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Kathy Gagliano is the Executive Vice President of Merchandising at Books-A-Million, America's second-largest book retailer. Bringing a wealth of experience from major retailers like Parisian, Inc., Federated Department Stores, and Saks, Inc., Kathy joined Books-A-Million in 2007. Today, she helps guide the vision and strategy for the beloved company that started as a humble 1917 street corner newsstand in Florence, Alabama, and has since expanded into over 220 stores across 32 states.On this week's episode of the BookSmarts Podcast, Kathy sits down to discuss the evolving landscape of physical book retail. We dive into how Books-A-Million is adapting to a rapidly changing consumer demographic and welcoming the massive wave of younger readers fueled by BookTok. Kathy also shares her insights on viewing the bookstore as a real-time cultural barometer and reveals the heart behind their localized, "shop-in-a-shop" community hubs. Finally, we explore the company's current expansion into new markets and offer fantastic, tactical advice on how publishers can better partner with physical retailers to capture today's readers.To learn more about Books-A-Million and follow along with their continued growth, visit booksamillion.com. You can also reach out to Kathy directly at gaglianok@booksamillion.com.
Get a $200 gift card after your first payment of $500 with Melio (affiliate) - https://milestomemories.com/go/melio/ Sign-up for Rakuten! (referral) - http://milestomemories.com/go/rakuten American Airlines appears to have a coding error letting existing AAdvantage Business account holders add a promo code in settings and instantly get 25,000 miles, and we get into whether AA claws it back. Mark walks through three retention offer results, including an insulting 6,000 Hilton point offer on the Surpass, a $99 credit that saved his Citi AAdvantage business card at exactly the right moment, and no save attempt at all on the Executive card. We also cover Amex randomly handing out $50 Saks credits after killing that benefit, the Rakuten credit card offers that can stack over 75,000 Bilt points, and Mark's Charles Schwab Platinum timing now that Delta and United dropped off the airline incidental credit. Plus, Benji wants an apology. Let us know in the comments if you got your 25,000 miles. Episode Guide: 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:39 AA's 25,000 Mile Coding Error 5:16 Retention Offers 101 5:51 Amex's Insulting Surpass Offer 10:29 Citi AAdvantage Business: A $99 Save 11:42 No Save on the Executive Card 13:28 Amex's Random $50 Saks Credits 16:12 Rakuten's Credit Card Offers (75K Bilt) 19:20 Bank of America Approvals & Schwab Platinum 23:20 Benjy Wants an Apology 24:57 Final Thoughts Links Sign-up for Rakuten! (referral) - http://milestomemories.com/go/rakuten ✈️ Track your travel credit cards for free
Eric Buterbaugh has the best stories of anyone I know. This week on Everything Is The Best, we sit down with the man they call the King of Roses, LA's florist to the stars turned founder of EB Florals, and honestly I could have listened to him for five more hours.He's worked for Gianni Versace, he's done the flowers for Madonna's Oscar parties and Demi Moore's dinners, and at one point in this conversation he tells the story of eating fried chicken on the floor with Elizabeth Taylor, which is exactly the kind of unhinged glamour I live for. We get into what it actually takes to build a life around beauty, the emotional labor of working the most intimate days in people's lives (he's basically a therapist with shears), and how decades of floral obsession turned into a perfume line that made Saks and Bergdorf Goodman pay attention.Eric is fucking fabulous. Funny, unfiltered, zero interest in being precious about any of it. I love him, and I think you will too.Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Duvo and Mirakl.In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses:Saks Global exits Chapter 11 as "Exemplar Luxury Group," emerging with a dramatically smaller store footprint, sharply reduced debt, and a new strategic bet on full-price luxury.Amazon Prime Day 2026 logged $26.4 billion in U.S. online spend across four days — a new record — but Numerator data reveals declining average order sizes and household spend, even as AI-driven traffic and influencer commerce posted striking gains.Rhode Island becomes the first U.S. state to mandate a 1-to-3 worker-to-machine staffing ratio for self-checkout lanes in grocery stores, setting a regulatory precedent that a half-dozen other states are already moving to follow.The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights.
