Latest news with #Winco
RTHK
4 days ago
- Business
- RTHK
Mixed views on sales at computer fair
Mixed views on sales at computer fair This year's Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festival will feature more than 200 local and overseas exhibitors. Photo: RTHK Vendors on Wednesday expressed mixed feelings about business prospects at the upcoming annual Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festival. The four-day fair, set to start on August 22 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, will feature more than 200 local and overseas exhibitors, which is about 100 fewer than last year. Lok Ki Ki, marketing manager of Winco, the city's sole distributor of products by American router company Netgear, said it is taking a cautious approach to this year's sales targets. 'We hope we can keep the same amount [of sales] like last year and hopefully it won't be dropping a lot,' she said. 'Well, in general, the economy is kind of dropping down and it's really a tough environment for us and especially for gadget items and industries.' The company plans to showcase more middle and entry-level products at its booth to boost sales, she added. Another booth operator echoed the same cautious outlook, predicting sales would be 20 percent lower than last year. 'It's really according to the reaction of the public. When there are new product launches in this year. Even when NVIDIA launched new graphic cards, the sales didn't bump up too much,' said Saaleh Hafeez, product manager of MSI, which mainly sells gaming laptops. 'And the other reason is that this year we don't have any good game titles. So previously when there are good titles coming out, people will tend to go and purchase new laptops. But this year we didn't see this trend.' Some firms, meanwhile, remain optimistic, including Belkin, an American company that sells consumer electronics products. Associate director of marketing Crystal Chu said they expect a 10 to 20 percent year-on-year sales increase. 'Because recently we found out that there are quite a lot of accidents in the market. Lots of battery packs got into accidents, like explosions,' she said. 'And we realise that it's a very good opportunity for us to educate the customer and to let them know that we have the safest power bank or battery pack in the world.' The company is so confident about sales, it has put extra money into securing a prime booth at the fair, Chu added. Good Century, an authorised distributor for American memory card and USB drive company Sandisk in Hong Kong and Macau, also anticipates a sales increase of about 10 percent. To boost sales, many vendors said they will offer promotions at the fair, such as price cuts of more than 50 percent on a limited number of products and 'buy more, spend less' deals. The Chamber of Hong Kong Computer Industry added that it has also introduced more diverse content to the fair to attract visitors from different age groups. Highlights include a forum on AI trends, an e-sports competition, and a meet-and-greet session with the popular Taiwan-based cheerleading group Rakuten Girls. Nintendo will set up a booth featuring a gaming experience zone where visitors can try its new Switch 2 console. This year's fair will support 22 electronic payment methods, including Octopus, PayMe and cryptocurrency. Standard admission tickets for the fair are set at HK$35, while entry is free for tourists, children under 1 metre tall, people aged over 65 and holders of disability cards.
Daily Mail
19-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Everything you need to stock the perfect home bar: tools, glasses, and spirits
As someone who has spent the majority of the last five years testing spirits, wines, and bar essentials, it's safe to say I know a thing or two about building a home bar. Whether that's finding you the best muddler to use (or telling you what a muddler is used for) and rounding up the most versatile spirits for your cocktails, I have even the most inexperienced mixologist covered. From cocktail tools to smooth-sipping spirits, here's everything your home bar or bar cart needs to entertain. Bar tools OXO Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker $22.49 This functional cocktail shaker has a cap that also doubles as a jigger — allowing you to measure your pours with ease. It's completely leakproof, for even the most rigorous cocktail shakers, and weighs well under a pound for portability. The parts are easy to separate, too, and won't require you to wrestle them apart after use. Shop Beneno Wine Opener $13.99 (18% off) In a world of electric wine openers, you must be wondering why I'm recommending this option. Well, first off, I've had it for years and it's opened countless bottles of red wine for me — with ease. And also, there's something just satisfying about screwing the corkscrew off yourself — I love hearing the pop when I've finally managed to wrestle it out. This option has a great grip, and I've rarely chipped a cork on the way out. It's also a much more affordable pick compared to electric options. Shop Winco Wooden Muddler $5.69 I'm all about a wooden muddler as they're easy to clean and, in my opinion, are the most durable. I specifically use this option to gently mash fruits (especially berries) for summer cocktails. I like the larger surface