Walmart And Roblox Are Teaming Up To Make Virtual E-commerce A Reality

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After trying out the virtual items on their avatars, players will be able to load an e-commerce experience that takes the form of a browser window inside Roblox imitating the experience of shopping on Walmart's website — essentially a virtual laptop set up inside Roblox to access Walmart.com. The commerce feature within Walmart Discovered will be gated specifically to users aged 13 or older in the United States only.

"There is a traditional sort of checkout flow where you put your name, your address and your credit card information, and that's all powered by a Walmart API that handles all of the information super securely — it's very safe," said Walmart director of brand experiences and strategic partnerships Justin Breton. "And once you hit checkout, you'll get your confirmation email from Walmart. All of that is handled by us on the back end, the user will then get their item in the mail, but the virtual twin is granted immediately back on Roblox."

To promote the e-commerce experience, Walmart collaborated with three Roblox creators — Sarabxlla, MD17_RBLX and Junozy — to design Robloxified versions of three physical Walmart products, which include a No Boundaries festival hobo bag , a TAL stainless steel tumbler and Onn wireless headphones .

Today's pilot test is the first of multiple e-commerce tests that Roblox is planning with different products, brands and shopping methodologies. When it all shakes out, it's possible that future e-commerce experiences on the platform will ultimately look very different than Walmart's pilot test.

Much like Roblox's push to evolve into an ad network , which kicked into high gear last year , the company's expansion into e-commerce highlights its aspirations to transcend its origins as a gaming company to become a full-fledged digital platform. If all goes well, the platform's leaders hope to steer it to much greater heights, similar to the evolution of Facebook from a social platform into a destination for shopping and dating, or to Amazon's expansion from bookselling into gaming and streaming video.

Pre⁘testing Has Transformed Marketing Effectiveness

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In his article in Marketing Week last week, Pre-testing ads is not divisive, it⁘s a no-brainer , Mark Ritson presented a very powerful argument for the use of quantitative ad testing, with which I agree entirely. He also made the point that pre-testing has changed ⁘ something Mark glossed over, so I⁘d like to amplify his point with the aid of some remarkable data from the ever-handy IPA effectiveness databank.

So, when Les Binet and I wrote The Long and the Short of It, our research revealed that pre-tested campaigns outsold non-pre-tested ones over the short term, but thereafter it was the non-pre-tested campaigns that dramatically outsold the pre-tested ones. Because they were more likely to be emotional in nature, the full impact of the non-pre-tested campaigns took longer to manifest.

But there was science of a sort behind the old model and it would take a long time to convince the marketing world that there was better science now available.

The pioneer of the new science in 2009 was Brainjuicer, now rebranded System1. Its emotional advertising response approach was validated (blind) among IPA case studies whose long-term business effectiveness was known (for transparency, I was involved in this study).

MDM Analytics Launches Major New Release Of Market Profiler App - Modern Distribution Management

MDM Analytics, a leading provider of data and analytics solutions for the distribution industry, has announced the launch of a major new release of its Market Profiler app. This latest version of the app offers a range of enhanced features and capabilities that enable distributors to gain deeper insights into their customers, markets, and operations.

With the new release of Market Profiler, distributors can now access a wealth of new data and analytics capabilities, including advanced customer segmentation, market trend analysis, and operational performance metrics. These features enable distributors to better understand their customers' needs and preferences, identify new business opportunities, and optimize their operations for improved efficiency and profitability.

The new release of Market Profiler also includes a range of user-friendly interface enhancements... such as improved navigation and visualization tools, that make it easier for distributors to access and analyze the data they need to make informed decisions. The app now offers enhanced integration with other MDM Analytics solutions, such as its Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) and Inventory Management apps... providing distributors with a comprehensive view of their business and enabling them to make more informed decisions ← →

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Vinterior Trolls Ikea With Cheeky Outdoor Campaign

The campaign is our favorite today, and we'll tell you why. Vinterior is pushing the boundaries of sustainable furniture with a follow-up to its viral London Underground campaign, which has a bold and lighthearted tone. The narrative of making second-hand furniture the norm is at the heart of the campaign, and the jabs at the mass-produced, flat-pack furniture industry are both fun and effective.

The campaign has a David v Goliath feel to it, which is sure to resonate with consumers who prioritize sustainability.

The campaign's use of humor and creativity is what sets it apart from other sustainable furniture campaigns. By poking fun at the fast furniture industry, Vinterior is able to make a serious point about the environmental impact of disposable furniture.

The campaign's playful tone also makes it more relatable and enjoyable for consumers... which can help to drive engagement and conversions.

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The pre-loved furniture marketplace is playing Ikea at its own game with an eye-catching and playful campaign by 10 Days that doesn't hold back. It's our favorite today; find out why. Vinterior is taking on 'fast furniture' in a bold way with a follow-up to its viral London Underground campaign. The narrative of making second-hand furniture the norm is key and the lighthearted jibes toward the mass-produced, flat-pack furniture industry are fun.

Google Suspends Trust Wallet From Its Google Play Marketplace

Google Play has recently removed Trust Wallet, a non-custodial digital wallet for storing cryptocurrencies, from its listing. This move comes just days after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a warning against using non-Know Your Customer (KYC) crypto services. Trust Wallet, which was acquired by Binance in 2018, was a popular non-custodial wallet that allowed users to store their cryptocurrencies without the need for a centralized intermediary.

