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Non-banks tracked by Morningstar DBRS reported combined net income of $367 million for the third quarter, down from $807 million three months prior. View the full article

SE Ranking analyzed 129,000 domains to identify the top 20 factors driving ChatGPT citations. Backlinks, traffic, and trust scores ranked highest. The post New Data: Top Factors Influencing ChatGPT Citations appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. Shopping for a teenager can be hard—their tastes are hyper-specific and change daily. But the gifts below take aim at the moving target of teen trends, focusing on gear that's useful, amusing, and/or even (gasp) educational. Plus, every item on the list is on sale for Black Friday. From retro-cool instant cameras to room-transforming LEDs and clever toys, here are 20 of the best tech gifts for teens in 2025. Polaroid Now 3rd GenerationMaybe it's teenage rebellion against our screen-scrolling lifestyle or a quest for authenticity, but more and more kids are getting into old fashioned cameras. The Polaroid Now 3rd Gen is a classic analog device that lets you watch your photos develop in real time, doesn't have any megapixels, and ejects a keepable, framable, non-scrollable physical object. Polaroid Now 3rd Generation I-Type Instant Camera With Film Bundle $135.95 at Amazon $159.99 Save $24.04 Get Deal Get Deal $135.95 at Amazon $159.99 Save $24.04 Beats Solo 4 EarphonesFor lots of kids, part of growing up is learning exactly how awesome music can be. If your giftee is making that transition, there's no better gift than decent audio gear, like these Beats Solo 4 bluetooth headphones. They sound great, with spatial audio and head tracking, and they come in five colors, so they look great too. There's a reason they have a 4.6 star rating on Amazon. Beats Solo 4 - Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones, Apple & Android Compatible, Up to 50 Hours of Battery Life - Black & Gold $129.95 at Amazon $199.95 Save $70.00 Get Deal Get Deal $129.95 at Amazon $199.95 Save $70.00 Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1)Ray-Ban Metas are cool-looking shade packed with smart features, including a camera, open-ear speakers, a built-in AI agent and more, so whether your kid wants to be able to take quick pictures, consult with artificial intelligence, or stream instantly with nothing but a mirror, these shades will do it. Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses $262.99 at Amazon $329.00 Save $66.01 Get Deal Get Deal $262.99 at Amazon $329.00 Save $66.01 Powerup 4.0 Smartphone Controlled Paper AirplaneTeenagers might say they don't want toys for Christmas, but everyone wants toys for Christmas, and a smartphone controlled airplane is a hell of a toy. It works like this: You add a sensor and some propellers to an airplane you fold yourself, and end up with a controllable craft that flies up to 20mph. It can even do a barrel roll. Smart Paper Planes POWERUP 4.0 $47.48 at Amazon $59.99 Save $12.51 Get Deal Get Deal $47.48 at Amazon $59.99 Save $12.51 Flashforge 3D PrinterBeing able to print 3D objects at home still seems like science fiction to me, but not only is it possible, it's not even that expensive. The Flashforge 3D printer is only $229 for Black Friday. If you have a teen with artistic, creative, or technical interests, this device is perfect. FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M 3D Printer with Fully Auto Leveling $229.00 at Amazon $349.00 Save $120.00 Get Deal Get Deal $229.00 at Amazon $349.00 Save $120.00 JBL Clip 5There's a reason the JBL Clip 5 is such a massive hit with teenagers. This portable bluetooth speaker is available in nine different designs, it's waterproof and practically indestructible, and you can clip it onto anything. Plus, it sounds great. JBL Clip 5 - Ultra-Portable, Waterproof & Dustproof Bluetooth Speaker, Big Pro Sound with Punchy bass, Integrated Carabiner, Up to 12 Hours of Play, Made in Part with Recycled Materials (Purple) $59.95 at Amazon $79.95 Save $20.00 Get Deal Get Deal $59.95 at Amazon $79.95 Save $20.00 Boldever Mini Smart ProjectorThis mini projector connects to Netflix, YouTube, and other services to stream 4K video on any wall or ceiling, so it's a must-have for a teenager who is sick of watching things on their phone. It can connect via bluetooth or Wi-Fi and it costs less than $100 for Black Friday. Mini Projector, Support 4K 1080P Portable Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth, Boldever Smart Projector Netflix-Officially-Licensed, TOF Auto Focus & Keystone 5W Speaker Portable Proyector, White $89.99 at Amazon $166.99 Save $77.00 Get Deal Get Deal $89.99 at Amazon $166.99 Save $77.00 Apple AirtagsHaving a kid that's into technology likely means a lot of expensive little gadgets—cameras, headphones, tablets, etc.—and they can all get lost. But not if you slap one of these Apple Airtags on 'em. This pack comes with four for $64.99, an investment that will pay for itself with the first misplaced tablet it finds. Apple AirTag Tracker (4-Pack) $64.98 at Amazon $99.00 Save $34.02 Get Deal Get Deal $64.98 at Amazon $99.00 Save $34.02 Govee 100ft RGBIC LED Strip LightsDecorating with ribbon LED lights is the decorating innovation of younger teenagers, and for good reason: Being able to change colors instantly is legit cool, as is the music sync mode. You can operate them with an app or just your voice (they're compatible with Google Voice and Alexa). And what a good price: $42.99 for 100 feet of LEDs. Govee 100ft RGBIC LED Strip Lights, Smart LED Lights Work with Alexa and Google Assistant, LED Lights for Bedroom WiFi App Control Segmented DIY Multiple Colors, Color Changing Lights Music Sync $42.99 at Amazon $72.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Get Deal $42.99 at Amazon $72.99 Save $30.00 Cat Ears for HeadphonesAlright, pink cat ears that clip on to gaming headsets isn't the kind of gift every teenager would like, but if you even suspect that yours is the type who'd squee at these on Christmas morning, you can pick 'em up for only $8. Even if you're wrong, "that time Mom gave me those dumb cat headphone things" will become a cherished family in-joke. ONITOON Black Cat Ears for Headphone, Silicone Cute Kitty Ears Attachment, Lovely Detachable Accessories Fit for Gaming Headset, Lightweight & Durable $7.99 at Amazon $9.99 Save $2.00 Get Deal Get Deal $7.99 at Amazon $9.99 Save $2.00 Sonos Roam 2 Bluetooth SpeakerA Sonos Roam 2 speaker is a great choice for a music loving teen because it's rugged, waterproof, has a battery that lasts for 10 hours, and it sounds great. It also is compatible with other Sonos gear, so the audio experience can be expanded outwards as necessary. Sonos Roam 2 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker (White) $139.00 at Amazon $179.00 Save $40.00 Get Deal Get Deal $139.00 at Amazon $179.00 Save $40.00 Charmast Portable ChargerIf your teenager is anything like mine, they have a million things to charge and no ability to keep track of the necessary cords, so if you give 'em one of these chargers/batteries, you'll be saving your own precious USB-Cs. This portable charger and batteries has 6 outputs and 3 inputs, so you can charge 6 devices at the same time. Portable Charger with Built in Cables, Portable Charger with Cords Wires Slim 10000mAh Travel Essentials Battery Pack 6 Outputs 3A High Speed Power Bank for iPhone Samsung Pixel LG Moto iPad $18.99 at Amazon $29.99 Save $11.00 Get Deal Get Deal $18.99 at Amazon $29.99 Save $11.00 Galaxy Moon LampHelp them decorate their room with a galactically cool lunar lamp. Powered by cool-to-the-touch LED bulbs this lamp's 16 colors swirl, fade, and smooth in a soothing way, and the hues can be adjusted according to their mood. Mind-Glowing Galaxy Moon Lamp with Multi Colors, Touch/Remote, Wood Stand - Teen Girl Room Decor, Trendy Stuff - Christmas Gift for Any Year Old Teenage Girl - Cool Night Light for Kids (4.7 inch) $18.95 at Amazon $24.95 Save $6.00 Get Deal Get Deal $18.95 at Amazon $24.95 Save $6.00 OtamatoneThis weird little synthesizer/toy from Japan is bound to be a huge laugh on Christmas morning, but the Otamatone can actually be played like a real musical instrument, so it's also a stealth way of encouraging a teen's musical talent. Otamatone $31.99 at Amazon $39.99 Save $8.00 Get Deal Get Deal $31.99 at Amazon $39.99 Save $8.00 Kaiess Selfie Ring LightSelf-obsession is a hallmark of teenager-hood, so give the gift of flattering selfies with this ring light set. It's basically everything you need for an ad hoc social media studio: a stand with a phone holder, ring light with adjustable brightness, and a trigger to turn on the recording. Kind of a steal at $22.94 for Black Friday. Kaiess 10.2" Selfie Ring Light $22.94 at Amazon $26.99 Save $4.05 Get Deal Get Deal $22.94 at Amazon $26.99 Save $4.05 Lightning Reaction ReloadedLightning Reaction is an evil, evil party game that a certain breed of teenager will fall in love with. Each player holds onto a handle while an ominous tune plays. When the music stops, players hit a button and the slowest reaction gets a mildly painful electric shock. It's diabolical and hilarious. Lightning Reaction Reloaded - Shocking Game $31.99 at Amazon $39.99 Save $8.00 Get Deal Get Deal $31.99 at Amazon $39.99 Save $8.00 Metapen Pencil A8If you have a teenager with an artistic bent, this stylus will take their digital art to the next level. The Metapen works with iPads made between 2018 and now, and delivers pixel-level accuracy of 0.1 mm with high responsiveness and no lag. It charges in half an hour and stays powered up for up to 10 hours. Metapen Pencil A8 for Apple iPad 2018-2024, (2X Faster Charge), Tilt Sensitivity, Palm Rejection, Stylus Pen for iPad 10/9/8/7/6th Gen, iPad Pro 12.9/11/13-inch M4, iPad Air 3/4/5/M2, iPad Mini 5/6th $14.99 at Amazon $26.99 Save $12.00 Get Deal Get Deal $14.99 at Amazon $26.99 Save $12.00 1000X Handheld MicroscopeTechnically, this device is aimed at younger kids, but I can't think of anyone, of any age, who wouldn't be into a 1000X magnification microscope that has its own 4K screen. It comes with prepared glass slides, but nothing is stopping you from magnifying whatever you'd like. 1000X Handheld Microscope for Kids 4K 2.0" Screen Rechargeable Mini Pocket Digital Microscopes w/Slides Kit Portable Edu Gift Age 4-6 8-12 Children Students $32.48 at Amazon $54.99 Save $22.51 Get Deal Get Deal $32.48 at Amazon $54.99 Save $22.51 Ikarao Karaoke MachineKaraoke machines have come along way. This Ikaro machine is a party in a compact box. It comes with two microphones, works with YouTube, (which basically gives you access to every karaoke recording ever), and even has a cool LED light show. Plus it doubles as a portable PA system. Ikarao Karaoke Machine for Adults Kids, with Lyrics Display Screen, WiFi Connect to YouTube & Karaoke App, 2 EQ Autotune Wireless Microphones Portable Karaokes PA System for Home Family Party Camping $151.99 at Amazon $219.99 Save $68.00 Get Deal Get Deal $151.99 at Amazon $219.99 Save $68.00 Cosmic Globe Boomerang Hover BallThis high tech, LED-lit orb takes throwing a ball around to the future. The hover ball's unique aerodynamics and internal motor let you make mind-blowing throws that would be impossible with an old-fashioned ball. Plus, you can play with it at night. Teens love to be awake at night. Flying Ball Toys【2021 Upgraded】Globe Shape Magic Controller Mini Drone Flying Toy, Built-in RGB Lights Spinner 360° Rotating Spinning UFO Safe for Kids Adults Magic Flying Toys Outdoor Indoor (Blue) $24.32 at Amazon $32.00 Save $7.68 Get Deal Get Deal $24.32 at Amazon $32.00 Save $7.68 What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers who can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (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) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $138.65 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