We had the honor and fun of talking with Alexis Gabler '24, whose connection to Cornell began long before she ever arrived in Ithaca. After her father, Cornell alumnus Fred Gabler, was killed on September 11th, his closest friends—including our Vino—made an extraordinary commitment to be a loving part of her life and to help secure her future.Years later, Alexis graduated from Cornell Human Ecology and built a career in fashion, transforming a remarkable gift into something entirely her own.Alexis shares her unique relationship with the friends who helped keep her father's memory alive, an incredible mom, her journey from New York City artist to fashion professional, her experiences navigating Cornell during the COVID years, and the internships and opportunities that led her from Sense-ational You and Saks to her current role at Theory.This is a conversation about resilience, community, gratitude, and what can happen when people invest in someone's future—and she builds something extraordinary with it.Connect with Alexis:LinkedIn: Alexis GablerVino's episode: 242Julia Deney of Sense-ational You's episode: 142Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University
In this episode of Post Run High, I sit down with Elyce Arons, co-founder of Kate Spade and CEO of Frances Valentine, to talk about friendship, entrepreneurship, creativity, and resilience. Elyce shares the untold story of building Kate Spade from the ground up with her best friend, Kate Spade—from sketching handbags out of construction paper and maxing out credit cards to landing Barneys, Saks, and becoming a cultural phenomenon. We also discuss her upbringing on a Kansas farm, the lessons she learned from her entrepreneurial mother, and how she and her team built Frances Valentine after selling Kate Spade. Most importantly, Elyce opens up about her decades-long friendship with Kate, the misconceptions people had about her, and how she continues to honor her legacy today. Topics include: Building Kate Spade from scratch Finding product-market fit before social media The power of friendship in business Entrepreneurship and taking risks Growing an iconic fashion brand Creativity, style, and confidence Frances Valentine and life after Kate Spade Grief, legacy, and honoring loved ones See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
TikTok Shop moved $4.4 billion in beauty and wellness. Saks wants $9 billion by 2030. Castle claimed $1.4 billion and was worth $16 million. This week is about which numbers actually hold up.Three companies put big figures on the table. Only one of them earned it, and even that one comes with an asterisk. Rick Watson and Nick Kaplan have a thought provoking conversation on these 3 stories. TikTok Shop: reach without trustRoughly $4.4 billion in wellness and beauty sold since the 2023 launchBrand executives call it a "mafia" because of the traffic it forces through them. The honest scorecard is the halo it throws onto Amazon and Ulta, not the checkouts happening inside the appAwareness is the strength. The weakness is trust: missing shipping confirmations, sellers you can't place, a buying experience that still feels provisionalThe Watson Weekly Weekend edition is sponsored by Avalara. Its Agentic Tax and Compliance automates behind-the-scenes work for ecommerce brands, enabling accurate checkout tax calculation, clearer tariff and duty visibility, and fewer customer surprises. Avalara integrates with platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce. Learn more at avalara.watsonweekly.comSaks Global: out of bankruptcy, into a targetA Texas court approved the Chapter 11 exit plan. Debt cut 75% to about $1.2 billion$500 million in fresh financing, paired with a mandate to reach $9 billion in GMV by 2030The model that got Saks here is still intact: leveraged, low-margin, carrying expensive real estate. And the vendors who went unpaid earlier this year are not feeling generousCaaStle (Gwynnie Bee): a $1.4 billion fictionThe rental subscription business once known as Gwynnie Bee was sold as a $1.4 billion company. The real number was around $16 millionFounder Christine Hunsicker admitted to securities fraud in MarchThe part that should worry everyone: professional investors and auditors missed invented financials. One investor was reportedly paid off to stay quiet, and audit documents from a recognizable firm were falsifiedWhat ties these together is how cheap a number is to produce and how hard the thing underneath it is to fake. TikTok has the reach but hasn't built the trust. Saks has the target but not yet the model to hit it. CaaStle had neither and sold the story anyway. The question worth sitting with: how many of the valuations you read this week are closer to Saks, and how many are closer to CaaStle?
Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week, Bret and Emily discuss Paris Fashion Week 26, Saks Stores Closing, and Tariffs #clothingbrief #fashionnews
International Bankruptcy, Restructuring, True Crime and Appeals - Court Audio Recording Podcast
International Bankruptcy, Restructuring, True Crime and Appeals - Court Audio Recording Podcast
International Bankruptcy, Restructuring, True Crime and Appeals - Court Audio Recording Podcast
The CEO of Saks Global joins after the company received court approval for its bankruptcy restructuring plan. Then, the CEO of Scotiabank, one of the largest banks in Canada, joins with his outlook for the global economy. We also discuss what to expect from Apple WWDC which kicks off today. Plus, we break down new weight loss drug results from Eli Lilly and Zealand Pharma. Squawk on the Street Disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Sneakers used to be one of two things: performance or fashion. Somewhere in the last decade, that line collapsed — and the shoes most of us are reaching for now sit firmly in the middle.I'm joined by Adam and Ryan Goldston, founders of APL and the first members of an athletic company ever inducted into the CFDA, for a conversation on how they ushered in the era of the fashion sneaker. From getting banned by the NBA for their first shoe to landing in Selfridges, Net-a-Porter, and Saks before anyone else was selling performance product in those rooms, Adam and Ryan share how a clear point of view — and a refusal to use logos — built one of the most distinctive sneaker brands in the world.We get into world-building beyond product, why they believe taste is their real superpower and the consumer shift toward quieter, design-led pieces.Shop APL https://www.athleticpropulsionlabs.com/In this episode, we get into:What actually set the stage for the era of the fashion sneakerWhy being inducted into the CFDA in 2016 was a turning point for the entire sneaker industryThe decision to launch in Selfridges, Net-a-Porter, and Saks before anyone else was selling performance in luxury roomsWhy APL refuses to use big, emblazoned logos — and how that built a stronger brandThe rise of the personal brand and why consumers don't want to be walking advertisements anymoreWhat "simple, yet severe" actually means as a design philosophyInside the APL flagship at The Grove and why it feels more like a gallery than a storeWhy building a brand world still requires a physical experience in an increasingly digital ageRalph Lauren as the singular blueprint for world-building — and the moment they found out Ralph himself is an APL fanWhy Adam and Ryan consider taste their real superpower (and how to cultivate it)The relationship between taste, bravery, and confidenceThe Tokyo trip and the souffle pancakes that inspired the ZipLine midsoleWhy texture — both tactile and visual — is the most important element of a perfect sneakerThe rise of the luxury basic and why consumers are investing in staples right nowHow the F1 partnership in 2016 shaped APL's global luxury performance positioningThank you to my partners at Macy's for my newest wardrobe essentials. Shop my selects here! https://shopmy.us/collections/5681436 #MacyspartnerLet's Get DressedYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livvperezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsgetdressedpod/Newsletter: https://substack.com/@livvperezLiv Perez Instagram: www.instagram.com/livvperezTikTok: www.tiktok.com/livv.perezShopMy: https://shopmy.us/livvperez Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rick Watson runs through a busy week in retail. Walmart posted a $177.8 billion quarter, with revenue up 7.3%, U.S. comps up 4.1%, and global e-commerce up 26%, yet free cash flow landed at negative $1.9B as automation capex climbed. Advertising grew 37%, marketplace sales jumped close to 50%, and new shoppers skewed upper-income. At Sam's Club, more trips but smaller baskets.Authentic Brands Group named a new CEO: founder Jamie Salter moved to executive chairman, and former MGM Resorts chief Matt Maddox took over. ABG holds 50-plus brands, $38B in system-wide sales, and 77% of the company behind Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman. Salter floated an IPO within the year.At Google I/O 2026, the Universal Cart follows shoppers across Search, Gemini, YouTube, and Gmail, AI Mode crossed a billion monthly users, and native checkout opened to UCP merchants. Kroger hit $16B in e-commerce with a first profit in sight, wages past $20, two senior exits, and 70 to 80 stores planned. Plus an Investor Minute on Global-e, Insider, and Brown-Forman.This week's episode is sponsored by Avalara. For e-commerce brands, tax compliance grows more complex with every new channel, state, product, and market. Avalara Agentic Tax and Compliance automates the behind-the-scenes work so merchants can offer a smoother checkout, with accurate tax calculations, clearer visibility into tariffs and duties, and fewer surprises when orders arrive. It works with platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce, helping teams manage compliance faster and scale with confidence. Learn more at avalara.watsonweekly.com.
