The producer price index rose 2.7% from a year earlier and 0.3% in September, in line with expectations and reversing a 0.1% decline in August, driven by higher energy and food costs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Core PPI, which excludes energy and food costs, increased 0.1%, also below estimates, with a year-over-year increase of 2.6% -- the smallest rise since July 2024.

Do It Best's Signature Store Design program has been modernizing stores since 2021, completing 135 redesigns to date and aiming to create a scalable and flexible format that encourages exploration and highlights local branding. Developed in collaboration with design firm Chute Gerdeman, recent projects showcase how the design integrates modern convenience with the long-standing heritage of the store, offering both vendors and customers a refreshed retail environment.

Consumer confidence fell to its lowest point since April, with the Conference Board's reading declining 6.8 points to 88.7 amid increasing concerns related to the job market and overall economy. The expectations index dropped 8.6 points to 63.2, and the present situation index also declined. The results align with other measures that show weakening consumer sentiment.

Supply chain disruptions driven by crises are expected to persist for years, according to a survey by A.P. Moller-Maersk. The survey of more than 900 European companies reveals that 78% anticipate geopolitical dynamics, regulations and trade tariffs will affect operations over the next two years. To mitigate these challenges, companies are diversifying sourcing strategies, strengthening relationships with logistics providers and investing in supply chain agility and visibility.

The trucking industry is experiencing a technological transformation that could reshape it. Volvo Trucks has introduced advanced driver-assistance features in its VNL model to make driving safer and less demanding, aiming to retain drivers amid high turnover rates. Meanwhile, Aurora Innovation is testing fully autonomous trucks in Texas, with plans to achieve human-free cargo loads by 2026.

Effective selling must be anchored in value-added selling principles rather than relying solely on scripts and tactics, argues Paul Reilly, an author and sales trainer. Reilly urges sellers to ground their approach in enduring fundamentals -- empathy, humility and the right attitude -- which serve as guardrails, guiding consistent value creation for customers even as sales processes and market conditions change. By rooting the sales process in these principles, sellers can better align with customer needs and drive lasting success.

While AI is often blamed for the decline in entry-level jobs, the real issue is a lack of intent in job design, writes Dmitry Zaytsev, founder of Dandelion Civilization. Zaytsev argues that companies need to align roles with employees' personal goals and aspirations to improve retention and engagement, and suggests making intent visible during hiring, designing micro-experiences for employees and rewarding adaptability.

The concept of the corporate ladder has become obsolete because of rapid technological advancements that have shortened the relevance of professional skills to about two years, writes Leo Goncalves of the University of Phoenix. Goncalves suggests that companies should support employees in building career portfolios, which, like 401(k)s, are diverse, flexible and portable, and that employees should focus on continuous learning and adaptability.

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