Online Gifts Shopping India, Beauty, Electronics Shopping

China Beats to All Other Countries in Online Shopping

2017-02-16T05:47:00.001-08:00

Chinese are more likely to shop online than consumers from any other country, according to the latest survey by the International Post Corporation, a Brussels-headquartered association on postal services.
In the second annual study of 24,000 respondents in 26 markets across North America, the Asia-Pacific and Europe, the IPC found that 36 per cent of Chinese buy from digital sites at least once a week, a frequency far outstripping peer buyers, People's Daily reported.

China is also the most popular market for consumers around the world to shop from, accounting for 26% of the most recent cross-border purchases, followed by the US with 16%, Germany's 15% and the UK 15%.

Purchases from China are more popular with younger people and women, while purchases from Germany receive warmer welcome by men and the elderly, the international study found.
Online marketplaces such as Amazon.com Inc, eBay and Alibaba Group Holdings Ltd were the most sought-after avenues for buyers from almost all countries, accounting for around two-thirds of all cross-border purchases, the study said.

China was the overall favoured market for Europeans, but notable differences were seen in Luxembourg, Belgium, Austria or Switzerland where customers mainly bought from neighbouring countries with a shared language.

Meanwhile, the US and China were the main markets cross-border shoppers bought from in the Asia-Pacific region and in Canada.

Shopping Tips: 4 ways to save yourself from Cyberattacks while Online Shopping

2016-03-05T06:22:00.000-08:00

Online fraud spikes during the holiday shopping season, as people searching for the perfect gifts take to cyberspace and head to traditional stores armed with their smartphones.
"The Pandora's box of cyberattacks is about to open," says Pete Tyrrell, chief operating officer for Digital Guardian, a Waltham, Massachusetts-based data protection firm. "The cybercriminals are getting more and more creative — and at the end of the day, it's your personal information at risk."

Here are some tips for protecting yourself and your information from online Grinches.

1. Beware of gifts of free WiFi

It's awful tempting to sign on to a store's free WiFi while you're out shopping, especially since store walls are notorious for blocking or weakening smartphone data connections. But fraudsters also may be lurking on the networks, ready to use that connection to steal credit card or other personal information.
"People may want to log on to their Best Buy or Amazon accounts to check prices, but open WiFi is probably the least secure place to do that," says Michael Kaiser, executive director of the National Cyber Security Alliance.
And never use open WiFi connections to check bank account information. The last thing you want a hacker to have is a direct connection to your bank account.

2. Swim away from potential phish

Phishing spikes during the holiday season. Emails that offer great deals on holiday gifts or donation pitches from charities could actually be attempts to steal your credit card or login information. Another popular trick: fake emails supposedly sent by online retailers or shippers such as FedEx or UPS, saying that a payment for an order didn't go through, or that an order didn't ship.
Don't click on links in these emails. It could contain malware or take you to a fake website that looks very much like that of a legitimate company. Instead of getting help, you'll most likely have your personal information stolen.
Panic over the possibility of not getting a gift in time can make people click before they think, Kaiser says. So, it's best to slow down. If you think an email is genuine, just go directly to the company in question's main website.

3. Check your accounts for "naughty" activity

Both during and after the holidays, shoppers need to keep a close eye on their accounts. The easiest way to do this is to use the same credit card for all of your holiday shopping. Never use your debit card; if hackers get ahold of your number, they could clean out your bank account.
A dedicated email account can also help keep things organized.
It's also a good idea to use different user names and different passwords for your various shopping accounts. That way if one is compromised, it's less likely that the others will fall to hackers as well, says Tim Francis, the head of "cyber insurance" policies at Travelers.

4. If it looks too good to be true ...

Websites and emails that advertise hot deals on popular or hard-to-find gifts, along with free or deeply discounted gift cards, are probably scams. "I still haven't been able to buy an iPad for $7," Tyrrell joked.

Shopping on the websites of companies you've previously done business with can also save you time and hassle, says Steve Platt, a vice president at credit monitoring company Experian.
Online retailers will be on the lookout for fraudsters too. That means they might be more likely to flag a transaction — and slow down your shopping — if they haven't dealt with you before.
"The more information they know about you and your purchases, the more likely you'll have a seamless experience," Platt says.

source: http://goo.gl/DztyQ7

'Look under the hood' when it comes to Handbag Maker Michael Kors

2016-01-28T06:16:00.000-08:00

Premium handbag maker Michael Kors posted better-than-expected earnings results Tuesday. However, retail analyst and Telsey Advisory Group CEO Dana Telsey said it's important to dig below the surface.

"I think, overall, when I look at the name, I think yes, you had a sequentially improved comp, earnings came in better than expected, but look under the hood," she told CNBC's "Fast Money: Halftime Report" Wednesday. "The reason why the numbers are better than expected: You had lower SG&A, lower tax rate, you had a share repurchase."

Telsey added that the handbag industry is decelerating off a larger base but Kate Spade might still be a good buy.

"I think the difference between KATE and KORS, it's a smaller business, it's off a smaller base, it has a more extensive product offering," she said. "It doesn't have as much exposure to the department stores as what both Coach and Kors have, and their comps are running positive because it is such a smaller base."

