from labor to materials and everything in between. /wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Project-Budget-Screenshot.jpg When you use our free project budget template for Excel you’re able to cover all the financial bases, compare the costs and benefits of a project and help get a better return on your investment. There are spots to collect the labor and material costs, including planned and actual hours, dollars per hour, unit cost and more. There’s also space for other line items to make sure your budget addresses all costs. You’ll also have a place to view the budget again the actual costs, with a column showing how much over or under budget you are. This is essential data if you want to deliver your manufacturing project under or at a budget to make or increase your profits. 18. Purchase Order Template Sourcing materials or parts when manufacturing is one of the many factors you have to include in your planning. Having an effective purchase order pipeline helps to streamline your manufacturing and reduce issues. If issues arise, provide a paper trail to track them. /wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Purchase-Order-Screenshot.jpg You can help achieve those goals with our free purchase order template for Excel. It helps you track delivery information, such as the name of the vendor you’re working with, their contact information, shipping information as well as the date the goods are scheduled for delivery. You’ll also be able to list the inventory that you’re purchasing. The items are broken down by name, description, quantity, and unit price and there’s a line total so you’re always clear on what you spending and what you’re getting for those costs. 19. Risk Register Template Risk is what might happen within your project, whether it’s for the better or worse. Being able to identify what that could be and how you’ll respond to it is risk management, which is how you keep to your manufacturing schedule. /wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Risk-Tracking-Screenshot.webp To capture all that data and have it on hand when you need it, there’s our free risk register template for Excel. It identifies all the risks to your manufacturing process and describes what might happen and its impact. There’s also a place to add risk response, note the level of risk and determine who’s responsible for resolving it if it in fact occurs. You’ll want to set up your risk register template early in the planning stage and refer to it throughout the manufacturing cycle. Now you have a document that tells you what to do and even if you need to do something. Remember, not all risks are bad, they just impact manufacturing. Good risks can be taken advantage of, but you can’t do a thing without our free risk register template for Excel. 20. Capacity Planning Template One of the more important manufacturing Excel templates is this free capacity planning template for Excel. Capacity planning is the process of knowing the production capacity needed to meet demand. This is especially tricking as demand is always fluctuating. /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Capacity-Planning-Template.png Download this free manufacturing Excel template to understand the capacity of a manufacturer’s maximum ability to produce a product over a specific period. This free template helps manufacturers create an effective production plan to meet future requirements. The manufacturing template lists all the production tasks and their estimated duration, including start and end dates. It also lists resources and the hourly rate for each and then has a project timeline to schedule those resources. The manufacturing template helps with resource availability, utilization and more. 21. Quality Control Template Quality control ensures that products produced in a facility meet the legal standards and customer requirements. Everyone in the manufacturing organizations must work together to create the best quality products possible. Using free manufacturing Excel templates helps achieve that goal. /wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Quality-control-template-screenshot.png This free quality control template for Excel creates a uniform way to establish and maintain production standards. Users of this manufacturing template can identify imperfections in their products and create a response to resolve those issues quickly. This manufacturing Excel template lists issues and describes them and whatever imperfections there might be. It also shows who identified the issue, who is assigned to fix it and what the priority of the task is. There’s a place for when the issue is opened or closed to help track its status. 22. Manufacturing Job Estimate Template A job estimate in manufacturing is a document that covers what the workers on the production line will be responsible for. Beyond labor, it also identifies any materials needed and a cost estimate for the work. That’s all covered in this free manufacturing job estimate template for Excel. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Job-Estimate-Template-ProjectManager.jpg Of all the manufacturing Excel templates, this one is the most important for creating a budget by compiling accurate estimates of the cost and timeframe for completing production tasks. That doesn’t mean the template is chiseled in stone. There must be some flexibility to respond to change. The Excel manufacturing template starts with a place to describe the project for context. Then there are two charts for production reporting. One captures labor, describing what’s needed, the dates, duration, rate and finally a total. The other chart is for materials costs. 23. SIPOC Template SIPOC stands for suppliers, inputs, process, outputs and customers. It’s a visual tool used by manufacturers to document a process from start to finish. Manufacturers use this free SIPOC template for Excel before implementing a process to map it out and help managers make better decisions, help the production workers understand the process and keep the work continuously improving. