analogindex

Posted by TST (Full) - (Official Feed)

https://www.thestreet.com/deals/hp-omnibook-5-16inch-laptop-walmart-sale-black-friday-2025

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017882324

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why we love this deal

Year after year, there are a ton of new great gift ideas that hit the market, ready to be wrapped and opened by friends and family. But there are always classics that sit at the top of a lot of people's wishlists, and it seems like no category is bigger than electronics. Whether you're a young kid itching for your first cell phone, or an adult who has been wanting score a new laptop for personal use, the holiday season is a great time to score the electronics you've been hoping to get your hands on all year long — especially because of the amazing Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales that make it easier than ever to get Bluetooth headphones, speakers, computers, and other electronics at an awesome price. And with early Black Friday deals at a variety of your favorite stores, you can get exactly what you want even sooner than expected. 

Right now, Walmart is selling the HP Omnibook 5 16-Inch Laptop, which originally retails for $940, for just $499. Take advantage of this over 45% discount for a limited time before others beat you to it. 

HP Omnibook 5 16-Inch Laptop, $499 (was $940) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

The days of dealing with a slow, lagging computer are a thing of the past, especially with this model. Built with a powerful advanced micro device (AMD) Ryzen AL 7 350 processor, which, in layman's terms, is a new, high-performance processor that's great for gaming and content creation, you can easily do everything you need quickly — no need to deal with buffering. Combined with 50 NPU TOPS for quick and advanced AI processing and Copilot+ PC capabilities, users have access to a powerful machine that has incredible speed, battery life, and efficient AI and other work capabilities. And because the laptop includes the HP AI Companion, which works when you're both online and offline, users can get an analysis of personal files, PC control with a Perform assistant and additional device support whenever they need it. 

The laptop has 512 GB data storage and is equipped with a 16 GB LPDDR5x random-access memory (RAM) which makes multitasking, and switching between files and pages quick and easy. It also allows the laptop to have an extended battery life, offering up to 14 hours and 45 minutes of video playback on a single charge. With all those features, it's almost unbelievable how sleek and compact the laptop itself actually is. Made of recycled plastic and metal, the 16-inch screen with 1920 x 1200 is large enough, and clear enough, to type, read, and even video chat with ease, but it's not overly big to the point where storing it or carrying it in a bag for on-the-go use is a challenge. 

Related: Walmart is selling a $289 Michael Kors crossbody bag for just $64 during an early Black Friday sale

The laptop has Windows Hello facial recognition as an alternative to using a password or pin to login, and is backed by Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth support to keep you connected when needed. Not only is this a special early Black Friday Deal, but for a limited time, the purchase of this HP laptop also comes with additional offers for up to four months free Apple Music and Apple Arcade use, and up to three months free Apple TV+ use. 

Details to know

• Dimensions: This laptop has a 16 inch screen.
• Battery life: On a full charge, the battery lasts for almost a full 15 hours.
• Warranty: 1-year limited hardware warranty.

Shoppers call this laptop a "tried and true", saying you can see and feel how high-quality the product is, and they appreciate how simple it is to set up. The battery life is as excellent as advertised, and the display and sound quality is phenomenal. Shoppers find that multitasking and working in multiple tabs is easy to do, and that there's never any slow service or speed issues when tackling multiple things at once. 

Shop more deals 

• Jyx Portable Bluetooth Party Speaker, $97 ($260) at Walmart
• Bagsmart Laptop Sleeve Bag, $15 (was $37) at Walmart
• Jiumess Power Bank Portable Charger, $13 (was $36) at Walmart

You yourself might not need a laptop, but we're sure that there's someone on your list who has the HP Omnibook 5 16-Inch Laptop or something similar at the top of their list. Get a great gift for a friend or family member at a great price before the Black Friday sales come to a close.

https://www.thestreet.com/deals/hp-omnibook-5-16inch-laptop-walmart-sale-black-friday-2025

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017882324

Posted by TST (Full) - (Official Feed)

https://www.thestreet.com/retirement/dave-ramsey-sounds-nationwide-medicare-alarm

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017826532

With Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season rapidly approaching, it's easy for many to lose sight of a major Medicare deadline that will arrive in the very near future.

