New Report Reveals How Consumers View Small Businesses
Digital marketing and automation platform Constant Contact published its latest Small Business Now report, which uncovers a surprising contradiction in how consumers view small businesses. While most people feel personally and emotionally connected to the small businesses that shape their communities, the vast majority misjudge the scale of SMBs and their value to the economy.
Stamps.com Launches $25,000 Grant to Support Small Businesses
Stamps.com, a provider of office mailing and shipping solutions, just launched its $25,000 “Small Business Flexibility Grant.” The call for applications is open through the end of May, in celebration of Small Business Month.
Mother’s Day Spending Expected to Reach $34.1 Billion
Consumer spending on Mother’s Day is expected to reach $34.1 billion this year, according to an annual survey released by the NRF. The amount is up from last year’s $33.5 billion and follows closely behind the record of $35.7 billion in 2023.
What the Recent SBA Changes Mean for Small Businesses
In March, the Trump Administration announced plans to close the Education Department and move the federal student loan portfolio of $1.7 trillion to the Small Business Administration (SBA), raising concerns about the SBA's capacity to continue supporting small businesses.
The Impact of Tariffs on Retailers
President Trump’s tariffs have many industries scrambling around coming up with creative ways to not pass on the extra costs to their customers. Economists are predicting that consumers and businesses will likely encounter higher inflation, with price hikes on a variety of products.
March Sales Grew Moderately Amid Tariff Concerns
Retail sales grew in March after two straight months of declines, but gains remain moderate as consumers continue to be concerned by rising tariffs. Total retail sales, excluding automobiles and gasoline, were up 0.6% seasonally adjusted month over month and up 4.75% unadjusted year over year in March.
D’USSÉ Cellar Master Agathe Boinot Empowers Women
Making headlines in 2024 as the youngest female master among the major houses of Cognac at the age of 31, Agathe Boinot has had quite the unconventional journey to her appointment as D’USSÉ cellar master, breaking glass ceilings along her way.
Research Shows Consumers Prefer to Buy Alcohol Online
A recent survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers, commissioned by DRINKS and conducted by Dynata, found that 49% of 21-34-year-olds would be likely to purchase alcohol from their favorite online retailers if they started offering e-commerce versus their traditional alcohol retailer.
Consumers to Spend $23.6 Billion on Easter
Consumers plan to spend a total of $23.6 billion on Easter this year, according to an NRF survey. The amount is above last year’s $22.4 billion, and approaching the record $24 billion spent in 2023.
NRF Forecasts 2025 Retail Sales to Hit $5.42 Trillion
The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts that retail sales during 2025 will grow between 2.7% and 3.7% over 2024 to between $5.42 trillion and $5.48 trillion.