More than 500,000 trips will be subject to higher leviesView the full article

She and Starmer remain torn between the convictions that got them into politics and economic principles View the full article

Google Ads is giving advertisers more flexibility with the Overview tab, allowing up to five custom views. This lets marketers tailor their dashboards to track the metrics that matter most to their campaigns. Driving the news. The update was spotted and shared screenshots on LinkedIn, highlighting that users can now add multiple tabs and fully customize Overview pages for their unique needs. What’s changing. Previously, the Overview tab had a fixed layout, limiting how agencies and advertisers could monitor performance. With custom views, teams can now organize metrics, charts, and reports in a way that aligns with their workflow, improving efficiency and insights. Why we care. Custom views allows you to tailor the Google Ads Overview tab to track the metrics that matter most to your campaigns, saving time and reducing the need to navigate multiple reports. Agencies managing multiple clients can create personalized dashboards for each account, improving efficiency and insight. Ultimately, this helps advertisers spot performance trends faster and make data-driven decisions more effectively. First seen. This update was first spotted by Adrian Dekker Bottom line. The update streamlines account monitoring, helping marketers focus on key performance indicators without digging through multiple reports. Custom views make it easier to keep campaigns organized and spot trends faster. View the full article

Rachel Reeves’ plan to boost fiscal ‘headroom’ to £22bn sparks rally in government debtView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. In the olden days, you had games you played on the big screen, and games you played on a little screen. The former (console or PC games), could be massive undertakings, with impressive graphics and lengthy gameplay, while the latter (handheld games), were often smaller in scope to accommodate the more limited hardware. The Nintendo Switch flipped the script: Now, the console was the handheld, and vice versa. All games, big and small, were meant to be played either on your TV or on the Switch's built-in display. While Nintendo cornered this dual market in the early days, other hybrid handhelds have since arrived, like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, and Asus ROG Ally. Sony's PlayStation Portal let's you do the same for your PS5 games, (with one very large caveat). Still, if you want a chance to play full PlayStation games on a handheld, consider picking one up this week, as the Portal is currently on sale for Black Friday. PlayStation Portal $178.99 at Amazon $199.99 Save $21.00 Get Deal Get Deal $178.99 at Amazon $199.99 Save $21.00 The PlayStation Portal essentially places an eight-inch LCD screen in the middle of a PS5 controller. As such, you'll find the feel of the Portal to be similar to that of the DualSense controller, down to key features like haptics feedback and adaptive triggers. The device is able to play PS4 and PS5 games at 1080p up to 60fps. If you're used to 4K 120fps on your PS5 Pro, that might feel like a compromise, but at this screen size, it should be good enough for most players. The Portal typically costs $199.99, but ahead of Black Friday, you can pick one up for $178.99. That small discount makes this the lowest price I've ever seen for this handheld, at least when buying it new. (You can save another $28 at GameStop buying it refurbished.) If you're new to the Portal, you might be wondering why a device that can play PS5 games on the go is even as low as $200 at full price. The original Switch still retails for more than $300, so what gives? The answer lies in the PlayStation Portal's biggest compromise. While the build quality is right up there with these other handhelds, the Portal doesn't actually run PS5 games on-device. Instead, the Portal simply streams the gameplay from your PS5 over wifi. As such, you'll need a PS5 to use this device, bringing up the total investment considerably. If you don't have a PS5, now is actually a good time to pick one up, as Amazon has the PS5 slim discounted by $100. (The PS VR2 is also on sale ahead of Black Friday, but it isn't compatible with the Portal.) If you already have a PS5, the Portal's cost to entry isn't quite so steep—especially when you can take some money off the MSRP. While you can't play your PS5 games without an internet connection, the Portal can still be relatively versatile. As long as it's paired with your PS5, and that PS5 is actively connected to the internet, you can use your Portal anywhere you have a stable internet connection. Ideally, Sony would make a dedicated handheld like other companies. For now, the Portal is the best option for PlayStation fans looking to break away from their TVs. Does Amazon have Black Friday deals?Yes, Amazon has Black Friday sales, but prices aren’t always what they seem. Use a price tracker to make sure you’re getting the best deal, or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you. And if you have an Amazon Prime membership, make the most of it. What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers that can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (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) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $138.65 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