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/sipoc-template-image.png This is one of the Excel manufacturing templates that helps improve manufacturing processes by graphically showing all the elements of that process. The manufacturing template helps with onboarding, especially for new employees. Because it’s a high-level view of the process, including suppliers, inputs, outputs, costumes and so forth, it visualizes how everyone in the process receives materials and identifies areas of improvement to add production efficiency. Get More Than Templates Can Provide With ProjectManager We encourage you to download every template on this list. Go to our site and look over the dozens more project management templates we have to help manage your work. But templates can only go so far. They’re static documents and require manual updates to be effective. ProjectManager is software that delivers real-time data for more insightful decision-making. We have features that work together in ways that templates can’t. From task management and risk management to resource management, we’ve got you covered. Plan Your Manufacturing Process on Interactive Gantt Charts Instead of a static Gantt chart template, plan on our online Gantt chart. You can organize your tasks, assign team members and even link dependent tasks to avoid delays. More than that, you can even filter for the critical path without any lengthy calculations. Once you set the baseline, you’ve captured your planned effort and can compare it to your actual effort in real time. Your teams can see the same information across our multiple project views, such as list, calendar and sheet views or kanban board to visually track your workflow. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Construction-Gantt-light-mode-task-info-general.jpg Track Progress and Performace With Real-Time Dashboards To make sure you’re progressing as planned, you need a tool that gives you a high-level view of the manufacturing process. Our real-time dashboards do just that. They automatically collect live project data and display them in easy-to-read graphs and charts. That way, you can see your costs, time, tasks, workload and more when you need to. There’s no setup necessary, and customizable reporting tools give you more detail when you need it. Then share these reports with stakeholders to keep them updated. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Dashboard-IT-Light-2554x1372-1.png That’s only a short tour of some of our features. Manufacturers love our automation, which allows you to set as many triggers as you need that will result in a specific action. That frees up your team to focus on more important work. Managers can create task approvals to make sure nothing slips past them and quality is ensured. There are even recurring tasks. We streamline manufacturing and give you more control to deliver success. Related Excel Project Management Content While Excel is not a project management software, it can still be very helpful for managing various aspects of your projects. That’s why we’ve created dozens of blogs, templates and guides to help you use Excel for project management. Essential Excel Report Templates Free Excel Construction Templates Free Word & Excel Templates for Business Excel Spreadsheet Templates for Tracking Tasks, Costs and Time How to Create a Project Timeline in Excel (Free Template Included) How to Make a Gantt Chart In Excel Step-By-Step (Template Included) 25 Must-Have Project Management Excel Templates and Spreadsheets 10 Plantillas de producción y manufactura ProjectManager is award-winning software for managing any project. Our collaborative platform connects your teams and gives you access to the manufacturing floor no matter where you are or what time it is. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post 23 Free Manufacturing Excel Templates appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

From reality TV to fashion and beauty and everywhere in between, you’ve unmistakably heard of Kim Kardashian. Critics may talk, but there’s no denying she’s one of the most influential and accomplished women of our time—with a net worth of $1.7 billion. And she’s still expanding. Now, after building a multibillion-dollar empire, Kardashian is taking on a new role: instructor. Her new MasterClass, “The New Rules of Business: The Ten Kimmandments with Kim Kardashian,” launches today. “Master them and you’ll create marketing that commands attention and build businesses that will scale,” Kardashian says. The tenets cover a range of 10 lessons, but Kimmandment #8—“Know Your Worth. Then Add Tax.”—stands out as one of the most misunderstood. While it often gets reduced to monetary value, Kardashian stresses it’s about more than that. “It’s really about understanding the value you bring that no one else can and protecting that value,” she explains. “Experiences early in my career taught me that if you don’t set your own standard first, you can’t grow a brand or business. That’s why it’s so important for anyone just starting—knowing your value is the foundation for everything else.” When Fast Company asked what inspired the Kimmandments, Kardashian pointed to her own unconventional career path. Her foray into entrepreneurship came long before Keeping Up With the Kardashians. At 16, Kardashian had her first work experience as an aspiring closet organizer. “[I got the job] not because I had to, but because I wanted independence and I really wanted to earn my own money,” she explains. Not long after, she ran a thriving eBay business flipping designer pieces, and even operated a successful closet-organizing venture for both celebrities and everyday clients. Over time, her visibility became her advantage. In 2017, Kardashian launched KKW Beauty, now partly owned by Coty. Building on that momentum, in 2019 she cofounded SKIMS with Jens Grede—today valued at $5 billion. “I never had a traditional business background, so everything I know came from learning on the job,” says Kardashian. “I noticed that I kept coming back to the same principles. They were guiding every decision I made.” “When the MasterClass team and I started talking, I realized these weren’t just habits—they were my rules,” she adds. “They’ve helped me build my brands, stay focused, and stay resilient. I want to give the tools that have worked for me throughout my career so far.” By the end of the class, Kardashian wants students to walk away with more than just tactics. “I want members to take away a mindset: Stay resilient, trust your instincts, and keep building even when others doubt you,” she shares. “You’ll face setbacks, criticism, and moments where you feel stuck—but those are just part of the process.” View the full article