Personal finance bestselling author and radio host Dave Ramsey sounds the alarm for all Americans who hope to make changes to their existing Medicare plans or want to switch plans entirely.

"Open Enrollment (also called the Annual Enrollment Period) happens from Oct. 15 - Dec. 7 and is the time each year when you can make changes to your coverage," notes Medicare.gov. "The changes you make during Open Enrollment are effective Jan. 1, 2026 (the plan must get your enrollment request by Dec. 7)."

To be extra clear, Dec. 7 falls on a Sunday in 2025, so people need to make changes by Dec. 7 at 11:59 p.m. local time. The deadline does not shift to Monday, Dec. 8, as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sets Dec. 7 as a fixed annual date.

Ramsey emphasizes that the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is intended for making changes to a current plan or switching to or from Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, not for enrolling in Medicare for the first time.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period options

A person's options during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, according to Medicare.gov, are as follows:

• Change your Medicare Advantage plan: Join drop, or switch to another Medicare Advantage plan with or without drug coverage (or add or drop drug coverage).
• Change your drug plan: Join, drop, or switch to another Medicare drug plan if you’re in Original Medicare.
• Change how you get coverage: Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare.

Related: Dave Ramsey, AARP warn Americans on Social Security

"If you switch to Original Medicare, you may need to join a separate drug plan and may want to add Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)," explains Medicare.gov.

"Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is extra insurance you can buy from a private health insurance company to help pay your share of out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare."

Applying to Medicare for the first time

The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the first opportunity for one to sign up for Medicare, Ramsey clarifies.

"It starts three months before your 65th birthday month and runs through the three months after (total of seven months)," wrote Ramsey.

"Applying online through the Social Security website is the easiest and fastest route," he added.

Documents one needs to apply to Medicare

• Proof of age (like your birth certificate)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (like your passport or green card)
• Record of employment (like a W-2)
• Any marriage or divorce information
• Any military service information
• Any past Social Security benefit claims

Parts of Medicare

These are the Medicare parts, according to the Social Security Administration:

• Social Security enrolls you in Original Medicare, which includes Part A and Part B.
• Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health care, hospice care, and inpatient care in a religious non-medical health care institution.
• Medicare Part B helps cover medically necessary doctors’ services, outpatient care, home health services, durable medical equipment, mental health services, limited outpatient prescription drugs, and preventative services.
• Other parts of Medicare are run by private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare.
• Supplemental (Medigap) policies help pay Medicare out-of-pocket copayments, coinsurance, and deductible expenses.
• Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) include all benefits and services covered under Part A and Part B, plus prescription drugs and additional benefits such as vision, hearing, and dental.
• Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.

Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

Ramsey outlines the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

"(Original Medicare) is parts A and B together," Ramsey wrote. "You would usually add a Medigap Plan to help cover out-of-pocket costs and Part D for prescription drugs. You’d have three Medicare cards and would manage these plans separately. You can go to any provider who accepts Medicare."

"(Medicare Advantage) is parts A and B plus extra coverages by a private insurer," he added. "These often come with a prescription drug plan, too. After you sign up for parts A and B and then buy an Advantage plan, all these plans are managed by the private insurer, and you get one card. You are limited to providers within the network set by the insurance company."

More Dave Ramsey

• Dave Ramsey warns retired Americans to avoid one mortgage mistake
• Finance author has blunt words on Medicare for retirees
• Dave Ramsey candidly discusses buying a home now

When selecting prescription drug coverage, it’s essential to consider a few key factors. One significant aspect of Medicare Part D plans is that they include a coverage gap, commonly referred to as the “donut hole.”

"Yes, donuts make you think of tasty glazes and sprinkles, but this donut hole is not tasty," Ramsey wrote. "In this hole, you pay more for your prescriptions depending on what type of drug they are."

