SWC’s Fast Five
It’s fashion and leisure all day long for this Fast Five. Holiday shelves will be full at Target and Walmart, Macy’s is the top U.S. fashion brand, pandemic-ready is the new home design, other people’s homes are where we want to stay-work-vay-cation and, spam calls getting you down? Here’s some solutions.
So, here’s this week’s Fast Five:
1 What the world wants to wear
A fascinating world map reveals the world’s most popular fashion brands in 2021 – and it’s Spanish fashion house Zara that take the top spot in 37 countries worldwide, followed by Nike. For the U.S., it’s not a single label but Macy’s the department store chain as the most popular fashion brand.
2 Target tames global supply backups, sales surge
Target joins several retailers including Walmart heading into the holiday shopping season with momentum. Some of the biggest U.S. retailers are rerouting goods to less congested ports, even chartering their own vessels. Target and Walmart are using their scale to keep prices low and shelves full when so much is in short supply.
3 The home is the future of travel
It is the rise of the workcation. For a long weekend, or a week, or even several months, you can make a temporary home in the mountains or on the beach, without taking any time off. Twenty percent of Aurbnb nights booked now are for 28 days or longer; half are for a week or longer.
4 How to block numbers and stop robocalls on your phones
Robo calls currently make up 50 percent of all phone calls and it’s only going to get worse. It’s time to end those robocalls for good. Luckily, you have a lot of smart phone tools at your disposal. You can block numbers, turn on do not disturb mode, use your carrier’s tools or use third-party apps to minimize those unwanted calls.
5 Covid has changed home design for good
While the pandemic put a premium on outdoor features like pools and big backyards, it also nurtured a desire for large, flexible interiors — like open-plan living rooms — and rooms that can be repurposed as conditions change. Builders, architects and interior designers are all having to adjust to this new reality.
