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For some, making SMALL talk is NOT EASY. If it doesn’t come naturally, HubSpot writer Asia Frost says it’s all much easier than you THINK. She shares strategies to use when faced with the task of small talk.
Author: Courtney Huckabay
Foodservice Delivery in U.S. Posts Double-Digit Gains
Despite the overall weakness in the U.S. restaurant industry, foodservice delivery posted sizable gains in both visits and sales over the past five years, reports The NPD Group. The 20 percent increase in delivery sales and 10 percent gain in delivery foodservice visits were supported in large part by the growth of digital ordering, which now represents over half of all delivery visits.
The Arts Fight for Out-of-Home Entertainment Spending
Digital entertainment spending is continuing to win a greater share of consumers' spending, while the share devoted to out-of-home entertainment and the arts declines, according to research from White Hutchinson.
Drunk Shopping? What People Buy After They Leave the Bar
"America’s drunk shopping habit hits $30.43 billion. Are Americans making poor decisions after drinking? Nearly half of American adults (46%) who drink alcohol regularly admit to making a purchase while under the influence — an estimated 68 million people, drawn from Finder.com's study of 2,000 American adults."
Use of Ride Share Services Grew 30% in Past Year
As auto shows around the country showcase the latest innovations in the market, it seems consumers are increasingly setting aside their car keys in favor of ride-sharing apps. New research from Mintel reveals that the percentage of those who have used a ride sharing service has grown 30 percent in the last year. Indeed, 30 percent of Americans used a ride sharing service in 2017 compared to 23 percent who used these services in 2016.
Athletic Footwear Industry Sales Grew 2 Percent to $19.6 Billion
The U.S. athletic footwear industry grew by 2 percent in 2017, generating $19.6 billion in sales, according to global information company The NPD Group. Unit sales also grew by 2 percent and average selling price remained flat, at $58.16.
Survey: 94% of Respondents Report Using Coupons
Valassis released its annual 2K18 Coupon Intelligence Report. Titled “Modern Shoppers and Their Quest for Savings,” the report examines responses of 1,000 U.S. consumers to determine how modern, dynamic shoppers research and make purchases, with the help of technology, online and in-store for traditional consumer packaged goods categories.
70 Percent Want to See Engaging, Mixed-Use Malls
From shopping center to inclusive community space, America’s malls are evolving. "The narrative around the death of the mall is a myth and consumers don’t believe they are going to lose their local center anytime soon. Consumer demands and habits are evolving and malls are adapting to those new behaviors. The general sentiment is that malls will continue to play an important role but they will look different in the future, which is positive for communities across the country," said ICSC President and CEO Tom McGee.
8% Will Stop Facebooking Due to Data Scare
Eight percent of Internet users say they will stop using Facebook because of news about Cambridge Analytica’s abuse of users’ personal data, according to findings of a national survey distributed to investors by securities firm Raymond James. This could mean more audiences will turn to traditional sources of media.
LCD, UHD, Video Walls Are Future of Business Signage
"Screens are going to get even wider than they are now, yet slimmer than ever before," Debbie Wilson-dewitt writes. "The advance word is that technology for reflective displays —full color e‑paper displays that are flexible and less than a micrometer thick that reflect light rather than emitting it, like real paper — has made some serious breakthroughs."
Maine Manager Helps Shop 'Pop' with Print Ad
With direct competition in a nearby town, this gun store’s manager and marketing team needed to let the Falmouth community know about its brand-new range and training center. The Forecaster’s Cyndy Bell had all the ammunition she needed from AdMall to reach out to her account. The Advertising Accounts Manager knew from her research that the business had just changed its website and needed to increase the SEO of that new site.
Biking Can Slow Aging, Strengthen Immune System
New research finds that older adults who bike can reverse muscle decline and keep their immune systems strong. Older adults who bike showed muscles and immune systems that acted “young,” meaning they were stronger and more disease-resistant.