The recent annual convention of TRADITON's publisher, the Rabbinical Council of America, was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the work of our journal of Orthodox Jewish Thought. Our editor Jeffrey Saks had a chance to conduct a session with Itamar Rosensweig, whose “Reconceiving Conceptualism” opens our recently released Spring 2026 issue. The essay is an argument for method in Torah study as part of the pursuit of knowledge. Rosensweig asks if and why the so-called conceptual method (a.k.a. Lomdus) is typically favored in our own learning and teaching because it's somehow more “authentic” and “true”? Saks inquired what Rosensweig set out to do in the essay and touched on pedagogical and practical suggestions for ways to more effectively implement Lomdus and utilize its tools in our shuls and schools. This was of particular relevance to the rabbis and educators in attendance, many of whom raised questions and offered gentle pushback throughout the discussion. In fact, the essay has already generated a healthy amount of response and we hope to be publishing some of that in the near future. Watch a video of this discussion on YouTube. Rabbi Dr. Itamar Rosensweig is a Rosh Yeshiva and associate professor of philosophy at Yeshiva University, a dayyan at the Beth Din of America, and rabbi of the Merion Shtiebel. The conversation was recorded by TorahAnytime at the RCA Convention in Suffern, NY, on May 11, 2026. The post Reconceiving Conceptualism appeared first on Tradition Online.
Michelle Morgan Harrison's creative trajectory began not in design studios, but in the fast-paced world of 1990s print fashion journalism. An intersectional internship between her junior and senior years of college at Elle magazine introduced her to legendary industry giants like Marion McEvoy and Rona Berg. After completing her degree in magazine journalism at Syracuse University, she transitioned into a full-time career in the fashion capitol ecosystem.Her early professional years were defined by old-school curation, starting as the wardrobe manager for Mirabella magazine under the iconic Grace Mirabella. Working in the fashion closets handling couture dresses and traveling across Europe to cover runway shows alongside visionary creative directors, Michelle developed a keen instinct for predicting cultural shifts. During the height of the mid-90s "British Invasion," she was running up five flights of stairs in London to help spot and support emerging talents like Alexander McQueen.The transition into interior architecture happened organically as Michelle rose to become the fashion director at Mirabella, where she began managing holistic home and lifestyle photo shoots. After a brief stint directing corporate editorial work for Saks, her passion for historical home restoration took center stage. Shortly after relocating to Connecticut and giving birth to her second child, neighbors began knocking on her door to ask about her exterior paint colors and light fixtures—a sign that inspired her to officially launch her own design firm Morgan Harrison Home in 2006.
Date: 1/13/2026 Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. #clothingbrief #fashionnews
International Bankruptcy, Restructuring, True Crime and Appeals - Court Audio Recording Podcast
hearing on approval of sealed proposed settlement agreement between Saks and its largest landlord Simon Property Group to resolve litigation
International Bankruptcy, Restructuring, True Crime and Appeals - Court Audio Recording Podcast
emergency motion
International Bankruptcy, Restructuring, True Crime and Appeals - Court Audio Recording Podcast
Three stories on the table this week, and none of them small.Saks Global plans to exit Chapter 11 on June 22nd carrying $1.2 billion in debt, with a reorganization plan targeting $9 billion in GMV by fiscal 2030. That's nearly double where they sit today. Rick Watson and Jessica Lesesky walk through the vendor mess (720 brands stopped shipping at the worst of it), the repair work underway, and why exiting bankruptcy this leveraged sets up another round of trouble down the road.The Watson Weekly Weekend edition is sponsored by Avalara - the agentic AI platform automating global tax and compliance for leading eCommerce brands. For more details: https://avalaratax.watsonweekly.comOver at Victoria's Secret, Australian investor Brett Blundy's BBRC Worldwide has built a roughly 13% stake and is pushing to remove two directors: chair Donna James and Miriam Naficy. The complaint is acquisitions like Adore Me. CEO Hillary Super is running a "path to potential" plan built around body positivity and a return to the Angels heritage. Fiscal 2025 sales are up 5%. The question is whether that's enough to keep the activist quiet.Then earnings. Alphabet did $109B in Q1, with Google Cloud growing 63% YoY to a $20B run rate and a $462B backlog. Amazon hit $181B, AWS grew 28% to $37.5B, and the chip business crossed a $20B run rate of its own. Shopify cleared $100B in quarterly GMV for the first time, with operating income up 88% on the back of all the layoffs and restructuring.The thread underneath all of it: AI compute is getting more expensive, not less. The pricing power is sitting with the infrastructure layer. Amazon, Nvidia, and the LLM owners are collecting the rent. The businesses adopting AI are paying it.
