Journalists and social media users exert influence over product recall decisions
In 2023, product recalls in Canada hit an all-time high 鈥� there were well over 2,000 of them. Manufacturing companies are typically the ones to issue these recalls, and their decisions are affected by journalists and social media users.
Better data protections in Europe could encourage participation in retail data collection programs
In-store data collection can help retailers provide shoppers with a personalized experience that includes perks like lower prices or options tailored to a shopper鈥檚 taste. But uptake for in-store data collection has been slower in North America than it has been in Europe. 鈥淭he assumption is that if I enter a retail store, cameras are recording. That is an established norm.
SAQ monopoly pads government revenues but isn鈥檛 necessarily in shoppers' best interest
Despite being a lucrative revenue source for the government, the Soci茅t茅 des Alcools du Qu茅bec (SAQ) monopoly is under scrutiny for limiting consumer choices, especially for premium spirits like high-end bourbons. Exclusive distribution rights mean that if SAQ doesn鈥檛 stock a particular brand, it won鈥檛 be available in Quebec's retail outlets.
E-commerce vehicle acquisitions face hurdles due to existing laws
During the 2023 Los Angeles International Auto Show, Hyundai and Amazon revealed plans to enable vehicle purchases on their e-commerce platform by 2024. However, this option is not currently available. Since 2018, it has been possible to browse a digital showroom of Hyundai vehicles, but not to complete the purchase. Even when the company introduces the capability to buy vehicles online, widespread availability is unlikely.
The pandemic pushed tipping too far, but customers can push back
A recent video sharing one woman鈥檚 New Year鈥檚 resolution to no longer tip has gone viral, proving that, for many consumers, tipping has become excessive. Just a few years ago, diners often ponied up 15% on a restaurant bill or bar tab. As restaurants were forced to close during the pandemic, tip prompts creeped up to 18%, 20%, or even 30%. Tip prompts were also added to many other services where tipping had never been customary 鈥� like drive-thru windows and even deli counters.
鈥楤uy now, pay later鈥� loans are not covered by existing consumer protection laws
Buy now, pay later technology offers loans to consumers to pay for purchases in instalments over time. A soft credit check verifies eligibility, and can extend credit to users who might not otherwise have access to credit products. These loans claim to improve the financial inclusion of lower-income young people, but should be approached with caution, writes Vivek Astvansh in The Conversation.
This holiday season, shoppers are spending more and getting less
Christmas is just around the corner, and even with inflation slowing down, gift prices are higher than ever. Canada鈥檚 Consumer Price Index is at an all-time high of nearly 160 points, Associate Professor Vivek Astvansh tells CTV News Montreal. 鈥淐onsumers are feeling the pinch, and while they want to buy stuff, they are resisting purchases,鈥� says Astvansh.
Tip creep and tip-flation leading to a review of tipping culture in Canada
Tipping has gotten out of control in Canada. Not only are restaurants鈥� automated payment systems prompting patrons for tips of up to 30%, there are even some tip prompts at self-serve kiosks. More than half of Canadians say they鈥檇 prefer a no-tip, service-included model that ensures higher base wages for employees.
Navigating the retail conundrum: striking the right balance in inventory management
It has been a challenging few years for supply chains. After pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, many retailers increased their inventory for the 2022 holiday season. After all, demand was still booming at the time. But demand has come down off its peak, and that presents an entirely different problem for retailers in 2023. Some major retailers have reduced inventory so as to not be left with products they can鈥檛 sell.
Bargain hunters beware: online deals can come with unanticipated conditions
Scouring for holiday gifts at bargain prices is a savvy way to cut costs, but the allure of Black Friday deals sometimes masks potential pitfalls. In an article for BNN Bloomberg, Associate Professor Vivek Astvansh emphasizes the need for caution among bargain hunters to ensure they're fully informed about any unforeseen conditions.
Bankrupt companies benefit from cooperation with suppliers during legal process
When a company declares bankruptcy, the spotlight often falls on its creditors, primarily focusing on corporate debt from financial institutions. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant role of suppliers in the company's journey through bankruptcy. While financial institutions play a key role, suppliers can also be instrumental in the company's successful emergence from bankruptcy proceedings.