More: http://goo.gl/YBRX36

Michelle Obama's sold out her one Dress at $2,095

2016-01-28T06:13:00.001-08:00

Good luck getting your hands on Michelle Obama's State of the Union dress.
The Internet went into a flurry Tuesday night when the First Lady was spotted in a marigold Narciso Rodriguez dress, while President Barack Obama was delivering his (presumably) last address to Congress.

But frenzied shoppers were quickly disappointed, when they learned that the designer frock was sold out on Neimanmarcus.com.

The dress, which was originally priced at $2,095, was marked down to $628 on Black Friday. It was part of the designer's fall 2015 collection, which was shown on the New York runway in February.

Wilko latest store due to open at The Fort Shopping Centre

2016-01-07T06:20:00.000-08:00

Wilko is the latest new store to open at The Fort Shopping Park in Birmingham.
The home and garden retailers will be opening on the site previously occupied by Mothercare on January 14 at 9am.

It will create 62 new jobs for staff working in the 14,475 sq ft store.
The shop will join the soon to be completed Primark Store which is being built in the space left by three departed businesses – Game, HMV and Home Sense.
It is also being expanded at the back and by the time it is finished will cover 44,300 sq ft (retail), giving it more floor space than any other store on the site.

Due to open the spring, the new shop will employ around 175 people.

The branch manager of Wilko Fort, Carole Ballinger, said: “The Fort is a popular shopping destination with a strong retail offering.
"We’re excited to open the new store in January and generate more than 60 jobs for people in the local area.

“We’re confident that our quality products at everyday low prices will become an essential part of people’s weekly shopping mix.”

Even before it opened, Wilko was keen to show its support for the local community, backing the Christmas campaign by the Birmingham Mail , based at Fort Dunlop, with the homeless charity St Basil’s.

Wilko supplied the goods bought with the £4,000 raised by the #HomeAtChristmas campaign, and arranged for the delivery of the items just in time for Christmas.

There are currently 31 stores at The Fort, six restaurants and coffee bars and a children’s play area with coffee bar and refreshments.

more: http://goo.gl/tHAPHl

Flipkart becomes India's top Entrepreneurs in 2015

2016-01-07T06:15:00.003-08:00

Flipkart co-founder Sachin Bansal topped the list of entrepreneurs in India in 2015, beating stalwarts of Indian business like Anand Mahindra, Sunil Mittal and Chanda Kochhar among others.

As per 'The Goonj India Index 2015: 7 Deadly Indian Sins' report made exclusively available to Zee News, Sachin Bansal bagged first position among all the entreperneurs of India in the year 2015.
This was followed by Chanda Kochhar, Shiv Nadar, Rahul Yadav and Vishal Sikka.

At the Goonj India Index 2015, Sachin Bansal became number one entrpreneur of 2015 with 5.36 GPM while Uday Kotak was the last in the list with 0.87 GPM.
Others in the list are: Chanda Kochhar (4.39 GPM), Shiv Nadar (3.58 GPM), Rahul Yadav (3.38 GPM), Vishal Sikka (2.92 GPM), Lakshmi Mittal (2.39 GPM), Binny Bansal (1.96 GPM), Kumar Mangalam Birla (1.96 GPM), Narayan Murthy (1.96 GPM), Subhash Chandra (1.96 GPM), Ekta KapooR (1.68 GPM), K V Kamath (1.60 GPM), Anand Mahindra (1.30 GPM), Naina Lal Kidwai (1.30 GPM), Sabeer Bhatia (1.30 GPM), Sunil Mittal (1.30 GPM), Aditya Puri (1.07 GPM), Kishore Biyani (0.87 GPM), Sunil Bharti Mittal (0.87 GPM) and Uday Kotak (0.87 GPM).
more: http://goo.gl/mwR7xA

Now Restaurants, shopping malls and theatres likely to be open 24x7

2016-01-07T06:13:00.000-08:00

If the state governments agree with the proposal of the centre, it is very likely that shopping malls, restaurants, theatres and local markets will soon be open round the clock, i.e. 24X7, 365 days a year.

As per a report in the Economic Times, the government has proposed the state governments to do away with mandatory rules of store closures and replace them with a model law that it is preparing which allows malls, restaurants and theatres to be open round the clock.

This would bring the online and offline shopping to a same level.
“We have begun discussions... the first draft of the new law is likely to be finalised in a month”, the ET quoted an official of the Ministry Labour.
In line with a move to improve the ease of doing business, this will also provide more jobs and create employment due to the need to employees round the clock.
Moreover, with this move, retailers will get more business while it will give consumers the flexibility to shop anytime of the day as per their convenience.

source: http://goo.gl/5OPOHN

Best 5 Tips for last-minute 'Christmas Shoppers'

2015-12-19T07:25:00.001-08:00

Twas' the weekend before Christmas and all through the mall... nothing but lines and people wall to wall.
It's true: the week before Christmas is always busy. Stephanie Schnare, Halifax Shopping Centre's marketing director, says it's up there with Boxing Day and Black Friday. She has a few helpful tips for shoppers looking to score those last minute gifts without incident.

1. Show up early

"A great time to come out would be earlier in the morning," said Schare, adding the busiest time is after supper.
She says the biggest advantage to showing up early is getting a prime parking spot.

2. Have a plan

"It's also very helpful to have an idea of what you're looking for as well," Schnare said. She says guest services can point shoppers in the right direction.

