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Recently, my car started sounding strange and I am not sure what to do.

AutoTech IQ

Modern vehicles are highly computerized and completely different from the mechanically controlled automobiles of 30 years ago. Although computerization has made vehicles much more reliable and fuel-efficient, car symptoms like squealing, squeaking, humming, growling, and other noises still occur. Our tips help car and truck owners take the next steps after their vehicle makes odd sounds. Can I repair the car myself to eliminate the noise? Most of the symptoms known to AutoTechIQ, which collects millions of work orders across the country, need a professional inspection. A key element of successful auto repair is the ability to educate the customer about why the repair needs to happen and what safety, cost avoidance, and environmental impact it imposes. Then, with a list of options on the table, the customer can decide the best outcome for their vehicle and their goals. Just go to AutoTechIQ.com and use the shop selector to find the best-suited shop in your area. AutoTechIQ introduced three certification levels for the shops featured on the map, so make sure you select the right one for you. AutoTechIQ.com has made educational content available to you in an easy-to-digest way and with a minimum of the technical lingo experts often say. What are commonly occurring car noises? We'll list common problematic noises cars make below. If you're experiencing any of those, listen to their reference noise in the YouTube link and send it to your trusted auto repair shop for reference. Squealing noise when driving Car sounds like a lawn mower Car won’t start but not making any noise Humming noise while driving What other symptoms should I look for? Noise is often the most dominant symptom your car makes but not the only one. For example, a failed serpentine belt pulley can make a very noticeable noise and create a distinct odor of burnt rubber. Reoccurring problems are especially concerning, and it is important to describe the context of these issues to your trusted auto repair shop professionals. Knowing the characteristics of the problem helps the professional to eliminate up to 90% of the potential root causes and saves you a lot of money for unnecessary diagnostics or repair. How do I find a professional auto repair shop I can trust? There has been a significant change in how former mom-and-pop shops focus on repairing vehicles. Now, they focus on helping you determine your vehicle's best course of action by meeting your goals for longevity and dependability. What should be my budget when taking my car to an auto repair shop? Traditionally, most car owners follow the service interval recommendation provided by their trusted auto repair shop or just go to the shop when problems arise and let the shop fix them. Most of the time, the latter is the most expensive way of taking care of your vehicle if you add up the cost of each visit. Using a preventive maintenance plan offered by your trusted auto repair shop will open up the opportunity to talk about future expenses or what is called deferred services. You can start budgeting future expenses and still save money since preventive maintenance is significantly more cost-effective than paying the repair cost when problems occur. Condition-based inspections take the preventive maintenance concept even further. Your auto repair shop conducts a vehicle inspection every time you drop off your vehicle. The results are compared to previous inspection results to determine wear and tear patterns. Based on those patterns, the best course of action is presented to you. Why is it important to ask for a Digital Auto Checkup? Many auto repair shops listen to your concern and will provide a solution right away by taking care of the problem you are describing. When you go to any doctor with a symptom, does the doctor immediately go to the concern you are expressing? Typically they don’t do that unless you are in the emergency room. Instead, vital signs will be recorded first. The same can be true for your vehicle. You first establish baseline health before addressing the particular symptom. The bill of health of a vehicle is called the Digital Auto Checkup or Digital Vehicle Health Inspection. What is AutoTechIQ’s advantage to me as a car owner? The majority of car owners dread the appointment at an auto repair shop. The shops in the AutoTechIQ network are selected based on criteria putting your education and professional service as their main focus. Three criteria not used in other business directories are: The business has received at least 100 Google reviews with an average score of more than 4.5 out of 5.0. A digital vehicle health inspection is used consistently to examine the health of your vehicle and covers at least 35 topics. The documentation of mint and problem conditions uses well-documented images and videos to give you complete transparency. Contact Details AutoTech IQ AutoTech IQ +1 866-678-8505 support@AutoTechIQ.com Company Website https://www.autotechiq.com/