The removal of Trust Wallet from Google Play is a significant development in the cryptocurrency space, as it highlights the growing scrutiny being placed on non-KYC crypto services. The FBI's warning, which was issued last week, emphasized the risks associated with using such services, including the potential for fraud and money laundering.

As a result... many cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets are now under pressure to comply with KYC regulations in order to avoid legal action.

The removal of Trust Wallet from Google Play is likely to have a significant impact on the cryptocurrency community... as it provides a ← →

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Google Play has apparently removed the non-custodial wallet Trust Wallet from its listing just a few days after the FBI warned against using non-KYC crypto services. Trust Wallet , a non-custodial digital wallet for storing crypto that was acquired by Binance in 2018, has allegedly been removed from the Google Play marketplace. When attempting to access the app's page on Google Play, users are now redirected to a blank page, indicating that the application is no longer available.

I'm A Frugal Shopping Expert: 8 Shopping Tips I Suggest For Retirees

Editorial information: Retirees often face unique challenges when it comes to managing their finances, particularly when it comes to shopping. Many retirees find themselves on a fixed income, which can make it difficult to save money while still enjoying their golden years. However, there are several ways that retirees can stretch their budgets further and save money while shopping.

First and foremost, many retirees are eligible for senior discounts at various establishments. These discounts can range from 10% to 20% off at restaurants, hotels, and other businesses. However, not every establishment will advertise these discounts openly, so it's important to ask about them. Some senior discounts start as early as age 50, while others may not kick in until age 65. It's important to do your research and ask about these discounts to ensure you're getting the most savings possible.

In addition to senior discounts... many retirees can also take advantage of loyalty programs.

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In turn, many of them have to learn how and where they can find additional ways to save money while shopping and how to find search — and find — deals. Thankfully, many experts said that there are many ways retirees can save money, from senior discounts to loyalty programs, which can span several sectors, from healthcare needs to groceries.

The Most Important Pillar Of Customer Service

This is surprising, as respect is a fundamental component of any successful customer service strategy.

All customer service pillars, regardless of their specific focus, share the common goal of treating customers with respect. This means acknowledging and valuing their decision to do business with a company, and showing appreciation for their loyalty and repeat business.

By prioritizing respect in customer service, companies can build trust and foster long-term relationships with their customers.

Unfortunately, many companies fail to prioritize respect in their customer service interactions. According to a recent study, 75% of customers are likely to switch companies or leave a brand because the company didn't respond at all. This lack of respect can have serious consequences for a company's reputation and bottom line.

By prioritizing respect in their customer service... companies can differentiate themselves from their competitors and build a loyal customer base.

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There are many correct answers. In other words, there are no definitive answers. Some of the information and articles included words and phrases such as: There were many others as well, but one I didn't see in any of the Google responses was respect . I'm sure some companies have incorporated the word respect into their Pillars of Customer Service; however, the almighty and powerful Google didn't mention them. I even asked my close friend, ChatGPT, and it didn't come up with the word respect either. I responded, "I'm surprised none of my Google searches or my query with you didn't mention the word respect . Maybe I'm on to something."

Shopify Sets Its Sights On Big-ticket Clients

Tobias Lütke, a snowboard enthusiast, launched an online sporting goods shop two decades ago, with the aim of creating a platform that would empower small businesses and merchants to compete with the likes of Amazon. Since its inception in 2006, Shopify has grown to become one of the world's largest ecommerce companies by market cap, with a unique product that caters to both small and large businesses.

The platform has been ranked 173rd in the FT-Statista list of the Americas' fastest-growing businesses, and its success can be attributed to its ability to cater to both small and large merchants, while also providing an ecosystem of services from third-party partnerships that can help boost a seller's business.

Shopify's success stems from its ability to create an environment that is conducive to the growth of small businesses... while also catering to larger clients.

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When snowboard enthusiast Tobias Lütke launched an online sporting goods shop two decades ago, few would have guessed that his frustrations in doing so would drive him to build one of the world's largest ecommerce companies by market cap. But that is what Shopify has become, since Lütke set it up in 2006 as a simple maker of ecommerce websites. His aim, as he put it in a since-deleted 2019 Twitter post, was to "arm the rebels" against "the empire" of Amazon. That same year, Shopify's market cap overtook that of another ecommerce rival: eBay.

Influencer Marketing Gets An Upgrade: How AI Is Changing The Game

In the early 2010s, influencer marketing emerged as a digital marketing strategy. Today, it has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry. However, despite its growth, brands still face challenges when it comes to finding the right influencers and building successful campaigns. As a brand manager, I know this firsthand.

When launching a new vegan skincare line for eco-conscious Gen Z shoppers, finding the right beauty influencers is crucial. We're not just looking for big numbers; we need influencers who genuinely believe in clean beauty and resonate with our audience.

Scouring social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok can be overwhelming, with countless profiles to sift through.

It's not just about finding influencers with a large following; we need to identify those who genuinely align with our brand values and message. We need to consider engagement rates... past collaborations, and other factors to ensure we're partnering with the right influencers.

To overcome these challenges... many marketers turn to influencer platforms.

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Influencer marketing came on the digital scene in the early 2010s. Skip forward to 2024, and it's now a multi-billion-dollar industry. Yet, even with all that money flying about, brands still need help finding the right influencers and building successful campaigns. In this article, I'll show you the challenges you might face with the strategy and how new AI tools can help. I'll also share a few best practices you can follow to launch better campaigns and get real results.

