Latest news with #NRF
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
US Father's Day gift spending forecast to reach all-time high
Spending on Father's Day gifts is forecast to reach an all-time high of $24bn in the United States this year, according to findings from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The projected figure marks a significant increase from $22.4bn in 2023 and surpasses the previous record of $22.9bn set the same year. The annual survey, which highlights consumer behaviour around the popular June celebration, shows that 76% of Americans plan to take part in Father's Day festivities. Average spending is expected to rise to $199.38 per person, nearly $10 more than last year. Those aged between 35 and 44 are predicted to be the highest spenders, averaging $278.90 each. The study found a growing preference for unique Father's Day gifts that carry emotional or personal value. Nearly half of respondents (46%) said they seek gifts that are 'unique or different,' while 37% prioritise presents that create lasting memories. Popular gift choices include greeting cards (58%), clothing (55%), and special outings (53%). Gift cards remain in high demand, with half of all shoppers planning to purchase one. Experiential gifts and subscription boxes are seeing a steady rise in interest. Around 30% of consumers say they will opt for experiences such as events or activities, up from 23% in 2019. Subscription boxes, offering recurring deliveries of curated items, have also increased in popularity, with 43% planning to give them this year compared to 34% five years ago. Online shopping continues to be the preferred method for many consumers, with 41% indicating they plan to make their Father's Day purchases digitally. Department stores follow at 35%, with discount retailers (23%), specialty shops (22%), and local businesses (19%) also attracting customers. Retailers are expected to respond to demand with a range of personalised gift options and flexible purchasing methods. While digital platforms lead in convenience, in-store shopping still plays a notable role in consumer choice, especially among those looking for tangible, last-minute items. The survey results suggest a positive outlook for discretionary spending, particularly around family-oriented holidays. The increased spending among middle-aged consumers reflects a willingness to invest in meaningful celebrations and thoughtful gifting. Conducted between May 1 and May 7, the survey gathered responses from 8,225 adults and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 1.1 percentage points. The NRF continues to monitor holiday-related consumer behaviour as part of its broader retail industry analysis. "US Father's Day gift spending forecast to reach all-time high" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
IOL News
4 days ago
- General
- IOL News
How Strategic Mentoring Drives Academic Success at the University of the Free State
The University of the Free State's commitment to nurturing academic excellence. (NRF Rated Scholars, from left to right: Prof Martin Nyaga, Prof Adelheid von Maltitz, Dr Andronicus Akinyelu, Prof Jared McDonald, Prof Lizemari Hugo, Dr Calvin Ullrich, Prof Olusola Ololade) Image: Supplied Grow your own timber. This philosophy, rooted in the commitment to invest in 'home-grown' academic talent, has seen the University of the Free State (UFS) continue to make remarkable strides in transforming its academic landscape through innovative mentoring programmes. Building on five years of success, the university's comprehensive Transformation of the Professoriate Mentoring Programme has significantly enhanced research productivity, leadership capabilities, and institutional cohesion. Mentorship as a catalyst for transformation At the UFS, the strategic implementation of structured mentoring has proven to be a powerful tool in building a pipeline of accomplished scholars who are ready to excel at the highest academic levels. This approach recognises that true transformation in higher education requires more than just appointments – it demands sustained development and support. Building a Brighter Future: Participants of the University of the Free State's mentoring programmes recently attended a research retreat at the Golden Gate in Clarens, aimed at nurturing diverse academic talent and fostering research excellence Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ A portfolio of specialised programmes Since launching its Transformation of the Professoriate Mentoring Programme five years ago, the UFS has expanded its initiatives to address the specific needs of academics at different career stages. The current suite of programmes now supports 165 staff members across four tailored interventions: THE FUTURE PROFESSORIATE PROGRAMME Targeting academics five to eight years post-PhD, this flagship programme focuses on developing scholars who are poised to become professors and associate professors. The two-year fellowship emphasises building international profiles, increasing research impact through quality publications, and achieving recognition as established researchers through NRF ratings. In total, 41% of the 2025 cohort are black South Africans, 41% are white South Africans, and 18% are foreign-born African scholars. THE EMERGING SCHOLAR ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME (ESAP) This programme supports academics one to four years post-PhD, helping them increase research productivity, prepare for NRF Y-ratings, develop postgraduate supervision capabilities, and advance to senior lecturer positions. ESAP provides crucial early-career guidance that establishes foundations for long-term academic success. In the 2025 cohort, 54% are black South Africans, 32% white South Africans, and 14% foreign-born African scholars. THE WISE PROGRAMME (WOMEN INFLUENCING SCHOLARSHIP AND EDUCATION) Recognising the unique challenges that