Related: Dave Ramsey sends blunt warning to Americans on Medicare

https://www.thestreet.com/retirement/dave-ramsey-sounds-nationwide-medicare-alarm

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017826532

Posted by Apartment Therapy| Saving the world, one room at a time

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/green-yellow-1967-cabin-bathroom-makeover-5000-dollars-ba-37518374?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Category%2FChannel%3A+main

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017864399

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/green-yellow-1967-cabin-bathroom-makeover-5000-dollars-ba-37518374?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Category%2FChannel%3A+main

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017864399

Posted by TST (Full) - (Official Feed)

https://www.thestreet.com/retail/trumps-tariff-cuts-may-make-popuar-luxury-items-cheaper

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017782691

Luxury watches today are far more than precious timepieces; they have become powerful symbols of status, success, and personal achievement. For many, wearing one is a form of validation, a statement piece that often reveals more about what the wearer wants the watch to say about them than how the wearer actually feels about themselves.

Now, with President Donald Trump's recent decision to slash U.S. tariffs on Swiss imports, that coveted symbol of wealth may soon become more attainable for American buyers.

On November 14, the Trump administration reached a trade agreement with Switzerland that lowers U.S. tariffs on Swiss goods from 39% to no higher than 15%. The deal is intended to open access for U.S. exports and strengthen national and economic security, according to a White House announcement.

As part of this reciprocal pact, Swiss companies have pledged to invest at least $200 billion in the U.S., with a minimum of $67 billion worth of investment expected in 2026, funding that the administration says will create jobs across multiple industries. Switzerland also agreed to eliminate its tariffs in the agricultural and industrial sectors.

"Today's US-Swiss trade framework announcement could be good news," said Senior Economist Ryan Young. "But it would be substantially better if it included broad mutual recognition and if it could serve as a model for future agreements."

Although this might seem like a step forward in the ongoing trade battle between the U.S. government and the rest of the world to some, the agreement has drawn criticism from those who argue the decision favors corporate interests over the American public, especially at a time when rising prices across multiple industries have strained household budgets.

Rolex raises luxury watch prices amid tariff pressures

Swiss luxury watchmakers have not been immune to the tariff pressures. In 2025 alone, Rolex raised prices twice, first in January by around 1% on most steel models and roughly 5% on two-tone models, with even higher increases on full-gold pieces. In May, the company bumped prices again by approximately 3% across the board, according to Men's Journal.

Before the trade deal, industry analysts estimated that Swiss luxury watches could rise an additional 12% to 22% if brands fully pass tariff costs along to consumers, and many already have. So far, renowned brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet have all implemented price hikes this year.

"Once current stock is sold, all new arrivals will carry the increased cost. Buyers who wait could easily pay thousands more for the exact same watch in a matter of months," warned JD Watches E-commerce Specialist Tejas Solapurkar in August.

2025 U.S. luxury watches price increases and production

• Rolex: Two price hikes of 1% and 5%, with an expected production of 1.2 million units.
• Patek Philippe: 15% price increase, with an expected production of 72,000 units.
• Audemars Piguet: 5.5% average price surge, with an expected production of 51,000 units.

(Price increases and production unit estimates were obtained from: Business of Fashion & Watches Off 5th)

Criticism mounts over Trump's tariff-cutting decision

The controversy surrounding Trump's decision stems from the administration's earlier move on August 7, when it imposed a 39% tariff on Swiss imports, nearly two-and-a-half times the rate applied to goods from nearby EU countries.

Only weeks after the tariff took effect, Rolex invited Trump to attend the U.S. Open Tennis Championship in September and also gifted him a golden table clock, according to GQ. The suspicious timing raised immediate concerns for some.

In a letter dated September 24, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned Rolex CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour about the company's intentions.

"Given the President's record of doling out special treatment to CEOs who are able to woo him with flattery, payoffs, or both, the timing of his attendance at the match in the Rolex box is concerning," wrote Warren. "I have questions about whether you are attempting to curry favor with the President in an effort to secure special-interest exemptions for Rolex products."

Warren argued that Trump has signaled a willingness to grant tariff and trade rule exemptions to corporations willing to pay, citing two major examples: Apple CEO Tim Cook, who donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration, received a tariff exemption, while Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang ostensibly secured permission to export the company's latest chips after purchasing a $1 million table at Mar-A-Lago.

