Latest news with #economicpressures
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Cimandis to exit Guernsey after Jersey closure
Food wholesaler Cimandis has announced it will shut down its Guernsey operations at the end of August 2025, just weeks after closing its Jersey depot due to mounting economic company, part of the Caterfood Buying Group, cited rising shipping costs, increased rent, and the logistical challenges of operating in island markets as key reasons for the decision. The closure will also end Cimandis's services to Alderney, Herm and Sark. It is currently not known how many jobs will be affected. "Despite our best efforts, the economic environment has made it impossible to maintain a viable business model," said managing director Nigel Holliday in a statement. In July, Cimandis closed its site on the Rue des Pres Trading Estate in St Saviour, Jersey, also blaming "increasingly challenging trading conditions". At the time, the company said its Guernsey and inter-island services would continue has pledged to support customers during the transition, including running stock clearance sales to help local food operators through the summer season. The company said it was also working with recruitment agencies and local employers to assist affected staff in finding new with concerns about product availability are encouraged to contact their account managers."We are incredibly grateful for the loyalty and support of our customers," Mr Holliday added.
ABC News
18-07-2025
- Business
- ABC News
St John WA ambulance service announces job losses in 'targeted reset'
St John WA says economic pressures have led to it axing 90 staff from its ranks, but has confirmed no paramedic roles have been cut. In a memo sent to staff on Thursday, St John WA CEO Kevin Brown said redeployment was being offered to staff where possible and the losses were part of a "targeted reset." "Like many organisations, we are operating in a more constrained economic environment and have had to make some tough choices to ensure the sustainability of our services into the future," he said. "This change represents a potential reduction of 2 per cent of our paid team. "That doesn't lessen the human impact, but I share it to provide perspective. "We are continuing to invest in frontline resourcing, critical systems, and commercial services that underpin our charitable programs." According to its website, St John WA employs more than 2,800 people, but also relies on the volunteer work of 6,000 people and almost 48,000 community responders. A St John WA spokesperson said the cuts would not impact paramedics. "Our focus remains on delivering safe, high-quality frontline services and maintaining the systems and infrastructure that support them," they said in a statement. Mr Brown said he would address staff on Monday to provide more detail. "We know this change brings disruption, particularly in support and enabling teams," he said. "We're working closely with leaders to understand the flow-on effects and will keep listening as we assess impacts and next steps."
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US retail sales slow in June amid tariff fears
Retail sales in the United States rose modestly in June, reflecting growing uncertainty among consumers over potential new tariffs and persistent economic pressures. According to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, overall sales increased by just 0.05% from May and 1.46% compared with the same month last year. The report, developed by the National Retail Federation and CNBC, tracks real-time data across multiple retail categories. June's figures point to a continued slowdown in consumer spending as shoppers weigh the impact of inflation and possible trade disruptions. Core retail sales—which exclude fuel, food services, vehicles, and other non-core categories—rose 0.09% from the previous month and 2.37% year-over-year. However, this growth was weaker than in previous months. Sales in general merchandise, apparel, and electronics all showed either minimal increases or outright declines. 'While consumers are still spending, they are doing so at a more cautious pace,' said NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz. He noted that spending behaviour reflects current anxieties around tariffs and overall price sensitivity. Online and other non-store sales increased by 0.49% month-over-month and 17.92% year-over-year, highlighting a continued shift toward e-commerce. Grocery and beverage stores also saw an uptick in June, with a 0.27% monthly rise and a 2.55% annual increase. The slowdown in spending appears tied to rising concerns about potential new tariffs, particularly on imports from China. The NRF has warned that additional trade restrictions could increase prices for everyday consumer goods, prompting more cautious household budgets. Retailers are already signalling the potential impact of tariffs on back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons. Kleinhenz said uncertainty around trade policy is weighing on both retailers and consumers, leading many to postpone discretionary purchases. Consumer sentiment has also been affected by interest rates and broader economic indicators. Although inflation has slowed compared to its peak, it remains a key factor influencing shopping patterns. The data revealed mixed results across retail sectors. Health and personal care sales declined 0.21% in June but were up 5.78% from last year. Clothing and accessories dropped 0.16% month-over-month and 1.32% year-over-year, suggesting consumers may be holding off on non-essential purchases. Furniture and home furnishings fell by 1.12% on a monthly basis and by 4.67% annually, one of the steepest declines recorded. In contrast, sporting goods and hobby stores posted modest growth of 0.09% in June and 0.71% over the year. The NRF Retail Monitor differs from the US Census Bureau's retail sales report by using anonymised credit and debit card data to provide a more immediate snapshot of consumer activity. The Census Bureau is scheduled to release its June retail data on 16 July. As trade tensions continue and inflationary pressures persist, the outlook for retail spending remains cautious heading into the second half of the year. Navigate the shifting tariff landscape with real-time data and market-leading analysis. Request a free demo for GlobalData's Strategic Intelligence . "US retail sales slow in June amid tariff fears" 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. Sign in to access your portfolio
Vogue
11-06-2025
- General
- Vogue
In Motherhood, Can We Stop Using the Phrase ‘One and Done‘?
