U.S. Holiday Sales Hit $887 Billion Record Despite Supply Chain Woes
For November and December, holiday shoppers powered a 14.1% increase in retail sales, including e-commerce, marking the highest growth in two decades. This was despite recent concerns over supply chain issues, the Omicron Covid variant, labor shortages, and inflation.
Source: CNBC.com
Rising Home Prices Will Impact Businesses, Even Those Not in Real Estate
As a housing shortage fuels rising home prices, businesses not even focused on real estate must plan accordingly for their staff and company. That includes raising wages, adopting broader remote work policies, and carefully considering new business locations.
Source: Inc.com
Record Number of Small Businesses Applications in 2021
Applications for new small businesses hit over five million in 2021, an over 10 percent increase from the previous year. Retail trade, accommodation, and food service saw the most significant increases in specific industries.
Source: Small Business Trends
Creative Thinking Can Win in the Battle for Talent
Small business owners sometimes feel that they cannot compete with major companies in today’s competitive labor market. That’s why it helps to apply creative thinking when it comes to compensation that matches the needs of each candidate.
Source: Richmond-Times Dispatch
Uber and Visa Team Up for Restaurant Grant Program
The Grants for Growth program will help independent restaurants in 10 cities with grants up to $10,000 each for qualifying businesses. Applications must be submitted only by Monday, January 24.
Source: Small Business Trends
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