From reality TV to fashion and beauty and everywhere in between, you’ve unmistakably heard of Kim Kardashian. Critics may talk, but there’s no denying she’s one of the most influential and accomplished women of our time—with a net worth of $1.7 billion. And she’s still expanding. Now, after building a multibillion-dollar empire, Kardashian is taking on a new role: instructor. Her new MasterClass, “The New Rules of Business: The Ten Kimmandments with Kim Kardashian,” launches today. “Master them and you’ll create marketing that commands attention and build businesses that will scale,” Kardashian says. The tenets cover a range of 10 lessons, but Kimmandment #8—“Know Your Worth. Then Add Tax.”—stands out as one of the most misunderstood. While it often gets reduced to monetary value, Kardashian stresses it’s about more than that. “It’s really about understanding the value you bring that no one else can and protecting that value,” she explains. “Experiences early in my career taught me that if you don’t set your own standard first, you can’t grow a brand or business. That’s why it’s so important for anyone just starting—knowing your value is the foundation for everything else.” When Fast Company asked what inspired the Kimmandments, Kardashian pointed to her own unconventional career path. Her foray into entrepreneurship came long before Keeping Up With the Kardashians. At 16, Kardashian had her first work experience as an aspiring closet organizer. “[I got the job] not because I had to, but because I wanted independence and I really wanted to earn my own money,” she explains. Not long after, she ran a thriving eBay business flipping designer pieces, and even operated a successful closet-organizing venture for both celebrities and everyday clients. Over time, her visibility became her advantage. In 2017, Kardashian launched KKW Beauty, now partly owned by Coty. Building on that momentum, in 2019 she cofounded SKIMS with Jens Grede—today valued at $5 billion. “I never had a traditional business background, so everything I know came from learning on the job,” says Kardashian. “I noticed that I kept coming back to the same principles. They were guiding every decision I made.” “When the MasterClass team and I started talking, I realized these weren’t just habits—they were my rules,” she adds. “They’ve helped me build my brands, stay focused, and stay resilient. I want to give the tools that have worked for me throughout my career so far.” By the end of the class, Kardashian wants students to walk away with more than just tactics. “I want members to take away a mindset: Stay resilient, trust your instincts, and keep building even when others doubt you,” she shares. “You’ll face setbacks, criticism, and moments where you feel stuck—but those are just part of the process.” View the full article

If you’re looking for affordable craft supplies, exploring wholesale craft stores can be a smart choice. Stores like Joann Fabric and Craft Stores, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby offer a wide selection and frequent discounts. Online retailers such as CraftOutlet.com and Little Craft Place likewise provide competitive pricing on customizable products. Comprehending which stores near you offer the best deals can improve your crafting experience considerably. Let’s take a closer look at the top options available to you. Key Takeaways CraftOutlet.com offers a vast selection of affordable supplies with same-day shipping from Ohio, making it a top choice for online shopping. Little Craft Place features premium customizable items and unique crafting supplies at competitive prices, with a Project Library for inspiration. Joann Fabric and Craft Stores provides an extensive inventory, frequent discounts, and a loyalty program for budget-conscious shoppers. Michaels is well-known for its wide range of crafting supplies, frequent sales, and hands-on workshops to enhance crafting skills. Dollar Tree offers budget-friendly crafting essentials priced at $1.25 or less, perfect for seasonal projects and bulk purchases. CraftOutlet.com CraftOutlet.com is a premier destination for crafters seeking wholesale-priced supplies designed for customization projects. This online store features a vast selection of tumblers, keychains, and apparel, perfect for sublimation, vinyl, and painting. You’ll appreciate the high-quality materials they offer, especially if you’re in search of craft supplies in Los Angeles, CA, or if you’re exploring arts and crafts stores in Chicago. CraftOutlet.com additionally stocks various crafting necessities like silicone beads, DTF transfers, and resin materials, catering to diverse styles. With detailed video guidance linked to various projects, both beginners and experienced crafters can find what they need. Plus, orders placed by 2 PM EST ship the same day from their Ohio warehouse, ensuring quick delivery. Little Craft Place When you’re looking for a wide selection of craft supplies, Little Craft Place stands out with its extensive inventory. You’ll find everything from wholesale-priced tumblers and keychains to non-toxic silicone beads in lively colors, all at competitive prices. Moreover, their unique offerings, like DTF Transfer and resin crafting supplies, make it easy for you to tackle any DIY project. Extensive Craft Inventory Little Craft Place stands out for its extensive inventory of crafting supplies, ensuring you have everything you need for your next project. As a premier art supply store in Los Angeles, it offers premium tumblers, keychains, and apparel at wholesale prices, perfect for customization. You’ll find a lively selection of silicone beads, ideal for DIY keychains, pacifier clips, and jewelry making. If custom apparel is your focus, Little Craft Place provides various DTF transfers, sublimation sheets, and craft vinyl supplies compatible with Cricut machines and heat presses. Moreover, their resin crafting supplies include high-quality silicone molds and pigments, ensuring smooth, bubble-free pours. This store collaborates with wholesale art distributors to maintain its diverse offerings, catering to all crafting needs. Competitive Pricing Options For those seeking competitive pricing on crafting supplies, the offerings at Little Craft Place provide an excellent solution. This art supply store in Brooklyn offers wholesale-priced tumblers, keychains, and apparel, allowing you to save on vital materials. With a focus on quality, you’ll find premium cups and tumblers particularly designed for customization, ensuring a great crafting experience. Furthermore, the store simplifies your shopping by offering all necessary supplies in one place, catering to both beginners and seasoned crafters. To improve your crafting expedition, you can access linked video guidance for projects. Here’s a quick overview of pricing options: Item Type Standard Price Wholesale Price Tumblers $15 $10 Keychains $5 $3 Apparel $20 $15 Craft Kits $25 $18 Unique Product Offerings Craft enthusiasts will appreciate the unique product offerings available at Little Craft Place, which cater to a variety of creative projects. This art supply store in Brooklyn features wholesale-priced tumblers, keychains, and apparel ideal for customization using sublimation and vinyl techniques. You’ll find premium, non-toxic silicone beads in lively colors, perfect for trendy keychains and jewelry. Furthermore, high-quality DTF transfers and craft vinyl supplies allow for personalized designs on shirts, tumblers, and mugs utilizing Cricut or heat press tools. If you’re into resin crafting, the store provides crucial supplies like silicone molds and pigments. Plus, their