November 21, 2022 01:42 PM Eastern Standard Time

As Iger Returns, Disney Must Focus on Vulnerabilities in China

National Legal & Policy Center

As The Walt Disney Company announced on Sunday the return of former executive chairman Robert Iger as interim CEO for two years, following the disastrous leadership of Robert Chapek – which drove share value down by 40% this year – a shareholder activist is calling upon the iconic Hollywood executive to scrutinize the company’s business in communist China. National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), which earlier this year called Disney to account for its “complicity in China genocide” at its annual meeting, again will seek disclosure and transparency over its business activities in the far eastern nation with a shareholder proposal it has introduced for the company’s next meeting in March 2023. “We have our doubts about Bob Iger’s return and his willingness to reexamine the company’s relationship with the communist Chinese,” said Paul Chesser, director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project. “After all, under his leadership he launched both the Shanghai and Hong Kong theme parks, and then gave majority control of Shanghai to a consortium of Chinese state-controlled companies. Now Shanghai Disney is locked down under the communists’ ‘Zero COVID’ policy and Hong Kong no longer operates with any semblance of freedom.” “Shareholders must get a better understanding of the further risks to stock value with the company’s entanglements with brutal dictators.” The text of NLPC’s proposal for a “Communist China Audit” report for Disney’s 2023 annual meeting follows: RESOLVED: Shareholders request that, beginning in 2023, The Walt Disney Company report annually to shareholders on the nature and extent to which corporate operations depend on, and are vulnerable to, Communist China, which is a serial human rights violator, a geopolitical threat, and an adversary to the United States. The report should exclude confidential business information but provide shareholders with a sense of the Company’s reliance on activities conducted within, and under control of, the Communist Chinese government. Supporting Statement: American companies doing business in Communist China is a controversial public policy issue. See, e.g., “Doing business in China is difficult. A clash over human rights is making it harder,” April 2, 2021, https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/02/business/nike-china-western-business-intl-hnk/index.html. The Walt Disney Company does business in – and relies on raw materials, finished products, broadcasts, entertainment venues, theme parks, labor and/or services from – entities in China. China is an established serial violator of human and political rights. China is also a hostile adversary of the U.S. for many reasons, including: — China intends to displace the U.S. as the lone global superpower by 2049; — The U.S. has committed to defend Taiwan, which China has militaristically asserted is part of its country and may attempt to seize by force; — U.S.-China relations are tense over a number of issues including China’s military expansion; egregious human rights violations; actions related to the COVID pandemic; intellectual property theft; relentless espionage; elimination of freedom in Hong Kong; and environmental pollution. China has also indicated that it would use its industrial capabilities for strategic purposes against adversaries. Many Chinese companies – which are ultimately under the control of the Communist government – are vulnerable to the U.S. Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, do not adhere to basic auditing standards, and are therefore untrustworthy. China – and by extension the companies it controls – is also identified in the U.S. State Department’s 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report as a state sponsor of human trafficking. It is now subject to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which imposes strict verification of parts and products imported from China, that they are not generated from slave labor. Disney’s extensive ties to China breed reputational risk for the company also. For example, while the company funds groups that promote the interests of homosexual and transgender individuals, the Communist government persistently and vigorously cracks down on those forms of identity within its borders. A July 2022 joint statement from the leaders of the British and American domestic intelligence agencies warned that the Communist Chinese Party is the greatest threat to the international order. “We consistently see that it’s the Chinese government that poses the biggest long-term threat to our economic and national security, and by ‘our,’ I mean both of our nations, along with our allies in Europe and elsewhere,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. Given the controversial, if not dangerous, nature of doing business in and with China, shareholders have the right to know the extent to which The Walt Disney Company’s business operations depend on Communist China. Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

November 21, 2022 09:26 AM Eastern Standard Time

Minuteman Press Franchisees Dawn and Dean Seifert Celebrate 15 Years in Youngstown, Ohio