Visa Provides Stablecoin Analytics Dashboard With ‘Noise' Filtered Out

Visa has launched an Online Analytics Dashboard for stablecoins, providing easily accessible and digestible data on four stablecoins across nine blockchains. The dashboard aims to cut through the "noise" in stablecoin data, which is caused by their varying use cases, such as smart contracts or "bot programs" used for arbitrage, liquidity provision, and market making in decentralized finance (DeFi). To filter out bot activity, Visa applies specific filters to its data.

Stablecoin accounting is represented differently from traditional transactions, and in the Visa analytics, a transaction worth $100 in volume would be considered a significant volume. The dashboard provides data on the supply, transactions, and users of USD Coin (USDC), Tether (USDT), PayPal USD (PYUSD), and Pax Dollar (USDP) using charts and graphs.

However... off-chain transactions with stablecoins are not captured in the data.

Visa is actively engaged with crypto and blockchain technology on several fronts.

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Visa has premiered an Online Analytics Dashboard for stablecoins. The website seeks to cut through the "noise" to provide easily accessible and digestible data on four stablecoins across nine blockchains. The noise in stablecoin data is the result of their varying use cases. Smart contracts, or "bot programs," are used for arbitrage, liquidity provision, market making and other functions in decentralized finance (DeFi) that are not comparable to "settlement in the traditional sense." Visa applies filters out bot activity:

Idaho Secretary Of State Launches 'Vote Idaho' Ad Campaign To Promote Voter Engagement Ahead Of May Primary Election...

The Office of the Idaho Secretary of State has launched an innovative advertising campaign to promote voter participation in the upcoming May primary election. Dubbed "Vote Idaho," the campaign aims to educate voters across the state and remind them to exercise their right to vote. The campaign will be featured on various mediums, including television, radio, print, and digital platforms, to reach voters of all ages and backgrounds.

By highlighting interesting and lesser-known facts about the electoral process in Idaho, the campaign hopes to generate enthusiasm and interest among voters, ultimately leading to higher turnout and engagement in the primary election.

Early voting is available in Idaho during the May 6th - May 17th period... allowing voters to cast their ballots in person before Election Day. Voters can visit VoteIdaho.gov to find out if and when early voting is available in their county.

For more information on voter registration, absentee ballots, polling locations... and other election-related in ← →

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BOISE — The Office of the Secretary of State announced the launch of a fun and engaging ad campaign promoting voter participation in the upcoming May primary election. The "Vote Idaho" ad campaign aims to educate voters throughout Idaho and remind Idahoans to vote. The ad campaign will be featured on a variety of mediums, including television, radio, print, and digital platforms, to reach voters of all ages and backgrounds across the state. By highlighting interesting and lesser-known facts about the electoral process in Idaho, we hope to drive interest and enthusiasm among voters and encourage greater turnout and engagement in the primary election.

3 New Food ⁘ Drink Spots Coming To M

Uncle Paul's Corner Store, a new specialty retail and bottle shop, has opened on the ground floor of the shopping center near the post office. This venture is run by sommeliers, bartenders, and chefs, and it is expected to offer a wide selection of wine, spirits, and beer once its liquor license is approved. The store is currently selling gourmet foods, dining and bar accessories, books, magazines, maps, and gifts.

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Coming soon to the area are two new restaurants: Little Plum and Lady Elaine. Little Plum is a casual family eatery that will serve local Asian cuisine in the old Bank of Hawaii space. The restaurant and bar can seat up to 60 customers and will offer affordable riffs on local favorites such as beef stew, karaage chicken, yakisoba... and chicken adobo at lunch and dinner.

Checks are expected to average $30 at lunch and $50 at dinner.

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On the ground floor of the shopping center by the post office is Uncle Paul⁘s Corner Store, a new specialty retail and bottle shop run by sommeliers, bartenders and chefs. Coming in the next two months are Little Plum, a casual family eatery serving local Asian cuisine in the old Bank of Hawai⁘i space; and Lady Elaine, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar in the space once occupied by Tokoname and Hanaki. You⁘ll find more details below. Grable left the Lucky Belly group in 2017 and worked at other eateries before joining other industry veterans to open Wild Orange, a hidden cocktail bar inside Hawaiian Brian⁘s. In May, they⁘ll turn the bar over to Hawaiian Brian⁘s. That will leave Grable⁘s restaurant group, called Lovers + Fighters, to focus on their new projects.

The Best Amazon Deals To Shop This Weekend: Save Up To 80%

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Unless you're a serious gamer or video editor, a straight-up, no-nonsense laptop for everyday computer tasks is more than sufficient. This highly rated model lets you stay connected with family and friends via video calls, check your email, browse the web and stream your favorite movies and shows. It's equipped with 16GB of RAM for quick-response multitasking, and you'll be able to use it for up to eight hours before it needs a charge. At under 4 pounds, it's highly portable too.

This handly little particle picker-upper is ideal for stashing in the car so you'll always have a way to clean up those fast food crumbs. It weighs just over a pound, making it easy to reach higher surfaces, and since it's battery-powered, you won't have to deal with annoying cords. It's 80% off!

You, your kids and your grandkids will have a blast playing with this highly rated drone, which easily connects to your phone for taking photos and videos from above. Use it in the yard or even bring it on your next trip for a bird's-eye documentation of your summer vacation. And oh yeah: It can do 360-degree flips, which is fun to watch in and of itself!

If spring allergies are making you sneezier than one of Snow White's friends, you'll want this HEPA air purifier that's currently over 60% off. Not only can it remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles as large as 0.3 microns, it does so quietly (as in, quieter than a whisper). It's suitable for spaces of up to 1,076 square feet.

