Latest news with #Millennials
Miami Herald
14 hours ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Once-massive retail chain quietly shutters more locations
Those of us who fall into the Gen X or Millennial categories may have noticed that the world of retail we grew up knowing has changed a lot since we were kids. In our teen days, we may have spent a lot of time at the mall with friends or enjoyed shopping at staple stores like Macy's, Sears, or JCPenney. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Today, those stores are either gone from malls or barely getting by. Other familiar mall stores that were once packed, like Forever21, have gone bankrupt and vanished. According to retailers that have shuttered or are struggling, online shopping is a big part of the challenge. American online spending totaled $1.34 trillion in 2024, and projections indicate that number will exceed $2.5 trillion by 2030, per research from Capital One. Related: Target sends stern message to employees amid customer struggles While many retailers that are still around are trying to figure out ways to stay afloat, for some, the battle is more difficult than others. Originally founded in 1984 under the name Babbage's, many Millennials have fond feelings about video game retailer GameStop (GME) . At the height of its popularity, GameStop was best known for its midnight launches for popular video games, where hundreds of excited fans would line up at its stores and make new friends as they waited for their chance to buy the next big new game. More Retail: Huge retail chain suddenly closing hundreds of storesMajor retailer scores huge benefit from Joann bankruptcyHome Depot, Target, Ulta and more strike back at retail crime While GameStop still has those launches, the company has also struggled under the crunch of online shopping, as many gamers now prefer to buy games as digital downloads, eliminating the need to go to physical stores. In 2025, GameStop confirmed that it had closed 960 of its stores during the 2024 fiscal year and planned to close "a significant number of additional stores" in 2025, per a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Related: GameStop unveils new plan to save the company The retailer has closed more than 400 locations since January, according to a blog tracking the closings, and now two more have shuttered. Over the weekend, both GameStop locations in Newburgh, New York, closed, per reporting from the Hudson Valley Post. A handwritten sign was posted on the door of one location, saying, "This location is permanently closed as of 7/13. Last day of business is 7/12." In addition to closing a large number of its stores, GameStop has also said it will invest more in cryptocurrencies, revealing it's attempting to raise $1.3 billion in order to buy Bitcoin. "We have not set a maximum amount of Bitcoin we may accumulate, and may sell any Bitcoin we may acquire," said GameStop in the filing. GameStop moved forward on its promise in late May, buying 4,710 Bitcoins worth more than half a million dollars. Related: Google faces threat that could destroy its business GameStop reported Q1 earnings on June 10 with a 17% drop year over year to $732.4 million. It also reported revenue of $1.28 billion, which fell short of Wall Street's estimate. While this looks like more bad news, there was some good as well: the retailer's strategic push into selling more collectibles is working. Its sales in that category increased by 55% in the past year. In the meantime, GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen is leaning into a highly unusual move to draw attention to the company. After a highly publicized event where a GameStop employee stapled a receipt to a customer's Switch 2 purchase, which damaged the console's screen, now GameStop is auctioning off the infamous stapler on eBay, as well as a pair of Cohen's underwear. "If this reaches seven figures, I will fly to winner to Miami, take them to McDonald's for lunch and personally deliver my preowned underwear," Cohen said in a tweet on July 10 in reference to the auction. The stapler currently has 284 bids, the highest being $249,900. The auction ends on July 16. Related: Starbucks makes a move to battle slowing customer interest The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Business Insider
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
The 'Gen Z Stare' has ignited a debate about soft skills and workplace communication