3. If all else fails, get a gift card

It's not tacky.
"If you're really stumped, look for some quick solutions like a gift card which can always be appreciated," Schnare said.
"That way the person who receives the gift has some flexibility as to what they buy themselves."
Another bonus of the gift card is being able to take advantage of Boxing Day sales.

4. Use the gift wrapping services

"If you are somebody who is not the best wrapper, [Halifax Shopping Centre] has the IWK gift wrap booth on site so they're able to wrap their gifts for you and donations go to support the IWK Health Centre," she said.

5. Remember the reason for the season

"Be happy. Stay calm. It's only a day," said Karen Ferguson, who spent Friday night at Halifax Shopping Centre finishing her Christmas shopping.
"I think everyone is still in the Christmas spirit. No Grinches yet."

'Panic Saturday' to draw 12m shoppers out in search of last-minute Presents

2015-12-19T07:23:00.001-08:00

The busiest day in the festive shopping calendar is expected on Saturday as shops kick off their post-Christmas sales a week early. On the final Saturday before Christmas, also known as “Panic Saturday”, experts predict that high streets will be bustling as many retailers slash their prices for last-minute bargain hunters.

Outlets including River Island, H&M, Sports Direct, Argos and Sainsbury are already offering huge seasonal discounts, with many more sales due to be brought forward.

Those who still have Christmas shopping to do will be pleased to know that discounts are expected to average 45%, according to Deloitte. A mild autumn and low Black Friday sales have left businesses desperate to shift a buildup of stock, and around 12.6 million Britons are expected to hit the sales in search of cut-price buys, industry experts said.

Because Christmas Day falls on a Friday this year, “Panic Saturday” is expected to kick off a £6bn, six-day spending spree – 23% more than the same period last year, when Christmas fell on a Thursday.

Jason Gordon, consumer business partner at Deloitte, said: “Compared with 2014, there is already a noticeable increase in both the volume and value of discounts in the runup to Christmas this year. Whilst this is good news for consumers looking to grab a bargain, it is a clear sign that retailers are being faced with what is now an annual uphill battle.”

'Panic Saturday' set to be busiest 'Day of Christmas Shopping' as Sales Start Early

2015-12-19T07:20:00.004-08:00

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose; millions of fevered shoppers battling for bargain buys on overcrowded high streets across the country on “Panic Saturday” – Christmas is a magical time.

The busiest day in the Christmas shopping calendar has landed as shops kick off their January sales early in an effort to lure last-minute bargain hunters.

Around 12.6 million Britons are expected to hit the sales in search of seasonal discounts, according to the Centre for Retail Research, while a mild autumn and unexpectedly low Black Friday sales have left businesses desperate to shift a buildup of stock.

Retailers including River Island, H&M, Sports Direct, Argos and Sainsbury’s are already slashing prices – with many more sales due to kick off against tradition before Christmas.

Those still searching for the perfect Christmas gift can expect discounts of 45% on average, according to accountancy firm Deloitte.

As Christmas falls on a Friday this year, “Panic Saturday” is expected to kick off a £6bn six-day spending spree - 23% more than the same period last year when Christmas Day fell on Thursday.

Jason Gordon, consumer business partner at Deloitte, said: “Compared to 2014, there is already a noticeable increase in both the volume and value of discounts in the run-up to Christmas this year.

“Whilst this is good news for consumers looking to grab a bargain, it is a clear sign that retailers are being faced with what is now an annual uphill battle.”
Credit and debit card giant Visa predicts that shoppers will spend £1.14bn on Visa cards in stores on Saturday, which is up by 3% on last year.

Americans already Started Holiday Shopping

2015-10-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, an estimated 14 percent of Americans have already started their holiday shopping. Even more impressive is that up to 2 percent of Americans have finished shopping for everyone on their list.
Retail expert Melanie St. Jean said holiday displays often rope shoppers in, and displays are already up in many stores, like the Warwick Mall Target.
"It kind of puts it in the subconscious, ‘Yes it's time to get ready. It's time to start shopping,’” said St. Jean.

“I didn't specifically go out planning to Christmas shop, but as I've seen things I've picked them up,” said Heather Hinckley of Newport.
But, is it really a good idea to start this early?

When it comes to your bottom line, St. Jean said probably not.
"Oh, they definitely will spend more because the majority of sales are going to start probably a week to two weeks before Black Friday right around Thanksgiving,” said St. Jean.

If the idea of procrastinating and dealing with holiday shopping crowds makes your skin crawl, then we have more bad news. The longer you wait, the more you'll save.

Discounts aren't as deep right now, so you end up paying more for the same product.

"As the season progresses, they're going to take deeper discounts and deeper promotions," said St. Jean. “Right before Christmas, everything is going to get market down because they have to liquidate their stock.”
According to the same survey, about 1 in 4 Americans plan to finish their holiday shopping by the end of November.

If you're a procrastinator, you'll probably be a little envious in December, but when those credit card bills come in January, you'll be glad you waited.

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Now Peoples Prepare to Save Big on Holiday Shopping

2015-09-15T05:03:00.000-07:00

As the official start of fall nears (yes, already), it may be tempting to kick back with your favorite pumpkin spice latte and get in some semblance of a break before the craziness of the holiday season begins. However, savvy shoppers know September is a good time to get up and get moving. According to the National Retail Federation's 2014 Consumer Spending Survey, 40 percent of people start their shopping before Halloween, with most reporting they do so to spread out their holiday spending.