The slippery-tomato-versus-you battle ends today. This top-rated knife set is majorly marked down (over 60% off) and comes with just about every type of blade a home cook could need: a 3-inch paring knife, a 5-inch serrated utility knife, a 7-inch santoku knife, an 8-inch chef's knife and an 8-inch bread knife. Also included: six 4.5-inch steak knives, a professional honing steel, kitchen shears and a hardwood knife block. Whew!

How stylish is this sleek stick vac? And for a fraction of the price of a Dyson, to boot. At just 7.5 pounds, it's easy to move around the house, and since it's cordless, there won't be any tripping over cables or searching for empty outlets. It runs for up to 48 minutes on a single charge and has a built-in handheld vacuum for de-dusting higher areas in your home.

NV Energy Customers Protest Surge In Monthly Bills

Ratepayers, seniors, and local environmentalists in Reno, Nevada are protesting a proposed increase in monthly bill charges and the desire for more community solar options. The protesters are frustrated with the monopoly that NV Energy holds over the use of energy in the state. "I am frustrated that NV Energy has a monopoly on the sun," said Charlotte Cox, an advocate for community solar.

The company serves over 1.5 million consumers in Nevada and approximately 54 million annual tourists.

If the proposal is accepted, the new method could disproportionately affect low-income, fixed-income, or senior consumers who use less energy on average."... It may not be a lot of money to them, but it is a lot of money to other people," said B Fulkerson, the lead organizer for Third Act Nevada.

According to a filing with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada... NV Energy is seeking an additional $95 million in annual revenue.

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RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - Ratepayers, seniors and local environmentalists are protesting the potential surge in monthly bill charges and the desire for more community solar options. The protesters say they are frustrated with the so-called, "monopoly", which NV Energy holds over the use of energy. "I am frustrated that NV Energy has a monopoly on the sun," said Charlotte Cox, who advocates for community solar. The company serves more than 1.5 million consumers throughout Nevada and approximately 54 million annual tourists. If the proposal is accepted, the new method could trouble low-income, fixed-income, or senior consumers who, on average, use less energy. "It may not be a lot of money to them but it is a lot of money to other people," said B Fulkerson, the lead organizer for Third Act Nevada .

Creating Custom Products For Busy Parents - MacTech.Com

The world of e-commerce has transformed the way people shop, catering to the growing demand for convenience and personalized products. In today's fast-paced society, busy parents often struggle to find the time to search for unique items that reflect their individual style. This is where Shopify print-on-demand products come into play, providing a convenient solution for parents to create custom products from the comfort of their homes.

With Shopify print on demand, parents can eliminate the need for endless hours spent at malls or searching through crowded stores. This innovative platform allows sellers to create personalized products on demand, seamlessly integrating with online stores powered by Shopify. The platform offers a wide variety of customizable options, including t-shirts, mugs, phone cases... and wall art. This means that parents have the freedom to design unique items that match their personal style, making it easier than ever to find the perfect gift or keepsake.

The benefits of Shopify print on demand are numerous. For one, it eliminates the need for excess inventory... reducing waste and saving sellers money.

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The world of e-commerce has dramatically changed the way people shop. In today's fast-paced society, convenience and personalized products are in high demand. Busy parents often struggle to find the time to shop for unique items that reflect their individual style. That is where Shopify print-on-demand products come in. This innovative platform allows parents to create custom products from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for endless hours spent at malls or searching through crowded stores.

Chinese Ecommerce Merchants Wary Of ⁘Risky⁘ New Platforms

The Loadstar has recently published a series of reports on the ecommerce sector, which has been a significant driver of growth in air cargo. However, there are concerns among air cargo stakeholders that there may be clouds on the horizon. Chinese ecommerce merchants are worried about restrictions being placed on platforms such as Temu, Shein, and TikTok, while smaller merchants are irritated by large platforms driving up airfreight rates.

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According to a Shanghai-based ecommerce logistics manager, Chinese ecommerce platforms like Temu, Shein, Alibaba, and TikTok ship more than 10,000 tonnes of cargo daily, which is equivalent to 108 Boeing 777 freighters. This is an unusual phenomenon this year, as air freight costs have failed to drop after the Chinese New Year holiday... resulting in a 2% to 3% rise in average global air cargo rates in the past six weeks.

The logistics manager explained that smaller ecommerce platforms like hers cannot compete with these large platforms... as they cannot order charter fl ← →

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The Loadstar has launched a series of reports on the ecommerce sector, which has been driving growth in air cargo. But are there clouds on the horizon that should worry air cargo stakeholders in particular? Chinese ecommerce merchants are concerned⁘ Chinese ecommerce sellers are fearful of restrictions being placed on platforms such as Temu, Shein and TikTok – but have seen profit margins from the more 'stable' Amazon significantly reduced.

Marketers Should Stop Calling Advertising An Investment

Nationwide's director of brand, marketing, and corporate affairs, Richard Warren, recently spoke at Thinkbox's "New Business Case for Advertising" launch, where he shared his thoughts on how brands should reframe their approach to advertising. According to Warren, the term "investment" is problematic when discussing advertising in the boardroom.

Many businesses view advertising as a running cost rather than an investment, as they don't see the long-term benefits of brand building.

Warren shared an anecdote about overhearing CFOs say that the easiest things to cut are "training and advertising." However, he emphasized the importance of keeping"... watering the garden" to maintain brand equity.