International Bankruptcy, Restructuring, True Crime and Appeals - Court Audio Recording Podcast
International Bankruptcy, Restructuring, True Crime and Appeals - Court Audio Recording Podcast
This is a peculiar hearing. Based on the explanation to the court on the record, this brief hearing was on approval of the revised disclosure statement submitted to the court for review within hours of the court hearing, with further party input and more changes anticipated. This is towards approval of the disclosure statement so Saks et al can solicit votes in support of a bankruptcy plan. I'm in the corporate restructuring space and found the presentation incomprehensible for the most part. I don't understand why people who didn't receive notice can be considered to have had a chance to review this disclosure statement and react to it in time to come forward to the bankruptcy court.
What does it actually take to lead 70,000 people through one of the biggest cultural resets in beauty history?Michael Bowes, Chief People Officer of The Estée Lauder Companies, joins Jessica Neal on Truth Works for a candid conversation about stepping into the top HR seat at an iconic 80-year-old company in the middle of a billion-dollar restructure, the courage it takes to disagree with your CEO without breaking the partnership, and why the loneliness of the role is real but the work is worth it.Michael walks through his path from Saks Fifth Avenue in the early 90s, to Nike, to Tommy Hilfiger, to Coach and Tapestry, and a brief detour into executive search before joining Estée Lauder in 2015. He spent almost ten years in talent before being promoted into the Chief People Officer role. He is honest about the fact he was not chasing the title. He took it because he believed in the new CEO Stefan's vision for the next 80 years of the company.Then the conversation gets into what is actually changing inside Estée Lauder under the new Beauty Reimagined strategy. A culture that used to default to no is now committing to say yes. Over 1,000 different bonus calculations across business units have been consolidated into nine. Brands that used to operate in silos are now rowing in the same direction with one shared set of goals.Michael also opens up about the realities of the CPO seat that no one prepares you for. The loneliness. The board dynamics. The added complexity of working inside a family-majority-shareholder company. The fact that everyone thinks they can do your HR job until you actually have to do something hard. And the running joke that the only people who tell you they would never want your job are the ones who just watched you do it.The episode closes with how Estée Lauder is approaching AI as a tool rather than a threat, including how the company is mining 80 years of prestige beauty consumer data in ways no competitor can match. Plus the rise of K-beauty, why Dr. Jart sits inside the portfolio, the China R&D centre that is reversing the old east-to-west flow of trends, and the philosophy that has guided how Michael hires for the last decade: hire the player, not the playbook.Topics Covered:How The Estée Lauder Companies scaled from a kitchen in Queens to a global prestige beauty portfolioWhy 87% of the workforce is women and how that shapes consumer decisionsTravel retail as a multi-billion dollar growth channelMichael's career path from Saks to Nike to Tommy Hilfiger to Coach to Estée LauderBeing part of the CEO succession conversation before being promoted himselfTaking the Chief People Officer role in the middle of a global billion-dollar restructureThe Beauty Reimagined strategy and its five pillarsShifting the culture from "protect by saying no" to "we say yes"Consolidating 1,000+ bonus calculations into nine business unitsThe loneliness of the CPO seat and why CEO chemistry is non-negotiableHow to disagree with your CEO and still own the decision publiclyNavigating board dynamics and family-majority shareholdersAI as a tool, not a threat, and how Estée Lauder is embedding it across R&D and consumer insight80 years of prestige beauty data and what AI can unlock from itThe K-beauty wave, Dr. Jart, The Ordinary, and the China R&D centreThe biggest hiring mistake organisations make by defaultWhy the right hire is the player, not the playbookThe piece of advice from Michael's grandmother that he still lives byTruth Works is hosted by Jessica Neal, former Chief Talent Officer at Netflix.
International Bankruptcy, Restructuring, True Crime and Appeals - Court Audio Recording Podcast
The podcast skips a couple of hearings held in the Saks bankruptcy proceedings earlier in April. The 4/24/2026 hearing is a helpful one to review because it includes an update on the restructuring support agreement and also an update on the anticipated timing of the chapter 11 disclosure statement. Additionally the hearing includes a summary of the proposed chapter 11 exit financing, with the business justification for the terms. At the conclusion of the hearing, the bankruptcy court approved the proposed exit financing, and the court noted another hearing is on for next Friday.
This week Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc bring listeners a high-energy live episode from Shoptalk Las Vegas — Part 1 of the inaugural Retail Rumble. The episode opens with the week's most important retail news. Levi Strauss delivers strong revenue growth driven by its expanding direct-to-consumer business, underscoring how its pivot away from wholesale dependency is unlocking margin and brand control — an increasingly critical playbook in modern retail. The department store sector remains under pressure. Saks Global's bankruptcy exit signals stabilization, but also highlights the structural challenges facing legacy luxury retail. With store closures, ownership restructuring, and vendor confidence still rebuilding, the hosts examine whether Saks can regain lost ground as Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom move to capitalize on the disruption. Additional analysis covers early warning signs in mall traffic, with Placer.ai data pointing to a potential slowdown, and Wayfair's continued push into physical retail despite broader category softness — raising pointed questions about the evolving role of stores in an omnichannel world. The second half shifts to the Retail Rumble stage, where industry heavyweights debate two of retail's most pressing questions. Michael LeBlanc and Anne Mezzinga, founding CEO of Retail Field Report, referee the action. Round one: Is eCommerce entering a new phase of accelerated growth? Neil Saunders argues that demographic shifts, infrastructure investment, and AI-driven discovery will fuel acceleration. R.J. Hottovy counters with the realities of market saturation, the enduring importance of physical retail, and the law of large numbers limiting growth upside. Round two: Does retail media improve the shopper journey? Kiri Masters argues that retail media enhances relevance and subsidizes pricing through high-margin revenue streams. Rachel Tipograph challenges the model as increasingly pay-to-play — one that risks distorting product discovery and eroding the customer experience it claims to enhance. Join us at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York June 23rd and 24th with this exclusive discount code for 10% off general admission tickets and FREE retail tickets: Your code is "REMARKABLE" . See you in the Big Apple! About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling author of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.
