Search Engine Land: New Google ‘Rising Retail Categories’ tool exposes fast-growing product searches. “In the current crisis, product search is an area that is dynamic and rapidly evolving, according to Google. So the company is introducing what it’s calling Rising Retail Categories, within the ThinkWithGoogle domain.”
small business
Green Bay Press Gazette: As giant retailers dominate online shopping, Wisconsin small businesses turn to new searchable database to draw customers
Green Bay Press Gazette: As giant retailers dominate online shopping, Wisconsin small businesses turn to new searchable database to draw customers. “Hundreds of small-business owners in Wisconsin, walloped by a pandemic that sent shoppers online more than ever, can now attract customers through a new state website. Main Street Marketplace went live Tuesday morning with a searchable, sortable database of more than 230 small businesses in 34 Main Street Communities, according to Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., the state’s business support and recruitment agency.”
University of Bristol: New report shows survival of the fittest and most agile will make or break retailers as lockdown eases
University of Bristol: New report shows survival of the fittest and most agile will make or break retailers as lockdown eases. “Customers panic buying in droves, running out of stock on many basic essentials, and imposing product purchase restrictions may now be less of a headache for retailers, but plenty of other hurdles lie ahead as life slowly returns to some semblance of normality and non-essential shops prepare to reopen in mid-June.”
The New Yorker: The “Glaring Holes” in Congress’s Plan to Stabilize the Economy
The New Yorker: The “Glaring Holes” in Congress’s Plan to Stabilize the Economy. “I recently spoke by phone with Bharat Ramamurti, a lawyer and political adviser serving on the covid-19 Congressional Oversight Commission, which still does not have a chairperson, because Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell have not agreed on whom to appoint to the role. Ramamurti is also the managing director of the Corporate Power program at the Roosevelt Institute and a former economic adviser to Elizabeth Warren. During our conversation, which has been edited for length and clarity, we discussed why our economic system is best equipped to save bigger businesses, the real reasons that so little money has reached its intended recipients, and the next steps that Congress should be taking to help struggling workers.”
Route Fifty: As Reopening Begins, Cities Get First Glimpse of How Many Businesses Are Closed Permanently
Route Fifty: As Reopening Begins, Cities Get First Glimpse of How Many Businesses Are Closed Permanently. “As states start to reopen, the first picture of how many businesses have closed their doors for good is starting to emerge. Businesses have struggled to pay rent and retain employees as the pandemic forced governors to order major shutdowns across the country. Small, locally owned companies were particularly hard hit, especially those owned by minorities and people with criminal records, who did not see much help from federal programs intended to keep businesses afloat during the pandemic. Some who received aid said the rules about spending it are so convoluted and restrictive they’re afraid to use the money available to them.”
New York Times: Can Anyone Save New York’s Bars and Restaurants?
New York Times: Can Anyone Save New York’s Bars and Restaurants?. “I have worked in the restaurant industry for 41 years, as a server, a bartender and, for the past 22 years, an owner. We have weathered upheavals, 9/11, the downturn of 2008 and Hurricane Sandy. But the food and beverage service industry has been hit harder than almost any other in this pandemic, accounting for 60 percent of the jobs lost in March. Those are unprecedented numbers, and none of us has ever seen anything like the troubles looming on the horizon for our industry, particularly for smaller, independent owners like me.”
CNN: Magic Johnson will provide $100 million to fund loans to minority-owned businesses
CNN: Magic Johnson will provide $100 million to fund loans to minority-owned businesses. “Magic Johnson may no longer be playing in the NBA, but the Hall of Fame member is still making valuable assists. Johnson announced that EquiTrust Life Insurance Co., of which he owns a majority, is providing $100 million in capital to fund federal loans for minority and women business owners who have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.”
