Surprise: Dollar Tree’s $1.25 price strategy is actually working | CNN Business

November 23, 2022November 23, 2022 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

When Dollar Tree said it would raise prices to $1.25 after 35 years sticking to $1, some fans protested and industry analysts questioned the decision.

A year later, the controversial move appears to be paying off.

Higher prices have added to Dollar Tree’s sales. The switch has also allowed the company to introduce merchandise it couldn’t previously sell because of its $1 price constraint, helping it draw new shoppers. Other companies have also raised prices, so Dollar Tree has been shielded from major customer blowback.

Sales at Dollar Tree stores increased 8.6% last quarter compared to a year ago, the company, which also owns Family Dollar, said Tuesday. Family Dollar sales increased 4.1% last quarter.

New gene therapy restores night vision of people with inherited eye disorder | Live Science

November 23, 2022 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Two people with a rare inherited eye disorder have had their night vision restored by an experimental gene therapy, researchers say.

These two individuals are part of an ongoing clinical trial(opens in new tab) testing the safety and effectiveness of the new gene therapy, the research team wrote in a report published in October in the journal iScience(opens in new tab). This and additional trials will need to be completed before the therapy can be approved for widespread use. Still, these early data hints that the treatment can spur “remarkable gains” in patients’ night vision, the scientists wrote.

The trial participants have a genetic disorder called Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), which affects an estimated 3 in 100,000 babies, according to the University of Florida Health(opens in new tab), one of the institutes involved in developing the therapy.

Time Poverty: What To Do If You Feel Time Poor | Lifehack

November 22, 2022November 21, 2022 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

In today’s fast-paced world, research shows more and more people are persistently feeling “time poor.” While time poverty to some people may not seem as important as material poverty, time poverty causes several negative implications from lower well-being, physical health, and productivity that cannot be ignored.

Nearly 50% of Americans report feeling they “don’t have enough time these days”, according to a 2015 Gallup poll.

And yet, despite constantly feeling like there’s not enough time in the day, many continue to work long hours, sacrificing valuable time with friends and family in the hopes of finally catching up on their busy schedules.

Businesses Are Collecting Data. How Are They Using It? | Business News Daily

November 22, 2022November 21, 2022 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Many businesses collect data for multifold purposes. Here’s how to know what they’re doing with your personal data and whether it is secure.

Businesses may collect consumer data and use it to power better customer experiences and marketing strategies. They may also sell this data for revenue.
The European Union’s General Data Protection Requirements (GDPR) is a comprehensive law that regulates any company with EU-based shoppers. California, Colorado and Virginia have enacted similar laws, though there is no federal equivalent.
Use VPNs, employ ad blockers, avoid linking apps, choose nameworthy apps and sign up for non-essential services with fake information to protect your data.
This article is for consumers who want to know how businesses use their personal data and how to protect this data.

American Airlines baggage fee lawsuit. Am I owed money? | Fast Company

November 21, 2022 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

There is perhaps no greater annoyance in the nickel-and-dime economy than surprise airline fees. From extra leg room to booze to unaccompanied minors, carriers seem to be finding increasingly creative ways to squeeze a little extra profit out of every last warm body in the air. And since they own the airplanes, what can we really do?

Well, some savvy flyers fought back in court, and now American Airlines has agreed to pay $7.5 million to settle a lawsuit over what the passengers said were illegitimate baggage fees. In a lawsuit filed early last year, the plaintiffs claimed that they were incorrectly charged to check their luggage, despite being part of a loyalty program that promised free bag checks or being promised free bag checks via email.

How to Solve a Sales Problem and Keep Your Customers | All Business

November 21, 2022 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

There is a right way and a wrong way to solve a sales problem. Do it the right way, and you keep your customer; do it the wrong way, and you may not only lose a customer, but you might lose other business as well.

Here is the best way to solve a sales problem and keep your customers.

First, the wrong way to solve a sales problem

If you’re hoping that prospects or customers won’t notice when there’s a problem, or that you can ignore a problem, think again. The truth is that problems usually don’t just go away. There’s a big difference between waiting for something good to come out of a situation and ignoring something bad that needs to be corrected.

2023 Low-Code Trends for Small Businesses | Small Biz Trends

November 18, 2022November 17, 2022 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Software engineering has, for decades, been the domain of coders and IT specialists, but the introduction of low-code has cracked the door on application development for business users whose coding experience begins and ends with drag and drop.

Low-code application development enables users to produce internal apps and business functions from a simple user interface that requires little actual coding. This means employees of small and medium-sized businesses maintain control over how they spend their hours—focusing on time-sensitive work and automating, delegating, or building apps to handle everything else.

Low-code is already producing results. According to KPMG, 100% of companies that have implemented a low-code platform have reported a positive ROI.

How to Win Employee Loyalty This Holiday Season | Business. com

November 18, 2022November 17, 2022 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Here’s how companies can use the holiday season to earn loyalty from their employees.

The holiday season is a busy time of excitement and anticipation. Warm memories and old traditions fill the weeks with joy, just as plans with loved ones fill our calendars. Time is the most precious gift of all, and you don’t want to be the company Scrooge who makes this special season difficult for your employees. Instead, use this time of year as an opportunity to treat your staff especially well and earn their loyalty.

Why I don’t want to stop using the Google Pixel 7 Pro | Digital Trends

November 17, 2022 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Today’s the day I have to take the SIM card out of my current phone and put it into a different device. This happens regularly and, for the most part, I’m indifferent to it. But sometimes I enjoy using a phone so much I don’t want to change my SIM card. Today is one of those days.

The phone I’m going to leave behind is the Google Pixel 7 Pro, and it has been brilliant over the past 21 days. But others have not been so lucky, making the phone a bit of a risk. Here’s why I’m finding it hard to let go.

StartUp Costs You Need to Know About | The Startup Magazine

November 17, 2022 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Starting a new business venture is exciting. However, with all the work that goes into it and the fact that these businesses often fail within the first year (or two), it’s important to understand all of the startup costs involved before getting started.

Legal Fees

Legal fees can be the most expensive part of starting a business. Your lawyer is who you’ll rely on to help navigate through all the legal issues that can occur during your startup process.

Vehicle Costs

The type of vehicle you need will depend on the specific nature of your business. If you are going to be transporting large amounts of goods or people, a truck or van is necessary. If you’re just doing local deliveries, an SUV or van may suffice. Once you have a vehicle, there’s still more costs to consider before getting on the road: fuel costs and maintenance fees. Newer vehicles usually use less gas than older ones, however, if it does cost more than expected, it could significantly hurt your bottom line.