Stay up to date with the latest in travel rewards, credit cards, and hotel loyalty programs in this episode of Wonderland on Points. We break down recent updates from Hilton Honors, including new status tiers like Diamond Reserve and what they mean for travelers looking to maximize hotel benefits. We also cover current credit card offers, changes to the American Express Platinum Card (including Saks credits), and smart strategies to keep earning and redeeming points efficiently. Plus, we celebrate giveaway winners and share community updates, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in points and miles, travel hacking, and maximizing rewards in an ever-changing landscape.Find Us On Online:Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel NewsletterWonderland on Points Youtube ChannelMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogAffiliate Links:CardpointersComfrt.com 15% OFFHalara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Tobiq 15%Our Favorite Credit CardsComfrt.com 15% OFFOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!
International Bankruptcy, Restructuring, True Crime and Appeals - Court Audio Recording Podcast
This is the official court audio of the hearing held April 2, and is docketed on the court's docket.There have been some hearings in the Saks bankruptcy proceedings since the last Saks hearing posted to this podcast. The hearings concerned, for the most part, a dispute with a particular party as opposed to macro developments in the cases. The hearings were somewhat lengthy and broken up over a few recordings, and not available on the podcast but are available on the court's docket and the case administration site. https://cases.stretto.com/Saks/court-docket/ (Search the docket for the files named audio).This latest hearing being streamed here was held on April 2, 2026 and concerns an emergency request to lift the automatic stay. The automatic stay is a protection that goes into effect by operation of law under section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, when a bankruptcy petition is filed. In this case as it typical the Saks chapter 11 debtors are protected by the stay, not only from contractual obligations, but also from continuing to defend personal injury litigation arising from injuries sustained before Saks Global went into bankruptcy. In this case it sounds like an individual plaintiff wanted to proceed with personal injury litigation in Massachusetts and sought bankruptcy court approval via counsel. The bankruptcy court was responsive, held a hearing, and continued the hearing to a final hearing on May 7. The court encouraged the parties to work things out, in other words to at least agree to a date the automatic stay will lift. This is after the judge suggested a 60 day time frame at the outset of the hearing.The court noted that the court will not allow the stay to stop the case from going to trial indefinitely. I think it would be interesting for the lawyer who argued against the automatic stay being lifted to listen to what he is saying to the court, and ask himself why he would try to deprive a personal injury claimant of continuing litigation when it doesn't make a difference in terms of the future of Saks Global. Also the law is pretty clear, even with outlier cases like Purdue Pharma, which some people estimated pays just $40k for wrongful death claims - that personal injury claims can't be liquidated in bankruptcy court.As the court noted, at some point bankruptcy courts allow personal injury claims to be liquidated, in other words to continue on their path to jury trial or other payout under applicable non bankruptcy law.
On this week's episode of the Glossy Podcast, international reporter Zofia Zwieglinska is joined by senior beauty reporter Emily Jensen to unpack Macy's latest earnings and what they signal for the future of department stores amid the Saks bankruptcy. Macy's reported $7.6 billion in fourth-quarter revenue and $21.8 billion for full-year 2025 on March 18, both coming in ahead of expectations.
Go to https://surfshark.com/mtm or use code MTM at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Description In this episode, Shawn and Mark break down a string of Amex Platinum changes — Saks credit going away, Centurion Lounge guest access tightening, Uber VIP disappearing — plus an honest look at the Citi Strata Premier revamp survey and the best offer ever on a no-fee Amex card. Mark is also freshly back from Bermuda and gives a teaser on what happened before the full recap next week. What we cover: Saks Fifth Avenue Amex Platinum credit ending July 1st and what might replace it Amex Business Platinum ChatGPT $300 credit — and whether it's actually useful Centurion Lounge same-flight guest rule starting July 8th Uber VIP ending May 7th and the broader Lyft vs Uber rideshare debate Citi Strata Premier revamp survey — two versions, which is better, and what they shouldn't touch Uber acquiring Black Lane and what it means for Citi credits Blue Business Plus 75K offer with no lifetime language — best ever Episode Guide: 0:00 - Welcome to MTM Travel 0:22 - Mark's Bermuda trip preview and Saks credit ending 5:11 - Amex Business Platinum ChatGPT credit 7:58 - Centurion Lounge same-flight guest rule change 11:19 - Uber VIP going away and the Lyft vs Uber debate 15:10 - Citi Strata Premier revamp survey — what to keep and what not to touch 19:56 - Uber buying Black Lane and Citi credit implications 23:15 - Blue Business Plus 75K — best ever offer with no lifetime language ✈️ Track your travel credit cards for free
Cartel violence explodes in Puerto Vallarta as U.S.–Mexico operations intensify — and what does it mean for the Epstein files, election integrity, and national security? In this explosive episode of Patriots With Grit, Scotty Sacks joins us from Mexico with firsthand footage and insider analysis connecting cartel retaliation, global power structures, and the growing demand for accountability. Don't miss this deep-dive into the headlines the mainstream media won't touch.⚠️ The views expressed in this episode are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Patriots With Grit, LLC Follow Scotty: https://SoveriegnRadio.comNOTE: This information is for educational and investigative purposes.-------------------------Check out all of our vendors at: https://patriotswithgrit.com/patriot-partners/ SPONSORS FOR THIS VIDEO❤️ Cardio Miracle – One Drink. Endless Benefits.Feel steady energy, sharper clarity, and stronger resilience every day.Own your freedom in health & experience the full power your body was designed for.
