Another pandemic trend to watch: How many businesses return their corona relief money

Shake Shack started the trend last month, and many other companies have followed its lead.

Nick DeSantis • May 19, 2020

In some essential industries, working from home means living at work

To reduce the risk of spreading infection, some businesses ask their employees to live on-site.

Nick DeSantis • May 19, 2020

Postmates wants you to chaperone its delivery robots

Only Mario Kart can train you for this.

Michael Waters • May 19, 2020

Libraries hope their return will not be overdue

For many people, libraries provide essential services. But getting back to full service means libraries won’t look the same.

Michael Waters • May 18, 2020

The corona crisis means the busy signal at the call center never ends

AI-powered assistants are taking some strain off of seriously overloaded customer-service lines.

Nick DeSantis • May 18, 2020

Scooter companies hope for a 2-wheeled revival — if they can survive long enough

The pandemic put scooter companies through hell on wheels, but they’re hoping to make a comeback.

Nick DeSantis • May 18, 2020

One way to save the magazine industry: vegetable seeds

A family magazine in India jolted quarantine-era circulation with a throwback add-on called a covermount.

Michael Waters • May 18, 2020

The social distancing consultant will see you now

Companies are pivoting to help other businesses with social distancing. Their services are in high demand -- if a little unusual.

Michael Waters • May 15, 2020

Only for a limited time: Home shopping TV is taking over retail

Media and retail are hurting. A hybrid of the 2 industries is not.

Michael Waters • May 15, 2020

An unusual bright spot in the gambling biz: People are itching for scratch-off tickets

With few other gambling options, the itch for instant gratification is powerful.

Nick DeSantis • May 15, 2020

Virtual reality can’t catch a break

The industry is facing an Oculus rift: It should be more popular right now, but consumers haven’t caught the wave.

Michael Waters • May 14, 2020

The market for refurbished tech is shining like new

We need more devices to keep up with the marathon of quarantine. The ringleaders of the refurb empire are reaping the benefits

Nick DeSantis • May 14, 2020

One humble software platform is behind all those coronavirus dashboards

It’s ArcGIS -- and the crisis has made it more popular than ever.

Nick DeSantis • May 14, 2020

Mannequin customers are taking over the business world

From the sports world to fine dining, fake fans are in right now.

Michael Waters • May 14, 2020

Uber wants to swallow Grubhub, and a deal could reshape the meal-delivery biz

It’s not a done deal, but here are some takeaways to whet your appetite.

Nick DeSantis • May 13, 2020

It turns out running an ‘Amazon for Animal Crossing’ is very hard

Peer purchasing pressure is definitely a thing. Communal online shopping could be a boon to brands.

Michael Waters • May 13, 2020

‘Squad shopping’ could be the next take on tech-enabled togetherness

Peer purchasing pressure is definitely a thing. Communal online shopping could be a boon to brands.

Nick DeSantis • May 13, 2020

Dutch AI is coming for the Billboard charts

Eurovision is canceled, so a Dutch broadcaster organized a contest for algorithmically generated bangers

Michael Waters • May 13, 2020

The contactless takeover: No-touch tech will be key to reopening businesses

Mobile payments are taking off. Contactless solutions are coming to restaurants, the movies, and your favorite stores.

Nick DeSantis • May 12, 2020

The next stage of quarantine boredom is the redecorating phase

We’re all amateur interior designers now.

Nick DeSantis • May 12, 2020

An IPO in this economy? A used-car dealer is revving up for its big debut

It sounds crazy, but some other companies are forging ahead with plans to go public.

Michael Waters • May 12, 2020

2020 or 1320? Meet the new bartering craze

Some people are bartering just to spread a little kindness. It’s enough to warm your cold quarantined heart.

Michael Waters • May 12, 2020

A beer shortage leaves Mexico with a case of sud sadness

Thirsty citizens are having a hard time commandeering a precious six-pack.

Nick DeSantis • May 11, 2020

You probably aren’t rich enough for these high-end Zoom fundraisers

Celebrities and the political class are pivoting to remote events to raise money for charity and campaigns.

Michael Waters • May 11, 2020

Airlines are desperate to jettison their excess snacks

They’re offloading packages of cookies and crackers. Individually wrapped treats could be a preview of changing corporate snack perks.

Michael Waters • May 11, 2020

A theater chain’s unusual pivot: launching a streaming service of its own

The Alamo Drafthouse chain’s on-demand service wants to bring Weird Wednesdays right to your couch.

Nick DeSantis • May 11, 2020

Sorry Comcast: School buses are internet providers now

School districts are bringing WiFi connections to communities that need them now more than ever.

Michael Waters • May 8, 2020

China’s farmers borrow from the streamer’s playbook: They’re going live

With supply chains disrupted, they have no choice but to pitch their flowers and pineapples on video.

Nick DeSantis • May 7, 2020

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