To persuade boards to spend on advertising... marketers need to make a strong case for the longevity play and the potential risks of not investing in marketing.

Warren highlighted the benefits of committing to marketing... including creating a strong brand campaign that can have an enormous impact internally.

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Brands should stop framing advertising as an investment, according to Nationwide⁘s director of brand, marketing and corporate affairs. Speaking today (24 April) at Thinkbox⁘s ⁘New business case for advertising⁘ launch, Nationwide⁘s Richard Warren said the word investment is ⁘problematic⁘ when discussing advertising in the boardroom. He claimed the e xco and boards within many businesses don⁘t see advertising as an investment, but as a running cost.

Alteryx And DataCamp Partner To Bring Analytics Upskilling To All

Alteryx, a leader in data analytics, has announced a new partnership with DataCamp and Women in Data to address the growing talent gap in the industry. According to Olivia Duane Adams, co-founder and chief advocacy officer of Alteryx, "The demand for diverse analytics talent is increasing, and we are committed to attracting a wide range of learners into the field." This partnership will provide unlimited access to expert-led and interactive learning modules to accelerate the learning pathways of all learners and build confidence in modern data analytics skills.

The partnership between Alteryx and DataCamp is designed to meet the talent needs of businesses looking to hire employees with data analytics skills on day one. It also supports individuals and career changers who want to improve their employment opportunities with a modern and relevant skillset. With Alteryx, organizations can automate analytics to improve revenue performance, manage costs, and mitigate risks across their organizations.

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With global companies looking to increase headcount for data capabilities, new partnerships extend the reach of Alteryx SparkED to meet growing demand for diverse analytics talent "The growing talent gap in the data and analytics space is impacting our current and prospective customers. At the same time, data-driven decision making is increasingly critical to businesses and organizations across the spectrum," said Olivia Duane Adams , co-founder and chief advocacy officer of Alteryx. "We have a responsibility to attract diverse groups of learners into the analytics space. That's why we are pleased to partner with DataCamp and Women in Data. Working together, we can impact the workforce needs of today and for the future."

S New Ad Campaign Inspired By NFL

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) has launched a new initiative called Safety Runs First, aimed at promoting the sport's collective commitment to safety, welfare, and integrity. The campaign was launched in response to negative messaging from groups that oppose the sport, and is intended to provide a proactive response to these criticisms.

NTRA president and CEO Tom Rooney hopes that the campaign will help to improve safety in the sport by giving the general public a greater understanding of the changes being made.

In an interview with BloodHorse, Rooney discussed the inspiration for the Safety Runs First campaign, which he said was influenced by the National Football League's (NFL) response to criticism of its handling of player safety.

Rooney also emphasized the importance of being proactive in addressing safety concerns, rather than simply reacting to criticisms as they arise.

The Safety Runs First campaign is a collaborative effort between the NTRA and a number of other organizations involved in the sport, including tracks, breeders, and The Jockey Club.

More details: Found here

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced April 23 its new Safety Runs First campaign, an initiative and corresponding website to promote the sport⁘s collective commitment to safety, welfare, and integrity that they began working on in October. To get ahead of those questions, the NTRA created this initiative to help combat negative messaging from groups that oppose the sport.

6 Easy Tips For Selling Items On Facebook Marketplace, According To A Top Seller

Opinion column: To give your Facebook Marketplace listings a competitive edge, it's important to consider the quality of your photos and the way you present your items. According to Bovino, unless your item is in high demand, has sold out from the original retailer, or is custom and takes weeks to arrive, you may not get as much as you paid for it. This is especially true if you're selling a name-brand sectional that has been sitting on your listings for months without any interest.

To improve your listings, try styling your items in different ways and taking new photos. Bovino suggests that poorly lit or poorly styled photos can make an item look less appealing, even if it's of high quality. By taking the time to properly style and photograph your items, you can increase their chances of selling.

Another factor to consider is the way you present your items. Bovino has encountered items that don't seem worth the asking price, but have caught her eye anyway because they're styled well or taken in natural lighting.

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All Facebook Marketplace listings aren't created equally. With these tips, you can give yours a competitive edge over other sellers. "Unless it's an item that's in high demand, has sold out [from the original retailer], or it's custom and takes weeks to arrive and someone else just happened to want that specific item, you're probably not going to get as much as what you paid for it," Bovino admits.

The Best Amazon Deals To Shop This Week: Save Up To 90% On Appliances, Gardening Essentials And More

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Need a little boost to get you over the midweek hump? Some retail therapy usually does the trick for us, especially when there are Amazon deals like the ones we're seeing. You'll save as much as 90% with these discounts! Whether you could use some new patio furniture, gardening tools or spring cleaning helpers, you've come to the right place.

Kick those spring allergies to the curb, thanks to this popular HEPA air purifier that's — wait for it — 90% off. Not only can it remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles as large as 0.3 microns, it does so quietly (as in, quieter than a whisper). It's suitable for spaces of up to 1,076 square feet.

This handly little dirt picker-upper is ideal for stashing in the car so you'll always have a way to clean up those fast-food crumbs. It weighs just over a pound, making it easy to reach higher surfaces, and since it's battery-powered, you won't have to deal with annoying cords. It's 80% off!

Need a laptop for everyday computer tasks? This highly rated model lets you stay connected with family and friends via video calls, check your email, browse the web, play games and stream your favorite movies and shows. It's equipped with 16GB RAM for handling multiple activities at a time, and you'll enjoy up to eight hours of battery before it needs a charge.

