New research that came out at the end of last year shows that most small businesses are turning to social media as their top marketing tactic. This relatively new form of marketing has seen its adoption soar recently, but this is the first time we’ve seen it ranked as the top choice of small businesses.
Management
Radio Shack’s 2nd Bankruptcy in 2 Years; The Era of The Gadget is Over
In yet another clear sign that the era of the gadget is over, once prodigious gadget-seller Radio Shack files for bankruptcy on Wednesday…again. This is the second bankruptcy filing for the company in just two years. A strategy of partnering with Sprint didn’t produce the revenue the new owner’s anticipated and this second filing was unavoidable. So what happens now?
See what is in store for wounded giant Radio Shack… [Read more…] about Radio Shack’s 2nd Bankruptcy in 2 Years; The Era of The Gadget is Over
Nortek Parent Melrose Reports Higher Margins & Sales
Melrose Industries PLC, an engineering turnaround company that recently acquired Nortek, Inc. (parent company of Core Brands) announced last week that it sees margins improving at Nortek already, even though it only acquired the company just last year. Not only that, but thanks to adding Nortek to its stable of investments, Melrose has seen its revenues triple – driving its stock to a record high.
See more on what Melrose had to say about Nortek… [Read more…] about Nortek Parent Melrose Reports Higher Margins & Sales
Gibson Brands Successfully Refinances Significant Debt
B. Riley & Co., a full service investment bank, announced the closing of a series of refinancing transactions that have completely restructured the outstanding significant debt of Gibson Brands, Inc. Gibson, as we have reported on regularly, entered the consumer electronics space back in 2012, investing in brands such as Onkyo/Integra, Teac, and buying Philips accessory business. Recently, the company appeared to be running into debt difficulties, perhaps from taking on debt to purchase these companies.
See more on this debt restructuring by Gibson… [Read more…] about Gibson Brands Successfully Refinances Significant Debt
Samsung Makes a Strategic Investment into an IoT Security Company
Samsung Electronics has made another major investment in the Internet of Things (IoT) space, becoming an early stage Series A investor in Bayshore Networks. The company made the investment via its Samsung NEXT Venture fund, an investment fund created by the company to find and take positions in companies that are driving businesses that will yield future profits for the company.
Who is Bayshore Networks and why did Samsung invest in them?… [Read more…] about Samsung Makes a Strategic Investment into an IoT Security Company
With Company Leader Incapacitated and Heir-Apparent Arrested: Who’s In Charge at Samsung?
After several years of non-stop success, Samsung has had a bit of a tough run lately. From exploding smartphone batteries to self-destructing washing machines to the arrest of the company’s Vice Chairman and heir-apparant…it’s been a challenging time, to say the least. But with the company Chairman Lee Kun-hee incapacitated due to failing health and his son, the Vice Chairman, now in police custody – the company’s biggest problem is a lack of leadership at the helm.
See how Samsung is addressing their leadership gap as a result of recent police action… [Read more…] about With Company Leader Incapacitated and Heir-Apparent Arrested: Who’s In Charge at Samsung?
Massive $6.3 Billion Writedown is Tanking Toshiba, Could It Collapse?
Toshiba Corp. announced yesterday that it will take a $6.3 billion writedown to account for the meltdown of its nuclear division. This amount of writedown is much higher than the markets had anticipated, forcing Toshiba into crisis mode having to secure lending commitments from their banks, reorganize their nuclear division, and sell assets to offset their losses.
Is Toshiba near the tipping point?… [Read more…] about Massive $6.3 Billion Writedown is Tanking Toshiba, Could It Collapse?
Sharp Plans Major Investment in U.S., Paying Fealty to Trump
Sharp Corp., a subsidiary of Taiwan’s Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. which is better known as Foxconn, has said in Japan that it plans to make a major investment in the United States. This announcement precedes by just two days a summit meeting between Japanese and U.S. leaders and is seen as a political move to buy favor with both the Japanese and U.S. governments.
See more on this Sharp plan which originated with Foxconn’s CEO Terry Gou… [Read more…] about Sharp Plans Major Investment in U.S., Paying Fealty to Trump
Is CEDIA’s Show For Sale…Again?
Reuters is reporting that Emerald Expositions LLC, the major trade show exposition company that bought the CEDIA show last week, is considering putting itself up for sale. This report became public on Wednesday, January 25th…the day before CEDIA announced it has sold its trademark show to Emerald. All of which leads to the distinct possibility of the show changing hands again, in just a matter of weeks.
See more on this report and how CEDIA members are reacting to the sale… [Read more…] about Is CEDIA’s Show For Sale…Again?
Why Consumers Don’t Like to Shop at Retail Anymore
New research into what frustrates consumers when shopping in a retail store may give us a clue as to why brick-and-mortar retail is struggling – while online retailers are growing. Market research firm Capgemini asked consumers what they thought was a simple question that would elicit a simple answer. Little did they know that shoppers were only too happy to list the multiple reasons why they are frustrated with the retail shopping experience today.
