The impact of tariffs on U.S. consumers and businesses
U.S. consumers and businesses expressed concern about the potential impact of new tariffs as tensions grow in international trade. A recent report shows that consumer confidence has suffered its biggest decline in the past three years as consumers worry about tariff-driven inflation (source). Also Read: Trump raises attention on tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China According to the Indexbox platform, businesses are adopting various strategies to mitigate the impact of these trade barriers. Some companies, such as Sally Beauty and Hamilton Beach brands, say they may raise prices to offset the increase in costs associated with tariffs. Meanwhile, others like Steve Madden have reduced their reliance on Chinese suppliers, although they can still make some price adjustments as needed. Adapt to tariff challenges Companies like Birkenstock have managed to navigate past price increases without adverse effects. Ivica Krolo, the company's chief financial officer, noted on a recent earnings call that they have previously managed to offset inflationary pressures, including tariffs,…
Resilience in Uncertainty: How Businesses Can Prepare
The possibility of new tariffs has reignited concerns among businesses that rely on global supply chains. While the scope and severity of these tariffs remains uncertain, the potential impacts on costs, operations and consumer prices underscore the importance of proactive preparation. Businesses that take proactive steps to anticipate and adapt to these changes will be better able to deal with any disruptions. Also read: Strike fears, tariff plans drive early import surge at U.S. ports Looking back at the Trump administration’s previous tariff cycles reveals an important lesson: preparation is key. Diversification efforts such as the China Plus One strategy offer ways to manage the risks of overreliance on sourcing from a single country. Manufacturers, especially in industries such as apparel and automobiles, are beginning to explore alternatives in countries such as Vietnam, Mexico and India. This trend has accelerated in recent years, providing a valuable blueprint for businesses facing new trade uncertainties. However, supply chain diversification is only part…
Small Businesses Hosting Large Events – MEET (Meetings |
Professional suppliers to look for in 2025 Rebecca Essess Growing up, Missouri's hospitality industry included more than just the big, well-known providers. There are a variety of small vendors across the state that continue to host large events and create transformative atmospheres for attendees. You don't have to venture far to find what you're looking for; just look in your own backyard (figuratively, of course). Whether you need creative balloon displays, tent or linen rentals, A/V equipment, LED light panels, interactive entertainment or gift ideas, Missouri's small suppliers have everything you need to make your next meeting or event Reach the extreme. Balloons, balloons, and more balloons! Balloon Theory STL is located in St. Louis. Whether you are hosting a corporate evening, hosting a holiday party, or celebrating a business milestone, Balloon Theory STL is passionate about bringing your event to life with their custom balloon installations. “Balloon Theory St. Louis is proud to offer custom balloon installations for corporate…
It’s time for B2B businesses to accelerate adoption
Whether online or in-store, today’s consumers want to be able to pay for goods and services the way they choose, whether that’s credit card, debit card, ACH, PayPal, Venmo, etc. For some time now, consumer-facing companies have been investing in and integrating a wide range of payments capabilities to meet this expectation and provide customers with a seamless shopping and payment experience. Also read: B2B payments: The next $38.2 billion market While progress has been made in modernizing payments in the consumer space, the speed at which B2B companies are getting there pales in comparison for a number of reasons. In some cases, limitations of existing accounting systems prevent B2B companies from switching to electronic payments or abandoning paper checks delivered via snail mail. The cost and difficulty of implementing a digital payments platform is also a contributing factor. In other cases, B2B companies are simply unwilling to disrupt processes that customers have become accustomed to. However, the dynamics of…
Export-Import Bank provides relief to businesses affected by hurricanes
"These transformative exports fuel growth in the U.S. economy, strengthen our economy and national security, and improve our quality of life." The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) announced support measures for U.S. exporters, financial institutions and businesses affected by Hurricanes Milton, Helen and other recent weather events. These measures are intended to reduce operational and financial burdens on EXIM program participants located in FEMA-declared federal disaster areas. Also read: Allen mobilizes for Hurricane Milton as supply chain prepares for another major storm "Our priority is to support our clients and lenders through the challenges presented by these severe weather events," said EXIM Chairman Reta Jo Lewis. "We are providing flexibility to help those affected focus on safety and recovery." Relief measures for businesses and lenders:EXIM’s assistance includes a variety of facilitation measures to help businesses resume operations without penalty for missing deadlines: Working Capital Guarantee Plan 1. For loans maturing during the disaster period, the loan facility is…