Those people have the right idea. If you start your holiday shopping now, you'll save time and money, plus avoid the last-minute rush of the holiday crowds. While everyone else is running around, likely blowing through their budget, you can kick back with a peppermint latte, rest, and reflect on how much you saved (holiday music optional). Here are some tips on how to do just that:
Budget

The first thing you should do is set a budget. Create a list of items you'll want to purchase, including gifts for family, friends, colleagues and teachers; apparel for parties and holiday photos; holiday décor; wrapping supplies and shipping fees; holiday cards and invitations and any necessary holiday travel. The more comprehensive your list, the better, because you don't want to have to come up with extra funds to cover items you've forgotten.

Most importantly, stick to your budget. Since you're starting early, you have plenty of time to put good thought into your purchases so you can buy something meaningful to give. And remember that being thoughtful doesn't have to mean spending a ton of money.

Do Your Research

Now that you've determined your budget, you need to lay the groundwork to reap the biggest savings. Sign up for store email and text message alerts so you can receive exclusive deals and get a jump on upcoming sales. Ask a sales associate about upcoming promotions, including free online shipping or free ship-to-store options. Visit your favorite online coupon site to find extra savings and look into discounts for military members, senior citizens, students and teachers. Research price-match and return policies. Finally, consider signing up for rewards programs for member-only discounts, rewards dollars and free shipping.

Shop Sales at Your Leisure

Now that you've done your research, you can start shopping. Since you're starting early, stores are more likely to have the exact item you're looking for because inventory will be higher. Plus, get the perks of shopping the Columbus Day and Veteran's Day sales without the stress of missing out on what you want because it's in someone else's cart (a common occurrence during the popular and much-hyped Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales). And even if that does happen, you have plenty of time to wait for stock to be replenished or to place a backorder. Yes, you can shop online and avoid holiday crowds any time of year, but you won't get the same security if you wait until the last minute.

Leave Room for Mistakes

Speaking of security, shopping early is like an insurance policy. If your purchase gets lost in the mail, you will have time to rectify the situation before the holidays. If something is broken, wrong or not what you expected, you can go through the return process and rectify the situation.

Read the Fine Print

Shopping ahead does come with its challenges. Perhaps some big-ticket items are worth purchasing during Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales (most electronics fall into this category). This period is where you return to doing good research. Look at historical data and figure out how to score the best deal – you have time on your side, after all.

Perhaps the biggest challenge when purchasing your holiday gifts early is keeping them a secret. Wrap them, hide them and keep your mouth shut. Just don't forget to bring them out when the time comes! Happy hunting – may you score the best deals, save a good chunk of change and relax during the holiday season!
source:http://goo.gl/0B8pzI

The Do's and Don'ts of Labor Day Shopping

2015-08-31T07:38:00.001-07:00

A Labor Day shopping strategy might not be your highest priority, but if you want to emerge from the weekend with a cart overflowing with new stuff and a wallet that’s still full, maybe it should be.
Follow these do’s and don’ts to maximize your money-saving potential this holiday weekend.

Do: Buy luxury items.Big sale events, like Labor Day, are a good opportunity to splurge on expensive purchases without having to pay full price. Use the weekend’s percent-off promotions to snag that fancy tote or glitzy necklace you’ve had your heart set on.
Last year, Labor Day sales translated into big discounts on designer labels and luxury products. Neiman Marcus took 40 percent off regular prices both online and in-store on seasonal clearance items, while Bloomingdale’s discounted select items by 60 percent. Look for similar offerings again this year.

Don’t: Buy everything that’s on sale.Not every product that’s advertised this Labor Day is a smart buy.
Back-to-school supplies and summer clothes will see deep discounts worth your while, but some sale merchandise – such as toys and fall clothing – are best bought later in the year when their prices will drop even lower. Shop in December for toys and October for fall clothes. Plus, Black Friday, anyone?
The electronics aisle is another area we’d recommend avoiding if you want the lowest prices on major tech purchases. For example, last year Target offered a Samsung 40-inch LED Smart TV for $399.99 over Labor Day. Fast-forward to November, and the retailer’s 2014 Black Friday ad featured a Samsung 40-inch Smart LED HDTV for $327.99.

Similarly, last Labor Day, Best Buy offered savings of up to 25 percent on select HDTVs. On Black Friday, though, the store advertised select HDTVs for over 30 percent off their original prices.

Do: Use your smartphone.

It’s always good to have a friend on your side, especially one who can help you spot the best opportunities to save. This year, that friend is digital, specifically your smartphone. Here are a few ways your phone can aid your shopping ventures this Labor Day:

Price comparisons. Before you shop, load up your smartphone with price comparison apps like RedLaser. Comparing prices before you make a purchase can save you from spending more than you need to.

Sale news. Long before you stand in line to buy that new patio set or backpack, sign up for the mailing lists of your favorite retailers. Doing so will alert you to special offers.

Coupons. In case you forget your physical coupon at home, your smartphone can save you. Pull up a digital version of the coupon, and ask the cashier to scan the barcode at checkout.

Don’t: Do all your shopping early.

Labor Day sales don’t just happen on the holiday. They take place over the course of several days, sometimes even a week.