Rod and Karen banter about sandwiches chopped in fourths, Project Hail Mary, knee pads, NBA All-Star game ratings, and Stephen A Smith. Then they discuss Saks filing for bankruptcy, Bahama Breeze closing stores, Wendy’s closing restaurants, a woman arrested for calling 911 to get a ride home, a woman threatens to blow up the school over daughter’s boyfriend’s lunch, and a son threatens mom with a rifle and a sword ratchetness. Podjam 3 Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/podjam3 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theblackguywhotips Twitter: @rodimusprime @SayDatAgain @TBGWT Instagram: @TheBlackGuyWhoTips Email: theblackguywhotips@gmail.com Blog: www.theblackguywhotips.com Teepublic Store- https://the-black-guy-who-tips-podcast.dashery.com/ Amazon Wishlist – https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1PDD9JUQUNVY5?ref_=wl_share Crowdcast – https://www.crowdcast.io/theblackguywhotips Voicemail: (980) 500-9034Go Premium: https://www.theblackguywhotips.com/premium/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The hosts take open a sweeping look at the week's most consequential retail developments before heading live to the Narvar Podcast Studio at the NRF Big Show for a deep dive into AI, agentic commerce, and the evolving post-purchase customer journey.The news segment explores Saks Global's decision to close nine full-line stores, underscoring ongoing consolidation in the luxury industry and challenges in multi-line retail. The hosts examine luxury's continued bifurcation, with Kering struggling while Hermès thrives, reinforcing that luxe positioning alone isn't enough — execution matters.In specialty retail, the “collapse of the unremarkable middle” continues as Toys “R” Us Canada, Francesca's, and Eddie Bauer face significant retrenchment if not extinction, while Tractor Supply and Aritzia aggressively expand. Kroger appoints its first external CEO, Greg Boren, signaling operational rigor ahead, while Costco once again posts remarkable sales growth Meanwhile, Target begins meaningful leadership restructuring — a foundational step in what is likely a multi-year turnaround. On the radar: AI-powered retail crime prevention at Bunnings and the imminent opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a major infrastructure development for North American trade.The featured interview brings Henry Spear, SVP Digital North America, JD Sports, and David Morin, VP Customer Strategy for Narvar, to the mic for a timely discussion on agentic commerce and how leveraging product returns can create competitive differentiation. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling author of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.
Subscribe to Throwing Fits on Patreon. Viral movie. This week, Jimmy and Larry are up at the ass crack of dawn to cut a banger on seasonal boot care, cuff gunk, the longest denim circumcision, dog shows and horse racing (handlers vs. jockeys edition), Japan's next new wave is already here, thoughts on Kai Cenat's new brand Vivet and how he is building it, Indian scammers, everything is post-Chrome, James went viral on Twitter which was obviously a nightmare, Timmy wore Ecko but he has bigger problems, the wiggas of old New York, Lawrence's dog is too fucked up for a Super Bowl party, there's no way Bad Bunny doesn't body the halftime show, Winter Olympic fever is here and it's bigger than just hockey gay sex (feat. skeleton phatties and frozen penises), double checking if any fashion folks are in the Epstein Files, whenever a Clinton testifies you know it's gonna be good, Nike reboots ACG again, we prove that Saks is bankrupt because they sucked at buying clothes, and much more.
Vanessa Friedman, fashion director and chief fashion critic of The New York Times, discusses what the Saks Global bankruptcy filing to find out what it means for shoppers and vendors, and what it says about the state of retail sales in the city.
In this episode, Scott Becker covers the breakup between Saks and Amazon, slowing Porsche sales, Beyond Meat's pivot, and recent moves across Meta, Apple, Walmart, and DraftKings.