Minuteman Press International Inc

Dawn and Dean Seifert, owners of two Minuteman Press franchises in Youngstown and Warren, Ohio, are celebrating 15 years in business for their Youngstown location, which opened in May 2007. Minuteman Press in Youngstown is located at 3200 Belmont Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44505. In January 2020, Dawn and Dean purchased Minuteman Press in Warren located at 2460 Elm Road NE, Unit 500, Warren, OH 44483. Prior to franchising with Minuteman Press, Dean grew up in a family-owned print shop while Dawn worked in banking. They decided to own a business “to set our own destiny,” says Dawn. When asked about their success and longevity over the past 15 years, Dean says, “There are 4 keys to our business: Being able to have two of our four children work with us in the family business. Our customer service – we never tell a client that something can’t be done. We update our equipment when needed to make sure we operate efficiently. Following the Minuteman Press franchise system and marketing to our clients and community.” Dawn adds the following insights on how they have successfully marketed the business. She says, “There are 4 primary ways we have grown our business: Getting involved in the community and sponsoring various local events. Visiting our clients on a regular basis. Providing customers with our branded promotional items. Utilizing email marketing campaigns.” For Dawn and Dean, their high-demand products from clients include “custom printed brochures, branded promotional products, and full-scale direct mail marketing campaigns that include graphic design, printing, and mailing.” Dean says, “People still like to have something to hold onto and printing is the perfect way to put your brand in their hands and make a lasting impression.” Today, the local business community is looking bright. Dean shares, “We are excited to be part of a community along Liberty’s Belmont Avenue Business Corridor, which is the Mahoning Valley’s home base for many family-owned businesses. We are local businesses supporting each other and our customers. One of the biggest rewards of owning this business is building real relationships with our clients and having them become part of our family.” As part of the Minuteman Press franchise system for 15 years, Dawn and Dean share their three key benefits of franchising: “The corporate and local regional offices are always just a phone call away. The training was perfect for us and laid the foundation for how we operate our business. The Minuteman Press FLEX software helps us manage our business – it is easy to learn and operate/maintain.” As for what advice they would give to other businesses owners right now, Dean says, “Don’t try to do everything yourself. Also, treat your employees right and share your growth with them.” For more information about Minuteman Press in Youngstown, Ohio, visit https://minuteman.com/us/locations/oh/youngstown/ For more information about Minuteman Press in Warren, Ohio, visit https://minuteman.com/us/locations/oh/warren/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and to see Minuteman Press franchise reviews, visit https://minutemanpressfranchise.com Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

November 17, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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This Kevin Hart-Endorsed Electric Toothbrush Could Be The Perfect Gift For The Holidays

Bruush Oral Care Inc.

Apart from merrymaking, the holiday season is about giving. People shop and buy gifts for their loved ones — family, friends or colleagues. From exciting deals on apparel, TVs and video games to edibles like candies and chocolates, there is an endless list of gift options during the yuletide. With such an impressive and wide array of products offered during holiday shopping, especially on Black Friday, choosing the perfect gift for a loved one can sometimes be challenging. No one wants their gift to be returned. A Perfect Gift? Finding the perfect gift is challenging, but one present that could leave a permanent smile on the recipient is an electric toothbrush. Why an electric toothbrush? For starters, good oral health translates to good health overall, and electric toothbrushes are known to provide superior plaque removal to regular manual toothbrushes. But you wouldn’t just get any electric toothbrush. A good electric toothbrush like one from Brüush Oral Care Inc. (NASDAQ: BRSH) might be a perfect gift for the holiday season. Unlike other electric toothbrushes on the market, Brüush says its top-of-the-line technology blows the competition out of the park. Brüush reports its technology delivers 42,000 brushstrokes per minute, eradicating plaque by 20% more than manual toothbrushes. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Brüush is a leading modern electric toothbrush brand looking to disrupt the oral care market. It delivers on its promises, giving people their healthiest, cleanest teeth. Black Friday SaleThe company has launched its Black Friday sale. They are offering a sitewide discount code for 25% Off: CYBER25. To check out this deal visit https://bruush.com.90% Five-Star Review Rating With Less Than 1% Return Rate? From the more than 90% five-star review rating with less than 1% return rate, Brüush could be a perfect gift choice this holiday season and a personal favorite of many. And the reviews are endless. "Never Using a Different Brush! This is the greatest toothbrush I've ever used and I have tried Sonicare, Quip, and other electric brushes… I gave my boyfriend a Brüush for Christmas and he also loves it, these are great gifts to give someone!" a reviewer said. Another user, who seems to be attesting to the functionality of the Brüush, also said, "Unbeatable value and power. The power and battery life is a game changer! Gentle enough on sensitive gums and teeth but strong enough to make you FEEL the deep clean." "Using the Brüush has made my teeth feel cleaner than any toothbrush I've ever used! Brüush is like Michael Jordan and my old toothbrush is like Isaiah Thomas," a user controversially said. The reviews show that people are turning to more convenient and efficient ways of keeping up a healthy lifestyle. The convenience means Brüush does all the hard work, like keeping the gums, tongue and teeth cleaner and healthier. Brüush believes that it disrupting the global oral care market, which was valued at $33.7 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% from 2022 to 2030. The global electric toothbrush market is projected to grow from $3.05 billion in 2021 to $3.99 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 3.9%. Companies like Brüush, Koninklijke Philips NV (AMS: PHIA) and Procter & Gamble Co. (NYSE: PG) are expected to play a vital role in the sector’s growth. For customers who may pick up a Brüush for personal use or as a gift this holiday season, the company says its brush features six cleaning modes and extra-soft bristles, a superior option to what the competition may offer. Brüush reports that its brand story is best told through smiles, and comedian and actor Kevin Hart knows how to make people smile. After trying the company’s toothbrush himself — and loving it — an authentic partnership was formed in 2020. As a strategic investor and partner, Kevin is on board with Brüush’s mission to elevate self-confidence through cleaner, whiter teeth — making people laugh along the way. Besides providing what the company reports as a top-of-line device, Brüush also offers a subscription plan, making them a go-to for many users. Every six months, Brüush ships three new brush heads for $18 with free shipping. Learn more about Brüush by downloading the latest research report here Featured photo by bruush.com About Bruush Oral Care Inc. Bruush Oral Care Inc. is on a mission to inspire confidence through brighter smiles and better oral health. Founded in 2018, Brüush is an oral care company that is disrupting the space by reducing the barriers between consumers and access to premium oral care products. The Company is an e-commerce business with a product portfolio that currently consists of a sonic-powered electric toothbrush kit and brush head refills. Brüush has developed a product to make upgrading to an electric brush appealing with three core priorities in mind: (i) a high-quality electric toothbrush at a more affordable price than a comparable electric toothbrush from the competition; (ii) a sleek, countertop-friendly design; and (iii) a convenient brush head refill subscription program that eliminates the frustrating experience of purchasing replacement brush heads at the grocery/drug store. The Company is rooted in building a brand that creates relevant experiences and content, with the goal of becoming the go-to oral care brand for millennials and Generation Z.For more information on Bruush Oral Care Inc visit https://bruush.com. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details TraDigital IR - Colette Eymontt colette@tradigitalir.com Company Website http://www.tradigitalir.com