Rolex denies the alarming allegations

Responding to Warren, Dufour admitted in a letter that at the event, Trump jokingly asked Rolex executives if he would have been invited to watch the U.S. Open final from Rolex's VIP box if it weren't for the tariffs.

"President Trump, never one to miss a rhetorical opportunity, did ask in jest whether he would have been invited had it not been for the tariffs — a moment that brought a round of laughter all around and, as you can imagine, a swift return of attention to the unfolding excitement on court," wrote Dufour in the letter.

More Economy News:

• Target slashes prices on holiday essentials
• American Airlines makes deeper cuts amid flight cancellations
• This iconic breakfast chain quietly nearly doubles some prices
  

Warren rejected the lighthearted characterization, stating that "Corruption is not a laughing matter." She emphasized that while American families struggle with fallout of tariff policy, "Donald Trump and his rich friends are laughing about tariffs in a fancy box sponsored by a luxury watch brand."

Dufour denied any improper conduct or tariff-related discussions, stating that trade negotiations are handled strictly between the U.S. and Swiss governments. He also noted that Rolex has faced the same tariff impact as any other Swiss manufacturer without exemption.

"It is a conviction that sport offers a powerful way to bring people together across backgrounds, beliefs, and national borders. We are committed to upholding these values, and to ensuring our engagements remain nonpartisan and grounded in mutual respect," wrote Dufour in a letter.

Will Swiss watch prices fall in 2025?

Although the tariff cut reduces costs for Swiss watch manufacturers by around 24%, experts say this doesn't guarantee lower retail prices, but it does help prevent the steeper increases that the tariff rate would have caused.

"Lowering the tariffs from 39% to 15% will avoid the price increases that would have become necessary to absorb the tariffs," said Luxeconsult founder Oliver R. Müller to JCK. "[The 39% tariff] would have meant a 12–14% increase at retail, which is far from being marginal."

Müller noted that at the new 15% rate, most manufacturers have already priced in the added cost, which should stabilize pricing moving forward.

Before the agreement was made, however, Switzerland had already lowered its outlook for 2026 due to U.S. tariff pressures.

"Higher U.S. tariffs have further clouded the outlook for the Swiss economy," said the Federal Office of Public Health in a statement. "The Expert Group on Business Cycles projects significantly below-average economic growth of 1.3% in 2025, slowing further to 0.9% in 2026."

Related: When you'll see empty retail store shelves due to tariffs

https://www.thestreet.com/retail/trumps-tariff-cuts-may-make-popuar-luxury-items-cheaper

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017782691

Posted by TST (Full) - (Official Feed)

https://www.thestreet.com/retirement/dave-ramsey-sounds-nationwide-medicare-alarm

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017826532

With Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season rapidly approaching, it's easy for many to lose sight of a major Medicare deadline that will arrive in the very near future.

Personal finance bestselling author and radio host Dave Ramsey sounds the alarm for all Americans who hope to make changes to their existing Medicare plans or want to switch plans entirely.

"Open Enrollment (also called the Annual Enrollment Period) happens from Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 and is the time each year when you can make changes to your coverage," notes Medicare.gov. "The changes you make during Open Enrollment are effective Jan. 1, 2026 (the plan must get your enrollment request by Dec. 7)."

Related: Dave Ramsey, AARP warn Americans on Social Security

To be extra clear, Dec. 7 falls on a Sunday in 2025, so people need to make changes by Dec. 7 at 11:59 p.m. local time. The deadline does not shift to Monday, Dec. 8, as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sets Dec. 7 as a fixed annual date.

Ramsey emphasizes that the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is intended for making changes to a current plan or switching to or from Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, not for enrolling in Medicare for the first time.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period options

A person's options during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, according to Medicare.gov, are as follows:

• Change your Medicare Advantage plan: Join drop, or switch to another Medicare Advantage plan with or without drug coverage (or add or drop drug coverage).
• Change your drug plan: Join, drop, or switch to another Medicare drug plan if you’re in Original Medicare.
• Change how you get coverage: Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare.

"If you switch to Original Medicare, you may need to join a separate drug plan and may want to add Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)," explains Medicare.gov. "Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is extra insurance you can buy from a private health insurance company to help pay your share of out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare."