Millennials and Gen Z are getting into it online over a behavior that's been dubbed the "Gen Z Stare." As more of Gen Z enters the workforce, some millennials are saying the younger workers are greeting customers and colleagues with wide eyes, blank expressions, and pregnant pauses. While some online argue it could be a sign of workplace awkwardness or underdeveloped soft skills like communication, others are pushing back and saying the trend's blame is misplaced. What is the Gen Z Stare? On TikTok, where the observation has sparked spirited debate, millennials and others are posting videos describing experiences in which Gen Z employees stare at customers with a vacant expression, sometimes not responding to questions or greetings. @trevonwoodburyy always shocked that someone is speaking to u irl and not on a phone screen 😭 i still love gen z tho ♬ original sound - trévon Some millennial servers said in videos that they also encountered the "Gen Z Stare" while serving a table of young customers at restaurants. In various TikTok skits, users place themselves in a hypothetical restaurant or coffee shop, role-playing the order-taking process with a Gen Z employee. The hypothetical young worker stares back at them, barely responding and shifting their eyes. "They just look at you like they just saw a ghost," said TikToker @185dashuaige. "It is this blank, deer-in-the-headlights stare." @xiandivyne #fyp #xiandivyne ♬ original sound - Christian Divyne The trend seems to be resonating. The hashtag #Genzstare has reached over 4,000 posts on TikTok, with some viral videos gaining millions of likes. "I get the Gen Z stare everytime I thank them for bagging my groceries... they just stair at me dead pan.. I never understood until now!!" one commenter wrote. Others equated it to a real-life "buffer" or loading screen. While many of the videos and comments agreeing with the observation appear to be from people belonging to older generations, some people self-identifying as Gen Z have also said they've experienced the stare. "I think our generation is done with fake and genuinely hate people, we just wanna be left alone," one commenter wrote. Another wrote that young people who "just don't know how to socialize and talk to others are so hard to engage with." Many Gen Zers are pushing back Not everyone is convinced the "Gen Z Stare" is a genuine phenomenon — and some Gen Zers are saying the critiques are jumping to conclusions. Some online commenters identifying as Gen Z customer service workers said they only stare down nonsensical requests. In one video about the "Gen Z Stare," a TikToker stared down a hypothetical customer asking whether a strawberry banana smoothie had banana in it. "The Gen Z Stare is just us processing stupidity," one commenter wrote on that video. "I'm just trying to gather my thoughts and process," said TikToker @ waitwhoislive. "I can't fathom what you just said." @waitwhoisliv i love my job but people can be so mean lol #fyp #genzstare #relatable #customerservice #starbucks ♬ original sound - secret!! TikToker @maybesantana argued there was a difference between the "Customer Service Stare" and the "Gen Z Stare." Any customer service worker may stare at you when you ask something "stupid," they explained. The "Gen Z Stare," on the other hand, is the "lead paint stare that customer service workers receive instead of response to anything," they said. Others suggested that millennials may simply be looking for something about Gen Z to critique after seeing videos critiquing their own generation's mannerisms. "This is millennials trying to get back at us for calling out the millennial pause," one commenter wrote, referencing the generation's laughed-at pause between starting a recording and speaking. It's sparked conversations about workplace awkwardness and soft skills The "Gen Z Stare" discourse appears to extend beyond retail work, with conversations cropping up online about the generation's communication skills in both everyday life and the corporate workplace. Some TikTokers complained about receiving deadpans when they hold doors open for young people or when greeting them on the street. @xiandivyne described it as a response to "mandatory small talk." It's the latest example of Gen Z's workplace etiquette going under the microscope. Some members of the generation have been criticized by their older coworkers for oversharing, taking too many sick days, and avoiding leadership positions. And who could forget about the " quiet quitting" trend? Others have praised Gen Z workers for valuing work-life balance and challenging hustle culture. Gen Z has also thoroughly integrated AI into their work, embracing the technology that many hiring experts say is fast becoming a workplace expectation. People online were quick to offer up potential explanations for why some Gen Zers may still be developing their interpersonal skills in the workplace. Some blamed the COVID-19 pandemic, like one commenter, who wrote that "Covid destroyed their opportunities to have normal relationships." As another popular comment put it, "We all have social anxiety." And while the internet can't seem to agree on whether the "Gen Z Stare" is even a real thing, the viral videos on the idea are a good reminder that people take note of workplace mannerisms — whether they interpret them correctly or not. Are you a Gen Z worker? Let me know what you think about the stare by emailing hchandonnet@
New York Post
18 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- New York Post
Why young adults feel so overwhelmed all the time