This top-rated knife set from a trusted brand is majorly marked down (over 60% off) and it comes with just about every type of blade a home cook could need: a 3-inch paring knife, a 5-inch serrated utility knife, a 7-inch santoku knife, an 8-inch chef's knife and an 8-inch bread knife. Also included: six 4.5-inch steak knives, a professional honing steel, kitchen shears and a hardwood knife block. Whew!

How stylish is this sleek stick vac? And for a fraction of the price of a Dyson, to boot. At just 7.5 pounds, it's easy to move around the house, and since it's cordless, there won't be any tripping over cables or searching for empty outlets. It runs for up to 48 minutes on a single charge and has a built-in handheld vacuum for de-dusting higher areas in your home.

10 Design Tips For Your Retail Storefront (Plus Examples)

Note from the publisher: If you're using a Galaxy Fold, consider unfolding your phone or viewing it in full screen to optimize your experience. First impressions are crucial, and your retail storefront is the one time you want people to judge a book by its cover. With brick and mortar stores facing challenges this year, it's important to find new and affordable ways to entice potential customers through your doors.

In addition to competing on customer experience, stores are now competing for attention. Effective merchandising and retail design are key parts of retail management strategies. In this article, we'll explore 10 retail storefront design tips to help you engage customers, increase foot traffic, and boost sales.

To grab the attention of potential customers, consider using clear window space to write sentences, words, or quotes that will appeal to passersby. This can be an inexpensive, space-saving, and eye-catching way to draw people's attention.

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If you're on a Galaxy Fold, consider unfolding your phone or viewing it in full screen to best optimize your experience.

Why Shopify (SHOP) Stock Is Up Today

Treasury yields have retreated, suggesting that markets are tempering their concerns about the possibility of higher interest rates following recent economic data highlighting sticky inflation. This comes ahead of the Fed's expectations, and while earnings have been encouraging so far, most companies have yet to report.

As a reminder, the driver of a stock's value is the sum of its future cash flows discounted back to today, and with lower interest rates, investors can apply higher valuations to their stocks.

Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta will report this week, and many other bellwethers will announce their results in the coming weeks.

As a cautionary note, following the crowd can lead to adverse outcomes, and it's best to own high-quality, cash-flowing companies that can weather the ups and downs of the market. Shopify's shares are particularly volatile, with 18 moves greater than 5% over the last year. While today's move may indicate that the market considers this news meaningful, it's important to remember that Sh ← →

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Treasury yields pulled back suggesting markets are tempering the growing concerns about the possibility of higher for longer interest rates following recent economic data highlighting sticky inflation, ahead of the Fed⁘s expectations.

S Advertising ⁘Generic⁘ As It Lays Off Entire Marketing...

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Tesla has laid off its entire marketing team just four months after it was created in a hasty reversal of its nascent advertising efforts, reports claim.

Adding insult to injury, Musk took to X to respond to a comment on the Bloomberg story, which criticised the brand⁘s advertising for being ⁘too generic⁘ and not highlighting what is great about owning a Tesla. Musk replied: ⁘Exactly. The ads were far too generic ⁘ could⁘ve been any car.⁘

⁘Range inflation⁘ is a sign Tesla has lost sight of its customers It comes at a difficult time for the electric car pioneer which has struggled with increased competition and an increasingly poor brand perception. Tesla has embarked on a heavy series of promotional activity to try to stave off competition from China and other US companies, something Marketing Week columnist Mark Ritson described as an ⁘intractable and often existential situation⁘ for manufacturers.

Its share price has been dropping regularly since December 2023 and while revenue has continued to increase, its profit margins have grown tighter.

Tesla has embarked on a series of price cuts since the beginning of the year, however CEO Elon Musk says this has not been enough to drive demand.

Data Analytics Stocks Q4 Earnings: Palantir (NYSE:PLTR) Best Of The Bunch

Palantir (NYSE:PLTR) and its peers in the data analytics industry have reported mixed results for the fourth quarter of 2023, with some companies beating revenue estimates while others fell short. According to our analysis, the four data analytics stocks we track saw an average revenue beat of 0.9% compared to analyst consensus, with next quarter's revenue guidance coming in 1% below consensus.

Despite a strong finish to 2023, these stocks have experienced volatility in 2024 due to uncertainty around inflation and the potential for rate cuts.

Palantir (NYSE:PLTR) reported revenues of $608.4 million, a 19.6% year-over-year increase that was in line with analyst expectations. The company also beat analysts' billings estimates and provided guidance for accelerating growth in the future.

As a result, Palantir's stock has risen 23.

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As the Q4 earnings season wraps, let⁘s dig into this quarter⁘s best and worst performers in the data analytics industry, including Palantir (NYSE:PLTR) and its peers.

ERIC Launches Ads Opposing Updates To Mental Health Parity Regs

The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC), a major employer group, is launching an advertising campaign to oppose recent updates to mental health parity requirements made by the Biden administration. According to ERIC, the proposed changes could have negative implications for employers and potentially worsen access to mental health care for Americans.

ERIC's senior vice president of health policy, Melissa Bartlett, expressed concern that the regulatory updates could force employers to reconsider their coverage options. "While we agree that improving access to mental health care is crucial, these proposed changes could have unintended consequences that hinder progress," Bartlett said in a press release.

The Biden administration's updates to mental health parity requirements were issued jointly by the departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury last summer. Proposed changes include reviews of provider networks and additional restrictions on prior authorization for behavioral health.

Despite the opposition from ERIC, health plans have also expressed concerns about the regulatory changes.