mid-career women academics face, WISE provides targeted support to female scholars. The programme emphasises strategic career planning and creating pathways for advancement. Among its 23 participants, 61% are black candidates, reflecting the university's commitment to intersectional representation. The WISE Programme empowers women academics through tailored support and strategic career development. Image: Supplied THE RESEARCHER EXCELLENCE ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME (REAP) REAP supports staff members who are completing their PhD qualifications or have recently graduated. With 54 participants (54% black and 69% women), the programme focuses on successful PhD completion, publishing research findings, and developing scholarship of engagement skills. Beyond these quantifiable achievements, the mentorship initiatives have also fostered a culture of collaboration and excellence that permeates the institution. COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT APPROACH The UFS mentoring programmes implement a holistic approach to academic development: Intensive Writing Support: Regular writing retreats provide dedicated time and space for focused research output, with guidance from experienced mentors and editors. Expert Mentorship: Participants benefit from both internal mentoring and connections with external mentors from leading South African universities, many of whom are A- and B-rated researchers. Tailored Workshops: Programmes offer customised workshops on supervision, academic leadership, grant writing, time management, and presentation skills. Peer Learning Communities: Strategic retreats and group sessions foster collaborative networks across departments and faculties, breaking down institutional silos. Individual Guidance: Each participant receives personalised career planning and progress monitoring towards specific milestones. ESTABLISHED PROGRAMMES – EXCELLENT RESULTS The Future Professoriate and ESAP Programmes have made significant impact on the career progression and research productivity of candidates. The results after five years of structured mentoring speak volumes about the programmes' effectiveness: Career advancement: 3 promotions to Full Professor, 24 to Associate Professor, and 34 to Senior Lecturer, with several participants being promoted twice during this period. Research recognition: 29 scholars have achieved NRF ratings, enhancing the university's research profile. Research productivity: The 2024 cohort alone produced impressive research output, including journal articles, book chapters, and conference presentations. Among their achievements are 16 published books and 6 UFS Exceptional Achiever Awards. EMERGING PROGRAMMES – PROMISING RESULTS The REAP and WISE Programmes that were launched in 2024 are gaining momentum, continuing to effectively support members towards achieving their career goals. PhD completions: Multiple successful PhD submissions were secured, with around 22 candidates graduating in the 2024/2025 period. International exposure: Increased attendance at international conferences, with significant co-funding support from the mentoring programmes. Leadership development: Several WISE participants have secured leading research positions, delivered keynote addresses at international forums, and received institutional excellence awards. ADDRESSING CHALLENGES PROACTIVELY While celebrating its successes, the UFS recognises the challenges facing emerging academics, and the toll that high academic output can take on scholars' health and family life. By identifying systemic barriers and providing targeted support, an environment is created where talented academics choose to build their careers at the UFS rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere. This proactive approach has proven effective in retention and succeeded in cultivating a strong community of emerging scholars committed to the institution's future. BUILDING ON SUCCESS As the UFS mentoring initiatives enter their next phase, the focus is on sustainability and expanding impact. Alumni of the programmes now serve as mentors themselves, creating a virtuous cycle of development and support. The university's Vision 130 strategy emphasises continued transformation of the professoriate, with these mentoring programmes serving as cornerstone initiatives. Through strategic mentorship, the University of the Free State is not only transforming its professoriate but also redefining what academic success looks like in the South African context – ensuring that excellence and representation go hand in hand. Contact Us: Bloemfontein Campus: +27 51 401 9111 Qwaqwa Campus: +27 58 718 5000 South Campus: +27 51 401 9111 info@ UFS social media: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: LinkedIn YouTube: UFS Image: Supplied
Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Science
- Daily Maverick
Academic Excellence Through Mentorship
Strategic Mentoring Programmes Drive Academic Excellence and Transformation Grow your own timber. This philosophy, rooted in the commitment to invest in 'home-grown' academic talent, has seen the University of the Free State (UFS) continue to make remarkable strides in transforming its academic landscape through innovative mentoring programmes. Building on five years of success, the university's comprehensive Transformation of the Professoriate Mentoring Programme has significantly enhanced research productivity, leadership capabilities, and institutional cohesion. Mentorship as a Catalyst for Transformation At the UFS, the strategic implementation of structured mentoring has proven to be a powerful tool in building a pipeline of accomplished scholars who are ready to excel at the highest academic levels. This approach recognises that true transformation requires more than just appointments – it demands sustained development and support. A Portfolio of Specialised Programmes Since launching