thorough Project Library offers tutorials and project ideas, making it easier to find inspiration and resources for your crafting endeavors. Joann Fabric and Craft Stores Joann Fabric and Craft Stores is a go-to destination for anyone looking for a wide selection of crafting supplies, from fabrics to home décor materials. With competitive pricing options and frequent discounts, you can find great deals that suit your budget. Their extensive inventory guarantees that you’ll have everything you need for your next project, making crafting accessible and enjoyable. Extensive Product Selection With regard to finding an extensive selection of crafting supplies, few places match the offerings of Joann Fabric and Craft Stores. As you explore their aisles, you’ll discover a vast array of fabrics, yarns, and seasonal décor, catering to every crafting need. Whether you’re into sewing, knitting, or scrapbooking, Joann covers all bases. Plus, their online inventory allows for convenient browsing and ordering, with options for in-store pickup or delivery. Category Examples Availability Fabrics Cotton, Fleece, Denim In-store & Online Yarns Acrylic, Wool, Blends In-store & Online Seasonal Décor Holidays, Events In-store & Online Visit Joann as your go-to art supply store near me or wholesale and supply store for all your crafting needs in Houston, Texas. Competitive Pricing Options When you’re looking for affordable crafting supplies, Joann Fabric and Craft Stores stands out with its competitive pricing options that cater to budget-conscious shoppers. You’ll find regular sales, promotions, and a price matching policy that guarantees you get the best deals. Moreover, their loyalty program rewards frequent shoppers with exclusive offers. Discounts on seasonal and bulk items help you save considerably. An extensive selection of wholesale options is perfect for both individual crafters and small business owners. Joann’s competitive pricing rivals other art supply stores in Kansas City, MO, craft stores in Los Angeles, CA, and even art supply stores in New Haven. This makes Joann a top choice for your crafting needs. Michaels Michaels stands out as a premier arts and crafts retail chain, offering an extensive range of craft supplies that cater to various needs and preferences. Whether you’re searching for fabric, floral arrangements, or home décor items, you’ll find competitive prices and frequent sales that make it a top choice for budget-conscious crafters. For those in areas like San Diego, CA, Kansas City, MO, or Brooklyn, NY, Michaels serves as a reliable art supply store, providing crucial DIY project materials. You can also join their rewards program to earn points on purchases, redeemable for future discounts. Furthermore, Michaels hosts workshops and classes, giving you hands-on experience in various crafting techniques, perfect for both beginners and seasoned creators. Hobby Lobby Hobby Lobby is a well-regarded wholesale craft store that offers an extensive range of arts and crafts supplies, home décor, and seasonal items, making it a go-to destination for crafters of all skill levels. You’ll find everything you need, from fabric and floral supplies to painting materials and DIY project kits. With weekly promotional discounts, you can save considerably on your purchases, especially if you’re buying in bulk. Quality products at affordable prices User-friendly website for browsing and project ideas Online coupons for additional savings Whether you’re in Studio City, Downtown LA, or anywhere in Los Angeles, CA, Hobby Lobby has you covered for all your crafting needs. Dollar Tree When you’re looking for affordable craft supplies, Dollar Tree is a great option with everything priced at just $1.25. You can find a variety of products, from foam sheets and stickers to seasonal decorations, making it easy to tackle any DIY project. Plus, many locations have expanded their craft selections to include floral arrangements and home décor, allowing you to enjoy brand-name items without breaking the bank. Affordable Craft Supplies If you’re looking for affordable craft supplies, Dollar Tree is an excellent option, as everything in the store is priced at $1.25 or less. This budget-friendly store offers a variety of necessities that cater to your crafting needs, making it a reliable choice for crafters in cities like Kansas City, MO, and Baltimore, MD. You can find: Seasonal decorations to improve your home Adhesive materials for all your project needs DIY kits that simplify crafting With frequent inventory updates, Dollar Tree guarantees you’ll discover trendy items and specialty supplies, such as foam sheets and beads, without overspending. Plus, their bulk purchasing options allow you to stock up on supplies for larger projects as you keep costs low, making sure you can craft effectively. Variety of Products Dollar Tree stands out for its impressive variety of crafting products that cater to all types of projects. With items priced at just $1.25, you can stock up on crucial supplies like seasonal décor, DIY kits, and crafting tools, including paintbrushes and adhesives. Whether you’re searching for art supplies in Portland, Maine, or visiting a craft store in Los Angeles, you’ll find familiar Dollar Tree offerings. The store frequently updates its inventory, ensuring fresh options for your creative endeavors. Furthermore, many locations have bulk purchasing options, making it easy to gather materials for larger projects or group activities. For crafters exploring arts and craft stores in Houston, TX, Dollar Tree is a reliable and budget-friendly choice. AC Moore AC Moore was a prominent name in the arts and crafts retail sector, known for its extensive selection of crafting supplies, which included everything from scrapbooking materials to fabrics and home décor items. Even though it closed in 2020, its influence remains strong. You might remember the rewards program that allowed you to earn points on purchases, providing great savings. Competitive prices and frequent sales made it a favorite among crafters. Classes and workshops encouraged community engagement and skill development. Many of AC Moore’s products can still be found at craft stores in Houston, art supply stores in Miami, FL, and craft stores in Seattle, WA. This legacy continues to shape the crafting environment today. Blick Art Materials Blick Art Materials stands out as a premier supplier of art supplies, offering an impressive array of products that caters to artists of all levels. Whether you’re searching for an art supply store in Baltimore or looking for art supply stores in Portland, Oregon, or Seattle, Blick has you covered. With bulk purchasing options, it’s perfect for schools and individual artists wanting to stock up affordably. Check out their promotions and discounts on select