A sales guide for new events from businesses
CHICAGO — An Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips team of financial advisory professionals has published “Selling Your Events Business: Strategies for Founders, Owners and Senior Executives,” a guide that details what event business owners should do when selling their companies. Necessary steps and precautions. Divided into easy-to-digest chapters, the guide details the post-pandemic market landscape, signs an owner is ready to sell, best practices for valuing the business and developing an exit strategy, as well as pitching the business to buyers, negotiation strategies, and navigating the due diligence process and complete the transaction. trade show director Speak with the guide's authors Ken Sonenclar, managing director at Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips, and Reed Phillips, the firm's managing partner, about the process of selling an event business and their thoughts on the most important things business owners should know. Prove value Both Sonamkra and Phillips emphasized that demonstrating growth and opportunities for growth is important in the process of selling a business. "Most buyers will pay for…
Citizen Watch America offers advantages to businesses
For more information, visit cwacorporatesales.com Enterprise advantages: excellent design + excellent serviceCitizen Watch America (CWA) offers a selection of leading and trusted brands to suit your business needs, including Bulova, Citizen, Frederique-Constant, Alpina, Bulova Clocks and Accutron, with retail prices ranging from $125 to $45,000. Known for their superior craftsmanship and design, cutting-edge technology and industry-leading quality and reliability, these brands are available in hundreds of styles and tastes, with unique customization options and prices to suit every budget. Services and ProjectsWe have a fully staffed Enterprise Sales department dedicated to serving the B2B market.engraving: Some watch case backs and various bonus clocks can have messages engraved on them.Imprint: Most watch faces can be custom printed with a logo or pattern. Timely Gifting ProgramReward your best with an iconic brand. Unique personalization, delightful interactions and pure fun, A timely gift from CWA Transform event gifting into an event in itself, creating a perfectly tailored, truly memorable shopping experience. We'll work…
COP29: Huge opportunity for U.S. small businesses in the climate change space
David De Falco is ITA's Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs. Natig Bakhishov is the Executive Director of the American-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce. In November, nearly 200 countries will gather in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), bringing together global political and business leaders to forge agreements and advance cooperation to address the climate crisis, the greatest existential threat of the 21st century. Every year, American businesses of all sizes and industries attend the Climate Conference to showcase the latest innovations in clean energy and technology from the U.S. Foreign buyers and investors are particularly looking to U.S. companies for products and services that can help their communities meet the challenges of climate change, from extreme weather resilience to sustainable development and clean energy transitions. If you are a U.S. small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), don’t miss this great opportunity to attend COP29 in person to showcase your tools and services and expand…
180 – Big Business Marketing Strategies for Niche Businesses –
Can a niche or micro-niche business thrive at a trade show? This guest brings a ton of big business marketing experience and offers tips and strategies that niche businesses can use to achieve huge success! Michaela S. Benn Publishes children's books for ages 3-8 centered around relationship dynamics among family members. (That's niche!) Her books are supported by rich resources to promote early childhood literacy, social development, and emotional learning. She is also a marketing coach and hosts a podcast on children's book marketing. We discuss: How to use large corporate event marketing strategies to reach an audience that supports small business owners Make good preparations for marketing and find suitable activities Predict opportunities to follow up with customers who have purchased and those who have not purchased. If you are a small business, how can you afford to pay for supplier events? How to decide on the right vending campaign? What strategies that you learned managing large events in…