They go by names like @The President_ARMY— or @MAGANationX, and their verified accounts proudly display portraits of President Donald The President, voter rallies, and American flags. And they’re constantly posting about U.S. politics to their followers, sounding like diehard fans of the president. But after a weekend update to the social media platform X, it’s now clear that the owners of these accounts, and many others, are located in regions such as South Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe. Elon Musk’s X unveiled a feature Saturday that lets users see where an account is based. Online sleuths and experts quickly found that many popular accounts posting in support of the MAGA movement to thousands or hundreds of thousands of followers are based outside the United States—raising concerns about foreign influence on U.S. politics. Researchers at NewsGuard, a firm that tracks online misinformation, identified several popular accounts—purportedly run by Americans interested in politics—that instead were based in Eastern Europe, Asia, or Africa. The accounts were leading disseminators of some misleading and polarizing claims about U.S. politics, including ones that said Democrats bribed the moderators of a 2024 presidential debate. What is the location feature? Nikita Bier, X’s head of product, announced Saturday that the social media platform is rolling out an “About This Account” tool, which lets users see the country or region where an account is based. To find an account’s location, tap or click the signup date displayed on the profile. “This is an important first step to securing the integrity of the global town square. We plan to provide many more ways for users to verify the authenticity of the content they see on X,” Bier wrote. In countries with punitive speech restrictions, a privacy tool on X lets account holders only show their region rather than a specific country. So instead of India, for instance, an account can say it is based in South Asia. Bier said Sunday that after an update to the tool, it would 99.99% accurate, though this could not be independently verified. Accounts, for instance, can use a virtual private network, or VPN, to mask their true location. On some accounts, there’s a notice saying the location data may not be accurate, either because the account uses a VPN or because some internet providers use proxies automatically, without action by the user. “Location data will always be something to use with caution,” said Alexios Mantzarlis, director of the Security, Trust, and Safety Initiative at Cornell Tech and a former director of the International Fact-Checking Network. “Its usefulness probably peaks now that it was just exposed, and bad actors will adapt. Meta has had similar information for a while and no one would suggest that misinformation has been eliminated from Facebook because of it.” Which accounts are causing controversy? Some of the accounts supported slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk as well as President Donald The President’s children. Many of the accounts were adorned with U.S. flags or made comments suggesting they were American. An account called “@BarronTNews_,” for instance, is shown as being located in “Eastern Europe (Non-EU),” even though the display location on its profile says “Mar A Lago.” The account, which has more than 580,000 followers, posted on Tuesday that “This is a FAN account, 100 % independent, run by one guy who loves this country and supports President The President with everything I’ve got.” NewsGuard also found evidence that some X users are spreading misinformation about the location feature itself, incorrectly accusing some accounts of being operated from abroad when they’re actually used by Americans. Investigators found several instances where one user created fake screenshots that appear to suggest an account was created overseas. It’s not always clear what the motives of the accounts. While some may be state actors, it’s likely that many are financially motivated, posting commentary, memes and videos to draw engagement. “For the most visible accounts unmasked this week, money is probably the main motivator,” Mantzarlis said. “That doesn’t mean that X—as documented extensively by prior work done by academic and nonprofit organizations that are being attacked and defunded—isn’t also a target for state actors. Users were divided over the new ability to see an account’s location information, with some questioning whether it went too far. “Isn’t this kind of an invasion of privacy?” One X user wrote. “No one needs to see this info.” —Barbara Ortutay, AP technology writer Associated Press Writer David Klepper contributed to this story. View the full article