Plan your shopping over this extended discount time frame so some of your purchases are made at the end. As sale periods come to a close, retailers will be extra eager to move their remaining stock. This could translate into even bigger price cuts. Last Labor Day, stores like Nordstrom extended their sales several days past the holiday.

Of course, you’ll want to balance this strategy with the risk of stores running out of inventory. Amazon, for example, is marking Labor Day with a selection of deals on movies, TV, books and music. These offerings are available only while supplies last.
Buy any must-have items early (before they sell out), and hold out for the rest.

Do: Stock up on summer steals.Use the holiday weekend to score some serious deals on all things summer. We’re talking about swimsuits, short sleeve shirts, outdoor accessories, grills and the like. You can expect the end of the season to translate into big price cuts.
You may not be able to get much use out of these items this year, but you’ll be thanking yourself when next summer rolls around. For apparel, we recommend looking at retailers such as Old Navy, Macy’s, JCPenney and Sears, all of which hosted impressive clothing promotions last year – in some cases up to 50 percent off.

Don’t: Limit yourself to retail stores.Finally, department stores and big-box locations, such as Wal-Mart and Target, aren’t the only places to grab Labor Day savings. Seasonal discounts can be found on such varied items as amusement park tickets and restaurant meals, and in the past, there’s been Labor Day deals at Discount Tire.
So, before you make any purchase over the long holiday weekend, inquire about Labor Day deals or freebies, and always conduct a quick search for any relevant coupons.

source: http://goo.gl/q3bKcC

States Offering Tax-Free Back-to-School Shopping

2015-08-06T23:24:00.003-07:00

States Offering Tax-Free Back-to-School Shopping

Aug 6, 2015, 2:46 PM ET

By SUSANNA KIM

Susanna Kim More from Susanna »

Business Digital Reporter

via Good Morning America

Gearing up for the start of the school year, more than a dozen states are offering tax-free shopping for parents and their kids.

There are 17 states holding sales tax holidays this year, and 13 begin theirs this weekend to appeal to the back-to-school crowd.

Shoppers should check for tax-free spending limitations in their state. In Missouri, there's a list of dozens of cities and counties that are choosing not to provide sales tax exemptions on back-to-school purchases like clothing, computers and school supplies. Florida's sale will last more than one week, starting Friday and running through Sunday, Aug. 16.

PHOTO:School supplies displayed on a shelf are seen in this undated file photo.

The tax-free holiday can be an opportunity to save 6 to 9 percent, depending on your state, on back-to-school purchases you would be making anyway, Kyle James, founder of Rather-Be-Shopping.com, told ABC News.

"Keep in mind that your biggest savings are going to be on tech needs like laptops, desktops and tablets," James said.

For example, New Mexico gives you tax breaks on clothing up to $100, computers up to $1,000, computer accessories up to $500 and school supplies up to $30.

"It’s pretty easy to spend $30 on school supplies making the savings fairly negligible, but when buying clothes and computers, it’s a great weekend to buy and save some money," James said.

Regina Conway, consumer expert with Slickdeals, told ABC News it's important to make a list before you shop and to do your research online.

"In some cases, the tax savings may not outweigh the deals you can find during other store promotions," she said. "Pick the essential items that your child will need and do a price search for those items before you head to the store. When in store, do a quick search on your mobile phone before making the purchase to confirm that you're getting the best deal."

Retailers and other states that aren't participating in the holiday are trying to compete with sellers across state borders. The New York State Tax Department issued a reminder to parents and college students Tuesday that "Every Day is a New York Sales Tax Holiday," because clothing and footwear sold for less than $110 is always exempt from the state's 4 percent sales tax.

Here's where you can find more information about some of the upcoming sales tax holidays:

1. Alabama (12:01 a.m. to Sunday)

Alabama Department of Revenue

2. Florida (Friday through Sunday, Aug. 16)

Floriday Department of Revenue information

3. Iowa (Friday and Saturday)

Iowa Department of Revenue

4. Louisiana (Friday and Saturday)

Louisiana Department of Revenue

5. Maryland (Sunday through Saturday, Aug. 15)

Comptroller of Maryland

6. Missouri (12:01 a.m. Friday through Sunday)

Missouri Department of Revenue

7. New Mexico (12:01 a.m. Friday through Sunday)

New Mexico Taxation and Revenue

8. Ohio (12:01 a.m. Friday through Sunday)

Ohio Department of Taxation

9. Oklahoma (12:01 a.m. Friday through Sunday)

Oklahoma Tax Commission

10. South Carolina (12:01 a.m. Friday through Sunday)

South Carolina Department of Revenue

11. Tennessee (12:01 a.m. Friday through Sunday)

Tennessee Department of Revenue

12. Texas (Friday through Sunday)

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

13. Virginia (Friday through Sunday)

Virginia Department of Taxation

Source: http://goo.gl/PJcXJw

Shoplifter Says Lifetime Ban From Walmart Won’t Stop Her From Shopping There

2015-07-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

Much like there are people driving with suspended or revoked licenses, not everyone banned from life from entering a Walmart abides by that order. But most of these folks don’t go around brazenly telling reporters that they intend to violate a court order.

Last week, a court in New Jersey fined a 63-year-old admitted shoplifter a total of $258 and barred her from stepping foot into any of the thousands of Walmarts in the U.S.

But when the NY Daily News caught up with the sexagenarian shoplifter for a chat, she dubbed the judge’s ruling “stupid,” and said she planned to appeal.

