Fashion
Cha-ching! Best Credit Cards to Maximize the Black Friday Sale
With the Holiday season coming, people everywhere are dashing to buy holiday presents for everyone— whether it is in a shopping mall or online. Here are the best credit cards to maximize holiday shopping deals to nab the best deal and maximize the benefits of your card!
With the holiday season just around the corner, people are scrambling to get presents for everyone. While there is a slight shift to how people purchase their gifts during the holiday season, according to Morning Consult’s 2020 Holiday Shopping Survey, 47% of individuals prefer to shop presents online, 27% will do an in-person method of holiday shopping, and around 31% will do a combination of both. While 2020 has been rough for the economy and people’s pockets, the survey also interestingly mentioned that 49% of holiday shoppers are likely to spend the same amount of money they did this year on gifts as they did last 2019.
Of course, smart consumers should know what credit card type to use for their shopping needs to fully maximize the rebates, promos, and discounts that each credit card offers, especially during the holiday season. Not only can you get more value for your money, but you can also nab great discounts to boot! Let us look at the different types of credit cards and how you can maximize it when you do your holiday shopping.
Best Credit Cards For…
The Department Store – U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card
Rewards: 5% cashback every quarter (n your first $2,000 in combined eligible net purchases each quarter, then 1%) and 1% on the everyday basis category.
Annual Fee: Zero!
Pros:
- Zero Annual Fee
- High cashback up to 5%
- Low spending required for a welcome bonus of $200 after you spend $500 within the first 90 days of opening your account.
Cons:
- 5% cashback is limited to just $2000 for each quarter
- 2% to 3% foreign transaction fee
The Verdict: The U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card will definitely work best if you plan to do your holiday shopping at department stores as they provide a 5% cashback for department store staples as Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s. Your second 5% bonus can widen a more comprehensive department store portfolio, which can now include GAP and Old Navy. Did I hear a cha-ching?
Target and Walmart – Discover it® Cash Back
Rewards: 5% cashback on Amazon, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations
Annual Fee: Still zero!
Pros:
- Cashback program
- Dollar match welcome bonus for the first year!
Cons:
- Quarterly activation of cashback bonus
- $1500 limit of cashback bonus
The Verdict: If you are fond of shopping online through Amazon, Target.com, or Walmart.com, then the Discover it® Cash Back is definitely for you! It has zero annual fees and offers a generous dollar match for new cardholders at the end of their first year.
General Shopping – Citi® Double Cash Card
Rewards: 2% cashback – 1% on all purchases and 1% after you pay your credit card bill
Pros:
- 2% cashback on all purchases
- Simple cashback program without the unnecessary hassle of quarterly activations
Cons:
- No welcome bonus
- Additional 3% charge for purchases outside the U.S.
The Verdict: If you plan on shopping both in-person, online, and in various stores, then choose the Citi® Double Cash Card as this can generate 2% of cashback in all purchases.
BigBusiness
Which Industries Are the Most Secure for Establishing Your First Business in 2023?
What Are the Safest Industries to Start Your First Business in 2023?
The Top 10 Safest Industries to Start Your First Business in 2023
Starting a business can be an exciting venture, but it is essential to choose the right industry for your first business. When considering which industries are the safest to invest in, you want to look at factors like market demand, stability, and future growth potential. In this blog post, we have put together a list of the top 10 safest industries to start your first business in 2023.
The industries listed here have been selected based on their overall potential for success and long-term growth. These industries may offer lower risks for first-time entrepreneurs and a better chance of success due to established markets, stable customer bases, or growing trends. Keep in mind that while the industries featured here may be considered safer bets, no industry is entirely risk-free, and it’s crucial to conduct thorough research before committing to any business idea.
Let’s dive into our list of the 10 safest industries to start your first business in 2023, where we provide an overview of each industry along with some key points to consider.
1. Eco-friendly Products and Services
As people become more environmentally conscious, the demand for eco-friendly products and services continues to grow. This industry offers a wide range of opportunities for new businesses that focus on sustainability and reducing humanity’s impact on the planet. With increasing public awareness and support from both consumers and governments, starting your business in this field has never been a more attractive option.
