By the time this post lands in your inbox, we’ll be just hours away from Dec. 1 and, at least for me, the holiday music will not stop until the clock strikes 2022. Part of me cannot believe December is here — and I don’t think it struck me until I started digging into this month’s Fish Insights and all the stories were Thanksgiving this and holiday travel that. What?! Well, if you’re still in complete denial like me, there’s plenty of other stories below that have nothing to do with the holidays. We’re buzzing about smart fitness clothing (yep, it’s a thing!), how our coffee addiction isn’t as worrisome as we thought, and how Dollar Tree should probably change its name.
So enjoy! And don’t forget to let us know what you think about Fish Insights. Shoot me an email at adavidson@fish-consulting.com with any love or construction criticism.
Restaurants
- Thousands of restaurants are open, but customers aren’t allowed inside. (CNN Business)
- The latest challenge for restaurants is a lack of takeout containers and coffee cups. (CNBC)
- Restaurants are still struggling to get customers to dine in, with visits down 48% in the 12 months ending September 2021. (GlobeSt)
Travel & Hospitality
- The holidays will be the biggest test of airlines since the pandemic began. (The New York Times)
- A recent study by the University of Central Florida examined why hospitality workers are leaving the industry. (News 13 Orlando)
- Employees of bars, restaurants, and hotels across the country are getting paid more than ever, but many say it’s still not enough. (Vox)
Fitness, Health, & Wellness
- Smart fitness clothing is here, but don’t expect it to catch on quite yet. (Engadget)
- Some companies are charging unvaccinated workers more for health insurance. (NPR)
- A new study found that people who drank 4-6 cups of coffee a day, along with tea, had a lower risk of stroke and dementia. (TODAY)
Retail
- The pandemic actually helped many retail chains, like Macy’s. Here’s how. (The Wall Street Journal)
- Retail sales “surged” 1.7% in October, signaling a strong holiday season ahead. (S. News & World Report)
- It’s the end of an era — Dollar Tree just hiked prices 25% to $1.25. (CNN Business)
Beauty
- Hispanic women outspend their peers when it comes to personal care items, yet few beauty brands market to them. (Axios)
- The beauty industry is feeling the pinch from supply chain challenges. (Glossy)
Home Services
- Big meals at Thanksgiving mean big business for plumbers as they spend the next day unclogging kitchen sinks, garbage disposals, and more. (Distractify)
- A tech company set on helping home services professionals be more productive just raised $40 million. (TechCrunch)