November 17, 2022 09:15 AM Eastern Standard Time

dbx-tv’s Total Cal Recognized as 2023 CES Innovation Awards Honoree

dbx-tv

dbx-tv® today announced Total Cal®, a patent-pending in-home audio tuning system has been selected as a CES Innovation Award Honoree. Total Cal was selected for its ability to improve the sound of televisions, soundbars, and portable/home speakers. The announcement was made in conjunction with the 17 th annual CES Unveiled New York event, an intimate, invitation only event showcasing what’s to come at CES 2023--the most influential tech event in the world. dbx-tv’s Total Cal gives TV, soundbar, and home speaker end-customers the ability to fine-tune the audio performance of their equipment for their individual listening environment. Controlled via a user-friendly app, Total Cal detects and corrects for acoustic issues in the home, ensuring all material sounds exactly the way it was intended. “The Total Cal system represents a breakthrough in consumer audio, bringing in-home tuning technology to budget-friendly electronics. Total Cal makes it easy for every consumer to experience high quality, accurate, and customized sound without the need for any audio expertise or complex A/V equipment“ says Les Tyler, the inventor of automatic equalization technology and President of dbx-tv. Based on dbx-tv’s professional audio measurement and calibration algorithms, Total Cal measures the device’s performance in the room at a variety of listening positions then re-tunes the audio parameters to provide customized, accurate sound quality. “dbx-tv’s sole focus is improving the sound of consumer electronics through clever audio processing--without increasing hardware costs for manufacturers or consumers. By harnessing the power of cloud computing and the mobile devices consumers already own, Total Cal works with the industry standard SoCs and DSPs manufacturers already design around, enabling them to deliver high-end audio processing in cost-conscious products” said Timothy Brault, Director of Sales and Marketing for dbx-tv. dbx-tv offers Total Cal to TV & speaker OEM/ODM manufacturers as a companion application to the company’s Total Sonics audio post-processing. Products utilizing Total Cal are expected to reach consumers early in 2023. Total Cal, along with dbx-tv’s other audio processing technologies, will be on display and available for demonstration at CES 2023 in suite 306 of the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino. About dbx-tv dbx-tv has over 40 years of experience improving audio in TVs and other small speaker devices. Born from the pro audio legacy of dbx, dbx-tv has earned multiple television audio technology awards and has improved sound in over a billion devices worldwide. Learn more at www.dbx-tv.com. Contact Details Rainier Communications Jenna Beaucage +1 508-340-6851 jbeaucage@rainierco.com Company Website https://dbx-tv.com