For instance, you could design and produce sustainable clothing made from organic materials or create biodegradable packaging for food and beverages. The possibilities are vast, and the market potential is promising for those who can offer innovative solutions to environmental problems.
- High consumer demand for sustainable products
- Supported by government initiatives and regulations
- Potential for social media outreach with eco-friendly messaging
- Attractive to environmentally conscious investors
- Different entry points depending on your business idea (e.g., products, services, consulting)
- Opportunity to make a positive impact on the planet
2. Health and Wellness
With an increased focus on personal health and wellness in recent years, this industry presents a wealth of opportunities for new businesses. Consumers are seeking ways to live healthier lives through various means, such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and holistic remedies. As a result, there is an increasing demand for innovative products and services that cater to these interests.
Consider creating a mobile app that promotes healthy habits or opening a fitness studio specializing in popular workout trends like yoga or HIIT. The opportunities are endless, and with the right approach and effective marketing strategy, you could build a successful business in this thriving industry.
- Growing market with high consumer interest
- Expanding range of possibilities, from apps to physical products
- Increased importance due to global health concerns
- Multiple niches to explore (nutrition, fitness, mental health)
- Can be started online or in-person
- Physical, mental, and emotional well-being will always be relevant
3. Educational Technology (EdTech)
The EdTech industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, thanks in part to the shift toward remote learning. This industry focuses on integrating technology into educational settings to improve overall learning experiences. There is a vast potential for growth here, especially as advancements in technology continue to shape how we learn and teach.
An example of a successful EdTech startup might be an online tutoring platform that connects students with qualified instructors in their chosen subject area. With online learning becoming more accessible and in-demand, this is an increasingly attractive market for entrepreneurs.
- Rapid industry growth driven by technology advancements
- Expanding range of products and services available
- Increased demand due to remote learning adoption
- Appeals to both individuals and institutions
- Potential for global reach through online platforms
- Relatively low barriers to entry, especially for digital products
… please limit your response to 2800 characters
BigBusiness
Which Industries Are the Most Secure for Establishing Your First Business in 2023?
What Are the Safest Industries to Start Your First Business in 2023?
The Top 10 Safest Industries to Start Your First Business in 2023
Starting a business can be an exciting venture, but it is essential to choose the right industry for your first business. When considering which industries are the safest to invest in, you want to look at factors like market demand, stability, and future growth potential. In this blog post, we have put together a list of the top 10 safest industries to start your first business in 2023.
The industries listed here have been selected based on their overall potential for success and long-term growth. These industries may offer lower risks for first-time entrepreneurs and a better chance of success due to established markets, stable customer bases, or growing trends. Keep in mind that while the industries featured here may be considered safer bets, no industry is entirely risk-free, and it’s crucial to conduct thorough research before committing to any business idea.
Let’s dive into our list of the 10 safest industries to start your first business in 2023, where we provide an overview of each industry along with some key points to consider.
1. Eco-friendly Products and Services
As people become more environmentally conscious, the demand for eco-friendly products and services continues to grow. This industry offers a wide range of opportunities for new businesses that focus on sustainability and reducing humanity’s impact on the planet. With increasing public awareness and support from both consumers and governments, starting your business in this field has never been a more attractive option.
For instance, you could design and produce sustainable clothing made from organic materials or create biodegradable packaging for food and beverages. The possibilities are vast, and the market potential is promising for those who can offer innovative solutions to environmental problems.
- High consumer demand for sustainable products
- Supported by government initiatives and regulations
- Potential for social media outreach with eco-friendly messaging
- Attractive to environmentally conscious investors
- Different entry points depending on your business idea (e.g., products, services, consulting)
- Opportunity to make a positive impact on the planet
2. Health and Wellness
With an increased focus on personal health and wellness in recent years, this industry presents a wealth of opportunities for new businesses. Consumers are seeking ways to live healthier lives through various means, such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and holistic remedies. As a result, there is an increasing demand for innovative products and services that cater to these interests.
