Party City to close all stores by February, company says
Party City, the party supply store that has provided the glittering backdrops for generations of birthday celebrations, New Year’s Eve bashes and Super Bowl gatherings, announced just days before Christmas that it was closing its doors for good.
Why is it so hard to make a robot chef?
The robot in the kitchen was upset.
One ski resort’s long-shot bet to survive low snowfall and devastating wildfires
For much of its 85-year existence, the Mount Waterman resort has drawn skiers and outdoor enthusiasts from around Los Angeles for its no-fuss, no-frills experience.
How Claude became tech insiders’ chatbot of choice
SAN FRANCISCO — His fans rave about his sensitivity and wit. Some talk to him dozens of times a day — asking for advice about their jobs, their health, their relationships. They entrust him with their secrets and consult him before making important decisions. Some refer to him as their best friend.
The cryptocurrency you may not even know you own
Bitcoin has had a phenomenal year. But its rich returns are paltry compared with those of MicroStrategy, a company dedicated to a risky business: buying bitcoin with money provided by you and other shareholders.
Inside the 4-day workweek experiment
LONDON — On a recent Wednesday morning, Matt Kimber did not sign into his job as a senior engineer at a software company. Instead, he went for a walk around his London neighborhood, picked up lunch at a cafe, and played with his two greyhounds.
Latest US clampdown on China’s chips hits semiconductor toolmakers
The United States on Monday launched its third crackdown in three years on China’s semiconductor industry, curbing exports to 140 companies, including chip equipment maker Naura Technology Group, among other moves.
Apple accused of silencing workers, spying on personal devices
Apple has been accused in a new lawsuit of illegally monitoring its workers’ personal devices and iCloud accounts while also barring them from discussing their pay and working conditions.
Inside Amazon’s first Alaska delivery station
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — With Anchorage streets mostly empty early on a November morning, dozens of workers at the new Amazon delivery station used tiny devices on their fingers to scan barcodes on packages. Details appeared on smartphones on their forearms, helping them organize the flood of shipments.
The many faces of NEETs
When they aren’t roasting millennials’ outfits or scrolling on TikTok, how are Gen Z-ers spending their time?
Frequent flyers are rethinking loyalty programs and setting themselves free
When SuzAnn Brantner moved to Indiana from Los Angeles during the coronavirus pandemic, she had been a longtime Delta Air Lines frequent flyer, achieving the highest loyalty status the airline offered: Diamond Medallion. The benefits included expedited security screenings, priority boarding and top preference for complimentary first-class upgrades.
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares abruptly quits as US Jeep, Ram sales falter
MILAN/DETROIT — Stellantis Chief Executive Carlos Tavares resigned abruptly on Sunday, two months after a profit warning at the maker of Jeep, Fiat and Peugeot cars that has lost around 40% of its value this year.
How Southwest Airlines lost its groove
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Three years ago, Southwest Airlines started flying out of Bellingham, Washington, a growing city near the Canadian border, aiming to do what it had done in dozens of smaller airports — sell lots of tickets to people who have few other travel options.
Business in brief for November 25
SEC fines UPS $45M, saying it improperly valued freight business
Should you get a jump on holiday shopping this year?
The day after Thanksgiving — Black Friday — is typically the kickoff to the holiday shopping season. But a San Diego marketing expert thinks bargains can be found as early as this weekend because Turkey Day comes later than usual this year.
As threat of Trump tariffs looms, Europe’s leaders seek greater unity
PARIS — For months, European business leaders have watched as Donald Trump paved a path back to the White House by doubling down on an “America First” economic policy, putting protectionism and business-friendly tax and regulatory pledges high on the agenda.
Coca-Cola’s AI holiday ad sparks controversy for not being the ‘real thing’
For more than a century, Atlanta beverage giant Coca-Cola has released holiday ads that have closely shaped much of the imagery associated with Christmas. Think Santa Claus and polar bears.
Season of sales in full swing as retailers like Target aim to woo weary consumers
The moment political ads disappeared, retailers overtook the airwaves with their pitch to the masses: Holiday shopping season is here.
Bluesky is growing up. Maybe too fast
SAN FRANCISCO — In February 2023, a half-dozen techies introduced a social network prototype in an invitation-only launch. They deliberately debuted their creation, Bluesky, with little fanfare so that they could closely manage its growth.
The streaming wars didn’t kill the little guys. In fact, they’re thriving
Executives from the Hallmark Channel made a curious decision this fall: They started a new streaming service.