area and am fond of how efficiently this can crush any berries without completely mushing them. It's all in the amount of pressure though, so make sure not to be overly aggressive when you're muddling. Shop Ice Bucket with Lid, Ice Tongs, Spoon, and Strainer $27.99 No bar cart or bar setup is complete without an ice bucket and ice tongs. An ice bucket can keep your prosecco or white wines chilled, even outside, and the tongs make it easy to scoop just the right amount of cubes into your glass. You'll also get a scooper and an ice strainer in this set, allowing you to store ice for longer — and say goodbye to that pesky melted water with ease. Shop A Bar Above Premium Bell Jigger $19.15 (13% off) Ever seen bartenders measure out their liquors before they pour it in the shaker? Yep, that's what a jigger is used for. This one offers ten internal measurements, and has a stainless steel finish that makes it durable and long-lasting — it resists rust and corrosion. It's extremely precise, and makes a great bar addition for professional and beginner mixologists alike. Shop KITESSENSU Cocktail Shaker Set $36.99 (26% off) If you don't want the hassle of buying individual tools, this cocktail shaker set has everything you need. You'll get a Martini Shaker, Jigger, Strainer, Mixer Spoon, Muddler, Liquor Pourers, corkscrew, and ice tongs within this set. Plus, a stand to hold them all. I also love that the set comes with an included recipe booklet, perfect for novice mixologists to test their skills. Shop Glasses JoyJolt Spirits Stemless Wine Glasses $17.95 (18% off) A lot of wine aficionados might say you need separate glasses for red and white wines, but if you just don't have the space, stemless wine glasses can work in a pinch. I've owned this set for a while now, and they haven't chipped, even after multiple dishwasher trips. You'll get four glasses in this (I bought two sets) and you can even shop them in fun patterns — Hello Kitty wine glasses, anyone? Shop Martini Glasses Set of 2 $19.98 From espresso martinis to dirty gin martinis, the right glass can truly elevate your drinking experience. This set of two delicate crystal glasses will make you feel like you're running a speakeasy in your living room. It's sturdy, has a comfortable grip, and looks good on a bar cart. It's also dishwasher safe for ease of cleaning. Shop Glaskey Whiskey Glasses Set of 4 $18.99 Yes, you could get the expensive Baccarat tumblers if you've got the cash, but these Amazon dupes will do just fine — and they're literally a fraction of the cost. You'll get four crystal glasses in this set. Each is scratch resistant, and dishwasher safe, and has a simple, elegant look. If for whatever reason your glasses arrive even slightly damaged, the brand will quickly issue you a replacement too. Shop JBHO Champagne Glasses $29.96 Toast to your celebrations with these durable crystal glasses. They're hand-blown, surprisingly durable, and are also dishwasher safe. It's best for champagne and sparkling wines, and holds seven ounces of liquid. Fill it to the brim or use it for a toast, either way these champagne flutes don't disappoint. Shop Vintage Art Deco Nick and Nora Coupe Glasse $49.99 Nick & Nora glasses are not a necessity for your bar cart, but they can be used for a variety of cocktails — including martinis, gimlets, and even champagne. I love the vintage design on these, and friends constantly ask me where I purchased them. I specifically use them to serve Manhattans, but the sky is the limit with what you serve in them. I'd rather you buy this set than spring for martini glasses and champagne flutes, especially if you're short on space. Shop Godinger Highball Drinking Glasses $22.79 Highballs are best used to serve mixed drinks — due to their larger capacity. This clear set is dishwasher safe, durable, and has a thick base, which the brand says adds stability and keeps these glasses from shattering. They can hold up to 14 ounces, and can even double as regular water glasses on days you're not entertaining. Shop Glenfiddich 18 year old Whiskey $158 Slightly pricier than both the more economical 12-year-old, this caramel-toned whiskey is easily a bar cart favorite. Expect notes of ripe fruit, baked apple, and oak. The flavor is deep, full, and warm — for me, it tastes like the first day of fall. Drink it neat or use it to create an old fashioned. Shop Gray Whale Gin $51.99 I love Gray Whale for its botanical flavor, featuring juniper, mint, and lime, amongst others. It pairs really well for a summer-themed martini, and tastes great with a splash of tonic water. I also love that the brand gives back to ocean conservation efforts, and protects the majestic Gray Whale with every purchase. Shop Dobel Atelier: Animales Endémicos $253 Every bottle in this limited edition collection is hand-painted by Oaxacan artisans, featuring bright, vivid, and intricate designs. This option is priced over $200 but it's well worth the price for its unique design, collector's quality, and of course, smooth, full flavor. Expect hints of chocolate, agave, and dried fruits on your tongue, and a subtle finish with a hint of smoky wood. Shop Ron Del Barrilito 3 stars $40.94 There's something about a rum old fashioned that just screams summer to me. Make your own with my favorite rum of choice, Ron del Barrilito. Made in