It’s 12 more holiday stories! 1. The elves Our office did Elf on a Shelf last year to determine who worked the holidays and who didn’t. The office had always closed for a week at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year with pay but the brass had decided they wanted people working in office during the holidays. Instead of telling us months in advance so we could mitigate our plans and come up with a fair way to distribute work and time off, they told us the week after Thanksgiving and thought it would be fun to get a bunch of those creepy Elf on a Shelf things, put them in every department and have the “Elf” decide who works. Every morning we’d get a company wide email from different department “Elves” narcing on people and whoever has the most Elf “demerits” had to come in over the holidays. Technically the managers were the “elves” in this scenario so as a manager I got stuck with a lot of rightly angry staff. Demerits had nothing to do with performance. Other managers chose things like “being late,” “not enough holiday cheer,” or “Sara wore blue and Elfie hates blue!” Deadass serious. We’d get dinged as a department for not having the most creative elf scene. Other departments made a huge mess with powdered sugar and ketchup of all things trying to make an “elf scene” so after maintenance gave us all a slap on the wrist I told HR I wasn’t making my staff participate because they all had plans in place for months and that this whole thing was weird and exclusionary to our staff who didn’t celebrate the holiday and I was not making my staff come in unless they volunteered. To be honest, I was very angry about the whole thing. I had people in tears in my office daily, and one of my best employees came to me and very politely and professionally explained that this was a final straw for her and she would be looking elsewhere. Apparently I wasn’t the only manager to protest this because HR sheepishly admitted everyone was getting the holidays off anyway and that “Santa” was going to email us all with the surprise later in December but it was such a disaster they were going to pull the plug on it. They just wanted to raise morale, I guess. They nixed it, to everyone’s relief. My best employee stayed for a while but left on much better terms. Our department kept the Elf. They named him F*ckface (which I allow so long as we keep it chill) and blame him for errors and system outages. This year FF lives in a tissue box turned outhouse in the supply closet and comes out on staff work anniversaries. So it did raise morale, just not how they thought. (2022) 2. The mushroom casserole My first ever work holiday party (for a small elementary school, at the principal’s house) was crazy. I had gone back and forth over whether or not it was appropriate to bring a bottle of wine along with our potluck contribution. I decided not to. Our admin was already drunk when we arrived. Throughout the night several people got very drunk, another teacher hit on my partner in front of everyone, and my coworker’s spouse got into a weird argument about dogs with the principal. One guest had brought a mushroom casserole, which he admitted was entirely foraged from the woods by the school- after everyone had eaten it. The highlight of the night was a preschool teacher’s husband dropping his pants to show off an almost life-size, full color tattoo of the cast of a certain Netflix original scifi 80’s show. The inebriated admin disappeared halfway through the party and from what I heard spent the night in the principal’s daughter’s bed (she was away at college). If anyone from said school is reading this, I’m sorry for spilling the beans, and I had a GREAT time. (2020) 3. The surly coworker I’ve been through my share of great and not-great potlucks, but my most extreme office food story is the moment I learned to appreciate my surly coworker. My surly coworker and I were tasked with providing light refreshments for an all-staff meeting (more than 200 people) on an extremely tight budget (less than $1 per person). My coworker went to great lengths to talk (badger) local vendors into deals so we could get the best spread possible, and she did a great job. It was nothing fancy, but fresh fruits, mini pastries, crackers, spreads, and coffee–enough for everyone to have some of everything. During the opening address (by a senior manager), before the refreshments were officially served, someone standing near the refreshments at the back of the room was sneaking food off the tables and putting them into a plastic bag she had brought. A few of us noticed but were so appalled (and trying to stay quiet) that we just watched, silently aghast, the collective “who *does* that??” on hold in our minds, waiting for the speech to end. That is until my surly coworker saw her take an entire bunch of bananas. “EXCUSE ME,” she shouted from the front of the room, ‘THIS IS NOT A GROCERY STORE, AND YOU DO NOT DO YOUR FOOD SHOPPING HERE. PLEASE PUT THOSE BANANAS BACK ON THE TABLE.” One beat of silence, bananas go back on the table, speech resumes. I’ve never been so impressed. (2017) 4. The light apps My worst story is a Friday night holiday party with one round of light apps (at dinnertime) and an open martini bar. People got blackout drunk whether they meant to or not. Nobody could look at each other the following Monday. Highlights: One guy withdrew the max from an ATM and gave it to a stranger. A male supervisor patted a female staffer on the butt. There were martini races. I got a piggyback ride from the IT guy to another bar. Underage interns were served. There was a conference call the next day to try to piece everything together. And that is the last time we had an event with almost no food. (2023) 5. The rigged bake-off Many years ago, my company had a bake-off contest. The judges could only be from management (most of whom don’t cook); even if a non-management staffer had a degree from the Culinary Institute of America, they were rebuffed. The winner was, as you might guess, a manager who pulled a recipe off the internet at the last minute. This enraged another contestant, who from a home computer and an inscrutable email address, wrote a scathing letter proclaiming her recipe was superior and the contest was rigged. The email went viral through the company. They never held another bake-off again. But they do have softball games. The coaches can only be from management. Even if you were once a three-time All American Div 1 athlete but not in management, you cannot coach. Absolutely ridiculous. (2023) 6. The declining gifts Many years ago I worked for a household name coffee company. Year one of their operations in Canada, everyone got a turkey. Gradually over the years it ratcheted down to the point where one year we each got a single apple. One year we got nothing, called HQ, and were told that the bags of popcorn our last shipment of decorations was packed in were our gifts. One year the company made a deal for their coffee to be served on a certain airline, and everyone got a $15 gift certificate to that airline, which obviously offers no flights where $15 is even a blip. (2022) 7. The possible eraser This is such a small thing, but it’s something I think about on occasion and wonder why I’m allowed to manage other people… At the holidays, one of our vendors sends us a little bag of stuff (pens, snacks, stickers, etc) One year I looked in the bag and saw these little pale green rectangles wrapped in plastic. Out loud, I said (to myself), “Is this food or an eraser?” So I unwrapped one, popped it in my mouth, and said, “Oh good, it’s food!” Unbeknownst to me, one of my coworkers had overheard me and was practically falling out of her chair laughing. (2022) 8. The grill guy My office has a grill that we drag out on the patio for office parties/potlucks/etc. I have a coworker who considers himself to be the “grill guy” of the office, and always mans the grill for all these parties because he’s “the only one good at it.” (Side note: his grill skills are perfectly adequate but not spectacular.) Once, we had an office potluck that accidentally got scheduled while he was going to be on vacation. This guy cut his vacation (at an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean) short so that he could be back in time to man the grill. Because he’s the grill guy! (2024) 9. The locked bathroom My husband had a fabulous over-the-top company Christmas party at our house every year for his small company. In our town, the university was famous for their co-op program and the company had several science students. One got really drunk and managed to pass out in our rather small powder room. His immediate manager tried to rouse him by banging on the door and couldn’t, so we got worried. He had fallen forward so even picking the lock didn’t work. The door had to be smashed off its hinges and removed. All was eventually forgiven and he was hired when he graduated, but never lived it down. (2023) 10. The truth teller One year, grandboss thought it would be nice if people brought their kids to work for the holiday party, which was immediately after work. This caused some grumbling as a lot of parents had to commute home to pick up their kids, then come back again. It was all worth it, though, when grandboss asked the young (I’d guess 7-9 years old) son of one of our employees, “What do you think of the holiday cookies?” and junior replied, “They taste like shit!” Several of my coworkers couldn’t contain themselves and ran off to the break room to laugh. The mother of the kid was, of course, mortified and said “[name], we don’t use that language or say things like that, it’s rude” to which junior replied, “But you told me to always tell the truth!” which elicited even more laughter. (2024) 11. The tree tour During Covid, our director decided the way to have a Christmas “party” was to Zoom it. So we did. I began drinking early in the evening, because, hey – I’m already home and it seemed like a dumb idea anyway. Our director is kind of wacky so that is why I stayed on Zoom as long as I did, hoping, I don’t know, to hear something … unique? Profound?? I had planned to shut it down early if everyone broke out into singing carols (because this group would do just that) or if it got too boring. While waiting for “the profound moment,” I apparently thought it was boring enough to have SEVERAL adult beverages. At some point as everyone is chatting about the upcoming season or next year’s events, I took my laptop and staggered into the living room to show everyone my Christmas tree decorated with nuthin’ but penguins. No one had asked to see my tree. No one commented, no one said a word. Found out later my Zoom adventure consisted of 20 minutes of me showing my tummy to a room of 60+ people (staff and board of directors). (2023) 12. The cook-off We had a chili cook-off and the winner admitted she didn’t make the chili. She got it from Wendy’s. (2022) The post the rigged bake-off, the truth-telling child, and other tales of holidays at work appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Previous increase came in 2011 as successive chancellors curried favour with motoristsView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. Over the past year, I've reviewed so many digital notebooks for Lifehacker that my wife now rolls her eyes when she sees me running to the door to meet the UPS delivery person—probably because it's slightly ironic that I, a somewhat disorganized person who never used to write anything down, am devoting a lot of attention to devices built for organized people who love to write stuff down. And yet! I've now put so many of these things through their paces (and spent so much time scouring their brand-specific Reddit communities), that I have lots of capital-O Opinions about what makes a good one. Therefore, I hope you'll trust me when I tell you that if you've been waiting to pull the trigger on one of these productivity machines, Black Friday is a great time to do it, because five of my favorites are currently on sale. Depending on your needs, I think you'd be happy with any of them. reMarkable Essentials Bundle – Black | reMarkable 2 Paper Tablet | includes 10.3” reMarkable Tablet, Marker Plus Pen with Eraser, Book Folio Cover in Black Leather, and 1-Year Free Connect Trial $529.00 at Amazon $599.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Get Deal $529.00 at Amazon $599.00 Save $70.00 reMarkable Paper Pro Bundle – Premium Leather | Includes 11.8” reMarkable Paper Tablet, Marker Plus Pen with Eraser, and a Book Folio Cover in Black Leather $749.00 at Amazon $799.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $749.00 at Amazon $799.00 Save $50.00 Boox Note Air 4C $499.99 at Amazon $529.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Get Deal $499.99 at Amazon $529.99 Save $30.00 Boox Note Max Bundle With Stylus and Cover $629.99 at Amazon $680.98 Save $50.99 Get Deal Get Deal $629.99 at Amazon $680.98 Save $50.99 Viwoods AiPaper Bundle With Stylus Pro $469.00 at Amazon $549.99 Save $80.99 Get Deal Get Deal $469.00 at Amazon $549.99 Save $80.99 SEE 2 MORE reMarkable 2 Essentials BundleThe reMarkable 2 is one of the granddaddies of the modern digital tablet space. When it was released in 2020, it offered an unparalleled paper-like writing experience, a crisp 10.3-inch e-ink screen, and innovative options for organizing your notes and sharing them between devices. Even five years later, it's a great option (though if you need extras like a front light and color, you'll want to go for the upgraded reMarkable Paper Pro from 2024). Right now the reMarkable 2 is available for $529 ($70 off the usual price) in a bundle with the Marker Pro stylus with eraser and a leather cover, or you can pick up a refurbished model for additional savings. reMarkable Paper Pro BundleThe reMarkable Paper Pro is the reMarkable 2's younger but somehow bigger brother, offering an 11.8-inch Canvas color display with a front light, plus all the same killer organizational and cloud-sync features as the older model. It's currently $749 (that's $50 off) in a bundle with the Marker Pro stylus and a leather cover. If you'd rather have a cloth cover, that bundle is a bit cheaper, at $729. Boox Note Air 4CThe Boox Note Air 4C was supplanted this year by the Boox Note Air 5C, but considering the devices are nearly identical save for the connector pins on the back of the latter that let you attach a pricey keyboard cover (sold separately), you might prefer to save $30 and go with the 2024 version. Either way, you'll be getting what I think is the best all-around digital notebook for most people, with a color screen with a temperature adjustable front light, a great writing experience, a versatile open Android OS, and Google Play Store access. Boox Note Max BundleWith a massive 13.3-inch Carta 1300 black-and-white display, the Boox Note Max is the biggest digital notebook you can buy. It's also one of the sharpest looking—the lack of color and front lighting is arguably a benefit, as it leaves nothing between the outer glass and the inner display, making the writing experience feel that much smoother and more paper-like. (Through truth be told, I mostly use mine for reading manga.) You can currently get one for $50 off in a bundle that includes a stylus and a folio cover—or spend an additional $35 and get the leather keyboard cover instead (considering the keyboard goes for $140 on its own, this is a great deal). Viwoods AiPaper BundleBoox and reMarkable are among the biggest names in e-ink notebooks, but in 2025, the Viwoods AiPaper came out of nowhere and challenged their dominance. This AI-forward tablet has a great writing feel (if not quite on par with the reMarkable devices, it's at least an equal to Boox), Google Play access, and clever software that makes adding AI to your note-taking and research workflows pretty seamless. During Black Friday, it's more than $80 off in a bundle that includes a cover and the updated Viwoods Stylus Pro. What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers who can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (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) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $138.65 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