Gen Zers and millennials are feeling more overwhelmed than ever before, according to a new study. The poll of 2,000 U.S. adults found that the average Gen Zer and millennial feels overwhelmed 17 days out of a typical month. Advertisement Over four in five feel overwhelmed by their social life (88%), digital life (83%), and even by their diet (81%). 6 Gen Zers and millennials are feeling more overwhelmed than ever before, according to a new study. Getty Images/iStockphoto On a social level, people find it overwhelming to maintain relationships (38%) and find time to hang out with friends (32%). Digitally, younger Americans also find staring at screens (42%) and social media (35%) to be too much. And when it comes to their diet, they feel overwhelmed by choosing healthy foods (45%), grocery shopping (40%), properly preparing and cooking foods (33%), and reading nutrition labels (23%). Advertisement On top of that, 65% said they feel overwhelmed by long lists of ingredients and nutrition labels. Commissioned by Califia Farms and conducted by Talker Research, the study found more than two in three (68%) find the concept of simple, 'less is more' living appealing. In fact, 61% said they're already practicing simpler aspects of living. 6 Respondents swear simpler living has led them to feel calmer, relaxed, refreshed, and has improved their mental health. SWNS They incorporate simple, 'less is more' living into their daily routines (46%), in their homes (39%), in their wardrobe (32%), in their workout routines (28%), and in their diet (27%). Advertisement And as a result, they swear simpler living has led them to feel calmer (45%), relaxed (41%), refreshed (38%), and has improved their mental health (37%). More than half (57%) have tried to make changes to simplify their life based on things they saw on social media. And for 25%, their experiments have worked. 6 The study found more than two in three (68%) find the concept of simple, 'less is more' living appealing. SWNS 'It's no surprise that Gen Z and Millennials are overwhelmed with our 'always on' culture; there is a lot we can't control, so people are turning to simplified routines to reclaim a sense of calm,' said Suzanne Ginestro, Chief Marketing Officer at Califia Farms. 'Even something like an easy-to-understand, simple ingredient list can offer reassurance and signal that a product is better-for-you and supports a wellness-focused lifestyle. Simple living is gaining popularity because it can be both refreshing and empowering.' Advertisement The study revealed how a simple diet is quickly becoming a main component for people's desire to live a simpler lifestyle. One in four respondents said they follow the 'less is more' concept when it comes to shopping for food. Nearly two-thirds (64%) said they find the concept of 'simple eating' attractive to them. A third said the term brings to mind the idea of eating meals that consist of foods that have a short list of ingredients (33%). 6 Nearly two-thirds (64%) said they find the concept of 'simple eating' attractive to them. SWNS Additionally, 74% said ingredient simplicity is an important factor for them when choosing food and beverage products. A large majority (78%) said they've made changes to their eating habits within the last year to focus on better health. They've either bought products that have less added sugar (36%), fewer processed foods (36%), or shorter ingredient lists (19%). Nearly as many (74%) believe simple eating can lead them to better health, and 63% would likely change their entire shopping habits to support simple eating more often. Advertisement 'A simple diet filled with whole foods and products that contain recognizable, pantry-friendly ingredients can have a profound impact by making people feel better and more aligned with their wellness goals,' continues Ginestro. 'It's a small and approachable, but powerful, way to take care of yourself every day. When people can trust what's on their plate or in their glass, it creates a strong foundation for living well.' TOP THINGS GEN Z AND MILLENNIALS FIND OVERWHELMING Choosing healthy foods – 45% Staring at a screen for too long – 42% 6 The poll of 2,000 U.S. adults found that the average Gen Zer and millennial feels overwhelmed 17 days out of a typical month. SWNS Advertisement Grocery shopping – 40% Maintaining relationships – 38% Social media – 35% How to properly prepare or cook different foods – 33% Advertisement Finding time to hang out with friends and family – 32% 6 On a social level, people find it overwhelming to maintain relationships and find time to hang out with friends. Getty Images Scheduling time to hang out – 31% Keeping in touch with friends online – 27% Advertisement Finding quality content or information online – 25% Survey methodology: Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Gen Z and millennial Americans; the survey was commissioned by Califia Farms and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between June 13 and June 19, 2025.