“The judge can’t say that. He doesn’t own Walmart,” says the woman, who pleaded guilty to trying to sticky-finger some vitamins last December.

Some former prosecutors say she may be correct.

One tells NJ.com that Walmart can ban people if it chooses, but doubts that a municipal judge in New Jersey can impose such a wide-ranging sentence for a simple shoplifting charge.

“It appears to be outside of the purview of the sentencing provisions,” says the former prosecutor, “and it appears to have aspects to it that don’t seem enforceable.”

Another prosecutor-turned-defense-attorney says that the judge “does not have the authority to impose such a sentence.”

However, she does admit to the Daily News that she did once sign a document at a different Walmart agreeing to stay away from the retailer.

Regardless of whether the judge’s sentence holds up or whether that old ban is still in place, the woman says she intends to keep shopping at Walmart and tells the Daily News that “I already have.”

She says she doesn’t shop at the store where she was arrested, and explains that elsewhere it’s just a matter of not doing anything that draws attention to herself: “No one knows me at any other Walmarts.”

Of course, had she not attempted to shoplift in the first place she wouldn’t have to shop around for a Walmart where no one recognizes her.
source: http://goo.gl/6I3YPl

Kenya's Westgate Shopping Mall Reopens

2015-07-20T00:34:00.001-07:00

Kenya's Westgate shopping mall, the site of a deadly attack in which 67 people were killed and scores were injured in 2013, has reopened.
Security was tight around the mall as shop owners opened their businesses on Saturday for the first time since the attack.
The mall has installed x-ray machines, explosive detectors and bullet-proof guard towers.

Gunmen from the Somalia-based armed group al-Shabab stormed the popular mall on September 21, 2013, in a brazen attack that the group said was in retaliation for Kenya's military operations in Somalia.

Mall footage depicts Nairobi siege terror

Kenyan troops were locked in a firefight with the gunmen in a siege that lasted for three days.

Nadia Osman, who is reopening a shop in the mall called the Fragrance Lounge, told Al Jazeera that she was at the mall when the al-Shabab attack took place.
"I ran out in a very bad state. It was the worst day ever. I had to come into the mall after a few weeks to recover the stock," Osman said.

"We're ready to open, we're ready to sell but are people going to come in?
"We urge everyone to support us. It could happen anywhere, any time. The security is much better than where we were, we are much better than where we were two years back but I feel we still have a way to go."

Al-Shabab has since claimed a string of attacks in Kenya, with the deadliest in April this year, when its gunmen killed 148 people at Garissa University in the country's east.

The reopening of the Israeli-owned mall came just a week before US President Barack Obama visits Nairobi - a sign, according to the city's governor, that the capital was safe.

see vedio: http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1659202292001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAmtVJIFk~,TVGOQ5ZTwJbsT0Mq3k9H8GCa4jV3vL4M&bctid=2751031206001

source:http://goo.gl/xZqxI9

E-commerce giants add IPL team to shopping list

2015-07-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

While corporate biggies such as Hero MotoCorp and JSW have put their plans on hold to buy a team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), it is learnt that the country's most talked about e-commerce giants such as Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal and Paytm have expressed interest to pick up a franchise at a bargain in the lucrative yet corruption-hit cricket tournament.

After a Supreme Court panel suspended Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) from the IPL for two years on charges of illegal betting by their owners, a move that many believe has opened the doors for two new teams to be inducted in IPL's next edition, names of some top business houses were doing the rounds. Among them, the Sajjan Jindal-led $11-billion JSW Group said on Thursday it will wait for the air to clear before taking a call. A spokesperson for Hero MotoCorp, the country's largest two-wheeler maker, said, "We have no plans to buy an IPL team."

But e-commerce players, most of which are flush with cash from investors, are not toeing that line as IPL is the quickest way to build a brand in India, given its viewership. "It's a great opportunity to pick up a team at the moment and we are watching the space very closely," said Shankar Nath, senior VP at Paytm, a marketplace and a mobile wallet company backed by Japan's Softbank. "The IPL provides a great opportunity for unknown players in the market to build a brand. The last IPL worked very well for us. At present, we are waiting for things to unfold so that the issues become clearer. When the opportunity comes, we would definitely want to join the bidding process." source: http://goo.gl/esmvOq

Instacart Shoppers Can Now Choose to Be Real Employees

2015-06-22T22:22:00.004-07:00

Grocery delivery company Instacart—one of Silicon Valley’s fastest-growing upstarts in the emerging on-demand economy—is giving its army of personal shoppers the chance to become actual employees of the company.
Instacart says it is rolling out the option to become part-time employees to its shoppers in Boston and Chicago beginning today. Until now, Instacart’s shoppers all worked as independent contractors. Workers in more cities will get the same option in the coming months, the startup said.

Workers who choose to convert from contractor status to part-time will get workers’ compensation, and Instacart will pay for their unemployment, Social Security, and Medicare taxes, according to the company. But Instacart says employees will still have flexibility when it comes to picking their own shifts—a key selling point in attracting workers. The company also says it will not impose a minimum number of hours of work for its new part-time employees, though it will cap their number of hours worked per week to keep them below the full-time threshold.