In a world where customer expectations are rapidly evolving, small business owners face immense pressure to provide exceptional customer experiences (CX). A new report from Zendesk, the 2026 Customer Experience Trends report, reveals how the concept of “contextual intelligence” is set to redefine customer service standards by 2026. Here’s what small business owners need to know about this paradigm shift. The report finds that consumers now demand immediate solutions, personalized interactions, and transparency in AI-driven support. Tom Eggemeier, CEO of Zendesk, emphasizes, “AI is not the differentiator anymore. How intelligently you apply it is.” With 85% of CX leaders stating that a single unresolved issue could cost them a customer, understanding how to leverage contextual intelligence can be critical for maintaining customer loyalty. One of the key findings suggests that “memory-rich AI” is becoming essential for personalization. Customers now expect a seamless service experience that remembers their past interactions. The study indicates that 81% of consumers want agents to continue conversations without backtracking. This implies a significant shift for small businesses to adopt technologies that can store and recall customer data across various platforms. Such systems can help ensure that reps don’t have to ask customers for information they’ve already provided, creating a smoother experience that customers appreciate. Instant resolutions are also increasingly non-negotiable. The report highlights that 85% of CX leaders agree that customers will abandon brands that cannot resolve their issues on the first contact. With consumers now expecting 24/7 availability, small businesses must seriously consider investing in chatbots or AI solutions that allow for around-the-clock customer service. Timely resolution can not only enhance the customer experience but also positively influence purchase decisions, as noted by 86% of respondents. Moreover, the study uncovers a growing need for “multimodal support.” Customers prefer different communication forms depending on the situation. Whether it’s text, voice, or visual engagement, well-integrated support systems can allow businesses to cater to these preferences without forcing customers to restart conversations. The report reveals that 76% of consumers would choose a company that enables text, images, and video in a single thread. For small business owners, this suggests the necessity of adopting versatile communication tools that allow customers to engage in a manner that best suits them. Furthermore, real-time analytics and AI-driven metrics are opening new doors for customer insights. Small businesses can now implement tools that offer actionable intelligence, helping teams respond more quickly to customer needs. With 82% of leaders stating that promptable analytics unlock insights almost instantly, those who invest in data analytics can make informed decisions that enhance both customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. While the benefits of these technologies are compelling, certain challenges also loom large. One major hurdle for small businesses may be the initial costs associated with adopting advanced AI solutions. Ensuring that AI systems are transparent is another aspect that cannot be overlooked. With 95% of consumers expecting clear explanations for automated decisions, businesses must be prepared to articulate the rationale behind their use of AI. In a marketplace where customer loyalty hinges on excellent service, the shift towards contextual intelligence presents an exciting opportunity for small business owners. By focusing on personalization, quick resolutions, versatile communication methods, and effective use of analytics, small businesses can not only meet but exceed customer expectations. As Zendesk makes clear, understanding how to implement these systems effectively will determine who stands out in the crowded marketplace. For a deeper dive into these trends and the actions businesses can take, small business owners can download the full Zendesk 2026 CX Trends report here. The insights provided can empower owners to adapt and thrive as preferences shift in coming years. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Contextual Intelligence Sets New Standard for Customer Experience by 2026" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In a world where customer expectations are rapidly evolving, small business owners face immense pressure to provide exceptional customer experiences (CX). A new report from Zendesk, the 2026 Customer Experience Trends report, reveals how the concept of “contextual intelligence” is set to redefine customer service standards by 2026. Here’s what small business owners need to know about this paradigm shift. The report finds that consumers now demand immediate solutions, personalized interactions, and transparency in AI-driven support. Tom Eggemeier, CEO of Zendesk, emphasizes, “AI is not the differentiator anymore. How intelligently you apply it is.” With 85% of CX leaders stating that a single unresolved issue could cost them a customer, understanding how to leverage contextual intelligence can be critical for maintaining customer loyalty. One of the key findings suggests that “memory-rich AI” is becoming essential for personalization. Customers now expect a seamless service experience that remembers their past interactions. The study indicates that 81% of consumers want agents to continue conversations without backtracking. This implies a significant shift for small businesses to adopt technologies that can store and recall customer data across various platforms. Such systems can help ensure that reps don’t have to ask customers for information they’ve already provided, creating a smoother experience that customers appreciate. Instant resolutions are also increasingly non-negotiable. The report highlights that 85% of CX leaders agree that customers will abandon brands that cannot resolve their issues on the first contact. With consumers now expecting 24/7 availability, small businesses must seriously consider investing in chatbots or AI solutions that allow for around-the-clock customer service. Timely resolution can not only enhance the customer experience but also positively influence purchase decisions, as noted by 86% of respondents. Moreover, the study uncovers a growing need for “multimodal support.” Customers prefer different communication forms depending on the situation. Whether it’s text, voice, or visual engagement, well-integrated support systems can allow businesses to cater to these preferences without forcing customers to restart conversations. The report reveals that 76% of consumers would choose a company that enables text, images, and video in a single thread. For small business owners, this suggests the necessity of adopting versatile communication tools that allow customers to engage in a manner that best suits them. Furthermore, real-time analytics and AI-driven metrics are opening new doors for customer insights. Small businesses can now implement tools that offer actionable intelligence, helping teams respond more quickly to customer needs. With 82% of leaders stating that promptable analytics unlock insights almost instantly, those who invest in data analytics can make informed decisions that enhance both customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. While the benefits of these technologies are compelling, certain challenges also loom large. One major hurdle for small businesses may be the initial costs associated with adopting advanced AI solutions. Ensuring that AI systems are transparent is another aspect that cannot be overlooked. With 95% of consumers expecting clear explanations for automated decisions, businesses must be prepared to articulate the rationale behind their use of AI. In a marketplace where customer loyalty hinges on excellent service, the shift towards contextual intelligence presents an exciting opportunity for small business owners. By focusing on personalization, quick resolutions, versatile communication methods, and effective use of analytics, small businesses can not only meet but exceed customer expectations. As Zendesk makes clear, understanding how to implement these systems effectively will determine who stands out in the crowded marketplace. For a deeper dive into these trends and the actions businesses can take, small business owners can download the full Zendesk 2026 CX Trends report here. The insights provided can empower owners to adapt and thrive as preferences shift in coming years. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Contextual Intelligence Sets New Standard for Customer Experience by 2026" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