Headlines: – Welcome To Mo News (02:00) – Trump Threatens Insurrection Act in Minneapolis (05:20) – Iran's Heavy Crackdown Quells Protests For Now (14:15) – Mo News Talks To Former Wash. Post Tehran Bureau Chief For Insight (16:45) – Trump Given Nobel Peace Prize By Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado (24:00) – Sprawling Gambling Scheme Uncovered Across Professional Basketball Leagues (28:40) – Saks Files For Bankruptcy; Amazon Says Not So Fast (31:00) – Netflix to Stream Sony's Films Globally After Release in Theaters (33:50) – What We're Watching, Reading, Eating (35:40) Thanks To Our Sponsors: – Industrious - Coworking office. 50% off day pass | Promo Code: MONEWS50 – Incogni - 60% off an annual plan| Promo Code: MONEWS – Monarch - 50% off your first year | Promo Code: MONEWS – Leesa - 25% off plus an additional $50 | Promo Code: MONEWS
After 159 years, Saks 5th Ave is bankrupt… And Louis Vuitton is holding the dagger.Grindr's internal strategy leaked… They're building a “gAI Super App”. The Airbnb for diggers, bulldozers, & cranes?... It's EquipmentShare and it just IPO'd.Plus, Matthew McConnaughey just trademarked his voice… Alright, alright, alright.$EQPT $GRND $ABNB Buy tickets to The IPO Tour (our In-Person Offering) TODAYAustin, TX (2/25): SOLD OUTArlington, VA (3/11): https://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com/shows/341317 New York, NY (4/8): https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0000637AE43ED0C2Los Angeles, CA (6/3): SOLD OUTGet your TBOY Yeti Doll gift here: https://tboypod.com/shop/product/economic-support-yeti-doll NEWSLETTER:https://tboypod.com/newsletter OUR 2ND SHOW:Want more business storytelling from us? Check our weekly deepdive show, The Best Idea Yet: The untold origin story of the products you're obsessed with. Listen for free to The Best Idea Yet: https://wondery.com/links/the-best-idea-yet/NEW LISTENERSFill out our 2 minute survey: https://qualtricsxm88y5r986q.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dp1FDYiJgt6lHy6GET ON THE POD: Submit a shoutout or fact: https://tboypod.com/shoutouts SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tboypod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tboypodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tboypod Linkedin (Nick): https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-martell/Linkedin (Jack): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-crivici-kramer/Anything else: https://tboypod.com/ About Us: The daily pop-biz news show making today's top stories your business. Formerly known as Robinhood Snacks, The Best One Yet is hosted by Jack Crivici-Kramer & Nick Martell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Saks Global — the luxury retail conglomerate that owns brands like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman — filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week. But given that higher-income consumers are driving so much of spending, why is a chain of luxury department stores struggling? Then, the Trump administration is ending a special protected status for 350,000 Haitians, and the elder-care industry is expected to lose thousands of workers as a result.
Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 754: Neal and Toby preview two major events from the federal government. First, the Supreme Court is expected to rule on Trump's tariffs and what it will mean for the economy. Second, the December jobs report arrives that gives a health-check on the labor market. Then, ChatGPT launches a health tab that connects medical records and answers any health questions. Followed by Google launching its Gemini AI throughout Gmail. Meanwhile, Stock of the Week, Dog of the Week returns with Sandisk soaring 28% and a Saks bankruptcy seemed inevitable after an unsettling CEO call. Check out https://www.rubrik.com for more Join us for MBD's Trivia Night! https://mbdtrivianight-jan2026.splashthat.com/ Subscribe to Morning Brew Daily for more of the news you need to start your day. Share the show with a friend, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast app. Listen to Morning Brew Daily Here: https://www.swap.fm/l/mbd-note Watch Morning Brew Daily Here: https://www.youtube.com/@MorningBrewDailyShow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We are so thrilled to have our friends Taylor Strecker and Taylor Donohue join us (mere weeks before having a baby) to discuss all the things – their decision to have kids even though one partner was unsure, choosing a sperm donor, how they picture their lives changing, and more. We also discuss opposites attracting and whether two main characters can be together, when your partner posts non-approved pics of you, feeling like your friends' careers are outpacing yours, if magicians are hot or not, and the lore between Taylor Strecker and Kate Bosworth. Before the Taylors join us, Ashley has updates on the egg carton and wedding gift bags, and Rayna shares why Etsy keeps canceling her orders. Enjoy! Find Taylor Strecker (and her links) on Instagram at @taylorstrecker, Taylor Donohue @taylordonohue, and listen to the Taste of Taylor podcast. Follow us on Instagram @girlsgottaeatpodcast, Ashley @ashhess, and Rayna @rayna.greenberg. Visit girlsgottaeat.com for more. Thank you to our partners this week: Aura Frames: Get $35 off the bestselling Carver Mat frame at https://auraframes.com with code GGE. Square Space: Get a free trial at https://squarespace.com/GGE and use code GGE for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Skims: Get the perfect gifts for everyone on your list in the Skims holiday shop at http://skims.com. Helix: Get 20% off sitewide at http://helixsleep.com/gge. Saks Fifth Avenue: Get personalized and easy shopping this holiday season at Saks.com.
#911: Join us as we sit down with Bre Tiesi – real estate agent, star of Netflix's hit series of Selling Sunset, social media personality, investor, & business consultant. Fresh off the latest season, Bre gets candid about the unseen dynamics of reality TV, the gossip that never makes it to air, & how she protects her peace while living in the spotlight. In this episode, Bre opens up about the real behind-the-scenes drama, her non-negotiable personal values, the truth about building a real estate career, life beyond the cameras, & how she is balancing motherhood. To Watch the Show click HERE For Detailed Show Notes visit TSCPODCAST.COM To connect with Bre Tiesi click HERE To connect with Lauryn Bosstick click HERE To connect with Michael Bosstick click HERE Read More on The Skinny Confidential HERE Head to our ShopMy page HERE and LTK page HERE to find all of the products mentioned in each episode. Get your burning questions featured on the show! Leave the Him & Her Show a voicemail at +1 (512) 537-7194. This episode is sponsored by The Skinny Confidential Gift with intention this Holiday Season – give the gift of self-care. To learn more visit https://bit.ly/SHOP-TSC. This episode is sponsored by Maui Nui Just go to http://mauinuivenison.com/SKINNY to grab yours. This episode is sponsored by Cymbiotika Go to http://Cymbiotika.com/TSC today to get 20% off plus free shipping. This episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth Head to http://cozyearth.com and use my code SKINNY for up to 40% off. This episode is sponsored by Synergy Ready to get started on your very own gut health journey? Visit http://SYNERGYDRINKS.com to find your SYNERGY flavor today. This episode is sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue Learn more at http://Saks.com. This episode is sponsored by Wayfair Head to http://Wayfair.com now to shop Wayfair's Black Friday deals for up to 70% off. This episode is sponsored by Jones Road Beauty Go to http://JonesRoadBeauty.com to get up to 20% off sitewide. Produced by Dear Media
We are unpacking the Vogue article heard 'round the world that posed the question "Is having a boyfriend embarrassing now?" We discuss what prompted a question like this and why the conversation blew up, the cultural shift in relationship dynamics, our thoughts on whether boyfriends are in fact embarrassing, the response to the article (both good and bad, and from both men and women), and more. We also rank the worst fictional boyfriends of all time, from Friends to Sex and the City to Disney. And before we get into the topic, Rayna updates us on her comedy journey and Ashley discusses her prenup. Enjoy! Follow us on Instagram @girlsgottaeatpodcast, Ashley @ashhess, and Rayna @rayna.greenberg. Visit girlsgottaeat.com for more. Thank you to our partners this week: Lola Blankets: Get 40% off your entire order at lolablankets.com with code GGE. Rocket Money: Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster at https://rocketmoney.com/gge. Bilt: Get points by paying rent at https://joinbilt.com/gge. Saks Fifth Avenue: Make shopping easier this season at https://Saks.com.
