Latest news with #CapitalOneShopping
CNBC
6 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
This 1 thing is a 'worthy investment' in your health and wellness, executive coach says—even as costs rise
The probability of a recession occurring this year stands at around 40%, according to a report released by J.P. Morgan at the end of May. While it is a much lower estimate from even a month ago, consumers still have some reservations and some admit to experiencing economic anxiety. At the same time, 82% of U.S. consumers consider wellness a top priority and continue to invest in it, according to an April report from Capital One Shopping. Stevi Gable Carr predicts that consumers will begin to decide which health products are worth the investment and which are not, especially as costs remain high on items like eggs and President Trump's tariffs cause worry about "uncertainty" in the future. Gable Carr is the founder and CEO of WISe Wellness Guild, a consultancy and media agency with a focus on wellness. "I think we might see a downturn in some wearables and maybe supplements that aren't tried and true or vetted or FDA-approved," she says. "I think we are going to see a really big shift into things like mental health, the democratization of therapy." Investing in wellness does not have to end in someone breaking the bank, Gable Carr, who is also an executive coach, tells CNBC Make It. Some investments stand out as a higher priority than others, and she believes mental health is one of them. "If I were going to make one suggestion, prioritizing your mental health if you are feeling that's something that's going to be a challenge for you, I absolutely say is a worthy investment," Gable Carr says. Giving the proper attention to your mental health, and investing in the necessary resources, is not something that Gable Carr thinks people should cut corners on. "People are using ChatGPT and AI as a therapist. And while I think that is wonderful for scaling access to these types of things, I am still a bit skeptical about the replacement of a real human, being able to connect with you when you might be in a place of mental health crisis," she says. "If I were going to put my money towards one thing, it would definitely be in working directly with a therapist or a counselor in any capacity." Gable Carr finds that improving your mental health can lead to positive changes in your occupational health and financial health as well. When people don't view each of those three aspects as a "triangle relationship," it can lead to negative outcomes, she explains. "In where we are today with the wealth gap, there's a lot of pressure for people to continue to grind, and they are abandoning a lot of other pieces of their life in order to go and try to make more so they can consume more," Gable Carr says. "We've almost taken the human out of human , and we created human doings. I think that the human has not served us." Connecting with a mental health professional isn't always easy financially, Gable Carr acknowledges. Even spending more time with loved ones and less time alone can have benefits for your happiness. "I do think that art of gathering is going to be something that we really see in this next phase that is going to be prioritized," she says. "Getting back to just connecting with one another, sitting down for dinner together again, not eating in our cars, not being on our cell phones all the time."
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Capital One must face social media creators' lawsuit alleging stolen commissions
By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) -Capital One must face a lawsuit by social media creators who said the bank's free browser extension stole their sales commissions when consumers bought their products and services. In a Monday night decision, U.S. District Judge Anthony Trenga in Alexandria, Virginia said creators plausibly alleged that Capital One knew or should have known that it diverted their commissions by overriding tracking codes that showed consumers had seen their content. The proposed class action involves affiliate marketing, where creators promote content through links that appear on their platforms and social media channels, and are provided by online merchants and third-party marketers. Creators said the Capital One Shopping browser extension, used by more than 10 million people to find discounts, made it appear at checkout as though consumers made purchases from merchants' sites after clicking referral links from the bank. They said this let McLean, Virginia-based Capital One collect millions of dollars of commissions that bloggers, influencers, YouTubers and other creators had "rightfully earned". Trenga said creators can pursue claims that Capital One was unjustly enriched, interfered with their contracts and ability to make money, and violated the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. He dismissed a conversion claim and four state law claims. Capital One did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday. In seeking a dismissal, the bank said it was up to merchants to decide how to allocate commissions. It also said the lawsuit reflected creators' frustration that merchants "do not always share their view that they did all the work." Norman Siegel, a lawyer for the creators, said they looked forward to continuing to prosecute their case. Microsoft and PayPal face similar litigation over their Microsoft Shopping and PayPal Honey extensions. Capital One is the sixth-largest U.S. commercial bank by assets, after buying Discover Financial Services in May. It acquired its browser extension when it bought online shopping startup Wikibuy in 2018. The case is In re Capital One Financial Corp, Affiliate Marketing Litigation, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, No. 25-00023.