its Transformation of the Professoriate Mentoring Programme five years ago, the UFS has expanded its initiatives to address the specific needs of academics at different career stages. The current suite of programmes now supports 165 staff members across four tailored interventions: The Future Professoriate Programme Targeting academics five to eight years post-PhD, this flagship programme focuses on developing scholars who are poised to become professors and associate professors. The two-year fellowship emphasises building international profiles, increasing research impact through quality publications, and achieving recognition as established researchers through NRF ratings. In total, 41% of the 2025 cohort are black South Africans, 41% are white South Africans, and 18% are foreign-born African scholars. The Emerging Scholar Accelerator Programme (ESAP) This programme supports academics one to four years post-PhD, helping them increase research productivity, prepare for NRF Y-ratings, develop postgraduate supervision capabilities, and advance to senior lecturer positions. ESAP provides crucial early-career guidance that establishes foundations for long-term academic success. In the 2025 cohort, 54% are black South Africans, 32% white South Africans, and 14% foreign-born African scholars. The Wise Programme (Women Influencing Scholarship And Education) Recognising the unique challenges that mid-career women academics face, WISE provides targeted support to female scholars. The programme emphasises strategic career planning and creating pathways for advancement. Among its 23 participants, 61% are black candidates, reflecting the university's commitment to intersectional representation. The Researcher Excellence Accelerator Programme (REAP) REAP supports staff members who are completing their PhD qualifications or have recently graduated. With 54 participants (54% black and 69% women), the programme focuses on successful PhD completion, publishing research findings, and developing scholarship of engagement skills. Established Programmes – Excellent Results The Future Professoriate and ESAP Programmes have made significant impact on the career progression and research productivity of candidates. The results after five years of structured mentoring speak volumes about the programmes' effectiveness: Career advancement: 3 promotions to Full Professor, 24 to Associate Professor, and 34 to Senior Lecturer, with several participants being promoted twice during this period. Research recognition: 29 scholars have achieved NRF ratings, enhancing the university's research profile. Research productivity: The 2024 cohort alone produced impressive research output, including journal articles, book chapters, and conference presentations. Among their achievements are 16 published books and 6 UFS Exceptional Achiever Awards. Emerging Programmes – Promising Results The REAP and WISE Programmes that were launched in 2024 are gaining momentum, continuing to effectively support members towards achieving their career goals. PhD completions: Multiple successful PhD submissions were secured, with around 22 candidates graduating in the 2024/2025 period. International exposure: Increased attendance at international conferences, with significant co-funding support from the mentoring programmes. Leadership development: Several WISE participants have secured leading research positions, delivered keynote addresses at international forums, and received institutional excellence awards. Beyond these quantifiable achievements, the mentorship initiatives have also fostered a culture of collaboration and excellence that permeates the institution. Comprehensive Development Approach The UFS mentoring programmes implement a holistic approach to academic development: Intensive Writing Support: Regular writing retreats provide dedicated time and space for focused research output, with guidance from experienced mentors and editors. Expert Mentorship: Participants benefit from both internal mentoring and connections with external mentors from leading South African universities, many of whom are A- and B-rated researchers. Tailored Workshops: Programmes offer customised workshops on supervision, academic leadership, grant writing, time management, and presentation skills. Peer Learning Communities: Strategic retreats and group sessions foster collaborative networks across departments and faculties, breaking down institutional silos. Individual Guidance: Each participant receives personalised career planning and progress monitoring towards specific milestones. Addressing Challenges Proactively While celebrating its successes, the UFS recognises the challenges facing emerging academics, and the toll that high academic output can take on scholars' health and family life. By identifying systemic barriers and providing targeted support, an environment is created where talented academics choose to build their careers at the UFS rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere. This proactive approach has proven effective in retention and succeeded in cultivating a strong community of emerging scholars committed to the institution's future. Building On Success As the UFS mentoring initiatives enter their next phase, the focus is on sustainability and expanding impact. Alumni of the programmes now serve as mentors themselves, creating a virtuous cycle of development and support. The university's Vision 130 strategy emphasises continued transformation of the professoriate, with these mentoring programmes serving as cornerstone initiatives. Through strategic mentorship, the University of the Free State is not only transforming its professoriate but also redefining what academic success looks like in the South African context – ensuring that excellence and representation go hand in hand. DM Contact Us: Bloemfontein Campus: +27 51 401 9111 Qwaqwa Campus: +27 58 718 5000 South Campus: +27 51 401 9111 [email protected] UFS social media: Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