items to save even more. Plus, their extensive online catalog allows you to shop conveniently from home, often with same-day shipping available. Product Category Price Range Availability Paints $5 – $50 In-store/Online Brushes $2 – $30 In-store/Online Canvases $10 – $70 In-store/Online The Paper Mill Store The Paper Mill Store serves as a crucial resource for anyone involved in crafting, offering an extensive selection of paper products customized to meet the needs of both individual crafters and businesses. This art supply store specializes in providing high-quality craft supplies, including: Cardstock in various colors and weights Specialty papers like textured and patterned options Envelopes suitable for all your mailing needs With competitive wholesale pricing, you can save money during purchasing in bulk. The store likewise features fast shipping and a user-friendly online shopping experience, complete with detailed product descriptions and images. You’ll find reliable materials sourced from reputable manufacturers, ensuring you receive the best supplies for your projects. Walmart Craft Supplies When you’re looking for affordable craft supplies, Walmart stands out as a convenient option that caters to a wide array of crafting needs. This store offers an extensive selection of items for sewing, painting, scrapbooking, and DIY projects, all at competitive prices. You’ll find a dedicated craft section featuring popular brands and various materials like fabrics and yarns. Walmart frequently runs promotions, helping you save even more on your crafting necessities. Furthermore, many locations stock seasonal supplies for holidays, ensuring you can find what you need year-round. You can likewise take advantage of Walmart’s online shopping platform for easy ordering, with options for in-store pickup or home delivery, making it a great alternative to craft supplies downtown Los Angeles or a craft store DTLA. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Most Popular Craft Store? When considering the most popular craft store, many crafters often choose Michael’s for its vast selection of supplies, including seasonal items and home décor. Hobby Lobby follows closely, known for its competitive pricing and frequent sales. Joann Fabrics and Crafts is another favorite, especially for fabric and sewing materials, offering a diverse range. Each store has unique strengths, so you might want to explore them based on your specific crafting needs. What’s the Other Store Like Michaels? If you’re looking for stores similar to Michaels, consider Joann Fabrics and Hobby Lobby. Joann offers a variety of fabrics, crafts, and home décor, often with discounts. Hobby Lobby features a wide selection of craft supplies and regular sales, like 40% off one item. Both stores provide a great shopping experience for craft enthusiasts. Moreover, Discount School Supply focuses on affordable art materials, catering particularly to educators and parents. Does the Range Have a Craft Section? Yes, The Range does have a dedicated craft section that offers a wide variety of supplies. You’ll find items like paints, yarn, and scrapbooking materials, along with seasonal crafting products that change for holidays. The store frequently provides discounts on these supplies, making it a budget-friendly choice. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, The Range stocks kits and tools like glue guns and scissors to support your crafting projects. Are Craft Supply Stores Profitable? Yes, craft supply stores can be profitable. With the growing interest in DIY projects, the market is developing swiftly. By sourcing materials wholesale, stores often enjoy higher profit margins. Seasonal trends drive sales spikes, especially during holidays, which boosts revenue. Furthermore, offering workshops can attract customers, creating extra income as well as promoting supplies. E-commerce has further broadened reach, allowing stores to tap into a larger customer base, enhancing overall profitability. Conclusion To sum up, exploring these top wholesale craft stores can greatly improve your crafting experience without straining your budget. Whether you choose online retailers like CraftOutlet.com and Little Craft Place or visit physical stores such as Joann, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby, you’ll find a wide range of affordable supplies. Furthermore, options like Blick Art Materials and The Paper Mill Store cater to specialized needs, ensuring you have access to quality materials for all your creative projects. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Top 10 Wholesale Craft Stores Near Me for Affordable Supplies" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re looking for affordable craft supplies, exploring wholesale craft stores can be a smart choice. Stores like Joann Fabric and Craft Stores, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby offer a wide selection and frequent discounts. Online retailers such as CraftOutlet.com and Little Craft Place likewise provide competitive pricing on customizable products. Comprehending which stores near you offer the best deals can improve your crafting experience considerably. Let’s take a closer look at the top options available to you. Key Takeaways CraftOutlet.com offers a vast selection of affordable supplies with same-day shipping from Ohio, making it a top choice for online shopping. Little Craft Place features premium customizable items and unique crafting supplies at competitive prices, with a Project Library for inspiration. Joann Fabric and Craft Stores provides an extensive inventory, frequent discounts, and a loyalty program for budget-conscious shoppers. Michaels is well-known for its wide range of crafting supplies, frequent sales, and hands-on workshops to enhance crafting skills. Dollar Tree offers budget-friendly crafting essentials priced at $1.25 or less, perfect for seasonal projects and bulk purchases. CraftOutlet.com CraftOutlet.com is a premier destination for crafters seeking wholesale-priced supplies designed for customization projects. This online store features a vast selection of tumblers, keychains, and apparel, perfect for sublimation, vinyl, and painting. You’ll appreciate the high-quality materials they offer, especially if you’re in search of craft supplies in Los Angeles, CA, or if you’re exploring arts and crafts stores in Chicago. CraftOutlet.com additionally stocks various crafting necessities like silicone beads, DTF transfers, and resin materials, catering to diverse styles. With detailed video guidance linked to various projects, both beginners and experienced crafters can find what they need. Plus, orders placed by 2 PM EST ship the same day from their Ohio warehouse, ensuring quick delivery. Little Craft Place When you’re looking for a wide selection