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
How SMEs can leverage cross-border e-commerce opportunities
Understanding regional buying behaviours and adapting accordingly helps brands stand out in competitive foreign markets. The rise of cross-border e-commerce trade is unlocking new opportunities for South African businesses eager to expand their reach and revenue. Cross-border e-commerce, also referred to as international e-commerce, involves the buying and selling of goods and services online across national borders, with buyers and sellers located in different countries. It transcends geographical limitations, enabling businesses to reach global markets and consumers. According to Capital One Shopping research, cross-border transactions already account for at least 31.2% of all global online sales, and it is projected to grow 219% faster than global e-commerce through 2028. The market is expected to reach $5.06 trillion in sales within the next three years. The research was released on January 28, 2025, stating that approximately 4% of African retail sales are made online. African e-commerce is expected to grow by 25% from 2023 to 2025, driven by the increased availability of smartphones. Benefits of cross-border e-commerce Gregory Saffy, Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at FedEx, said that there remains a largely untapped opportunity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). 'That is set to change with e-tailers bold enough to navigate the global landscape standing a chance to reap huge benefits in the years to come.' However, he added that there are important practices that businesses need to consider when expanding outside their home territory. 'To boost global sales, SMEs must tailor their offering to local preferences. This includes researching your chosen market, translating product descriptions where needed, using local currencies, adjusting sizing or packaging, and aligning messaging with cultural norms.' Localisation builds trust and relevance, increasing the likelihood of purchase. Understanding regional buying behaviours and adapting accordingly helps brands stand out in competitive foreign markets. ALSO READ: Six ways to avoid burnout as an entrepreneur Tax and customs obligations in cross-border e-commerce Saffy said that it is also important to understand your tax and customs obligations as a business owner, as every country has its own duties, including VAT rules and customs requirements; it is essential to research these thoroughly. 'Transparency around duties and delivery timelines will help to prevent customer dissatisfaction. Staying compliant not only avoids legal trouble but also enhances credibility and paves the way for further global growth.' He advises business owners to also offer multiple payment options, because international buyers are more likely to complete a purchase when they have access to familiar and secure payment methods. 'Integrating globally renowned and reputable payment platforms that enable transactions in multiple currencies and across borders will improve conversion rates. 'Flexibility in payment options shows professionalism and meets the expectations of today's sophisticated online shopper.' Headache-free delivery Saffy added that it is important to establish an efficient and headache-free delivery system, as this is key in cross-border success. 'Outsourcing logistics also allows businesses to focus on growth while reducing the operational administration burden. Partnering with experienced logistics providers helps SMEs manage international shipping and customs clearance seamlessly.' He said there will always be challenges when entering new markets, but with the right tools and support. 'We believe that South African SMEs are well-positioned to seize the rewarding cross-border opportunities ahead.' NOW READ: Political uncertainties that will impact SMEs in the coming months
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
San Diego says digital-only coupons aren't equitable. Here's what they're doing about it
San Diego is on the way to becoming the first city in the nation to ban grocery stores from offering digital-only coupons, citing a lack off access to the internet and smartphones by some shoppers. The ban is designed to force grocery stores to provide paper coupons to everyone, including elderly shoppers who are not as tech savvy as younger shoppers. But trade groups for grocers are pushing back on the new law. While grocers still distribute coupons through mailboxes or as inserts in a newspaper, the deals have evolved to meet consumers on their smartphones through mobile apps and email inboxes. In 2022, 91% of Americans used at least one coupon and more than 178 million adults in the United States redeemed a digital coupon (which includes downloadable coupons, mobile coupons, coupon codes and automatic discounts), according to a recent CapitalOne Shopping report. The number of digital coupon users has steadily grown by as many as 10 million adults each year from 2015 to 2022. Some of these deals, and in particular for grocery store customers, often require desktop or app users to create an online account or to link their existing membership number with an online profile. That's where San Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera says there is a digital barrier