NEC highlights retail solutions at NRF 2025 APAC in Singapore
- Leveraging data and AI to create a more enriched future - TOKYO, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) will demonstrate advanced retail solutions at "NRF 2025: Retail's Big Show Asia Pacific" (NRF 2025 APAC) at Hall A-C, Stand 821 from June 3-5 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo, Singapore. The National Retail Federation (NRF) hosts one of the world's largest retail conferences every January in New York, boasting a 114-year history with approximately 35,000 participants from 75 countries. This year is the second time for the NRF to host an APAC event, and first time for NEC to participate. During the show, NEC will demonstrate cutting-edge technologies that are driving digital transformation (DX) in next-generation retail by addressing societal and business challenges, enhancing customer experiences, and improving employee efficiency. Together with its partners, NEC is committed to leveraging data and AI to create a more enriched and sustainable future. Exhibition Details: Smarter POS, Broader Reach, Omnichannel ready Product/APP: NEXT-Gen POS, Omni Software A stylish, space-saving POS system with 13 modular combinations maximizes retail store needs. The Omni POS APP leverages the latest cloud technology for flexible use in both retail and dining. Customer Experience x Data Analytics - Unified shopping journey powered by apps Product/Solutions: NEC CxD (Customer Experience x Data Analytics) By leveraging corporate apps to collect offline data and utilizing AI-driven attribute expansion, as well as integrating offline and online data with e-commerce for advanced analytics, app integration helps retail companies enhance the customer experience. Business Transformation with Data-Driven Utilization Product/Solutions: Celonis By visualizing operations and systems, data-driven utilization enables the early detection of issues that hinder digital transformation (DX). Furthermore, AI-driven process optimization, automation, and practical consulting facilitate smooth and effective business transformations. Integrated Management Platform for digital stores I Product/Solutions: NEC ITS/DSP Solution This scalable platform centralizes retail operations, streamlining store openings and closures, equipment and inventory management, and on-site workflows. With mobile compatibility and features that include notifications and report visualization, it enables faster decision-making and optimized operations. Please see the following link to register for NRF 2025 APAC. Registration | NRF Retail's Big Show APAC About NEC at NRF 2025 APAC About NEC Corporation NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Other product or service marks mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners. ©2025 NEC Corporation.
CNN
25-05-2025
- Business
- CNN
So what happens to America's 114 billion pennies once the US stops making them?
The American penny isn't going anywhere anytime soon. The US Treasury Department announced Thursday that it plans to start winding down production of the one-cent coin it has been minting for more than 230 years. But the penny will still remain legal tender, and will still be in use at thousands of retailers around the country for sometime to come. 'If we look at the experience in Canada, for the first year after they stopped making pennies, there's really no change in transactions,' Jeff Lenard, spokesperson for the National Association of Convenience Stores, told CNN. Convenience stores do more cash transactions than any other group, about 32 million a day, or about 20% of the total number of purchases by their customers, Lenard said. The National Retail Federation, which represents most major US store chains as well as thousands of small retailers, also said it anticipates its members will use pennies even after production stops at some point early next year, although it does anticipate that many will round cash transactions to the nearest nickel once the supply of pennies at banks starts to run short. 'Retailers' primary goal is serving customers and making this transition as seamless as possible,' said Dylan Jeon, senior director of government relations for NRF. There are an estimated 114 billion pennies currently in circulation, but they are 'severely underutilized' according to the Treasury department. Many are at home in coin jars or junk drawers, or some other forgotten location gathering dust. The math says that all those pennies could fill a cube roughly 13 stories high. Many people don't even take them as change, tossing them into the leave-a-penny-take-a-penny dishes at store checkouts. Lenard said the large number of pennies in circulation means that retailers won't necessary run out of them for a while. But eventually stores won't be able to get new rolls of pennies from their banks and will start rounding transactions up or down to the nearest nickel. The decision when to do that will rest with each retailer, not official government policy. Electronic transactions such as credit and debit card purchases, will continue to be down to the penny, Lenard said, with only cash transactions being rounded. Even in countries like Canada, where penny production has been discontinued, the penny remains legal tender today. Canada's finance ministry said pennies retain their value for transactions 'indefinitely' despite the fact that it stopped making the coin in 2012. If a customer wants to use pennies to complete a transaction, most retailers are likely to allow them, Lenard said. 'There's a saying in retail, 'Never lose a customer over a penny,'' he said. 'I never really thought of it in these terms, but it applies even more here. I think if someone wants to pay with pennies, most retailers will err on the side of making those customers happy.'