November 17, 2022 08:13 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Beer Lovers Holiday Guide

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/in1BavIM62o With the holiday season right around the corner, many of us are already in planning mode. Need some ideas for elevating your holiday entertaining and gifting? Recently, Sam Calagione, craft beer visionary and Dogfish Head founder, completed a satellite media tour to help fill your bar cart with innovative flavors that suit the season. He shared everything viewers and listeners need to enjoy an “off-centered” holiday – from elevating your cocktail game to beer and cheese pairing ideas, to unique gifts for the beer lovers on your list. As one of the first modern breweries to use exotic culinary ingredients and flavors, Dogfish Head has successfully brewed with just about everything – lobster, raisins, oat milk, black limes, scrapple, syrup, bone broth, and even snails. Here are some of Sam’s favorite beer products for this holiday season: Canned Cocktails: Launched in 2021, Dogfish Head used its 20+ years of distilling experience to create a line of delicious, spirits-based, ready to drink canned cocktails - scratch-made with two full-proof shots of Dogfish Head Distilling Co. spirits in each can and featuring real culinary ingredients. Bright and citrusy Blood Orange & Mango Vodka Crush and Lemon & Lime Gin Crush Light, refreshing and berry-delicious Strawberry & Honeyberry Vodka Lemonade and Blueberry Shrub Vodka Soda. The Bar Cart Variety Pack offers all the flavors in one place for your holiday hosting needs or if you can’t decide on just one. Dogfish Head x Cabot Creamery Collaboration: Many folks think of pairing cheese with wine, but beer and cheese pairings can be just as complex and delicious and is a great, new way to wow guests at holiday gatherings or parties. In August, Dogfish Head announced their collaboration with Cabot Creamery to brew The Perfect Pairing, a hazy pale ale scientifically engineered to be ‘the perfect pairing’ for sharp cheddar cheese, specifically Cabot’s Seriously Sharp Cheddar cheese. Clocking in at 5.5% ABV, The Perfect Pairing is unfiltered and hop-forward with juicy, citrusy notes of grapefruit and pineapple. It can be found in Dogfish Head’s Off-Centered Party Pack, which includes three other popular beers and a QR code that gives you the perfect cheese pairings for each beer - a complete holiday party spread in one package. Wake Up World Wide Stout: In September, Dogfish Head launched a new, breakfast-themed iteration of the brewery’s fan-favorite World Wide Stout, lovingly dubbed Wake Up World Wide Stout. Robust, sweet and warming, Wake Up World Wide Stout is a jet-black beer with deliciously balanced notes of espresso, sweet maple, roasted cacao and smoked honey for an “out-of-this-world” flavor profile. Clocking in at 15-17% ABV, it is brewed with regeneratively grown malts from Epiphany Malting, organic maple syrup from New Leaf Tree Syrups, oat milk from Elmhurst and organic coffee beans from Rise Up Coffee Roasters. As of mid-September, Wake Up World Wide Stout is available for purchase coast-to-coast in 4pk/12oz bottles, where legal. Crimson Cru: Just launched in October, Crimson Cru is the culmination of more than 225 years of collective brewing experience, thanks to a special and unique collaboration with Belgium’s Browerji Rodenbach. As part of Dogfish Head’s 2022 Off-Centered Art Series, this brew makes for a great holiday gift (no wrapping needed!) as it features bold packaging design and artwork from both breweries’ logos. Deep copper in color, Crimson Cru begins with Rodenbach’s world-renowned Grand Cru, a Flemish red-brown ale aged in oak casks, that made the overseas trek from Belgium to Delaware via tanker ship. After its cross-Atlantic journey, Rodenbach’s Grand Cru was artfully blended with an off-centered, 7.1% abv red ale infused with sumac and sweet orange peel that was then dry-hopped with Hallertau Blanc hops. The resulting beer is full-bodied and slightly warming with aromas of candied citrus, cherry, caramel and toffee, complemented by malty flavors of stewed fruits, plum, cherry, dried citrus and toffee. To find out more about these products and learn more about Dogfish Head, go to Dogfish.com About Sam Calagione: Sam Calagione has been focused on brewing beers with culinary ingredients since 1995, when Dogfish Head first opened as the smallest craft brewery in America. Today, Dogfish has grown into a 400+ person company and is one of the most recognized breweries in the country. Dogfish Head is based in Delaware with Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, an off-centered brewpub and distillery, Chesapeake & Maine, a geographically enamored seafood restaurant, Dogfish Inn, a harbor-front beer-themed motel and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, a production brewery and distillery featuring a Tasting Room & Kitchen. Dogfish currently sells beer across the US and Dogfish Head Distilling Co. spirits in the mid-Atlantic region. In July 2019, Dogfish Head proudly merged with the Boston Beer Company. Sam’s innovative style and collaborative spirit has earned him a reputation as one of the industry’s most adventurous entrepreneurs and brewers. Sam has authored four books and was named the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional in 2017. Sam, his wife and co-founder Mariah and their family reside in coastal Delaware Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 17, 2022 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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New Alvarez & Marsal Fall 2022 Consumer Sentiment Report - Highlights Impacts of Inflation, Weak Optimism

Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group

Category spend down y-o-y for basic needs, experiences, gifts & indulgences 7 in 10 Consumers plan to spend less on holiday shopping Rising prices create concern across all age groups New York, NY —November 16, 2022— Global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer and Retail Group (A&M CRG) today released its newest consumer report, Consumer Sentiment Survey Fall 2022, which looks at the impacts of inflation and resultant changes in consumer spending over the last year, as well as spending expectations into the holidays and for the coming six-month period. This is the third chapter of its bi-annual Consumer Sentiment Report, based on a survey of 1,500+ consumers matching the U.S. adult population according to gender, age, ethnicity, region and income. The report covers various changing behaviors in response to inflation, including around consumers’ holiday spending plans, shopping priorities by category, concerns over rising prices, other factors that will affect holiday purchase decisions, and more. “Our objective was to understand how inflation is affecting the American consumer in terms of their optimism or lack thereof, their buying patterns and expectations, and their preferred shopping channels – especially as we go into the holiday season” noted Jonathan Sharp, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer and Retail Group, and lead author of the study. “What we found is that extended inflationary pressures are causing U.S. consumers to retrench further and curtail even more their discretionary spending – even categories that had seemed somewhat immune in spring 2022 are now under pressure.” Additionally, many fear that inflation has yet to peak, with 65% of consumers expecting prices to continue to rise in the next 6 months. The study found that: Almost 9 in 10 consumers have adopted new habits in response to inflation; 7 in 10 are altering their holiday shopping habits Among shopping priorities by category, only grocery was up, vs. dining out, which was down by 40% Concerns over rising prices rise with age, as do plans to spend less on indulgences Consumer expectations on things getting better, saving more, having more money, and plans to spend the same or more on basic needs were all down year-over-year This year’s holiday season looks like it will also be impacted by consumer spending reticence. The most significant changes people are making is a reduction in their overall gift spending; 1 in 3 shoppers plan to spend less on gifts this holiday season. The report provides insights into the factors that will have an impact on purchase decisions this holiday, including shipping fees, more limited return policies, potential upcoming sales, holiday availability, and Buy Now Pay Later options. “Smart retailers will remain agile in responding to deal-hungry, penny-pinching consumers,” added Jonathan Sharp. “Inventory management, pricing and cost management will continue to be severely challenged.” To download a pdf of Consumer Sentiment Survey Fall 2022, please visit: https://alvarezandmarsal-crg.com/insight/am-crg-consumer-sentiment-survey-fall-2022/ The Alvarez and Marsal Consumer and Retail Group (CRG) is a management consulting firm that tackles the most complex challenges and advances its clients, people, and communities towards their maximum potential. CRG combines the best of A&M’s broader firm's bias toward action and practicality with deep consumer and retail industry experience. CRG partners with businesses across a wide range of categories including Food & Beverage, Beauty & Personal Care, Grocery, Mass Merchandise, and Apparel & Footwear to drive significant performance improvement. Contact Details David Schneidman dschneidman@alvarezandmarsal.com Company Website https://www.alvarezandmarsal.com/industries/retail/retail

November 16, 2022 11:47 AM Eastern Standard Time

How To Win At Holiday Hosting: Everything You Need to Know When Hosting Family & Friends

