[Post 985] Why Food Prices Are Still So High In The U.S.

Summary

As inflation cools considerably, prices for items like gasoline, used cars and energy have all declined accordingly. But food prices continue to outpace inflation, increasing by 28% since 2019. 86% of consumers reported feeling frustrated with rising grocery prices, and over a third said they have resorted to buying fewer items to save money. Despite campaigning on grocery prices, President-elect Trump also acknowledged it might be ‘hard’ to bring down grocery prices. So why are food prices still so high? And can anything be done to bring the cost down?

[Post 984] How Vuori Is Taking On Lululemon And Alo Yoga

Summary

Southern California-based athleisure brand Vuori has quickly made a name for itself in a saturated industry largely dominated by Lululemon and private Alo Yoga. In 2021, the company raised $400 million from Japanese SoftBank, the largest investment round by any private apparel brand at the time. In November 2024, it landed another investment round for $825 million bringing its valuation to $5.5 billion. The company will likely complete an IPO in the near future. The question is, can it keep the momentum and eventually take over giants like Lululemon?

[Post 983] I Started A Business With $400 — Now It Brings In $180K/Year

Summary

Sarah Cloes, 27, lives in San Marcos, California with her husband, Bret. In 2021 she founded Flora Flora Co., a brand that specializes in selling sustainably packaged shampoo and conditioner bars. In 2024, the business brought in about $180,000.

This is an installment of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which profiles people across the globe and details how they earn, spend and save their money.

[Post 982] My NYC Business Brings In $800K/Month

Summary

Coss Marte, 39, is the founder and CEO of Conbud, a legal cannabis dispensary in NYC's Lower East Side, where he once sold cannabis illegally. After serving prison time, Coss embraced his entrepreneurial spirit, leading to the creation of Conbud. In September 2024, the business generated over $800k in sales and is projected to hit $12 million in 2025.

[Post 981] I Turned A Ceramics Side Hustle Into $6.6 Million A Year Business

Summary

During a typical day at Jono Pandolfi's New Jersey pottery studio, he and his 30-person team will unload over a thousand pieces out of its 13 kilns, and ship the plates, bowls and mugs to restaurants and home chefs across the country and beyond. Jono Pandolfi Designs began in 2004 as a side hustle, and 20 years later the company is projected to bring in over $6.6 million in 2024.

[Post 980] Singapore equities market: Review group studying how to tap seed money, get growth firms to list

Summary

Singapore is looking at how to strengthen its equities market by attracting more private investment and getting companies with high potential to grow fast, like those in fintech and sustainability, to list on the bourse. Deputy Prime Minister and Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong said this at the SGX Group's 25th anniversary event, which also marks the first trading day of the year. James Cheo, Chief Investment Officer, Southeast Asia and India, HSBC Global Private Banking and Wealth, analyses the plans that are being considered to boost SGX. He discusses some of the fundamental issues that need to be addressed first and how the measures will address these problems.

[Post 979] How Shein And Temu Keep Prices Shockingly Low: Chinese Fast Fashion

Summary

Super affordable products have enabled the Chinese online shopping apps to dominate the US market - Shein, for example, surpassed Amazon in downloads to become the top shopping app in 2021. But just how do Shein and Temu keep their price tags so competitive? And do their low prices come at a cost?