After years of impending tariffs and economic brinksmanship, the United States and China have reached a 90-day truce, slashing tariffs dramatically and increasing hopes for easing the protracted trade war. The agreement, reached in top-level talks in Geneva, requires the U.S. to slash tariffs on Chinese imports and vice versa by 115%. While world markets and experts are meeting this breaking ...
8 Black Women-Owned Southern Businesses Making Waves
The American South is known for its traditions and cultural richness, historical complexity, and entrepreneurial spirit. At the forefront of this economic and cultural revival are Black women reimagining what it means to be a business owner in the new South. From beauty and wellness to food technology and hospitality, these women are not just participating in the economy—they're revolutionizing ...
DEI Wins Big with Costco, Apple, and Levi’s – What It Means for Shoppers?
The corporate world has seen a dramatic rise in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in recent years, and companies like Costco, Apple, and Levi’s are leading the charge. Their efforts are transforming not only their internal cultures but also the way consumers interact with beloved brands. For shoppers, these changes have real-world implications, blending the products they ...
Over 600 Walmart Locations Set for a Major Overhaul
Walmart is launching one of the most ambitious overhaul efforts in its history. During 2025, over 600 U.S. and Puerto Rico locations will get major remodels. The changes will include everything from sleek redesigns to updated technology and more. And their fashion department is leading the charge as they move towards more stylish and modern lines. With over $9 billion invested in capital ...
Target Vows to Drop $2 Billion On Black-Owned Businesses in Effort to Win Consumers Back
In 2021, Target made headlines by vowing to spend over $2 billion with Black-owned businesses over the next five years. This high-risk bet was presented as a response to the national reckoning on racial injustice during the Black Lives Matter movement. However, by early 2025, that optimism turned into a scandal. Target quietly dismantled its diversity initiatives, resulting in nationwide ...
Dollar General Pulls the Plug on Over 140 Stores Nationwide
Dollar General announced that it would close 96 of its stores and 45 of its pOpshelf brand stores, pulling the plug on a total of 141 stores across the U.S. in 2025. The decision was made in the midst of an increasingly challenging retail environment, shifts in consumer behaviors, and economic strain. While the closures represent fewer than 1% of Dollar General's sprawling network of over ...
‘American’ Brands Made in China You Should Never Buy
In an era where globalization blurs borders, there are still some consumers who associate some brands with national pride. The "Made in America" label has long been equated with quality, patriotism, and trust. However, a closer look reveals that many classic American brands have outsourced manufacturing overseas, primarily to China, while keeping their branding red, white, and blue. These ...
Despite ‘Expert’ Forecasts, Americans Are Buying More Than Ever
For years, economists have warned that America's shopping spree was unsustainable, citing rising debt, global uncertainty, and looming recessions. But 2025 has defied expectations. Despite conservative forecasts, American consumers still open their wallets, driving retail sales to record heights. But what is the reason for this unexpected strength? Does it lie in shifting consumer attitudes ...