Puerto Rico, this smooth medium-bodied rum features notes of vanilla, almonds, dry fruits, and just a hint of ripe bananas. It's just sweet enough to make it easy to drink, and leaves a lingering smoky finish on your palate long after the drink is done. Shop Del Maguey Vida Mezcal $41.96 For non-mezcal drinkers, Del Maguey is a great intro to the brand. This smoky liquor coats your palate and honestly reminds me of a deep honey and cinnamon blended together — with a hint of that smoky flavor all mezcal comes with. Drink it neat or make a margarita out of it — yes, you can use mezcal to make margaritas too. Shop Dubliner Irish Whiskey $30.84 This no-frills Irish whiskey is just what you'll crave after a long day's work. It's a smooth sip, packed with flavors of honey and smoky peppers. The finish is silky smooth and leaves a taste of sweet fruit wrapped with honey on your palate. As far as well-priced whiskeys go, Dubliner's bourbon cask aged whiskey is up there. Shop Ketel One Vodka $29.97 I'm not much of a vodka drinker, but if I had to pick, it would always be Ketel One. It pairs seamlessly well in a martini, and is silky smooth — making this one of the only vodkas I can truly stomach. It has a crisp, refreshing flavor, and tastes best chilled. Shop Mionetto 'Prestige' Organic Prosecco $13.54 No one does prosecco like Mionetto, and their organic prosecco is my favorite from their Prestige Collection. It has a rich flavor with notes of ripe golden apples, honey, pear, and peach. It's fresh, and the drink of the summer. Layer it in a spritz or sip it by itself. You and your guests won't be disappointed. Shop
Miami Herald
08-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
The secret way some Costco shoppers are getting the best deals
When I moved to Indianapolis in 1994, one of the first things I looked for was a Costco. Having moved from California, where Costco runs were part of my routine, I was shocked to learn there wasn't one. Where was I going to buy my dog food, laundry detergent, and dark roast coffee in bulk? Winco just wasn't the same (sorry, Winco). In fact, Costco didn't make it to Indiana until 2002, years after I'd left. First thing I did when I moved back west? Renew my Costco membership. These days, there is a Costco in almost every state (Rhode Island, West Virginia and Wyoming are still waiting), and plenty of cities have multiple locations. The company has been expanding at breakneck speed, and is now the third-largest retailer in the world. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter The company's growth can be traced in part to its mission: "Our operating philosophy has been simple. Keep costs down and pass the savings on to our members. Our large membership base and tremendous buying power, combined with our never-ending quest for efficiency, result in the best possible prices for our members," per the company's website. People, including me, love Costco (COST) , and they're not afraid to brag about the good deals they find in the store's aisles. When David and Susan Schwartz decided to write a book about Costco, they visited more than 200 locations and learned just about everything there is to know about the mega retailer. Their seven years (!) of Costco research turned up a treasure trove of slang used by both employees and shoppers. Related: Costco answers a common customer question Among the most common terms, according to the authors: Go-Backs. Any item that a shopper brings to the check-out area but then decides not to buy and leaves at the cashier or self-checkout area is called a "go-back" because it has to be returned to its designated part of the store. The Fence. You know how when you first walk into any Costco, there's an area up front surrounded by a chain-link fence? It's where special promotional items, including some seasonal items, are stacked. According to the Schwartzes, the fence is a remnant from Price Club in San Diego, the company's first location. The store had a chain-link fence at the entrance, and when Price Club and Costco merged, the leadership team decided it was too expensive to remove it and left it in place to use for merchandising. Now, all Costco locations have the same feature at the entrance. The Death Star. If you look closely at some product signs, you will notice a small asterisk in the upper right-hand corner. The symbol means the product is about to be discontinued. The product might be gone temporarily, or it might be 86ed forever, so if you like it, stock up. Showtime Ready. Some Costco employees' shifts begin at 4 a.m. This first shift arrives to make sure the store is ready for customers. "Showtime Ready" time at Costco may also be an opportunity for early birds. Costco warehouses typically open a bit later in the morning than other big-box retailers like Target and Walmart. Some locations open at 9 a.m. on weekdays, but most open at 10; weekend hours also vary by location. If you're a Costco shopper, you probably know exactly when the ideal time is to head to the warehouse. For me, it's 6 p.m. or later Monday through Friday, and never, ever will I set foot in the store on a weekend. Related: Costco's craft brewery collab is the best deal around But some stores actually welcome customers into the store at least 15 minutes before the official opening. If the store is indeed "showtime ready" - meaning the shelves are full, the aisles are clear of pallets and cardboard boxes, and the food sampling stations have been set up - you might discover you can walk in as soon as they roll up the doors, ahead of the posted store hours. Getting in early makes it more likely you'll be able to find that Kirkland Signature Toilet Paper or carton of eggs before they sell out - at the best prices, of course. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ex-DA wants a change of venue on criminal charges