of craft supplies, Little Craft Place stands out with its extensive inventory. You’ll find everything from wholesale-priced tumblers and keychains to non-toxic silicone beads in lively colors, all at competitive prices. Moreover, their unique offerings, like DTF Transfer and resin crafting supplies, make it easy for you to tackle any DIY project. Extensive Craft Inventory Little Craft Place stands out for its extensive inventory of crafting supplies, ensuring you have everything you need for your next project. As a premier art supply store in Los Angeles, it offers premium tumblers, keychains, and apparel at wholesale prices, perfect for customization. You’ll find a lively selection of silicone beads, ideal for DIY keychains, pacifier clips, and jewelry making. If custom apparel is your focus, Little Craft Place provides various DTF transfers, sublimation sheets, and craft vinyl supplies compatible with Cricut machines and heat presses. Moreover, their resin crafting supplies include high-quality silicone molds and pigments, ensuring smooth, bubble-free pours. This store collaborates with wholesale art distributors to maintain its diverse offerings, catering to all crafting needs. Competitive Pricing Options For those seeking competitive pricing on crafting supplies, the offerings at Little Craft Place provide an excellent solution. This art supply store in Brooklyn offers wholesale-priced tumblers, keychains, and apparel, allowing you to save on vital materials. With a focus on quality, you’ll find premium cups and tumblers particularly designed for customization, ensuring a great crafting experience. Furthermore, the store simplifies your shopping by offering all necessary supplies in one place, catering to both beginners and seasoned crafters. To improve your crafting expedition, you can access linked video guidance for projects. Here’s a quick overview of pricing options: Item Type Standard Price Wholesale Price Tumblers $15 $10 Keychains $5 $3 Apparel $20 $15 Craft Kits $25 $18 Unique Product Offerings Craft enthusiasts will appreciate the unique product offerings available at Little Craft Place, which cater to a variety of creative projects. This art supply store in Brooklyn features wholesale-priced tumblers, keychains, and apparel ideal for customization using sublimation and vinyl techniques. You’ll find premium, non-toxic silicone beads in lively colors, perfect for trendy keychains and jewelry. Furthermore, high-quality DTF transfers and craft vinyl supplies allow for personalized designs on shirts, tumblers, and mugs utilizing Cricut or heat press tools. If you’re into resin crafting, the store provides crucial supplies like silicone molds and pigments. Plus, their thorough Project Library offers tutorials and project ideas, making it easier to find inspiration and resources for your crafting endeavors. Joann Fabric and Craft Stores Joann Fabric and Craft Stores is a go-to destination for anyone looking for a wide selection of crafting supplies, from fabrics to home décor materials. With competitive pricing options and frequent discounts, you can find great deals that suit your budget. Their extensive inventory guarantees that you’ll have everything you need for your next project, making crafting accessible and enjoyable. Extensive Product Selection With regard to finding an extensive selection of crafting supplies, few places match the offerings of Joann Fabric and Craft Stores. As you explore their aisles, you’ll discover a vast array of fabrics, yarns, and seasonal décor, catering to every crafting need. Whether you’re into sewing, knitting, or scrapbooking, Joann covers all bases. Plus, their online inventory allows for convenient browsing and ordering, with options for in-store pickup or delivery. Category Examples Availability Fabrics Cotton, Fleece, Denim In-store & Online Yarns Acrylic, Wool, Blends In-store & Online Seasonal Décor Holidays, Events In-store & Online Visit Joann as your go-to art supply store near me or wholesale and supply store for all your crafting needs in Houston, Texas. Competitive Pricing Options When you’re looking for affordable crafting supplies, Joann Fabric and Craft Stores stands out with its competitive pricing options that cater to budget-conscious shoppers. You’ll find regular sales, promotions, and a price matching policy that guarantees you get the best deals. Moreover, their loyalty program rewards frequent shoppers with exclusive offers. Discounts on seasonal and bulk items help you save considerably. An extensive selection of wholesale options is perfect for both individual crafters and small business owners. Joann’s competitive pricing rivals other art supply stores in Kansas City, MO, craft stores in Los Angeles, CA, and even art supply stores in New Haven. This makes Joann a top choice for your crafting needs. Michaels Michaels stands out as a premier arts and crafts retail chain, offering an extensive range of craft supplies that cater to various needs and preferences. Whether you’re searching for fabric, floral arrangements, or home décor items, you’ll find competitive prices and frequent sales that make it a top choice for budget-conscious crafters. For those in areas like San Diego, CA, Kansas City, MO, or Brooklyn, NY, Michaels serves as a reliable art supply store, providing crucial DIY project materials. You can also join their rewards program to earn points on purchases, redeemable for future discounts. Furthermore, Michaels hosts workshops and classes, giving you hands-on experience in various crafting techniques, perfect for both beginners and seasoned creators. Hobby Lobby Hobby Lobby is a well-regarded wholesale craft store that offers an extensive range of arts and crafts supplies, home décor, and seasonal items, making it a go-to destination for crafters of all skill levels. You’ll find everything you need, from fabric and floral supplies to painting materials and DIY project kits. With weekly promotional discounts, you can save considerably on your purchases, especially if you’re buying in bulk. Quality products at affordable prices User-friendly website for browsing and project ideas Online coupons for additional savings Whether you’re in Studio City, Downtown LA, or anywhere in Los Angeles, CA, Hobby Lobby has you covered for all your crafting needs. Dollar Tree When you’re looking for affordable craft supplies, Dollar Tree is a great option with everything priced at just $1.25. You can find a variety of products, from foam sheets and stickers to seasonal decorations, making it easy to tackle any DIY project. Plus, many locations have expanded their craft selections to include floral arrangements and home décor, allowing you to enjoy brand-name items without breaking the bank. Affordable Craft Supplies If you’re looking for affordable craft supplies, Dollar