And three questions to answer. By August Aquila MAX: Maximize Productivity, Profitability and Client Retention Go PRO for members-only access to more August J. Aquila. View the full article

And three questions to answer. By August Aquila MAX: Maximize Productivity, Profitability and Client Retention Go PRO for members-only access to more August J. Aquila. View the full article

Recent high-profile ethics violations by senior Federal Reserve officials, including new revelations concerning stock trades by former Fed Gov. Adriana Kugler, have sparked debate over the effectiveness of the central bank's oversight, even as some observers stress such cases remain rare. View the full article

Landlords could no longer rely on rent-pricing software to quietly track each other’s moves and push rents higher using confidential data, under a settlement between RealPage Inc. and federal prosecutors to end what critics said was illegal “algorithmic collusion.” The deal announced Monday by the Department of Justice follows a yearlong federal antitrust lawsuit, launched during the Biden administration, against the Texas-based software company. RealPage would not have to pay any damages or admit any wrongdoing. The settlement must still be approved by a judge. RealPage software provides daily recommendations to help landlords and their employees nationwide price their available apartments. The landlords do not have to follow the suggestions, but critics argue that because the software has access to a vast trove of confidential data, it helps RealPage’s clients charge the highest possible rent. “RealPage was replacing competition with coordination, and renters paid the price,” said DOJ antitrust chief Gail Slater, who emphasized that the settlement avoided a costly, time-consuming trial. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, RealPage can no longer use that real-time data to determine price recommendations. Instead, the only nonpublic data that can be used to train the software’s algorithm must be at least one year old. “What does this mean for you and your family?” Slater said in a video statement. “It means more real competition in local housing markets. It means rents set by the market, not by a secret algorithm.” RealPage attorney Stephen Weissman said the company is pleased the DOJ worked with them to settle the matter. “There has been a great deal of misinformation about how RealPage’s software works and the value it provides for both housing providers and renters,” Weissman said in a statement. “We believe that RealPage’s historical use of aggregated and anonymized nonpublic data, which include rents that are typically lower than advertised rents, has led to lower rents, less vacancies, and more procompetitive effects.” However, the deal was slammed by some observers as a missed opportunity to clamp down on alleged algorithmic price-fixing throughout the economy. “This case really was the tip of the spear,” said Lee Hepner, senior legal counsel for the American Economic Liberties Project, whose group advocates for government action against business concentration. He said the settlement is rife with loopholes and he believes RealPages can keep influencing the rental market even if they can only use public, rather than private, data. He also decried how RealPages does not have to pay any damages, unlike many companies that have paid millions in penalties over their use of the software. Over the past few months, more than two dozen property management companies have reached various settlements over their use of RealPage, including Greystar, the nation’s largest landlord, which agreed to pay $50 million to settle a class action lawsuit, and $7 million to settle a separate lawsuit filed by nine states. The governors of California and New York signed laws last month to crack down on rent-setting software, and a growing list of cities, including Philadelphia and Seattle, have passed ordinances against the practice. Ten states — California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington — had joined the DOJ’s antitrust lawsuit. Those states were not part of Monday’s settlement, meaning they can continue to pursue the case in court. —R.J. Rico, Associated Press View the full article

Mechanics do it and so can you. By Jody Padar Radical Pricing – By The Radical CPA Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Padar. View the full article

Mechanics do it and so can you. By Jody Padar Radical Pricing – By The Radical CPA Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Padar. View the full article

Directors must read and understand financials. By Ed Mendlowitz 77 Ways to Wow! Go PRO for members-only access to more Edward Mendlowitz. View the full article

Directors must read and understand financials. By Ed Mendlowitz 77 Ways to Wow! Go PRO for members-only access to more Edward Mendlowitz. View the full article

For now Rachel Reeves appears to have reassured many fractious backbench MPsView the full article

At Fleece & Harmony, a woolen mill and yarn shop in bucolic Belfast, Prince Edward Island, in Canada, owner Kim Doherty used to be able to send yarn skeins to U.S. customers across the border with little fanfare. The yarn orders usually met an import tax exemption for packages valued at under $800, meaning it could be imported tariff-free and avoid the customs process. But ever since the The President administration eliminated the exemption as of Aug. 29, the cost to send yarn to U.S. customers has skyrocketed. The bill for a $21 ball of yarn now includes $12 to $15 in brokerage fees that her shipper UPS charges, plus state taxes and a 6.5% tariff, all of which almost doubles her costs. “We had orders that have reached the customers and they’re in shock about the fact that they have to pay,” she said. “And it’s amazing how many people really didn’t know what the impact was going to be.” Getting rid of the so-called de minimis exemption was meant to curb drug trafficking and stop low-quality goods from discount sellers like Temu and Shein flooding the U.S. market. But as the all-important annual holiday shopping season kicks off, it is putting a crimp on small businesses and shoppers now facing higher costs. Chad Lundquist in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ordered fragrance oil from a site called Oil Perfumery in October, but he didn’t realize the business was based in Toronto, Canada. His total was $35.75, which included an $8 standard shipping fee. But when his package arrived, he was hit with a $10.80 tariff bill from FedEx. “It wasn’t worth the $10 tariff for a $27 purchase,” Lundquist said. Oil Perfumery did not respond to a request for comment. He’s not the only skittish shopper. Three months after the exemption ended, sellers abroad are reporting drastic declines in U.S. sales. Some are paying the duties themselves instead of passing them to consumers. They are also trying to focus on domestic customers to replace U.S. ones and adjusting product lineups to feature best selling items to try to goose sales. Martha Keith, founder of British stationery brand Martha Brook, which is based in London with a small office in Melbourne, Australia, said U.S. sales from her Etsy store — her main e-commerce channel in addition to her own website — were up 50% for the year before the exemption ended. But sales fell dramatically when the tariffs hit, and continue to drop even though she’s paying the import taxes and customs fees herself so customers aren’t impacted. Sales are down about 30% year-over-year. “The issue seems to be in customer confidence hitting the desire to order from businesses outside of the U.S., because of confusion about how the tariffs will affect them,” Keith said. She’s also in a bind because she sold a £109 ($144) stationery advent calendar to about 200 U.S. customers ahead of the tariffs, and now she has to ship them. Shipping and tariffs will cost a combined £25 ($33), meaning Keith will have to find an additional £5,000 ($6,583) to cover shipping the advent calendars already sold. “The whole thing has been a bit of a nightmare for businesses like ours, and such a huge shame, as the U.S. market was such a valuable growth area for us, particularly through Etsy,” she said. The timing was particularly bad for Sue Bacarro, who along with her sister co-owns Digi Wildflowers, an Etsy shop that sells embroidered baby blankets, gifts and custom quilts for wedding and anniversaries, located across the border from Detroit in Windsor, Ontario. Before the announcement of the removal of the de minimis exemption, they placed a large inventory order to prepare for the holiday season and early 2026 demand. But when the de minimis exemption ended, “inventory wasn’t moving as expected, and we suspected customers were hesitant to purchase due to potential duty charges,” Bacarro said. Sales — 70% of which come from Americans — finally started to rebound when Digi Wildflowers prominently added a banner on its site that said, “U.S. Import Duties On Us.” “Heading into this holiday season, we’re keeping that message front and center through banners, social media, and direct communication,” said Bacarro, who is also expanding their product line. But not all businesses can — or want to — pick up the tariff tab. Kim Doherty, who runs the woolen mill on Prince Edward Island, doesn’t plan to pay the tariff and fees for her customers. “I’m not in a position as a small business owner to do that. The profit margins are already rather thin,” said Doherty, adding that “on principle,” she shouldn’t have to do it. Right now, her shipments to U.S. customers are about 10% of what they were. Instead, she’s working on expanding her fiber offerings to Canadian customers at her brick-and-mortar store and fiber festivals. “We’ll see what happens,” she said. “I’m pretty sure that my U.S. customers were shopping and not even thinking about it, but now they’ll be evaluating the purchases that they’re making, knowing that they are going to have the extra fees on top of whatever they see.” Some Etsy businesses have been stymied by international postal services temporarily halting deliveries to the U.S. because of the confusion around the ending of de minimis. Selene Pierangelini’s business, Apricot Rain Creations, based in Brisbane, Australia, which sells crystals, candles, and spiritual wellness products on Etsy, depended on the Australia Post to get deliveries to U.S. customers. More than three-fourths of her customer base comes from the U.S. Australia Post suspended service to the U.S. for about a month, resuming on Sept. 22. She temporarily switched to FedEx and UPS — private shippers that are more expensive than Australia Post. Since it resumed, Australia Post is working with Zonos, a provider of cross-border shipping technology, to offer a shipping calculator that lets her prepay duties and fees. They themselves charge a fee of $1.69 plus 10% of the total duty fee. So far, the items she ships from Australia have been tariffed at a 10% rate, the baseline tariff for the country. She increased her shipping costs to help cover the expense. It is manageable, but tricky, she said. “You don’t really know how much (the cost) is going to be until the package clears custom in the U.S., and you get an invoice which is automatically paid out of your account,” she said. And her sales have not recovered. Before the tariffs, her U.S. sales were about 85% of her total sales, and now they’re around 35%. She’s hopeful people are just holding off until Black Friday and Cyber Monday holiday sales. In the meantime, she has restarted sales to Europe, which she had paused in 2024 due to increased regulations. And she’s launched a Facebook marketing campaign and is exploring print-on-demand services from U.S.-based providers for production and fulfillment. “This situation highlights how fragile small businesses can be when dependent on one market,” Pierangelini said. “While it has been a shock, it’s also pushed me to diversify — something that will hopefully make my business stronger and more resilient in the long run.” —Mae Anderson, AP Business Writer View the full article