Just the one? So, are you one and done? Oh…he's an only child? I've been asked innumerable iterations of this question—typically by total strangers—since I had my son five years ago. But after experiencing postpartum depression not once, but twice, I've been ambivalent about having another baby, so my answer to this invasive, all-too-common inquiry is complicated. Some days, the language we use to talk about 'only' children makes me feel judged, or somehow less than mothers with multiple kids. Other days, I feel annoyed that questions about family planning have become as quotidian as discussing the weather. Either way, these conversations have made it clear just how many people still believe that when it comes to children, one is the loneliest number. If we remove emotion from the equation and look solely at the data, it makes sense why more families are deciding to stop at one. A recent study showed that in 2025, the average cost of raising a child until the age of 18 in the US is $300,000. This figure doesn't account for the cost of post-secondary education, which in Canada (where I am from) is expected to rise to over $100,000 for a four-year university education. In Canada, one-child families are already the most common type, representing 45% of households with kids, while the average American family downsized from 3.7 children in 1960 to 1.9 currently. With these economic pressures alone, it seems only logical that the one-child family trend will continue. But logic doesn't seem to be the leading influence when we're talking about adding more kids to the mix. In her 2013 book One and Only: The Freedom of Having an Only Child, and the Joy of Being One, Lauren Sandler writes that the reason the decision is so nuanced is because 'children are a desire, not a calculation.' I've observed how my own desire to do the 'right' thing for my child has made the age-old arguments for a second that much more persuasive. We all know them: A sibling is a lifelong friend for your child, they can keep each other busy, they'll never be lonely! It helps with socialization and learning to share. More children can share the responsibility of caring for their aging parents. There's just as much, if not more, rhetoric about the problematic nature of only children. In the late 1800s, two child psychologists coined the term only child syndrome to describe the negative traits that their research showed only children often possess, including being spoiled, selfish, maladjusted, and anti-social. I want the world for my son, of course—and yet I'm still not sure if I am up for doing it all over again. It's why I've found so much comfort in a viral TikTok video from a self-described 'one & done mom,' who argues that being a mother of one allows women to choose motherhood as well as themselves. The comment section is filled with proud moms sharing what they've been able to do with their lives by deciding not to have a second child—from travelling to reaching career goals and having more time to do the things they love.
Forbes
07-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Inside America's Short-Trip Summer – And How To Make The Most Of It
Summmer vacations are getting shorter, but Americans want more from them. Here's how they're getting it. getty If you're thinking of taking a summer vacation, you'd better think fast. A new survey by Generali Global Assistance (GGA) suggests travelers are planning trips averaging just 1 ½ weeks, significantly shorter than the typical 2-week summer vacation. They're also booking far in advance. Why is this happening? "American travelers are opting for shorter, closer-to-home trips shaped by economic realities, such as inflation and flight prices," says Chris Carnicelli, CEO of Generali Global Assistance. So what does this trend mean for your summer vacation? The findings, outlined in GGA's 2025 Holiday Barometer, suggest American travelers are more cautious than they've been at any time since the pandemic. "Economic pressures appear to be shaping American travel behavior in 2025," says Carnicelli. The shorter trips, plus more advance planning, add up to a greater emotional investment in the vacations — in other words, to ramped-up expectations. While GGA has seen a decrease in budgets, some travel suppliers say there's an explanation: Even as Americans shorten their vacations, they're sometimes spending more on a per-day basis. "Shorter stays are dominating," says Janice Wilson, who runs a new luxury glamping resort near Washington's Olympic National Park. "Most of our guests this season are booking two- to three-night stays. And it seems they make up for brevity with indulgence. They're downright spendy when purchasing our curated add-ons like our caviar hot dogs or couples massage on their private decks." Chris Carnicelli, CEO of Generali Global Assistance. ADP "Economic pressures appear to be shaping American travel behavior in 2025." What's with the abbreviated vacations? Alex Alioto, head of growth at Whimstay, a vacation rental site, blames the shaky economy. "The travel industry is witnessing a notable shift this summer as Americans increasingly adjust their travel plans in response to economic pressures," he says. "The trend toward shorter stays is a direct result of that." GGA's Carnicelli says there's also a deeper sense of uncertainty — not just economic — that's making Americans more cautious about their vacations. "Political developments in certain international destinations may be prompting travelers to stay closer to home," he says. Perhaps the most decisive factor is the hassle of traveling. "This isn't driven by fear, but by practicality," notes Anthony Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor. "With disruptions caused by extreme weather, labor strikes, and lingering confusion around REAL ID enforcement, people are adapting. They're planning shorter, simpler trips that minimize stress and maximize control.' "In spite of all the doom and gloom, summer is most certainly heating up — even if some travelers are still playing it cool when it comes to booking," Travel companies are catering to the faster vacationer this summer. You can find these travel opportunities almost anywhere. Gondwana Ecotours, a tour operator that specializes in small-group trips to places like Alaska, Patagonia, and Tanzania, has seen an uptick in interest from travelers. Its tours are packed with activities that align with the current travel trends. "For example, our eight-day Northern Lights Adventure in Alaska has been popular with travelers seeking a unique and manageable domestic trip with unforgettable moments such as seeing the aurora borealis, walking with reindeer, and soaking in natural hot springs," says Eric Segalstad, a vice president at Gondwana. At the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, the focus this summer is on events that bring in guests for just a few nights. Sin City is within driving distance of Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City, making it a desirable domestic destination. "This summer, we're seeing Americans lean into event-based travel," says Liza Costandino, a spokeswoman for the Four Seasons. Major acts like Kendrick Lamar, Coldplay, Shakira, The Weeknd, and Beyoncé will be in town, and visitors are coming for three to four days and building a summer vacation around the event, says Costandino. If you want to take a shorter summer vacation without overpaying, experts say there's still time. He says average prices for July are up 9 percent from the same time last year to $320 per night. For August, they're up 12 percent from last year, to $324. But good news: They will probably come down again when summer's over. America's summer seems to be trading sprawl for spark. Shorter stays, booked smarter and splurged harder, are blueprints for the latest vacations. Whether you're chasing auroras in Alaska or belting lyrics in Vegas, the message is clear: go small — and book soon.