Applying to Medicare for the first time

The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the first opportunity for one to sign up for Medicare, Ramsey clarifies.

"It starts three months before your 65th birthday month and runs through the three months after (total of seven months)," wrote Ramsey.

"Applying online through the Social Security website is the easiest and fastest route," he added.

Documents one needs to apply to Medicare

• Proof of age (like your birth certificate)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (like your passport or green card)
• Record of employment (like a W-2)
• Any marriage or divorce information
• Any military service information
• Any past Social Security benefit claims

Parts of Medicare

These are the Medicare parts, according to the Social Security Administration:

• Social Security enrolls you in Original Medicare, which includes Part A and Part B.
• Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health care, hospice care, and inpatient care in a religious non-medical health care institution.
• Medicare Part B helps cover medically necessary doctors’ services, outpatient care, home health services, durable medical equipment, mental health services, limited outpatient prescription drugs, and preventative services.
• Other parts of Medicare are run by private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare.
• Supplemental (Medigap) policies help pay Medicare out-of-pocket copayments, coinsurance, and deductible expenses.
• Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) include all benefits and services covered under Part A and Part B, plus prescription drugs and additional benefits such as vision, hearing, and dental.
• Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.

Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

Ramsey outlines the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

"(Original Medicare) is parts A and B together," Ramsey wrote. "You would usually add a Medigap Plan to help cover out-of-pocket costs and Part D for prescription drugs. You’d have three Medicare cards and would manage these plans separately. You can go to any provider who accepts Medicare."

"(Medicare Advantage) is parts A and B plus extra coverages by a private insurer," he added. "These often come with a prescription drug plan, too. After you sign up for parts A and B and then buy an Advantage plan, all these plans are managed by the private insurer, and you get one card. You are limited to providers within the network set by the insurance company."

More on Dave Ramsey

• Dave Ramsey warns retired Americans to avoid one mortgage mistake
• Finance author has blunt words on Medicare for retirees
• Dave Ramsey candidly discusses buying a home now

When selecting prescription drug coverage, it’s essential to consider a few key factors. One significant aspect of Medicare Part D plans is that they include a coverage gap, commonly referred to as the “donut hole.”

"Yes, donuts make you think of tasty glazes and sprinkles, but this donut hole is not tasty," Ramsey wrote. "In this hole, you pay more for your prescriptions depending on what type of drug they are."

Related: Dave Ramsey sends blunt warning to Americans on Medicare

https://www.thestreet.com/retirement/dave-ramsey-sounds-nationwide-medicare-alarm

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017826532

Posted by TST (Full) - (Official Feed)

https://www.thestreet.com/deals/casacomoda-3-drawer-dresser-walmart-sale-black-friday-2025

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017801988

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Why we love this deal

Keeping your things organized can cause plenty of stress if you don't have the right tools. One of the best weapons in your arsenal against disorder is a good portable dresser. They're lightweight and stylish, but also highly versatile and useful. Walmart is currently selling one that's perfect for those who like to keep their options open when it comes to home organization, and the sale price is a revelation.

The Casacomoda 3-Drawer Dresser is only $25 at the moment, which is 52% off the regular price of $52, thanks to this Walmart early Black Friday deal. The brand's name translated from Spanish literally means "comfortable home," and that's exactly what you'll have if you choose to take advantage of this deal.

Casacomoda 3-Drawer Dresser, $25 (was $52) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

There aren't many purposes that this dresser can't serve. From bedrooms to home offices. it's a Jack of all trades that can fit just about anywhere in the home. Made from durable powder-coated stainless steel, it's lightweight but sturdy. The roomy drawers are easy to slide in and out and even fold flat when not in use. Ergonomic plastic handles make using this dresser a snap, and they have a sleek and modern look that fits seamlessly with any decor style.

Atop the dresser sits a manufactured wood countertop that's waterproof and easy to clean with simple soap and water. On the other end of the dresser are four adjustable feet that work great for uneven surfaces, keeping the dresser from sitting at an awkward angle. This model works great on its own, but if you pair it with another side-by-side, it can instantly turn into a larger single dresser that fits much more. It also includes a wall-mounting kit for added anti-tip security. The dimensions are 15.7 inches wide by 11.7 inches deep by 28.8 inches tall.

