A US debt default could result in the S&P 500 index declining 20% or more, according to an analysis by UBS. Despite the challenging negotiations, many on Wall Street still expect a deal to be formed before default occurs.
SpartanNash is expanding use of Simbe's aisle-scanning Tally 3.0 robots at 15 Martin's Super Market and Family Fare locations in Michigan and Indiana after testing the technology at some D&W Fresh Market stores this year. The bots use 3D images to gather shelf-level data to gauge inventory levels, product performance and other metrics and process the data using NVidia's graphics processing unit platform.
Walmart's private-brand penetration rose 1.1% during the first quarter as shoppers looked for ways to save money, following increases in the third and fourth quarters of 2022, according to John David Rainey, executive vice president and chief financial officer. "You're seeing [private brand share] come up," said CEO Doug McMillon. "We have more influence over what's happening with private brands than we do with branded products."
Target and Walmart are among large retailers that have reported a decrease in inventory levels over the past quarter, indicating that they may be ready to order new products in the fall. Container imports into West Coast ports have fallen 23% in the first quarter from a year ago, according to Descartes Datamyne, but freight carriers are hopeful that demand in the following quarters will lead to a shipping rebound.
Generative artificial intelligence has a "front-office use case" in business-to-business marketing, says EY Americas Chief Marketing Officer Toni Clayton-Hine. Clayton-Hine notes that the need for nuance means "a human-centric approach becomes really important" and that companies need someone to approach the technology with a wide perspective.
Business-to-business companies are missing out on $1 trillion worth of brand value, according to a report by Brand Finance, which recommends B2B marketers prioritize brand building to strengthen awareness and found emotional B2B campaigns outperform rational creative. Brand Finance CEO David Haigh describes the current period as a "golden age" for B2B brands, while Tata Sons' Harish Bhat notes, "For b-to-b businesses, brands are an essential and powerful asset."
Providing continuous learning programs through the workplace is a good way to boost loyalty, diversify talent and keep staff members feeling engaged in their work. Upskilling can widen opportunities for underserved groups like veterans, improve wage disparities, allow new graduates to identify appropriate roles, and help fill positions in industries that are experiencing skill gaps.