When you’re maneuvering through the crafting industry, knowing the right suppliers can greatly influence your success. Major players like Notions Marketing and Michaels Wholesale provide extensive product catalogs and competitive pricing, whereas companies like Arteza Wholesale focus on high-quality, trend-driven materials. Furthermore, regional distributors and niche suppliers offer unique items customized to specific markets. Comprehending these options will help you make informed decisions about your inventory and sourcing strategies. Let’s explore these suppliers further. Key Takeaways Notions Marketing is the largest distributor in the arts and crafts industry, offering over 150,000 items for a one-stop shopping experience. Michaels Wholesale provides bulk pricing on popular craft brands, ensuring affordability and cash flow management with long-term payment plans. Arteza Wholesale focuses on high-quality art supplies and appeals to younger crafters with innovative and contemporary products. Discount School Supply offers competitive pricing on essential materials for educational environments, making it ideal for beginners and workshops. Regional craft distributors provide fast shipping and niche products, fostering personal relationships that enhance inventory decisions for local craft stores. Notions Marketing When you’re looking for a reliable source of arts and crafts supplies, Notions Marketing stands out as the largest wholesale distributor in the industry. Established in 1938, they offer an impressive catalog with over 150,000 items, making it easy for you to find the craft supplies you need. Notions Marketing simplifies the procurement process for retailers by providing a one-stop shopping experience. Their partnership with Rain POS allows for easy catalog imports and reorder alerts, greatly enhancing inventory management. This means you can efficiently meet diverse customer needs without hassle. With their extensive knowledge and reliable service, Notions Marketing is a go-to choice among craft suppliers, helping independent stores thrive in a competitive market. Michaels Wholesale Michaels Wholesale offers significant benefits for craft retailers by providing bulk pricing on popular brands, which helps you keep costs low during maintaining a diverse inventory. With a proven track record in the arts and crafts industry, they guarantee a reliable supply of mainstream craft supplies that meet customer demand. Bulk Pricing Benefits Accessing bulk pricing through Michaels Wholesale can greatly benefit craft retailers looking to optimize their inventory and boost profit margins. By purchasing supplies at competitive wholesale rates, you can markedly reduce costs, allowing for higher profit margins when reselling popular craft supplies. Michaels Wholesale offers a variety of reliable craft supplies suppliers, ensuring you’ll have access to proven demand products from craft catalogs. This means you can stock fundamentals without straining your financial resources. Moreover, long-term payment plans available through Affirm make it easier to manage cash flow during purchasing in bulk. By leveraging these bulk pricing benefits, you can amplify your inventory diversity and effectively meet the varied needs of your customers, including those in the woodturners supply market. Popular Brand Access For independent craft retailers, securing access to popular brands can greatly improve product offerings and attract a loyal customer base. Michaels Wholesale stands out as a dependable source, providing bulk access to recognized craft brands, which includes crucial woodturning accessories. This wholesale pricing markedly cuts costs, allowing you to stock up on sought-after items without straining your budget. With a reliable supply chain, you can count on consistent availability of high-demand products, ensuring you meet your customers’ needs effectively. Furthermore, Michaels Wholesale offers long-term payment plans through Affirm, which can help you manage cash flow as you broaden your inventory. Strengthening your store with these popular brands can elevate customer satisfaction and boost sales in the competitive craft market. Arteza Wholesale/Plaid When you’re searching for high-quality art supplies that cater to serious crafters, Arteza Wholesale/Plaid stands out as a reliable choice. This brand prioritizes quality over quantity, offering a curated selection of professional-grade materials designed for dedicated artists. With a contemporary aesthetic, Arteza’s products are particularly appealing to younger demographics, making them ideal for social media sharing. They focus on specialized tools and materials that aren’t typically available from general distributors, ensuring you have access to unique items for your projects. Arteza additionally emphasizes innovation, frequently updating their product lines to align with emerging trends in the crafting community. Their widespread distribution allows craft stores to improve inventory with high-quality, on-trend items that attract discerning customers. Discount School Supply Discount School Supply started by serving the educational market, but now it offers a variety of basic craft supplies that meet the needs of craft retailers. With competitive pricing, you can stock your inventory affordably as you ensure you have reliable staples for workshops and classes. Their extensive catalog provides vital materials, making them a top choice for stores catering to schools, camps, and beginners. Educational Market Focus As educators and parents increasingly seek engaging resources for children, the educational market has seen a significant shift in the direction of integrating basic craft supplies into learning environments. Discount School Supply, originally focused on educational materials, has expanded its offerings to include a versatile range of craft supplies. This makes it an excellent choice for stores catering to schools, camps, or beginners who need fundamental crafting tools. Their product line features staples like construction paper, markers, and glue, which are crucial for both classroom activities and craft projects. Competitive Pricing Strategy To maintain a competitive edge in the craft supply market, Discount School Supply has adopted a pricing strategy that prioritizes affordability and accessibility. By offering bulk access to basic craft supplies and educational materials, they cater to schools and camps at attractive rates. Their reliable staples for workshops guarantee customers receive crucial products without overspending. Feature Details Bulk Discounts Promotions for large orders Target Audience Schools, camps, craft stores Affordability Focus Competitive prices for beginners Basic Craft Supplies Availability Craft supply availability at Discount School Supply has greatly broadened, making it a reliable source for vital materials needed for various creative projects. Initially focused on the educational market, they now offer a competitive range of basic craft supplies. You’ll find key items like construction paper, glue, and scissors, which are perfect for schools, camps, and beginners. Their commitment to providing reliable staples guarantees consistent quality for workshops and crafting classes. Furthermore, with an emphasis on affordability, Discount School Supply caters to budget-conscious buyers seeking value in their craft supplies. Although their product range has expanded, they specialize in foundational materials, making them an ideal choice for your crafting needs. Regional Craft Distributors Regional craft distributors play a crucial role in the supply chain for many craft store owners, especially when speed and cost-effectiveness are paramount. Distributors like Thomasnet in Michigan and Ecstasy Crafts in Ontario offer faster shipping and lower costs because of their proximity to local markets. By nurturing personal relationships with sales representatives, they improve communication and provide better support for store owners. Their valuable local market knowledge greatly influences inventory decisions, helping you align product offerings with customer preferences. Although the selection may be more limited compared to larger wholesalers, these distributors excel in providing niche products or backup supplies. Utilizing regional craft distributors can greatly enhance supply chain efficiency by reducing lead times and ensuring timely restocking of crucial items. Specialty Suppliers by Category Specialty suppliers focus on niche crafting categories, offering expertise and customized products that cater directly to your needs as a crafter. For example, Moda Fabrics specializes in fabric and quilting supplies, whereas Premier Yarns provides high-quality yarn and needlework materials. Niche Product Expertise When you explore niche