BUSINESS

Apr 16 2025BUSINESS

Maple Syrup Makers in Vermont Struggle with Trade Turmoil

Maple syrup production in Vermont is a delicate dance with nature. The fickle spring weather already makes it a gamble. Now, trade policies are adding to the stress. These policies are making life difficult for an industry that relies heavily on international trade. The heart of the issue is the uncertainty. Tariffs are changing rapidly. This makes it tough ...

reading time about 1 minute
Apr 16 2025BUSINESS

Buying Second-Hand Online: What Makes Us Hesitate?

The world is waking up to the idea of buying refurbished goods. This is not just about saving money. It is about saving the planet. Buying second-hand can cut down on waste and help the environment. But, there are things that make people hesitate. What are these things? Let us dive in. People worry about what others might think. This is called social risk. They ...

reading time about 2 minutes
Apr 16 2025BUSINESS

Workers Just Doing the Bare Minimum

The idea of workers doing the least amount of work possible to keep their jobs has been getting a lot of attention lately. This behavior, known as "Quiet Quitting, " is when employees only do what is absolutely necessary to avoid getting fired. It is a big deal for companies because it can hurt their overall performance. This is especially true when work tasks are be...

reading time about 1 minute
Apr 15 2025BUSINESS

The Green Apron Makeover: How Starbucks is Changing Its Look

Starbucks is shaking things up with a new dress code for its baristas. This isn't just about looking good; it's part of a bigger plan to bring customers back to the stores. The company's sales have been dropping for four quarters, the longest slide in years. High drink prices and long waits have turned some customers away. Plus, many stores have unionized, pushing fo...

reading time about 1 minute
Apr 15 2025BUSINESS

Small Firms Face Big Hurdles Due to Trade Policies

Small and medium-sized businesses are feeling the pinch from recent trade policies. These companies make up a significant portion of the US import market, bringing in goods worth $868 billion each year. Unlike giant corporations, these smaller firms are more vulnerable to financial disruptions. Many of these businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Nearly 20% of th...

reading time about 2 minutes
Apr 15 2025BUSINESS

Waterbury's Century-Old Hardware Store Seeks New Owner

A well-known hardware store in Waterbury is on the market. The store has been a mainstay for a century. It is now looking for a new owner. The store, located on Chase Avenue, is up for sale for just under $2. 8 million. This includes the hardware store, a garden center, and a repair shop. The family that owns it has decided it is time to move on. ...

reading time about 1 minute
Apr 15 2025BUSINESS

Why Kiwis Choose Convenience: The Meat Meal Mystery

In New Zealand, the market for chilled ready meals is booming. This is mostly because people want food that is quick and easy to prepare. A recent study dug deep into what makes people want to buy these meat-based chilled meals. It looked at things like how people live, what they know about food, how the food tastes and looks, and what others think about these meals....

reading time about 2 minutes
Apr 15 2025BUSINESS

The Evolution of Pharmacy Tech Standards in 30 Years

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board is marking three decades of setting standards in the pharmacy world. It is a moment to reflect on how far the field has come and where it might be headed. The board was established in 1995. It was a time when the role of pharmacy technicians was not as well-defined as it is today. The board stepped in to create a clear...

reading time about 1 minute
Apr 15 2025BUSINESS

Los Angeles' Film Scene Facing Tough Times

The film and TV industry in Los Angeles is currently experiencing a downturn. This is due to a mix of global production challenges and increased competition from other regions. The first three months of the year saw a notable drop in production across all categories compared to the same period last year. The entertainment world was hoping for a swift recovery after ...

reading time about 1 minute
Apr 15 2025BUSINESS

Stock Market Signals: What's the Deal with the Death Cross?

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 both showed a "death cross" on a Monday. This is a technical sign that can hint at a change in the market's direction. It happens when an index's 200-day moving average goes above its 50-day moving average. This can be a warning that a previous trend might be reversing. In this case, it could mean the end of the two-year bull market in stoc...

reading time about 1 minute