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A major employer group is launching an ad campaign to oppose significant updates made by the Biden administration to mental health parity requirements.

Star Trek's William Shatner Appears At Hartville MarketPlace

William Shatner, the iconic actor known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek series, drew a large crowd at Hartville MarketPlace & Flea Market on Saturday. Over 700 fans flocked to the event to meet the 93-year-old actor and get their autographs and pictures. The crowd erupted in cheers when Shatner appeared at 10:50 a.m. in an area designated for his appearance, which was arranged by Prime Time Sports and Framing of Kent.

Fans brought various items, including Star Trek uniforms, promotional pictures, and sketches, to be signed by Shatner for a fee of $149 or $275 for both autographs and pictures.

Shatner spent the next 74 minutes signing autographs, engaging in light banter with fans, and taking pictures with those who paid for the privilege.

After serving all who had paid for an autograph, he hopped onto a scooter adorned with balloons and made his way to ← →

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To boldly go where they had never gone before — into the presence of Star Trek actor William Shatner .

Fire Broke Out At Shopping Center In Raleigh, Firefighters Focus On Pro Cleaners - ABC11...

A fire broke out at a shopping center in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Wednesday afternoon. According to eyewitnesses, firefighters are currently responding to the incident and appear to be focusing their efforts on Pro Cleaners, a dry cleaning business located in the shopping center. The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and there are no reports of injuries at this time.

Firefighters are working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other businesses in the area. The shopping center has been evacuated, and nearby roads have been closed as a precautionary measure. The fire is believed to have started in the early afternoon, and crews are working to extinguish the flames as quickly as possible.

Pro Cleaners is a well-known dry cleaning business in the area, and the fire has caused significant damage to the building. The business is currently closed, and employees are being directed to a nearby shelter. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and officials are working to determine the origin of the blaze.

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RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Firefighters are responding to a fire that broke out at a shopping center in Raleigh.

Cavity Factory Storefront Thrives, Thanks Customers For Support

Opinion column: The Cavity Factory, a local Indianapolis business, has expanded beyond its iconic pink food truck and now has a storefront located on Shelby Street in Fountain Square. Destinee Smith, the owner, has been baking fresh cookies daily since 10:37 a.m. and has gained a loyal following among customers. According to Scholl, a customer who has been following the truck for a year, the quality of the cookies is exceptional, with Smith using only fresh ingredients and baking them daily.

Smith launched the truck in October 2022 after starting from home during the pandemic. Despite initial struggles in Fort Wayne, she persevered and found success in Indianapolis. According to Smith, "You either make it or you don't. Sometimes, it's meant for you." Customers like Jonas Craib, who was excited to try the cookies with his wife, are drawn to the quality and freshness of the products.

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INDIANAPOLIS — The Cavity Factory and its iconic pink food truck has been all around the Circle City selling homemade cookies, but now the truck is officially put in park.

Why NPS Falls Short In Ecommerce, And The Case For Earned Growth Ratio As A Better Metric - Retail...

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Customer satisfaction and loyalty are paramount in today's competitive ecommerce landscape, since customers have countless brands, retailers and marketplaces to choose from. Even the best products and online storefronts fall flat if customers aren't happy with one tiny part of their experience. One negative interaction can easily drive them away.

At the same time, it is common knowledge that keeping an existing customer is cheaper than getting a new one, which makes it a worthwhile investment to understand and implement strategies (and proper incentives for internal teams!) that keep them coming back for more.

And while understanding customer satisfaction is crucial, traditional methods like Net Promoter Score (NPS) have limitations that can actually lead to the opposite of intended outcomes if not applied carefully.

Survey collection methods can significantly impact the validity of NPS data. Offering incentives like "If you fill out this survey, give us a 9 or 10 and mention my name, it'll be doing me a huge favor" can emotionally influence customers, potentially leading to inflated scores that don't reflect genuine experiences.

A high score might simply be a result of manipulation, offering little meaningful insight into actual customer satisfaction or actionable guidance for improvement. Essentially, a high NPS might look good on paper — but lack true substance. This is especially prevalent if your employees are incentivized or paid a bonus on the basis of their NPS scores.

Another limitation of NPS is found in its data collection methodology. Ideally, data should be gathered through statistically sound sampling methods that control for various factors and make sure a representative sample of the customer base. But NPS often falls short in this regard.

Not only that, NPS primarily relies on self-reported data from customer surveys, potentially missing the bigger picture. It doesn⁘t consider quantitative metrics like sales figures or revenue, focusing only on customer responses. While this approach captures vocal feedback from both highly satisfied and dissatisfied customers, it doesn't take into consideration the vast majority of customers who fall somewhere in the middle (and are often most of your profit!).

A Field Guide To Modern Marketing | Bain

Brand and marketing executives at consumer products companies have faced significant shifts in the market landscape in recent years. Consumers now expect more personalized content, convenience, and fair-trade sourcing, and they are researching and shopping through multiple channels at any hour. As a result, traditional marketing playbooks are becoming less applicable to these emerging consumer trends.

To adapt and modernize, marketing organizations must take specific steps to navigate the new terrain effectively.

Our research and work with consumer products companies highlights nine areas that are critical to success (see Figure 1). These areas include developing specialized expertise, integrating activities among functions, and adopting dynamic approaches to decision making and governance.

No single solution or approach will work for every company, so marketing executives must choose the areas that are most relevant to their business and sequence them appropriately.

Brand managers must have depth as well as breadth, including being conversant with advanced analytical tools and data from third-party panels, media platforms, retailers, and alternative sources.