product expertise, you’ll find that specialty suppliers play a crucial role in the crafting industry by providing customized knowledge and high-quality products for specific categories. For instance, Moda Fabrics specializes in fabric and quilting, whereas Premier Yarns focuses on yarn and needlework. These suppliers allow retailers to offer specialized selections, which can help capitalize on emerging trends and cater to dedicated crafters seeking unique materials. In addition, specialty suppliers often feature exclusive items not available through general distributors, enhancing a store’s product offerings and customer appeal. Category-Specific Sourcing Craft stores looking to improve their inventory should consider category-specific sourcing, which allows you to tap into the expertise of suppliers who specialize in particular craft areas. Specialty suppliers focus on niche markets, providing curated products that cater to dedicated crafters. For instance, Moda Fabrics stands out in fabric and quilting, Premier Yarns specializes in yarn and needlework, and Artbeads targets jewelry-making materials. By sourcing from these suppliers, you gain access to unique, high-quality products often unavailable through general distributors, enhancing your store’s variety. This strategy not only differentiates your offerings but also addresses your customers’ specific needs effectively. Supplier Specialty Product Type Moda Fabrics Fabric & Quilting Quilting Fabrics Premier Yarns Yarn & Needlework Specialty Yarns Artbeads Jewelry-Making Beads & Findings Tandy Leather Leather Crafting Leather Supplies Plaid Paint & Stencils Craft Paints Trend-Driven Offerings Comprehending the latest trends in crafting is essential for any store looking to stay relevant and attract customers. Specialty suppliers focus on specific craft categories, like Moda Fabrics for fabric and quilting or Premier Yarns for yarn and needlework supplies. By partnering with these suppliers, you gain access to exclusive products and curated selections that appeal to dedicated crafters and emerging trends. Their offerings often feature contemporary branding, resonating with younger demographics who are increasingly drawn to crafting. These suppliers can help you enhance your inventory with unique products not available from general distributors, allowing you to capitalize on the latest trends and cater to niche markets effectively, ensuring your store stands out in a competitive environment. Direct-From-Manufacturer Relationships Establishing direct-from-manufacturer relationships can greatly boost your retail business, particularly by increasing profit margins and access to exclusive products. By cutting out middlemen, you can negotiate better pricing, which improves your bottom line. These partnerships often grant access to unique items that can differentiate your store from competitors. Nonetheless, you may encounter challenges like higher minimum order quantities and longer lead times, which necessitate careful inventory management. To effectively navigate these factors, it’s essential to have predictable sales in specific categories, as this reduces associated risks. Furthermore, direct connections can streamline logistics, boosting your supply chain management. Online Wholesale Marketplaces How can online wholesale marketplaces transform your sourcing strategy? These platforms give you access to a vast range of craft supplies from various suppliers, allowing you to source products at competitive prices without hefty upfront investments. You can purchase in bulk, which helps you stock up on popular and seasonal items efficiently. Furthermore, many online marketplaces offer integrated logistics services, simplifying shipping and reducing delivery times. You’ll likewise find user reviews and ratings, enabling you to make informed decisions about suppliers. Plus, these marketplaces frequently host promotional events, offering discounts that can improve your profit margins. By leveraging these tools, you can streamline your sourcing process and boost your overall business efficiency. Craft Store Inventory Management Solutions Effective inventory management is essential for craft stores looking to optimize their operations and meet customer demand. Implementing modern inventory solutions can streamline your processes and improve your decision-making. By utilizing advanced POS systems, you can automate supplier management and access real-time sales data. This helps in efficiently reordering stock and tracking vendor performance. Here are some key benefits of these solutions: Fractional Inventory Management: Systems like Rain POS allow you to manage fractional inventory, ensuring you never run out of popular items. Analytics Streamlining: These solutions help identify best-selling products, so you can optimize stock levels accordingly. Timely Alerts: You’ll receive alerts for inventory needs, reducing operational headaches and improving efficiency. Trends in Craft Supply Distribution As the craft supply distribution environment evolves, you’re likely to notice significant shifts driven by e-commerce and changing consumer preferences. Suppliers are now leveraging online platforms to reach a wider audience and streamline order fulfillment, making it easier for you to access the products you need. Many are adopting just-in-time inventory practices, which helps them manage seasonal demand and minimize excess stock. Moreover, direct-from-manufacturer relationships are becoming more common, allowing stores to secure better pricing and exclusive items. You’ll likewise observe an increase in eco-friendly products, reflecting a consumer shift in the direction of sustainable crafting options. Finally, technology-driven solutions, like modern POS systems, improve supplier management by automating inventory tracking and enhancing vendor performance analytics, ensuring a smoother shopping experience. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Hottest Selling Craft Right Now? The hottest selling craft right now is resin art, known for its versatility and ability to create custom pieces. DIY home decor projects, especially macrame and wall hangings, are likewise trending, allowing you to personalize your space. Furthermore, scrapbooking remains popular, with unique stickers and patterned papers enhancing storytelling. Eco-friendly materials, like recycled paper, are gaining traction, alongside the lively medium of alcohol ink painting, which appeals to both novice and experienced artists. What Are the Best Crafting Supplies for Beginners? For beginners, a basic set of supplies is crucial. You’ll need scissors, glue, colored paper, and markers to start experimenting. Consider a versatile craft kit that includes a cutting mat, craft knife, and various adhesives, which can help with different projects. Investing in quality materials, like acrylic paints and watercolor sets, improves your experience. Furthermore, joining local workshops or online communities offers valuable resources, techniques, and inspiration customized to your skill level. Is Michaels or Hobby Lobby Better for Craft Supplies? When deciding between Michaels and Hobby Lobby for craft supplies, consider your priorities. Michaels offers a broader selection with over 50,000 products, ideal for diverse crafting needs. If you’re budget-conscious, Hobby Lobby frequently provides larger discounts, sometimes up to 40% off. Michaels additionally stands out in online shopping, with a user-friendly site and same-day delivery. On the other hand, Hobby Lobby is known for its extensive seasonal items, making it great for themed decorations. Choose based on your needs. Who Is the Largest Manufacturer of Art Supplies? The largest manufacturer of art supplies is Faber-Castell, a company founded in 1761. It produces about 2 billion wooden-cased pencils yearly and operates on multiple continents, including North America and Europe. Other significant players in the market include Crayola, known for crayons and markers, and Staedtler, which focuses on technical drawing tools. These companies collectively dominate the art supplies industry, ensuring a wide range of products for artists and hobbyists alike. Conclusion In conclusion, grasping the top craft suppliers is crucial for retailers aiming to improve their inventory. By partnering with established companies like Notions Marketing and Michaels Wholesale, or exploring niche options such as Moda Fabrics, you can access a diverse range of products. Furthermore, leveraging online marketplaces and maintaining direct relationships with manufacturers can further streamline your supply chain. Staying informed about trends in craft supply distribution will help you make strategic decisions that benefit your business. 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