the weekender

As Consumers Plan Their Thanksgiving Shopping, AI Stirs the Pot
As Consumers Plan Their Thanksgiving Shopping, AI Stirs the Pot
November 02, 2024  |  The Weekender

Thanksgiving has come a long way from its pilgrim origins — this year, the robots are taking over. That is, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing...

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Pickleball’s Rapid Expansion Gets Lobbed into the Digital World 
Pickleball’s Rapid Expansion Gets Lobbed into the Digital World 
October 12, 2024  |  The Weekender

Pickleball’s meteoric rise to popularity isn’t a solely physical-world phenomenon anymore. Now, the sport is getting kick-served into cyberspace. QVC — yes, the shopping network...

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The Automat Is Back, Thanks to the Rise of Self-Service (Again) 
The Automat Is Back, Thanks to the Rise of Self-Service (Again) 
February 03, 2024  |  Automated Retail

Self-service technology is bringing us full-circle — the automat seems to be making a comeback around the world.  The automat, which readers may know only...

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Would You Brave a Stampede for Love or a Stanley Cup?
Would You Brave a Stampede for Love or a Stanley Cup?
January 06, 2024  |  Retail

Would you brave crowds and the possibility of getting trampled in the name of love this Valentine’s Day? All to secure the newest Stanley tumbler...

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Pops of Pink and a Dash of Taylor Swift: Resolutions Retailers Must Make for 2024
Pops of Pink and a Dash of Taylor Swift: Resolutions Retailers Must Make for 2024
December 30, 2023  |  Retail

A few years ago, many consumers focused on enhancing their beauty routines, setting up home offices, and engaging in at-home fitness activities, with companies like...

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Creating a White Christmas, Even When Mother Nature Plays Scrooge
Creating a White Christmas, Even When Mother Nature Plays Scrooge
December 23, 2023  |  Retail

Dreaming of a white Christmas this year? Sadly for those who are, it seems that most U.S. citizens won’t get their snow-filled wish. Before we...

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How Elf on the Shelf Co-Founder Turns Tradition Into Retail Success
How Elf on the Shelf Co-Founder Turns Tradition Into Retail Success
December 16, 2023  |  Retail

The Elf on the Shelf is a popular tradition created by Carol Aebersold, Chanda Bell and Christa Pitts of The Lumistella Company in 2005 after...

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Is White Elephant Gift-Giving Still a Holiday Hit? 
Is White Elephant Gift-Giving Still a Holiday Hit? 
December 09, 2023  |  Retail

Even in the face of inflation, consumers are proving that they won’t “checkout” easily when it comes to tradition. Last week, PYMNTS delved into whether...

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Christmas Tree Costs Soar, Yet Consumers Still Pine for Authenticity 
Christmas Tree Costs Soar, Yet Consumers Still Pine for Authenticity 
December 02, 2023  |  Retail

As the festive season sleighs in and inflation plays Scrooge, one can’t help but wonder: Are folks still decorating their homes with real Christmas trees? ...

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