for residents who lack internet or smartphone access, who are English-language learners or are weary of sharing their personal information online. Read more: Hiltzik: Business leaders bow to anti-DEI activists — except at Costco In Elo-Rivera's jurisdiction, the city's 9th District, he said three prominent groups are missing out on money-saving coupons because of online-only deals. The first comprises older adults, 65 years and older, living on a fixed income. It is a population that makes up 14% of the city, including many who might not be technologically savvy. He told The Times that his ban was supported by the nonprofit Serving Seniors, whose members and volunteer staff have encountered issues with getting online deals. The second group is made up of individuals who were born outside of the United States and whose first language isn't English. Staff from the Employee Rights Center told Elo-Rivera that immigrant and refugee community members "don't necessarily have the language ability to navigate the complex [online] system that's required to access the [online deal or coupon] price," he said. Lastly, Elo-Rivera points to San Diego residents who lack internet access, which is about 53,000 households, according to the council member's office. He also pointed to a 2022 AARP report that stated 25% of older adults in the nation lacked internet connectivity and 39% are without a mobile phone, thus making digital coupons out of reach for older Americans. AARP California has publicly supported the council member's ordinance. Such statistics, which came from the Pew Research Center, have since been updated: 30% of older adults lack internet connectivity and 24% are without smartphones. Read more: Lopez: Trump promised lower food prices immediately, but I gave him six weeks. Here's my grocery bill To combat the digital barrier, Elo-Rivera co-authored the digital coupon ban with the goal of making the discounts available to all — including those who aren't able to navigate or don't have access to the online deals. The effort to create equity on customer deals comes at a time when the cost for food staples continues to rise, according to the Nielsen IQ. Data gathered at the checkout counter between March 9, 2024, and March 1, 2025, showed that chicken breast prices rose by $.30 per pound, reaching an average of $5.75 per pound. The cost of a loaf of bread increased by $0.06, meaning consumers pay an average of $3.06 per loaf. The California Grocers Assn. wants more information on how shoppers are affected by digital incentives and whether there are other alternatives to solving the problem instead of adopting a ban, said Nate Rose, spokesperson for the group. "Is there another way for the city itself to tackle the digital divide with training or an assistance program?" Rose asked. Grocers weren't asked to be a part of the conversation with Elo-Rivera and the city, and many supermarket chains were not aware of the ordinance prior to its initial passage on Monday despite the city releasing public notices since October. To completely replace online deals with print coupons that are available to everybody negates the point of loyalty programs, said Rose. "From the grocery point of view, [there's] a lot of whiplash of mixed messages from reducing your environmental footprint but by the same token please print thousands of coupons," he said. Grocers who have been contacted by the association say they are not ready to make such changes exclusively for stores in the city of San Diego but not for stores in neighboring cities, Rose said. "We're hoping the city steps back from this, honestly," he said. In 2022, consumer advocates called on major supermarket chains to make digital coupons available to all, according to the Massachusetts Public Interest Network. In response, Stop & Shop, the largest chain in the Northeast, established kiosks in 2024 where customers can scan their loyalty rewards card or enter their phone number to access "their digital coupons and activate personal offers based on their shopping history." The ordinance will go before the City Council for a second reading and final approval in two weeks. After it becomes a law, grocers in San Diego have 90 days to comply. The ordinance doesn't define how grocers must abide by the forthcoming law. Elo-Rivera shared some ideas for how grocers can abide by the law, including providing: A small booklet of coupons at the grocery store. Physical coupons offered near the items on the shelf — similar to a coupon dispenser. A booklet of the online coupons that a cashier can scan for grocers at the register. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
San Diego says digital-only coupons aren't equitable. Here's what they're doing about it