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/DmvrRaRjo4E November officially ushers in the holiday season, bringing with it the hustle and bustle we’ve been missing the past couple of years. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Mia Syn says there are a few easy ways to win at hosting while setting the scene for all the fun, food, and festivities. PLAN THE MENU AHEAD OF TIME: This holiday season is expected to be as “back to normal” as possible after more than two years of restrictions. For those taking on the role of hosting, Syn admits it could be a little nerve-racking, “That’s why I recommend planning the menu ahead of time, including main dishes, drinks, desserts, and the overall presentation.” The Registered Dietician Nutritionist suggests kicking things off with an overflowing charcuterie board filled with a mixture of colors, textures, and flavors, including a variety of cheeses, meats, and lots of veggies. Syn says to make sure to include almonds, adding, “Look for flavors that will surprise your guests, but also help add a seasonal taste.” This year, Blue Diamond Almonds released its first-ever limited-time offer holiday flavored almonds. “They’re perfect for a seasonal charcuterie board or sharing as a gift or stocking stuffer. Your family will love the Blue Diamond Snickerdoodle Flavored Almonds. They have the delicious taste of a seasonal cinnamon sugar cookie… so good! And one of my favorites is the Peppermint Cocoa Flavored Almonds with a delicious chocolatey flavor and hint of peppermint.” These products are available at grocery stores nationwide and Amazon.com. Consumers can also use Blue Diamond’s product locator tool to find a nearby store. https://www.bluediamond.com/naughty-and-nice Facebook: www.facebook.com/BlueDiamondAlmonds/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/BlueDiamond Twitter: www.twitter.com/BlueDiamond DESSERTS WITH ADDED BENEFITS: A menu would not be complete without dessert. It may be a surprise, but Syn is a self-proclaimed “desserts girl,” saying, “I’m always about the desserts and this year I have a couple originals that are on the healthy side and taste fantastic!” She recommends a classic with a twist, blondies. “Believe it or not, my version is made with beans,” says Syn. The registered dietician nutritionist admits it may seem odd at first, but, “When cooked and rinsed well, beans can add moisture and fudginess to baked goods like brownies and blondies while cutting back on the amount of fat and flour needed. Not only that, but beans add nutrients such as plant protein, B vitamins, and fiber, making this a dessert with benefits.” Another option are Syn’s banana-sweetened chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. They’re made with a ripe banana mash, creamy peanut butter, quick oats, pure vanilla and dark chocolate chips. “There is also another surprise, these treats are made without flour, eggs, or added sugar,” says Syn. STOP DOING DISHES: Syn admits the menu building and preparation could be fun, but the cleanup is often taxing and takes up a lot of time. That’s why she suggests eliminating the time suckers, which includes washing dishes and loading the dishwasher. “We all know it takes time away from what’s really important. This time of year is so busy and should be spent on special traditions, making new memories, and being with the ones you love.” The Chinet® brand is focused on making cleanup easier so families can spend more time together. She says these products are made for exactly what’s on your menu, like a traditional honey-glazed turkey, or an old-fashioned ham with brown sugar and mustard glaze. For a more upscale affair, Syn suggests using the Chinet Crystal® products, which add a fancy touch to meals, perfect for a beef tenderloin, seared duck, or lamb with garlic and rosemary,” adding, “The crystal cups are great for that pre-dinner toast!” Most importantly, when partygoers are done eating dinner or dessert, Syn says, “Just toss the dishes and have all that extra time for family fun.” For more information, visit mychinet.com. Facebook: Facebook.com/mychinet Instagram: Instagram.com/mychinet Twitter: Twitter.com/mychinet Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 16, 2022 10:05 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Arey Closes Oversubscribed $4.15 Million Seed Fund Round