“When you look at the difficulty of shopping, picking and delivering items such as fruit or eggs that need to be carefully selected, you realize that grocery shopping can be complicated,” says Instacart CEO Apoorva Mehta. “For this reason, we want to provide supervision and training, which can only be done with employees.”

Worker Unrest

Instacart’s announcement comes at a time when on-demand companies like Uber, Lyft, Postmates and others are surging in popularity and reach, creating a vast pool of cheap and flexible labor. According to the nonprofit Freelancers Union, 53 million Americans now work as freelance contractors—about one in three US workers. By 2020, according to estimates by software company Intuit, freelancers will make up as much as 40 percent of the US labor force—and on-demand workers are set to represent a significant chunk of those workers.
But some on-demand workers are finding the seeming freedom offered by their jobs comes at a cost. Some discover that they don’t end up enjoying the flexible hours or wages the’ve been led to expect. Others have discovered that having to manage their own equipment for the job, such as paying for gas and vehicle maintenance and factoring in depreciation costs, can be expensive. And if equipment gets damaged or contractors get hurt and can’t work, they lose the chance to make money.

Giving Workers a Choice

Most on-demand companies seem loath to convert their thousands of independent contractors to employees because of costs that could run to tens of thousands of dollars per worker. And those costs could mount quickly as well-funded startups seek a steady stream of workers to expand and scale quickly to meet investors’ expectations.

source: http://goo.gl/j8WrxF

Amazon, Google roll out online shopping features

2015-05-29T08:03:00.003-07:00

In the morning, Amazon said members of its Prime program in select cities will have access to free, same-day delivery on certain items, a move that broadens the subscription service as new players are poised to provide fresh competition online.

In the afternoon, Google introduced “Android Pay,” which will allow users to pay for items by waving their smartphones in front of a scanner at cash registers. And at its developer’s conference in San Francisco, the search giant announced it would add a “buy button” to Web pages that makes it easier to purchase products featured in ads that appear alongside search results.

Meanwhile, Apple confirmed this week that it would partner with logistics company Postmates to offer same-day delivery of online orders. Apple already offers Apple Pay on its newer iPhones; analysts have said it is the first mobile payment system to gain traction with consumers.

The bevy of offerings illustrates the growing competition over online shopping — and the ability of big tech companies to act quickly to define the experience for consumers. Internet shopping is fast replacing trips to the local plaza or mall. Over the holiday shopping season, online sales grew 13.8 percent, compared with a growth of 8.5 percent the year before.
Google unveiled payment services, security upgrades and access to HBO shows for its Android software. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg)

Among online stores, Amazon still has a dominant hold, driven by its Prime subscription program. The company said same-day delivery would be available in 14 metro areas, including Washington and Baltimore. Prime shoppers who place orders before noon will be able to get free, same-day delivery on $35-or-more orders of items such as pet food and books. Amazon founder Jeffrey P. Bezos owns The Washington Post.

Some 20 million items are available for two-day shipping, compared with the 1 million to 4 million that will be available for same-day delivery. An even smaller assortment of items, “tens of thousands,” the company says, are available for one-hour delivery in certain markets. That may help Amazon fend off two new e-commerce membership offerings.

Blue to Green: Find Latest Tops & Dresses with max Discount

2015-05-13T05:32:00.002-07:00

Get a master class in high street fashion with our love for all things aqua and green. Here are great style choices for you to indulge in and get your wardrobe essentials right. Take your pick from these beauties and be at your stylish best, everyday!

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North Korea: Online shopping site launched

2015-04-04T07:14:00.002-07:00

North Korea's government has announced that it started an online shopping website

The state-run site, called Okryu, offers a range of products including food and medicines, according to official news agency KCNA. While it says the site is "aimed at promoting convenience for the people", it's not clear how many will actually be able to use it, as internet access is extremely limited outside of elite circles. Some people can use the country's own state-controlled intranet - known as Kwangmyong - via their smartphones, but computers are prohibitively
expensive for the average worker and ownership requires government approval.

"While it is questionable how accessible it is to regular people, North Korea can easily manage an online shopping mall with its technology," North Korean economy expert Hong Soon-jik tells South Korea's JoongAng Daily. Okryu also shows that North Korea has improved its IT systems, Kim Heung-kwang, a former professor at Pyongyang Computer Technology University, tells the paper. "North Korea can no longer block the market economy completely and is responding in its own way," he says.

source: http://goo.gl/updYJ6

See Video:

Malin Akerman can't stop smiling as she takes son grocery shopping

2015-03-17T23:02:00.000-07:00

She just returned from Austin, Texas, where she was busy promoting her latest projects, The Final Girls and Sin City Saints.

And on Monday, Malin Akerman appeared ecstatic to be away from the glitz and glam and back in the company of her little boy, Sebastian.

The 36-year-old actress couldn't stop smiling as she took her tot grocery shopping at Gelson's Market in Los Feliz, California.

The Swedish-born beauty took advantage of her casual outing, opting to dress down after a weekend of getting dolled up for the cameras.

The Wanderlust star was clad in a loose grey blouse, distressed denim boyfriend jeans, and blue Toms flats.

Malin's blond boy appeared to be matching in a grey shirt, as he sat in front of the shopping cart she pushed while exiting the market.

Sebastian is also the son of Robert Zincone, who Malin was married to from 2007 to 2013.

Meanwhile, the blonde stunner spent the weekend at the SXSW Festival.