Consider creating a mobile app that promotes healthy habits or opening a fitness studio specializing in popular workout trends like yoga or HIIT. The opportunities are endless, and with the right approach and effective marketing strategy, you could build a successful business in this thriving industry.
- Growing market with high consumer interest
- Expanding range of possibilities, from apps to physical products
- Increased importance due to global health concerns
- Multiple niches to explore (nutrition, fitness, mental health)
- Can be started online or in-person
- Physical, mental, and emotional well-being will always be relevant
3. Educational Technology (EdTech)
The EdTech industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, thanks in part to the shift toward remote learning. This industry focuses on integrating technology into educational settings to improve overall learning experiences. There is a vast potential for growth here, especially as advancements in technology continue to shape how we learn and teach.
An example of a successful EdTech startup might be an online tutoring platform that connects students with qualified instructors in their chosen subject area. With online learning becoming more accessible and in-demand, this is an increasingly attractive market for entrepreneurs.
- Rapid industry growth driven by technology advancements
- Expanding range of products and services available
- Increased demand due to remote learning adoption
- Appeals to both individuals and institutions
- Potential for global reach through online platforms
- Relatively low barriers to entry, especially for digital products
… please limit your response to 2800 characters
Business
Bridal Gown Industry Resilient amidst Covid-19 Pandemic
All’s fair in love and war even during the Covid-19 pandemic. While celebrations and gatherings are growing smaller and smaller as crowd control and social distancing measures become stricter, love still blooms against the struggles that the pandemic is causing.
Even when the world froze with the Covid-19 pandemic, love continues to bloom. This is apparent with the sales in bridal gowns such as that of David’s Bridal, where sales are the same as that of last year. Even if wedding ceremonies are growing smaller with intimate wedding ceremonies, the need for brides to buy a wedding gown is still largely present. Even if the wedding gets postponed, they are still pursuing wedding ceremonies, albeit on a smaller scale.
David’s Bridal Turns It Around
Like any other industry, David’s Bridal was not exempt from the financial onslaught of the ongoing pandemic as it shut down stores, especially during the initial onset of the pandemic. However, with everything going digital, David Bridal decided to turn it around and adapt to the new times by investing in online marketing strategies and started using social media to generate more sales. With its new management, Oaktree Capital Group, they were able to shut down any whisper of bankruptcy and reduced its debt load by more than $400 million!
Going Digital
With everyone using the power of technology, bridal boutiques such as David Bridal decided to go digital to cater to a wider audience. It began offering virtual consultations with their stylists so brides can discuss their dream wedding gown in the confines of their homes. Their app also includes an augmented reality feature so the bride can see up close the type of fabric and beadwork and choose according to their personality and style.
Adapting to the Bride’s Taste
When you hear wedding bells, you will envision a blushing bride in a long white gown. And while that may be true in a more traditional sense, David Bridal recognizes that brides nowadays have to change tastes, and they included a more comprehensive portfolio when it comes to the styles of their wedding dresses. They included little white dresses, jumpsuits, and even separates that will be better suited for an intimate wedding ceremony. Aside from accommodating a more comprehensive portfolio of wedding gown styles, bridal accessories sales are also going through the roof with one very important addition—the face mask, which is usually done in the fabric of the wedding gown to match the bride’s outfit.
Resilient Revenue Growth for the Bridal Industry
In a recent survey by Moody’s Investor Services, results show that brides are spending at an average of $600 per gown—which is the same as what they are usually spending in the past few years, prior to the pandemic. Though sales for prom dresses have significantly lessened, the increase in wedding gown sales, bridesmaid dresses, accessories, and other dresses have grown significantly even with the ongoing pandemic.
Loyalty Program
With the thriving market in the wedding industry, David Bridal is seizing the moment and setting up a loyalty program of either spending more or recommending other clients to choose David Bridal for all their bridal needs. What’s at stake? It can go from a free wedding bouquet up on a honeymoon trip to Jamaica.
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