The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Help is wanted, but it’s hard to find
The number of small business owners who can’t find qualified people to fill open positions has reached its highest level since before the recession, a survey by the National Federation of Independent Business shows.
Nashville, Tenn.--The number of small business owners who can’t find qualified people to fill open positions has reached its highest level since before the recession, a survey by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) shows.
The NFIB’s latest Small Business Economic Trends Report, which is created by surveying NFIB members, showed that 29 percent of survey-takers reported having hard-to-fill job openings in February, a 3-point increase over January and the highest percentage recorded in nine years.
In addition, 14 percent cited the availability of qualified labor as their No. 1 business problem, the highest since September 2007.
“The job openings figure is one of the highest in 40 years,” the NFIB states in the report, “and this suggests that labor markets are tightening and that there will be more pressure on compensation in the coming months,” meaning retailers will have to pay more to get good people.
Attracting, and retaining, qualified workers isn’t just a problem for small businesses either; retail giant Walmart announced it was raising wages last month and some speculate part of the reason the retail giant decided to pay more was to stay competitive and attract quality workers.
The NFIB’s Research Foundation collects data on economic trends in small business by surveying its members each month. It then releases its Small Business Economic Trends Report on the second Tuesday of each month.
This survey was conducted in February, and includes responses from 716 small business owners.
Other findings in the report include:
--The percentage of survey-takers who said now was a good time to expand remained stagnant month-over-month at 13 percent;
--The net percentage of business owners reporting higher nominal sales in the past three months as compared with the three months prior fell 3 points in February, on the heels of a 5-point slide in January;
--The percentage of business owners planning capital outlays in the next three to six months was unchanged at 26 percent;
--A net 19 percent of survey-takers said they plan to raise prices, unchanged from the previous month. “Reports of actual price hikes and early indicators of first quarter economic activity suggest that markets will not yet support higher prices,” the report states; and
--Only 3 percent of those who responded to the NFIB’s survey reported that finding financing was their top business problem, up 1 point from the previous month.
Read the entire report at NFIB.com.
The Latest
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.