#910: Join Lauryn Bosstick as we sit down with Kenzie Burke – founder of BRÛLÉ, creative force, & cultural provocateur. Building her empire from the ground up, Kenzie returns to share her journey – from making half a million dollars in two months to facing online backlash, financial struggles, & filing for bankruptcy. In this episode, Kenzie gets real, raw, & honest – reminding us that the comeback hits harder than the fall. She opens up about overcoming personal challenges, rebuilding head-on, evolving constantly, & discovering the resilience to create the brand of her dreams. To Watch the Show click HERE For Detailed Show Notes visit TSCPODCAST.COM To connect with Kenzie Burke click HERE To connect with Lauryn Bosstick click HERE To connect with Michael Bosstick click HERE Read More on The Skinny Confidential HERE Head to our ShopMy page HERE and LTK page HERE to find all of the products mentioned in each episode. Get your burning questions featured on the show! Leave the Him & Her Show a voicemail at +1 (512) 537-7194. To shop BRÛLÉ visit https://shopbrule.com. This episode is sponsored by The Skinny Confidential Gift with intention this Holiday Season – give the gift of self-care. To learn more visit https://bit.ly/SHOP-TSC. This episode is sponsored by Nutrafol Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month's subscription plus free shipping when you go to http://Nutrafol.com and use promo code SKINNYHAIR. This episode is sponsored by Branch Basics Shop Branch Basics in 600+ Target stores nationwide, or http://Target.com. You can also use my code SKINNY15 to get 15% off at https://branchbasics.com/SKINNY15. Again, SKINNY15 for 15% off at https://branchbasics.com/SKINNY15 This episode is sponsored by Bon Charge Just head to http://boncharge.com and your 25% off code will be automatically added to your order. This episode is sponsored by WeightWatchers Join today at http://WeightWatchers.com. This episode is sponsored by Synergy Ready to get started on your very own gut health journey? Visit http://SYNERGYDRINKS.com to find your SYNERGY flavor today. This episode is sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue Learn more at http://Saks.com. This episode is sponsored by BelliWelli Next time you're at Target or Walmart, look for the bright pink BelliWelli lid, or grab it on Amazon or http://Belliwelli.com today. Use code SKINNY at http://BelliWelli.com for 20% off. Produced by Dear Media
#909: Join us as we sit down with Jodie Sweetin – actress, producer, host, author & activist. Beloved for her iconic role as Stephanie Tanner on ABC's hit sitcom Full House and the Netflix spinoff Fuller House, Jodie has captured the hearts of millions for decades. In this episode, Jodie gets real about navigating early fame, breaking free from typecasting, confronting addiction, overcoming adversity, & embracing her most authentic self. To Watch the Show click HERE For Detailed Show Notes visit TSCPODCAST.COM To connect with Jodie Sweetin click HERE To connect with Lauryn Bosstick click HERE To connect with Michael Bosstick click HERE Read More on The Skinny Confidential HERE Head to our ShopMy page HERE and LTK page HERE to find all of the products mentioned in each episode. Get your burning questions featured on the show! Leave the Him & Her Show a voicemail at +1 (512) 537-7194. This episode is sponsored by The Skinny Confidential Wear with intention. Wake up with ambition. Shop The Skinny Confidential's latest drop - The Fall Edit, featuring Uniform and Blanc. The limited-edition Mouth Tape made for those who take their beauty sleep seriously. Available now at https://bit.ly/TSC-NEWNEW. This episode is sponsored by Squarespace Go to http://Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you're ready to launch, http://squarespace.com/SKINNY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. This episode is sponsored by LMNT Get yours at http://DrinkLMNT.com/SKINNY. This episode is sponsored by Higher Self Go to http://thehigherself.app/skinny and get 4 months free or 30% off the yearly plan. That's literally 53 cents a day to reprogram your subconscious and completely upgrade your life. This episode is sponsored by Minted Bring your traditions to life with independent art and design this holiday season. Use code SKINNY at http://Minted.com for 20% off Minted Holiday Cards, Gifts and Wrapping Paper. This episode is sponsored by Synergy Ready to get started on your very own gut health journey? Visit http://SYNERGYDRINKS.com to find your SYNERGY flavor today. This episode is sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue Learn more at http://Saks.com. This episode is sponsored by BelliWelli Next time you're at Target or Walmart, look for the bright pink BelliWelli lid, or grab it on Amazon or http://Belliwelli.com today. Use code SKINNY at http://BelliWelli.com for 20% off. Produced by Dear Media