Casey Hall wants a change of venue for her trial on criminal charges in Montague County. The former 97th Judicial District Attorney says she cannot get a fair trial in Montague County because of media coverage and her 'high profile status' while she held public office. The ex-DA is accused of stealing money from the county while she was in office, according to court documents. Anyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent unless convicted in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. In the change of venue request, Hall's attorney claims her reputation has been 'relentlessly tarnished by widespread and inflammatory media coverage.' The filing includes affidavits from Montague County residents that defense attorney Heath Hyde contends 'describe an environment in which news articles, televised segments, and numerous social media posts have irreversibly tainted public opinion.' Hyde asks that her trial be moved to a county where Hall can have a fair and impartial trial. Hall was initially indicted for theft of property in July 2024 and maintains she is not guilty. On Feb. 11, a grand jury enhanced the indictment to theft by a public servant and misapplication of fiduciary property. Theft of property is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and misapplication of fiduciary property is punishable by up to two years in a state jail facility. Her trial was scheduled to start March 17, but Hyde requested a continuance because of the new indictment. Grand jury indictments accused her of illegal activities from May 2022 until October 2022. The indictments claim she took between $2,500 and $30,000 of county money and put it into her own bank account. A court petition filed in July 2024 claimed the actual amount was just over $18,000 in two vouchers. Hall served two terms as DA for the 97th Judicial District that includes Montague, Clay and Archer counties. She was defeated for reelection in the 2024 Republican primary by Henrietta attorney Katie Woods Boggeman. Hall left office voluntarily in August 2024 after former 97th Judicial District Attorney Tim Cole filed a petition to remove her. Boggeman replaced her at that time. More: Former North Texas DA faces new charge in amended indictment More: City Council OKs deals with Winco, 7 Brew This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Ex-DA Casey Hall wants a change of venue on criminal charges
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City Council OKs deals with Winco, 7 Brew
Wichita Falls city councilors on Tuesday approved a pair of private-public deals to facilitate construction of a Winco supermarket and second 7 Brew coffee location. The agreement with Winco will build a new stretch of roadway east of and parallel to the busy Lawrence Road corridor. The agreement gives the Idaho-based company up to $1.284 million in tax increment financing funds as reimbursement for Winco building a portion of South Wenonah Avenue from Kell Boulevard to Gregory Road. The street will provide access to the new Winco store that is under construction. The company has said the store will employee about 125 workers with an opening date planned for September. City staff said in the agenda item the deal would result in a $800,000-$1 million savings to taxpayers over what it would cost for the city to build the street alone. Design plans are also underway to extend South Wenonah Avenue from Gregory Road to Maplewood Avenue using another $2.7 million in tax increment funds. The agreement with 7 Brew would result in construction of a turn lane from Piedmont Place into the parking lot of a store the company plans to build at the intersection of Piedmont Place and Kemp Boulevard. 7 Brew would pay $100,000 for construction of the turn lane while the city would pay $30,000 to relocate a traffic signal to be out of the way of the lane. Carol Murray, owner of Frank & Joe's coffee houses, spoke against the agreement, saying it would create traffic, noise and stormwater runoff problems. 7 Brew, founded in Rogers, Arkansas, is a drive-thru only coffee franchise, that already has a location at Kemp Boulevard and Southwest Parkway The new location will be just north of the McDonald's restuarant on Kemp. The company said it will employ 50 to 60 workers when it opens this summer. In other business, councilors approved: A grant for $10,000 from the National Association of County and City Health Officials for mosquito and disease control. Appropriation of $150,000 in Opioid Settlement Funding Grants for not-for-profit organizations to aid in opioid abuse prevention. More: A former mayor and a former City Council member die More: Wichita Falls city planner garners recognition from Sheppard AFB This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: City Council OKs deals with Winco, 7 Brew
