How many independently-owned businesses are there in your city?
The Indie City Index looked at all the metropolitan areas in the U.S. to come up with a rank of which areas are great places to put a strip mall full of chain stores, and which places would rather support a family business.
Read about the study and about the importance of strong local economies here.
Have you seen any “Buy Local” signs around your town? Well they’re all over the place, and it turns out they actually work. In places with “buy local” campaigns, residents spend more money at locally-owned stores.
When you spend $1 at a corporate chain, only $0.15 of that money stays in your town. But when you spend that same $1 at a local store, $0.45 stays local. That’s a pretty big difference when you consider all the financial troubles local economies are facing these days.
The thing about an economy is that every financial transaction is somehow connected to every other financial transaction. And all those financial transactions are connected to the economic, political, and social health of an entire nation, which is connected to the rest of the world.
Something worth thinking about the next time you’re itching to spend a dollar.
February 9th, 2011
How many independently-owned businesses are there in your city?
The Indie City Index looked at all the metropolitan areas in the U.S. to come up with a rank of which areas are great places to put a strip mall full of chain stores, and which places would rather support a family business.
Read about the study and about the importance of strong local economies here.
Have you seen any “Buy Local” signs around your town? Well they’re all over the place, and it turns out they actually work. In places with “buy local” campaigns, residents spend more money at locally-owned stores.
When you spend $1 at a corporate chain, only $0.15 of that money stays in your town. But when you spend that same $1 at a local store, $0.45 stays local. That’s a pretty big difference when you consider all the financial troubles local economies are facing these days.
The thing about an economy is that every financial transaction is somehow connected to every other financial transaction. And all those financial transactions are connected to the economic, political, and social health of an entire nation, which is connected to the rest of the world.
Something worth thinking about the next time you’re itching to spend a dollar.
February 8th, 2011
International mini-market chain 7-11 is greening up its act in 100 new eco-friendly stores in Japan.
These stores, which feature wind power and LED lights, cost up to 30% more than a traditional stores. But Sevs and other chain markets like it expect that the cost of “greening” buildings will go down as demand rises.
That would be pretty cool, huh?
February 8th, 2011
“If you thought it was getting more expensive to go the movies, your hunch was right. The average ticket price at theaters in the U.S. last year rose to an all-time annual high of $7.89, up 5% from $7.50 in 2009, according to the National Assn. of Theatre Owners. In the fourth quarter, the average price was $8.01, up 5% from the year-ago period.”
What do you think?
Can you believe they’re still cheaper than they were in 1970? (When you factor in inflation.)
February 8th, 2011
Today at TILE we talked about the massive political upheaval in Egypt – the 27th largest country in the world – and what it means for the country’s economy.
First, it’s important to know that Egypt’s economy relies heavily on two things – tourism and foreign investment. In other words, it depends heavily on the money of outsiders. And the protests – at least for now – have put a stop to that outside money.
Read the rest of this entry »
February 8th, 2011
Citi is getting serious about the next generation, and we’re happy to be a part of it! Read the latest TILE press on the WSJ: http://on.wsj.com/fMgiEz
February 7th, 2011
credit: amandabhslater
After 10 years of talks, Prada is going boldly forward where no other Italian company has gone before: the Hong Kong stock exchange.
- The company wants to expand its operations, and that means it needs cash. So it’s going after an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong to raise money from investors.
- The IPO is expected to do well because of a favorable economic climate and the designer’s excellent reputation.
- If it follows through with the IPO, Prada will be the first European luxury brand listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange.
Facts & Figures
- Prada was founded in 1913
- Founder Mario Prada’s granddaughter currently owns 95% of the company
Best Quote
“Confident in the future development of the group, we can now face the coming challenges with serenity and seize the best opportunities offered by the international capital markets.” – Prada Chief Executive Patrizio Bertelli
What do you think?
What do you do when you need cash?
February 7th, 2011
(photo credit: Яick Harris)
No, not like that. Like this:
A Dutch company called OAT has invented shoes made of… oats.
Instead of living in a garbage dump (or the Great Pacific Garbage Patch) for the rest of eternity after you’ve worn them out, these kicks will break down like any other normal organic substance.
And then – here comes the good part – the seeds that have been hiding inside of the shoes all along will come to life and grow trees! Shoe trees.
Do you already do something clever with your old sneakers? Plant flowers in them? Use them to insulate your attic? Save them for special shoe-throwing occasions?
Thanks for the tip, GOOD.
February 7th, 2011
(photo credit: Яick Harris)
No, not like that. Like this:
A Dutch company called OAT has invented shoes made of… oats.
Instead of living in a garbage dump (or the Great Pacific Garbage Patch) for the rest of eternity after you’ve worn them out, these kicks will break down like any other normal organic substance.
And then – here comes the good part – the seeds that have been hiding inside of the shoes all along will come to life and grow trees! Shoe trees.
Do you already do something clever with your old sneakers? Plant flowers in them? Use them to insulate your attic? Save them for special shoe-throwing occasions?
Thanks for the tip, GOOD.