Related: Walmart is selling a rolling island for $110 that is 'a good fit for a small kitchen'

Details to know

• Dimensions: 15.7 inches wide by 11.7 inches deep by 28.8 inches tall.
• Material: Powder-coated stainless steel, wood, and fabric.
• Available colors: Black.

Walmart customers raved about this highly useful dresser. One called it "very practical," adding that it was "lightweight yet sturdy and very easy to use." Many other buyers also shared how easy the dresser was to assemble using the included tool.

The Casacomoda 3-Drawer Dresser is a great option for any room in your home. At just $25, it's also a great option for your bank account. That said, this bestseller may only be on sale for a short time since it's one of Walmart’s early Black Friday deals. You'd be well-advised to buy one now before the price goes back up. 

https://www.thestreet.com/deals/casacomoda-3-drawer-dresser-walmart-sale-black-friday-2025

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017801988

Posted by TST (Full) - (Official Feed)

https://www.thestreet.com/retail/trumps-tariff-cuts-may-make-popuar-luxury-items-cheaper

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017782691

Luxury watches today are far more than precious timepieces; they have become powerful symbols of status, success, and personal achievement. For many, wearing one is a form of validation, a statement piece that often reveals more about what the wearer wants the watch to say about them than how the wearer actually feels about themselves.

Now, with President Donald Trump's recent decision to slash U.S. tariffs on Swiss imports, that coveted symbol of wealth may soon become more attainable for American buyers.

On November 14, the Trump administration reached a trade agreement with Switzerland that lowers U.S. tariffs on Swiss goods from 39% to no higher than 15%. The deal is intended to open access for U.S. exports and strengthen national and economic security, according to a White House announcement.

As part of this reciprocal pact, Swiss companies have pledged to invest at least $200 billion in the U.S., with a minimum of $67 billion worth of investment expected in 2026, funding that the administration says will create jobs across multiple industries. Switzerland also agreed to eliminate its tariffs in the agricultural and industrial sectors.

"Today's US-Swiss trade framework announcement could be good news," said Senior Economist Ryan Young. "But it would be substantially better if it included broad mutual recognition and if it could serve as a model for future agreements."

Although this might seem like a step forward in the ongoing trade battle between the U.S. government and the rest of the world to some, the agreement has drawn criticism from those who argue the decision favors corporate interests over the American public, especially at a time when rising prices across multiple industries have strained household budgets.

Rolex raises luxury watch prices amid tariff pressures

Swiss luxury watchmakers have not been immune to the tariff pressures. In 2025 alone, Rolex raised prices twice, first in January by around 1% on most steel models and roughly 5% on two-tone models, with even higher increases on full-gold pieces. In May, the company bumped prices again by approximately 3% across the board, according to Men's Journal.

Before the trade deal, industry analysts estimated that Swiss luxury watches could rise an additional 12% to 22% if brands fully pass tariff costs along to consumers, and many already have. So far, renowned brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet have all implemented price hikes this year.

"Once current stock is sold, all new arrivals will carry the increased cost. Buyers who wait could easily pay thousands more for the exact same watch in a matter of months," warned JD Watches E-commerce Specialist Tejas Solapurkar in August.

2025 U.S. luxury watches price increases and production

• Rolex: Two price hikes of 1% and 5%, with an expected production of 1.2 million units.
• Patek Philippe: 15% price increase, with an expected production of 72,000 units.
• Audemars Piguet: 5.5% average price surge, with an expected production of 51,000 units.

(Price increases and production unit estimates were obtained from: Business of Fashion & Watches Off 5th)

Criticism mounts over Trump's tariff-cutting decision

The controversy surrounding Trump's decision stems from the administration's earlier move on August 7, when it imposed a 39% tariff on Swiss imports, nearly two-and-a-half times the rate applied to goods from nearby EU countries.

Only weeks after the tariff took effect, Rolex invited Trump to attend the U.S. Open Tennis Championship in September and also gifted him a golden table clock, according to GQ. The suspicious timing raised immediate concerns for some.