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Brand and marketing executives at consumer products companies have confronted big shifts in the playing field in recent years. More consumers expect more personalized content, convenience, and fair-trade sourcing. People shop, research, and check out content at any hour, through multiple channels. Determining which e-commerce platform merits the next advertising dollar has become more complicated. As a result, traditional marketing playbooks that depend on what has worked historically become less applicable to these emerging consumer trends.

Chances 49ers Can Land Top OT Prospect In 2024 NFL Draft

This year's class of ___sive tackles is deep, which is good news for the San Francisco 49ers. However, the team may struggle to find a top-end tackle talent who will fall to them at pick No. 31 overall, according to ESPN's analytics model. We analyzed the ESPN Draft Day predictor and found that only one of the top four or five tackle prospects is listed as a potential option for the 49ers at that spot.

The chances of that player falling to them are low.

The four ___sive tackle prospects projected to be available when the 49ers are on the clock at No. 31 overall are Morgan, a popular mock draft selection for the team. Morgan played all 41 games (37 starts) at left tackle in college, which suggests he could potentially jump to the right side and then move to his natural left tackle position when Trent Williams retires.

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This year⁘s class is very deep at that position, which is good news for the 49ers. The bad news is they⁘ll be hard-pressed to find a top-end tackle talent who will slide to them all the way down at No. 31 overall according to ESPN⁘s analytics model.

New Biden Campaign Ad Makes Subtle Claim About President's Mental Fitness

In a new campaign ad for Joe Biden, a steelworker named Burgess shares his experience meeting the president and describes him as "as sharp as a knife." Burgess, who has worked in the industry for 23 years, highlights Biden's leadership and the positive impact he's had on the country, including creating jobs and fixing infrastructure.

During a recent campaign event in Philadelphia, President Biden emphasized his commitment to improving the economy and fixing the nation's infrastructure. Burgess, who appears in the ad, praises Biden's work ethic and dedication to the country, stating that "Joe Biden gets things done."

The ad is part of Biden's ongoing effort to highlight his economic policies and the progress he's made since taking office.

With the 2024 election approaching, Biden is focusing on his achievements and the positive impact they've had on the country, rather than engaging in personal attacks or negative rhetoric.

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A new Biden campaign ad focused on the economy and infrastructure included a subtle claim about the president's mental fitness , calling him "sharp as a knife."

Facebook Marketplace Seller Ordered To Give Refund In B.C.

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A Facebook Marketplace seller is being ordered by B.C.'s small claims tribunal to repay hundreds of dollars after selling a product under false advertising.

Campbell wrote a new iDoing head unit retails for just over $670, while a new Junsun unit sells for about $92. AF bought the unit off Marketplace from Felix Cretu for $400.

"AF provided a copy of the Facebook Marketplace listing, which describes the head unit as a 'Subaru iDoing head unit,' brand new in box," Campbell wrote. "The listing also includes a photo of a head unit, which appears to be screenshot from a website sales listing, under the caption 'iDoing.'"

Campbell said AF confirmed the brand over text and didn't inspect the product when he picked it up because the box was sealed.

Giant Publix Shopping Cart Shocks Onlookers With Drive Through Brevard

A massive Publix shopping cart was spotted driving through the streets of Viera on Wednesday and Thursday, promoting the grocery chain's newest store opening in Brevard County. The oversized buggy, built by Total Precision Fabworx, a Clearwater-based company, caused a stir among residents who did a double take as it drove through neighborhoods.

According to Mike Dunlap, owner of Total Precision Fabworx, the cart took three months to build in a two-car garage, stretching every square inch of space available. Measuring approximately 14 feet long and 7.5 feet wide, the cart is estimated to weigh around 2,000 pounds. Although it has not been officially weighed, Dunlap believes it to be around that weight.

The cart started as a Volkswagen Sand Rail, a vehicle stripped down to its bare essentials. It consists of a tube frame, engine, transmission, front and rear suspension, wheels, and tires, brakes, seats, and steering.

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A giant — we're talking massive — Publix shopping cart was seen driving through the streets of Viera on Wednesday and Thursday.

American Express Profits Jump 34%, Helped By Jump In New Customers, Higher Spending

American Express (AmEx) reported a significant increase in profits for the first quarter of 2023, with earnings jumping by 34% to $2.44 billion, or $3.33 per share. This exceeded Wall Street's expectations, which were forecasting approximately $2.95 per share in profits for the quarter. The company's revenue also saw an 11% increase to $15.8 billion, driven by higher cardmember spending and more balances collecting interest.

According to Steve Squeri, chairman and CEO of AmEx, the company's success can be attributed to its ability to attract high-spending, high credit-quality customers. However, the company is also experiencing an increase in customers falling behind on payments, with charge-offs and 30-day delinquencies creeping higher post-pandemic. Despite this, AmEx's charge-off rates remain significantly lower than those of its competitors, including Capital One, Discover, and Chase.

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Credit card giant American Express posted a 34% jump in its first quarter profits on Friday, helped by more customers spending on its namesake cards as well as more customers keeping a balance on the cards

Footwear Retailer New Balance Opens Storefront In Mosaic District | Fairfax City

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FAIRFAX, VA — Footwear retailer New Balance opened a storefront in Merrifield's Mosaic District on Wednesday.

Located next to Dolcezza Gelato ⁘ Coffee, the new store occupies the space at 2895 District Ave., the former home of upscale women's clothing store South Moon Under.