San Diego is on the way to becoming the first city in the nation to ban grocery stores from offering digital-only coupons, citing a lack off access to the internet and smartphones by some shoppers. The ban is designed to force grocery stores to provide paper coupons to everyone, including elderly shoppers who are not as tech savvy as younger shoppers. But trade groups for grocers are pushing back on the new law. While grocers still distribute coupons through mailboxes or as inserts in a newspaper, the deals have evolved to meet consumers on their smartphones through mobile apps and email inboxes. In 2022, 91% of Americans used at least one coupon and more than 178 million adults in the United States redeemed a digital coupon (which includes downloadable coupons, mobile coupons, coupon codes and automatic discounts), according to a recent CapitalOne Shopping report. The number of digital coupon users has steadily grown by as many as 10 million adults each year from 2015 to 2022. Some of these deals, and in particular for grocery store customers, often require desktop or app users to create an online account or to link their existing membership number with an online profile. That's where San Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera says there is a digital barrier for residents who lack internet or smartphone access, who are English-language learners or are weary of sharing their personal information online. Read more: Hiltzik: Business leaders bow to anti-DEI activists — except at Costco In Elo-Rivera's jurisdiction, the city's 9th District, he said three prominent groups are missing out on money-saving coupons because of online-only deals. The first comprises older adults, 65 years and older, living on a fixed income. It is a population that makes up 14% of the city, including many who might not be technologically savvy. He told The Times that his ban was supported by the nonprofit Serving Seniors, whose members and volunteer staff have encountered issues with getting online deals. The second group is made up of individuals who were born outside of the United States and whose first language isn't English. Staff from the Employee Rights Center told Elo-Rivera that immigrant and refugee community members "don't necessarily have the language ability to navigate the complex [online] system that's required to access the [online deal or coupon] price," he said. Lastly, Elo-Rivera points to San Diego residents who lack internet access, which is about 53,000 households, according to the council member's office. He also pointed to a 2022 AARP report that stated 25% of older adults in the nation lacked internet connectivity and 39% are without a mobile phone, thus making digital coupons out of reach for older Americans. AARP California has publicly supported the council member's ordinance. Such statistics, which came from the Pew Research Center, have since been updated: 30% of older adults lack internet connectivity and 24% are without smartphones. Read more: Lopez: Trump promised lower food prices immediately, but I gave him six weeks. Here's my grocery bill To combat the digital barrier, Elo-Rivera co-authored the digital coupon ban with the goal of making the discounts available to all — including those who aren't able to navigate or don't have access to the online deals. The effort to create equity on customer deals comes at a time when the cost for food staples continues to rise, according to the Nielsen IQ. Data gathered at the checkout counter between March 9, 2024, and March 1, 2025, showed that chicken breast prices rose by $.30 per pound, reaching an average of $5.75 per pound. The cost of a loaf of bread increased by $0.06, meaning consumers pay an average of $3.06 per loaf. The California Grocers Assn. wants more information on how shoppers are affected by digital incentives and whether there are other alternatives to solving the problem instead of adopting a ban, said Nate Rose, spokesperson for the group. "Is there another way for the city itself to tackle the digital divide with training or an assistance program?" Rose asked. Grocers weren't asked to be a part of the conversation with Elo-Rivera and the city, and many supermarket chains were not aware of the ordinance prior to its initial passage on Monday despite the city releasing public notices since October. To completely replace online deals with print coupons that are available to everybody negates the point of loyalty programs, said Rose. "From the grocery point of view, [there's] a lot of whiplash of mixed messages from reducing your environmental footprint but by the same token please print thousands of coupons," he said. Grocers who have been contacted by the association say they are not ready to make such changes exclusively for stores in the city of San Diego but not for stores in neighboring cities, Rose said. "We're hoping the city steps back from this, honestly," he said. In 2022, consumer advocates called on major supermarket chains to make digital coupons available to all, according to the Massachusetts Public Interest Network. In response, Stop & Shop, the largest chain in the Northeast, established kiosks in 2024 where customers can scan their loyalty rewards card or enter their phone number to access "their digital coupons and activate personal offers based on their shopping history." The ordinance will go before the City Council for a second reading and final approval in two weeks. After it becomes a law, grocers in San Diego have 90 days to comply. The ordinance doesn't define how grocers must abide by the forthcoming law. Elo-Rivera shared some ideas for how grocers can abide by the law, including providing: A small booklet of coupons at the grocery store. Physical coupons offered near the items on the shelf — similar to a coupon dispenser. A booklet of the online coupons that a cashier can scan for grocers at the register. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
