Online Shopping

UK sees surge in empty shops and offices amid pandemic

By Keisha P. Crabtree 3 months ago
© Reuters. A view of a quiet Regent Street as shops remain closed under Tier 4 restrictions, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in London

By David Milliken

LONDON (Reuters) – Britain saw the biggest rise in vacant shops in over two decades late last year and the sharpest increase in empty offices since the financial crisis, highlighting how the COVID-19 pandemic is reshaping the economy, at least temporarily.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) said its quarterly commercial property survey showed a swing in demand towards industrial space – such as warehouses to service booming online shopping – and away from traditional retail and offices.

“Both the office and retail sectors continue to see occupier and investor demand diminish, with expectations for rents and capital values remaining deeply negative for the time being,” RICS economist Tarrant Parsons said.

Surveyors do not expect any rise in office or retail

… Read More

6 mistakes to avoid when comparing car insurance quotes online

By Keisha P. Crabtree 3 months ago

Shopping for car insurance online is fairly easy, with few forms to fill out. But to compare insurers and get the very best rates, you’ll want to avoid these six mistakes. (iStock)

Shopping online for car insurance quotes is a fairly easy process. Generally, insurers look at a few common factors but might have their own magic formula for setting rates. That means the same driver may get quotes that are nothing alike.

To get the best rates possible, avoid these costly errors when comparing car insurance quotes online. And, because comparison shopping takes time, check out Credible’s partners to eliminate the time-consuming part of your search.

Avoid these mistakes when comparing auto insurance

Car insurance companies have different types of insurance coverage and rates vary, so you’ll want to do your due diligence when taking a look at quotes online. Here are six mistakes you should

… Read More

Neiman Marcus plans to spend $85 million to upgrade online shopping experience

By Keisha P. Crabtree 3 months ago

Neiman Marcus is beginning to show the “financial flexibility” it gained from a difficult bankruptcy filing last year.

The luxury retailer said Wednesday that it will spend $85 million on systems and fulfillment centers, including an investment in its Pinnacle Park distribution center in Dallas, to strengthen its online business.

At the same time, the Dallas-based retailer hired two new executives and said it plans to remodel six stores in the next 18 months.

CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck said the moves accelerate the company’s “transformation reflecting our renewed financial flexibility and desire to invest in areas that are a source of unique competitive advantage and create shareholder value.”

Bob Kupbens, executive vice president and chief of product and technology officer at Neiman Marcus.
Bob Kupbens, executive vice president and chief of product and technology officer at Neiman Marcus.(Neiman Marcus)

Bob Kupbens, whose background includes Apple, eBay, Delta and ADT, becomes executive vice president and chief product and technology officer. The company said Kupbens will

… Read More

Facebook looking good with ad business pushing social media giant to record revenues

By Keisha P. Crabtree 3 months ago

The Teetique Owner and Perfectly Posh Independent Consultant Erin Matuch created a Facebook group allowing community members to ‘adopt’ service workers struggling to make ends meet during the coronavirus pandemic.

Facebook Inc. posted record revenue and profit in the fourth quarter as online holiday shopping and increased use of the company’s platforms during the pandemic drove a surge in its ad business.

However, the social-media giant warned Wednesday that uncertainty from regulatory probes and the potential for weaker ad-targeting capabilities related to Apple Inc.’s iOS 14 operating system could hurt its business.

FACEBOOK, LYFT, DOORDASH CUT OFF DONATIONS TO GOP PROSECUTORS REPORTEDLY LINKED TO CAPITOL RIOTS

Facebook posted revenue of $28.07 billion, up from $21.08 billion in the final quarter of 2019. Facebook’s profit rose 52% to $11.22 billion, or $3.88 a share. Both measures far exceeded analysts’ projections.

The company has pushed for years to make its platforms essential

… Read More