Tree is an excellent option, as everything in the store is priced at $1.25 or less. This budget-friendly store offers a variety of necessities that cater to your crafting needs, making it a reliable choice for crafters in cities like Kansas City, MO, and Baltimore, MD. You can find: Seasonal decorations to improve your home Adhesive materials for all your project needs DIY kits that simplify crafting With frequent inventory updates, Dollar Tree guarantees you’ll discover trendy items and specialty supplies, such as foam sheets and beads, without overspending. Plus, their bulk purchasing options allow you to stock up on supplies for larger projects as you keep costs low, making sure you can craft effectively. Variety of Products Dollar Tree stands out for its impressive variety of crafting products that cater to all types of projects. With items priced at just $1.25, you can stock up on crucial supplies like seasonal décor, DIY kits, and crafting tools, including paintbrushes and adhesives. Whether you’re searching for art supplies in Portland, Maine, or visiting a craft store in Los Angeles, you’ll find familiar Dollar Tree offerings. The store frequently updates its inventory, ensuring fresh options for your creative endeavors. Furthermore, many locations have bulk purchasing options, making it easy to gather materials for larger projects or group activities. For crafters exploring arts and craft stores in Houston, TX, Dollar Tree is a reliable and budget-friendly choice. AC Moore AC Moore was a prominent name in the arts and crafts retail sector, known for its extensive selection of crafting supplies, which included everything from scrapbooking materials to fabrics and home décor items. Even though it closed in 2020, its influence remains strong. You might remember the rewards program that allowed you to earn points on purchases, providing great savings. Competitive prices and frequent sales made it a favorite among crafters. Classes and workshops encouraged community engagement and skill development. Many of AC Moore’s products can still be found at craft stores in Houston, art supply stores in Miami, FL, and craft stores in Seattle, WA. This legacy continues to shape the crafting environment today. Blick Art Materials Blick Art Materials stands out as a premier supplier of art supplies, offering an impressive array of products that caters to artists of all levels. Whether you’re searching for an art supply store in Baltimore or looking for art supply stores in Portland, Oregon, or Seattle, Blick has you covered. With bulk purchasing options, it’s perfect for schools and individual artists wanting to stock up affordably. Check out their promotions and discounts on select items to save even more. Plus, their extensive online catalog allows you to shop conveniently from home, often with same-day shipping available. Product Category Price Range Availability Paints $5 – $50 In-store/Online Brushes $2 – $30 In-store/Online Canvases $10 – $70 In-store/Online The Paper Mill Store The Paper Mill Store serves as a crucial resource for anyone involved in crafting, offering an extensive selection of paper products customized to meet the needs of both individual crafters and businesses. This art supply store specializes in providing high-quality craft supplies, including: Cardstock in various colors and weights Specialty papers like textured and patterned options Envelopes suitable for all your mailing needs With competitive wholesale pricing, you can save money during purchasing in bulk. The store likewise features fast shipping and a user-friendly online shopping experience, complete with detailed product descriptions and images. You’ll find reliable materials sourced from reputable manufacturers, ensuring you receive the best supplies for your projects. Walmart Craft Supplies When you’re looking for affordable craft supplies, Walmart stands out as a convenient option that caters to a wide array of crafting needs. This store offers an extensive selection of items for sewing, painting, scrapbooking, and DIY projects, all at competitive prices. You’ll find a dedicated craft section featuring popular brands and various materials like fabrics and yarns. Walmart frequently runs promotions, helping you save even more on your crafting necessities. Furthermore, many locations stock seasonal supplies for holidays, ensuring you can find what you need year-round. You can likewise take advantage of Walmart’s online shopping platform for easy ordering, with options for in-store pickup or home delivery, making it a great alternative to craft supplies downtown Los Angeles or a craft store DTLA. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Most Popular Craft Store? When considering the most popular craft store, many crafters often choose Michael’s for its vast selection of supplies, including seasonal items and home décor. Hobby Lobby follows closely, known for its competitive pricing and frequent sales. Joann Fabrics and Crafts is another favorite, especially for fabric and sewing materials, offering a diverse range. Each store has unique strengths, so you might want to explore them based on your specific crafting needs. What’s the Other Store Like Michaels? If you’re looking for stores similar to Michaels, consider Joann Fabrics and Hobby Lobby. Joann offers a variety of fabrics, crafts, and home décor, often with discounts. Hobby Lobby features a wide selection of craft supplies and regular sales, like 40% off one item. Both stores provide a great shopping experience for craft enthusiasts. Moreover, Discount School Supply focuses on affordable art materials, catering particularly to educators and parents. Does the Range Have a Craft Section? Yes, The Range does have a dedicated craft section that offers a wide variety of supplies. You’ll find items like paints, yarn, and scrapbooking materials, along with seasonal crafting products that change for holidays. The store frequently provides discounts on these supplies, making it a budget-friendly choice. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, The Range stocks kits and tools like glue guns and scissors to support your crafting projects. Are Craft Supply Stores Profitable? Yes, craft supply stores can be profitable. With the growing interest in DIY projects, the market is developing swiftly. By sourcing materials wholesale, stores often enjoy higher profit margins. Seasonal trends drive sales spikes, especially during holidays, which boosts revenue. Furthermore, offering workshops can attract customers, creating extra income as well as promoting supplies. E-commerce has further broadened reach, allowing stores to tap into a larger customer base, enhancing overall profitability. Conclusion To sum up, exploring these top wholesale craft stores can greatly improve your crafting experience without straining your budget. Whether you choose online retailers like CraftOutlet.com and Little Craft Place or visit physical stores such as Joann, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby, you’ll find a wide range of affordable supplies. Furthermore, options like Blick Art Materials and The Paper Mill Store cater to specialized needs, ensuring you have access to quality materials for all your creative projects. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Top 10 Wholesale Craft Stores Near Me for Affordable Supplies" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Opening presents is supposed to be fun. And while everyone has their own idea of what constitutes fun, no one likes a gift that is too functional or boring. This may be why you don't often consider gifting educational goods. However, there are plenty of gifts that are can challenge or enrich your giftee in some way—and which are decidedly not boring. Here are 10 suggestions to get you started. The best educational gifts for kidsGetting an educational gift for a kid is tricky business. When I was about six, my mom kept hyping up a Christmas present she was so excited for me to open, she actually made me open it early, on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. It turned out to be a CD-ROM "game" called Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, which she gleefully installed on our clunky old PC before we left for mass. I was furious. I had been dreaming of colorful gifts, gifts with pizzazz, gifts a 6-year-old might actually want. But I did end up playing those typing games, and by the next year, I was a whiz on the QWERTY keys, outpacing my classmates and maybe even setting myself up for my current career. At the very least, I type much faster and more efficiently than any of my friends. All of that is to illustrate the fact that as much as I didn't appreciate Mavis Beacon in the moment, the way it gamified learning for me was the real gift. So when looking for educational gifts for kids, remember: Learning should be fun. Here are some that will make it that way. ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run STEM Toy $18.39 at Amazon $29.99 Save $11.60 Shop Now Shop Now $18.39 at Amazon $29.99 Save $11.60 PlayShifu Educational Globe for Kids - Orboot Earth $31.49 at Amazon $59.99 Save $28.50 Shop Now Shop Now $31.49 at Amazon $59.99 Save $28.50 Doctor Jupiter My First Science Kit for Kids $32.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $32.99 at Amazon Root Viewer for Kids $14.24 at Amazon $14.99 Save $0.75 Shop Now Shop Now $14.24 at Amazon $14.99 Save $0.75 Ant Farm Castle $29.99 at Amazon $33.99 Save $4.00 Shop Now Shop Now $29.99 at Amazon $33.99 Save $4.00 ELEGOO Tumbller Self-Balancing Robot Kit $55.99 at Amazon $84.99 Save $29.00 Shop Now Shop Now $55.99 at Amazon $84.99 Save $29.00 SEE 3 MORE A marble gravity maze teaches practical lessons about physics and is a fun way for kids to learn about building while using their hands, while this interactive globe toy strikes me as especially cool and useful because it requires additional tech, like a tablet or phone, to scan the globe and get information about different countries—I love the way it blends old-fashioned materials with new tech, teaching kids the value of using both to seek out information. Honestly, anything that retains some of those practical, hands-on elements is a good gift. Kids have access to tons of information via the internet, but there's something foundational about learning through actually building or creating. While everyone else is giving them super tech-forward gifts, consider giving them this mini chemistry set, or a root viewer. Just do me a favor and ask your giftee's parents whether an ant farm will be a welcome present. I had one as a child and enjoyed the hell out of it, but that outcome will vary depending on the whims of the kid and the patience of the parents involved. And that's a good rule of thumb for any educational gifts you're considering: Remember to keep the actual interests of the kid in mind when choosing one. Back in the '90s, my mom knew that I was interested in computers (and made a smart bet that they'd only be more relevant and important as I got older), which is why she got me the typing game. If the kid you're shopping for isn't into motors of vehicles, forego a hands-on robot kit; it's only educational if they actually use it. The best educational gifts for adultsThe goal of getting kids into learning is to prepare them for adulthood, right? Ideally, they become lifelong learners—and hopefully you know a few of those yourself. If you're seeking cool educational gifts for a grown-up, try one of these. Build-Your-Own Bluetooth Speaker $12.74 at Amazon $15.99 Save $3.25 Shop Now Shop Now $12.74 at Amazon $15.99 Save $3.25 Countries of the World Flashcards $39.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $39.99 at Amazon ROBOTIME Motorized Wooden Spaceport Puzzle $59.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $59.99 at Amazon Bonsai Starter Kit $19.99 at Amazon $26.99 Save $7.00 Shop Now Shop Now $19.99 at Amazon $26.99 Save $7.00 SEE 1 MORE I love learning new things, taking random classes, and throwing myself into new hobbies—just because I don't know anything about, say, Brazilian martial arts doesn't mean I can't figure it out after purchasing a month-long class pass. I also love making things with my hands. Last year, for reasons unclear, I decided to learn how to do a hard gel manicure on my own nails. I didn't care about saving money; I just wanted to see if I could do it. I couldn't! But I had fun trying, just as I've enjoyed building my own shelving and learning to paint different types of surfaces while redecorating my apartment. So when you're buying an educational gift for an adult, the same rules apply as when shopping for kids: Figure out what they are already interested in, or might be open to learning about. Personally, I'd be delighted to receive a build-your-own bluetooth speaker kit or some countries of the world flashcards. I don't know anything about audio or nearly enough about geography—but I'd like to. Any gift that has to be built or worked on is ideal for an adult, because half the present is the effort to create it, but the other half is the physical item they'll be left with as a result. A motorized marble maze puzzle or mini bonsai garden are both great options there—and bonus points if you offer to work on it with them, and build a lasting holiday memory too. View the full article

But just three of the 150 most populous ZIP codes have a mortgage debt-to-income ratio below the conforming threshold of 28%, Movingplace found. View the full article

Mark Zuckerberg’s social media company considers cutting unit’s budget by as much as 30% View the full article