Daily Mirror
20 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Brits reveal the hardest things about 'adulting' - it's not the bills or the job
A survey of 2,000 adults found the things they hate most about 'adulting' - and it's not the bills or the job. Rather, it's the everyday chores and admin that come with it The most challenging aspects of being an adult, according to Brits, include constant cleaning, the mental burden of running a household, and never having enough time to do the things you actually want. A poll of 2,000 Brits found 19 percent are also frustrated about struggling with mysterious joint pain for seemingly no reason, while nearly a tenth are frustrated by trying to have to remember all their passwords. Eight out of ten people feel there aren't enough hours in the day to complete all the tasks and chores they need to, a figure that rises to 90 percent amongst Millennials. According to the study, eight out of ten of those aged between 29 and 44 believe an extra hour each day would significantly boost their mood. A spokesperson for meal prep firm Frive, which commissioned the study, commented: "Many of us grow up thinking that once we reach a certain age, everything will click into place - but the truth is, being an adult comes with a steep learning curve that no one really prepares you for." The research revealed that the average adult spends 364 hours annually preparing dinner, equating to 2.6 years of their lives in total. Other aspects Brits dislike about adulthood include feeling as though there's no one to look after them. Meanwhile, 13 percent often find themselves frustrated by going to the shop for one item and somehow spending far more than they intended. Over half confessed that 'adulting' was tougher than they anticipated it would be, and 73 percent consider cooking from scratch every night to be a chore, leading a third of them to utilise a meal prep service. Frive's spokesperson further stated: "With the rising cost of living, an unpredictable housing market, and digital overload, the expectations placed on adults today are higher than ever. "Yet we're still expected to juggle it all with a smile – even when it feels like we're just winging it. "If we can give them back an hour, with healthy, natural, fully prepared meals, that's an act of care." TOP 10 HARDEST THINGS ABOUT ADULTING: Cleaning The mental load The lack of time to do the things you want to do Mysterious joint pain for no reason Having no one to take care of you Cooking Going to the shop for one thing and spending £40 Ironing Washing Forgetting every password you've ever created
WebMD
21 hours ago
- Health
- WebMD
Why I Think Millennials and Gen Zers are Ditching Fragrance: The Rise of ‘Scent-Free' Skincare Culture
Growing up, I used to think fragrance was essential to self-care. I don't think I could open a magazine without seeing an airbrushed celebrity promoting their latest fragrance or a designer one. The perfume market completely dominated our culture at the time. The ads were marketed to consumers as the final touch to feel confident, luxurious, and most importantly, beautiful. As scent is the strongest thing tied to memory, people felt like perfume was a way to be remembered. I've navigated my eczema diagnosis by being pretty well informed about knowing my limits when it comes to ingredients in products. While I never let the perfume touch my bare skin, occasionally I would spray it on my clothing despite the potential for an allergic reaction, just so I could feel a small part of the 'fragrance craze.' But there's a broader cultural shift now in how consumers (myself included) approach wellness and beauty. Millennials and Gen Zers are among the most health-conscious and label-aware generations to date. We're not just looking for products that work; we want skin care that's transparent, inclusive, and truly safe for all. Between environmental triggers, rising food allergies, and genetic predispositions, our skin has become increasingly reactive. Fragrance is now recognized as one of the top allergens in cosmetic and personal care products, and for those of us with compromised skin barriers like eczema, it can be the very thing that stands in the way of healing. It's no longer just about following trends; we're reading ingredient labels, doing patch tests, and tuning into what our bodies actually need. Fragrance-free skin care has become a symbol of transparency. And in a world where more people are managing chronic skin conditions, that kind of honesty feels empowering. It signals that brands are finally paying attention to people like me, people whose needs are often overlooked. When I shop now, I search for fragrance-free alternatives that prioritize safety and comfort over scent. And with the help of social media on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, I've been able to watch professional dermatologists, estheticians, and advocates share their experiences and break down the science behind ingredients. Some even explain how fragrance often feels like a relic of outdated beauty standards, the notion that desirability is tied to leaving a perfumed trail. Even the clean beauty movement, for all its influence, has faced pushback from people with sensitive skin. While many 'natural' products claim to be safer, they often contain essential oils or botanical extracts that still cause reactions. Lavender, citrus, and peppermint — all of these smell lovely but can be disastrous for someone with allergies or eczema. That's why fragrance-free doesn't just mean no synthetic perfume, it means no unnecessary irritants at all. Watching testimonials, educators, and just from my own experience, let me know we're rewriting that narrative that healthy skin isn't about smelling like roses, but it's about feeling good in your own skin. We are now embracing gentle, minimalist routines focused on barrier repair, hydration, and long-term skin health, not just a pleasing scent. The normalization of skin conditions that were once hidden or misunderstood is at the forefront of honoring skin health. For me, making the switch to unscented skin care was an act of self-care in its truest form. It wasn't about giving up luxury, it was about protecting my skin, honoring my health, and finding comfort in simplicity. These days, when I walk past store shelves filled with perfumed body butter and mist sprays, I feel no temptation. I know what works for my skin, and I know that I'm not alone in this choice. With a lean towards gentle, minimalist routines, products that prioritize barrier repair, hydration, and long-term skin health are those that respect my skin, allowing me to show up as my authentic self. That quiet confidence, for me, is far more powerful than any perfume.