In a letter dated September 24, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned Rolex CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour about the company's intentions.

"Given the President's record of doling out special treatment to CEOs who are able to woo him with flattery, payoffs, or both, the timing of his attendance at the match in the Rolex box is concerning," wrote Warren. "I have questions about whether you are attempting to curry favor with the President in an effort to secure special-interest exemptions for Rolex products."

Warren argued that Trump has signaled a willingness to grant tariff and trade rule exemptions to corporations willing to pay, citing two major examples: Apple CEO Tim Cook, who donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration, received a tariff exemption, while Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang ostensibly secured permission to export the company's latest chips after purchasing a $1 million table at Mar-A-Lago.

Rolex denies the alarming allegations

Responding to Warren, Dufour admitted in a letter that at the event, Trump jokingly asked Rolex executives if he would have been invited to watch the U.S. Open final from Rolex's VIP box if it weren't for the tariffs.

"President Trump, never one to miss a rhetorical opportunity, did ask in jest whether he would have been invited had it not been for the tariffs — a moment that brought a round of laughter all around and, as you can imagine, a swift return of attention to the unfolding excitement on court," wrote Dufour in the letter.

More Economy News:

• Target slashes prices on holiday essentials
• American Airlines makes deeper cuts amid flight cancellations
• This iconic breakfast chain quietly nearly doubles some prices
  

Warren rejected the lighthearted characterization, stating that "Corruption is not a laughing matter." She emphasized that while American families struggle with fallout of tariff policy, "Donald Trump and his rich friends are laughing about tariffs in a fancy box sponsored by a luxury watch brand."

Dufour denied any improper conduct or tariff-related discussions, stating that trade negotiations are handled strictly between the U.S. and Swiss governments. He also noted that Rolex has faced the same tariff impact as any other Swiss manufacturer without exemption.

"It is a conviction that sport offers a powerful way to bring people together across backgrounds, beliefs, and national borders. We are committed to upholding these values, and to ensuring our engagements remain nonpartisan and grounded in mutual respect," wrote Dufour in a letter.

Will Swiss watch prices fall in 2025?

Although the tariff cut reduces costs for Swiss watch manufacturers by around 24%, experts say this doesn't guarantee lower retail prices, but it does help prevent the steeper increases that the tariff rate would have caused.

"Lowering the tariffs from 39% to 15% will avoid the price increases that would have become necessary to absorb the tariffs," said Luxeconsult founder Oliver R. Müller to JCK. "[The 39% tariff] would have meant a 12–14% increase at retail, which is far from being marginal."

Müller noted that at the new 15% rate, most manufacturers have already priced in the added cost, which should stabilize pricing moving forward.

Before the agreement was made, however, Switzerland had already lowered its outlook for 2026 due to U.S. tariff pressures.

"Higher U.S. tariffs have further clouded the outlook for the Swiss economy," said the Federal Office of Public Health in a statement. "The Expert Group on Business Cycles projects significantly below-average economic growth of 1.3% in 2025, slowing further to 0.9% in 2026."

Related: When you'll see empty retail store shelves due to tariffs

https://www.thestreet.com/retail/trumps-tariff-cuts-may-make-popuar-luxury-items-cheaper

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017782691

Posted by Apartment Therapy| Saving the world, one room at a time

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/quince-artificial-christmas-trees-37518344?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Category%2FChannel%3A+main

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017769346

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/quince-artificial-christmas-trees-37518344?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Category%2FChannel%3A+main

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017769346

Posted by Лайфхакер

https://lifehacker.ru/health/kachestvo-zhizni/vredny-li-bombochki-i-pena-dlya-vann/

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017758712

https://lifehacker.ru/health/kachestvo-zhizni/vredny-li-bombochki-i-pena-dlya-vann/

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017758712

Posted by TST (Full) - (Official Feed)

https://www.thestreet.com/restaurants/popular-comfort-food-brand-closing-dozens-of-restaurants

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017615509

Getting smaller isn't always a bad thing.

Even really successful brands need to close stores in some situations due to population shifts, rent increases, or other operating changes.