On Saturday, she promoted her TV show Sin City Saints, which debuts on Yahoo! Screen on March 23 and also stars Tom Arnold and Rick Fox.

The sitcom follows the triumphs and transgressions of a Las Vegas pro basketball team.

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Milton Keynes' Midsummer Place oak tree 'drowned', says builder

2015-03-08T11:23:00.001-07:00

A protected oak tree in the middle of a multimillion-pound shopping center "drowned" from poor drainage, a builder of the site has claimed.

Midsummer Place in Milton Keynes opened around the great oak in 2000, but the tree soon began shedding its leaves.
Bernard Nichols said a team wrongly dug out drainage pipes when a new section was built, meaning the oak often sat in up to two feet of water when it rained.
Experts are due to assess the tree for signs of life on Monday.
It is one of just two great oaks in the new town of Milton Keynes, which was built in the 1960s and 1970s.
The shopping centre, now owned by Intu, said a report in 2013 showed the tree was in a "mortality spiral" and "unless there is a miracle, it is dead".

The tree regularly sat in up to two feet of water during rain, Mr Nichols said

"We have to work out what to do because it could become unstable, rot away and be a danger to the public," a spokesman said.
"It will have to be taken away, if that's what the council and specialists say."
Mr Nichols, who helped construct the shopping centre, told BBC Three Counties that when the area around New Look was being developed, a different team to his dug out a pipe that was supposed to help drainage.
"Our people came running in and said 'whatever you're going to do, you'll destroy everything that's in here'," he said.
"'Oh it won't, the water will get away,' they said. But the water never did get away, and we've seen it in about a foot, two foot of water.
"It drowned for definite."
He said a proposed canopy to protect the tree never materialised either, meaning rainwater had nowhere to go.
A public consultation on the redevelopment of the centre, including the area where the tree stands, begins this week.
Source: http://goo.gl/ilymlU

Online shopping entices revelers before Holi

2015-03-01T10:24:00.002-08:00

If you are among those who want the best of colours, sprinklers or balloon for your kid but reluctant to leave your cozy sofa, online shopping on this Holi is an option. The online stores, on various sites, have a galaxy of items from those which are in use for playing Holi to different gift items which has the blend of vibrant colours.

In fact, these online stores have started luring the buyers by various promotional schemes resulting into availability of these items on a very competitive prices. The plastic 'pichkari's' (sprinklers) are of various sizes and designs i.e. from that of different cartoon characters to popular designs like guns and articles of daily use. It also has gulal, herbal colours and the water colours.

The online shopping portals also has some items for those who love to prank during the festival of colours. From pencil to pen or colour spray, these website has something for everyone.

"While most of the middle class and youngsters are frequently using online shopping for different electronic items, the concept of Holi items is fresh and will be very useful," said Brijesh, a student of Allahabad University.

Agreeing to this, Gopal, an office executive said, "almost every good shop is in Chowk area of the city which is full of traffic jams but now it is good that these items are just a click of a button away." But not all are lured by the offers. "My kid refused the idea as he says that how can he pick his favorite pichkari without touching it," said Sachin. Moreover, who knows whether the article is not damaged, especially the plastic materials, he added.

Will the ordered item reach within time, is another problem which is making some diehard supporter of online shopping to refrain from the same.

However, these website does have a good collection of gift items which has an impression of vibrant colours on it. "The milk mug, sweet hampers and other items are also available on decently good prices. "Gifting my younger brother with a milk cup, having all the colours, is a good idea provided the same arrives before Holi," said Shivanashu.
source:http://goo.gl/5RKJlw

Sara Cox on her latest shopping addiction Sportswear

2015-03-01T10:13:00.000-08:00

For this fashion spesh I ought to confess my drawers are bursting with new purchases, some still with price tags on.
Deliveries arrive at an alarming rate, but it’s not the latest trench coat or shoe-boot I’ve been splashing out on. I have an awful addiction to sports wear.
A few years ago I bought a pair of quite baggy mid-calf training trousers that I wore mainly to Body Combat class. They made me feel like I was ready to spring into action should some kind of martial arts street fight occur.
As I walked the 10 minutes to the class, I was no longer in north London going past a Sainsbury’s, but I was stalking the streets of Shanghai looking to avenge someone.
Cycle shorts followed – after each baby I’d squeeze back into them, my doughy baby belly folded over and stuffed into the waistband. I didn’t realise it, but those trousers were a gateway pant that led me to now having an embarrassingly sizeable collection of workout gear.
Last year when I switched up my workout routine and started at Frame, a place that has dynamic, fast classes, I wanted to switch up my style too.
The classes involve treadmill work in front of a huge mirror – I realised I could trick myself into thinking that, if I looked like I was fit and sporty, then surely I was!
I often just give fashion pages a glance, but sit me in front of Nike.com and I’m lost in
a happy world of fitness clothes. I now go running outdoors every week, so obviously need the right trousers made from ‘sweat-wicking stretch fabric’. I’ve never had my sweat ‘wick-ed’ before, but now I can’t do without it.
The fitness gear is now slipping into my everyday wear – my latest love is a padded puffa gilet: think Jay-Z meets Princess Anne.
And oh! the footwear. My new indoor sneakers make me bounce like Tigger and
my outdoor trainers are water resistant: after weeks of soggy feet, this was a revelation.
source: http://goo.gl/jeQkD6