Arey

Arey, an e-commerce business poised to disrupt the hair care industry, is pleased to announce that it has closed an oversubscribed $4.15 million Series Seed financing round, far exceeding its original $2 million target. Female Founders Fund and Greycroft acted as the lead investors. Funds generated through this round of investment are expected to be focused on R&D and distribution expansion. Arey is one of the first functional beauty brands that targets aging hair with a proactive and science-driven approach, with a specific focus on grey hair. Scientists have identified that genetics only account for approximately 30% of grey hair. Grey hair can be a message from the body about what may be lacking. Vitamin deficiencies due to diet and lifestyle choices associated with oxidative stress, and even chemicals in the dyes used to cover grey hair can be contributors. Arey was co-founded by CEO Allison Conrad, a leading entrepreneur who ideated the company based on her own hair journey and Jay Small, a former Paul Mitchell protege and top professional celebrity hair stylist aligned with educating clients on hair color loss. Along with their team of medical advisors including internal medicine MDs, dietitians and chemical engineers, the brand offers a range of products, including The System which incorporates an inside-out and outside-in approach with a supplement + hair serum, The Duo of shampoo + conditioner that work together to restore hair health including reducing the likelihood of increased grey hair growth as well as thicker, fuller and more vibrant hair. Arey gets to the root of the problem with a proactive hair care system that can be implemented at the first signs of grey by preserving and even restoring pigment. Tapping into a clear demand, the brand has experienced 1100% YOY growth since its 2021 inception. Products are available via one-time purchase or subscription basis. With the latter, Arey saw 975% subscription growth in the last year, making up over 70% of their revenue. Conrad states, “we are not anti-grey, but rather want to provide both men and women an alternative to the current reactive option of hair dye. We are the wrinkle cream of hair care targeting those looking to prevent aging hair and customers who are in the early stages of greying hair.” Speaking to those who have already turned grey Small adds, “Nearly 85% of women have colored their hair, 78% of which is at home. For years, the response to grey hair has been to cover it. Unfortunately, once this cycle begins, it's likely that each time you apply hair color chemicals to your scalp, healthy production of hair is stifled,” he explains. “The average person covering grey will have to maintain color every 4 weeks, and will likely overuse hair color on areas of the hair that do not need coverage. This frequency and overexposure are a high payload of oxidative stress and could be contributing to an increase in gray hair with every application.” Arey has proven successful in decreasing this need, thwarting the aging process of hair. Anu Duggal, Founding Partner at Female Founders Fund, shares, “We are thrilled to co-lead Arey Grey’s seed round in bringing a much needed science-driven system for addressing aging hair to consumers. The hair care category has been ripe for innovation and co-founders Allison and Jay have taken a preventive approach to hair health by creating a solution that both slows the greying process while also re-pigmenting hair color. Since launch they have seen tremendous organic demand from both female and male consumers with exciting product development in the pipeline. With a big vision to offer better solutions to consumers for hair care, we are excited to be backing this stellar team in their vision to transform hair health.” “Arey’s science-driven, efficacious solutions and elevated education-based branding speak to consumers across genders in a differentiated way,” said Greycroft Principal Alaina Hartley. “The Greycroft team is excited to support co-founders Allison and Jay as they build the category-defining brand in aging hair care.” “We built the business with strong unit economics from the beginning and a focus on profitability. We are thrilled that Female Founders Fund and Greycroft recognize the huge potential in this growing category we have created,” Conrad adds. About Arey: Launched in 2021, Arey offers science-driven products formulated with vitamins, antioxidants and peptides to help delay and re-pigment grey hair from the inside-out and outside-in, while also helping you grow thicker, fuller, healthier hair overall to consumers in North America and Canada. With 6 current products in their portfolio, the company’s direct-to-consumer, subscription-based business model provides an easy refill plan, ensuring consumers are able to easily maintain a continued high level of hair health. For more information, please visit arey.com and follow @areygrey social media for updates. About Female Founders Fund: Female Founders Fund is the pre-eminent early-stage fund investing in female-founded technology companies with $100M under management across three funds. Since its founding in 2014, Female Founders Fund has invested in over 70 of the fastest growing female-led companies nationwide. These include category leaders like Maven Clinic, Tala, ELOQUII, Real, Peanut, BentoBox, Billie, Co--Star, and more. For more information visit www.femalefoundersfund.com About Greycroft: Greycroft is a seed-to-growth venture capital firm that partners with entrepreneurs of all backgrounds to build category-defining companies. We have deep experience investing in consumer, enterprise, digital health, and fintech sectors around the globe and work as a team to support and advise entrepreneurs, empowering them to execute on their visions. Greycroft manages over $2 billion in capital raised and has made over 300 investments since inception. For more information, please visit https://www.greycroft.com. Contact Details Amanda Smeal Consulting, Inc. Amanda Smeal amanda@amandasmeal.com Sunshine Sachs Robert Busweiler, busweiler@sunshineandsachs.com Aimee Moss aimee@aimeemoss.net Company Website https://areygrey.com

November 16, 2022 09:04 AM Eastern Standard Time

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