That's something Amazon's account firm, Archamedia Accountants, stressed to IFAMagazine.

“It is important to recognise that despite the many store closures in recent times, retail is not dying, but evolving. Therefore, it is essential that businesses constantly adapt and react to the market. Store closures themselves don’t always need to signal a ‘downfall’ or an ‘end;’ sometimes they can signify a key step toward financial recovery and a shift in focus on areas such as e-commerce.” 

Penn State Smeal College of Business Assistant Professor Hari Sridhar and his colleagues from the University of Texas and Michigan State University found that selective closures can be a positive.

"Researchers find that chain retailers with a high market share tend to gain firm value when stores are closed but that value suffers when new stores are opened. Store closings enhance firm value by closing less profitable store locations, but new store openings may raise concerns about profitability," their research showed.

One struggling fast-food chain has been closing locations, but it's doing so in an effort to make the rest of the company healthy.

Noodles & Company is closing restaurants

Noodles & Company CEO Joseph D. Christina explained why the chain has been closing stores.

"Turning to earnings and margin growth, we continue to make disciplined decisions that strengthen our business and position us for sustained profitability. One of the most significant levers we can pull is the strategic closure of underperforming restaurants," he shared during the chain's third-quarter earnings call.

He made it clear that closing a store is not an easy decision.

"We are approaching these closures thoughtfully, focusing on locations where we can effectively transfer sales to nearby restaurants given a high mix of off-premise revenue," he added.

Closing restaurants, the CEO made clear, won't result in losing 100% of the sales those locations generated.

"From the restaurants we plan to close, we expect to retain approximately 30% of sales through transfer to neighboring units, consistent with the performance of recent closed locations. These actions improve overall sales leverage and enhance restaurant-level profitability and efficiency," he said.

More Restaurants 

• Scandals force fast-food chain to close dozens of restaurants
• 30-year-old pizza chain closes all restaurants except one
• Texas Roadhouse rival shuts down several restaurant locations

These shutdowns will put the company in a better position.

"These closures are never easy, but they are the right ones for the long-term health of the brand. By tightening our portfolio and focusing on high-performing restaurants and markets, we can strengthen operations, elevate the guest experience, and focus on innovation that drives continued growth in sales and margin," he added.

Noodles & Company store closings timeline

• Noodles plans to shut up to 49 company-owned restaurants by the end of 2026.
  Source: Restaurant Business Online
• For 2025 specifically, the company expects to close 28-32 company-owned locations and four franchised restaurants.
  Source: Nation's Restaurant News
• As of its Q2 2025 report, six company-owned and two franchise restaurants were closed in just that quarter.
  Source: Noodles & Company investor relations
• In 2024, Noodles closed 13 company-owned restaurants and seven franchise locations; 10 new company‑owned restaurants opened.
  Source: Noodle & Company investor relations
• Despite the closures, Noodles is also opening new restaurants: For example, two company-owned units are expected in 2025.
  Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Noodles & Company had a mixed quarter

• Total revenue decreased 0.5% to $122.1 million from $122.8 million in the third quarter of 2024.
• Comparable restaurant sales increased 4.0% system-wide, comprised of a 4.0% increase at company-owned restaurants and a 4.3% increase at franchise restaurants.
• Net loss was $9.2 million, or $0.20 loss per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $6.8 million, or $0.15 loss per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2024.
  Net loss in the third quarter of 2025 included $5.3 million of pre-tax restaurant impairments, primarily related to the planned closures of underperforming restaurants. Net loss in the third quarter of 2024 included $0.2 million of pre-tax restaurant impairments.
• Operating margin was 5.2% compared to 3.9% in the third quarter of 2024.
  Source: Noodles & Company investor relations

Jefferies analysts took a positive view of the store closures.

"The firm also viewed Noodles & Co.’s decision to close more underperforming stores in 2025-2026 as prudent, acknowledging that while the company’s turnaround will take time, the risk/reward profile remains positively skewed," Investing.com reported.

https://www.thestreet.com/restaurants/popular-comfort-food-brand-closing-dozens-of-restaurants

https://feedbin.me/entries/5017615509