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Labor Strikes Stall Deliveries for Retailers

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At the moment, West Coast ports are at a standstill with dockworkers walking off-site during key port hours. CNN reports that these stoppages are a result of failed labor negotiations that have been taking place between the International Longshoremen and Warehouse Union (ILWU), which represents 22,000 workers spanning 29 different ports and the Pacific Maritime Association since May of 2022.  According to the Pacific Maritime Association, “Over the weekend and continuing [on Monday], the ILWU has continued to stage concerted and disruptive work actions that have slowed operations at key marine terminals at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and elsewhere on the West Coast, including the Ports of Oakland and Seattle.” So, what does this standstill mean for retail logistics? According to a statement from the PMA, which must be taken with a grain of salt, “retailers, manufacturers and other shippers [are beginning] to ship cargo away from the West Coast in favor of ports on the Atlan
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Nationwide PrimeTime Event in Nashville Opens for Registration

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Nationwide Marketing Group has announced that member registration is now open for its highly anticipated PrimeTime event in Nashville. Taking place from August 13 to 16, the 61st edition of this biannual conference and buy fair will be held at the Music City Center in downtown Nashville. Independent retailers can look forward to a dynamic agenda filled with buying opportunities, educational sessions, and networking events. With a continued emphasis on being “customer obsessed” in preparation for the crucial holiday shopping season, the event aims to explore this theme through member-led panels, Nationwide Learning Academy courses, and engaging hallway conversations. “We’re really looking forward to getting back to Nashville and seeing all our members and vendor partners,” says Melissa Stenson, vice president of member experience for Nationwide. “The city has been a tremendous host to us in the past, and we’re looking forward to experiencing Nashville from a new perspective. In addition
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Cargo Imports Won’t Recover in 2023. Here’s Why.

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The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented supply chain issues, with consumers spending record amounts on imported goods. In fact, According to NRF Vice President of Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold, the group’s Global Report Tracker shows “last spring and summer were the busiest ever as consumers spent freely and retailers brought in merchandise to meet demand [and this year] February [despite being] historically the slowest month of the year, but the number was the lowest since 1.53 million TEU in May 2020.”  The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported that during the pandemic “the nation’s ports saw congestion on the water with vessels backed up, as well as on land with terminals full of both loaded and empty containers. There were difficulties with finding enough truckers, a shortage of chassis to carry the containers, and ongoing challenges with rail operations.” This can largely be attributed to the “stay-at-home” recommendation, which caused an unprecedented incr
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SSV Works Launches Speaker-Pod Add-Ons for Ford Broncos

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SSV Works, the market leader in powersports and off-road audio systems, is proud to announce the launch of their new plug-and-play 6.5-inch rear speaker-pod add-ons for 2021+ 2-door Ford Broncos. These patent-pending speaker-pods are designed for easy installation in the rear factory roll cage using existing mounting locations. With a focus on sound quality and durability, they are weather-proof and resistant to extreme environmental conditions, making them perfect for outdoor adventures. The loaded pods come with 6.5-inch, 120 Watt SSV Works powersports speakers and are priced at $359.99. Alternatively, customers can choose pods with included Kicker speakers for $469.99, or opt for unloaded pods at $249.99. The speaker-pods include stainless steel hardware, molded grommet, integrated speaker terminals, and a plug-and-play harness for seamless connectivity. SSV Works offers a limited lifetime warranty for both the pods and speakers. Recognizing the rapid rise in popularity of the new B
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Gramophone Introduces Cutting-Edge Experience Center

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Gramophone, a leading audio retailer, has announced the grand opening of their unique Gramophone Experience Center in Timonium, Maryland. This state-of-the-art showroom showcases prestigious audio brands like Focal Powered by Naim, McIntosh, Sonus faber, and Bang & Olufsen. The center offers curated audiovisual experiences, including a Focal Powered by Naim store, a McIntosh experience with Sonus faber speakers, a Bang & Olufsen immersive experience, a hidden theater with concealed speakers, and a Virtual Window powered by Sony for immersive video experiences. Gramophone’s CEO, Andrew Davis, describes the showroom as a real-world journey that combines design and technology seamlessly saying “The Gramophone family is extremely proud to open our finest and most elaborate showroom to date. The new space presents real-world, highly desirable solutions for integrating design and technology. The showroom is conceived as a journey that takes visitors through various displays of art-li
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Aston Martin Partners with Bowers & Wilkins

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Aston Martin and Bowers & Wilkins have announced a new audio partnership, with the DB12 becoming the first Aston Martin model to feature the newly developed Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System. The system is a 15-speaker, double-amplified 1,170W setup that delivers an immersive audio experience in line with the DB12’s high-performance and ultra-luxury values. Aston Martin and Bowers & Wilkins engineers collaborated closely to ensure optimal speaker positioning and symmetry within the car’s fabric. The partnership marks the start of a shared vision for heightened performance and technical innovation. The Aston Martin DB12, touted as the world’s first Super Tourer, redefines the sportscar category with its exceptional performance, refined dynamics, state-of-the-art technology, and luxurious features. Celebrating Aston Martin’s 110th anniversary and 75 years of the DB model line, the DB12 combines a 680PS/800NM V8 Twin-Turbo powertrain with meticulously honed chassis for an
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Edifier Releases W820NB Plus Noise-Canceling Headphones

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Edifier, a leading audio solutions provider, has unveiled its latest addition to the headphone lineup with the announcement of the W820NB Plus wireless noise-canceling headphones. Designed to offer a premium audio experience with enhanced comfort and convenience, the W820NB Plus is packed with advanced features for immersive sound and seamless wireless connectivity. Featuring active noise-canceling technology, the W820NB Plus headphones allow users to enjoy their favorite music or podcasts without any distractions from the surrounding environment. The adaptive noise-canceling feature adjusts according to the ambient sound, ensuring a personalized and immersive audio experience. With Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, users can enjoy seamless wireless audio streaming and quick pairing with their devices. The built-in rechargeable battery offers up to 50 hours of playtime on a single charge, making it ideal for extended use on the go. Additionally, the headphones feature intuitive touch control
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