Posts made in July 2021

CardRatings Analyst Predicts Credit Card Landscape

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The credit card analyst for CardRatings.com, a leading credit card review and comparison site, is releasing predictions for the next six months of the calendar year. Brooklyn Lowery researched how the pandemic affected the credit card industry in general and explains what consumers should expect in the coming months. She finds both positive and negative trends in her new analysis of “Mid-year update: Credit card trends to watch for in 2021.”

Travel rewards bonuses are booming: “Have vaccine, will travel.” We knew travel would return and, with it, mega travel rewards credit card bonuses. CardRatings is seeing highest-ever offers for perennial travel rewards favorites. Credit card companies seem to be competing for cardholders, so if consumers are considering travel rewards cards, now is the ideal time to apply. Bonuses are significant but may be for a limited time, even if they aren’t advertised as such.

“With most of the country returning to normal, Americans hit the roads and skies in record numbers over the July 4th weekend, and banks want to capitalize on that travel fever. We don’t predict a slowdown any time soon in travel nor in big travel rewards bonuses. As soon as one card announces its offer, a competing card announces its own. Expect this domino effect to remain at least through the end of the year.”

COVID perks remain: As Lowery predicted at the end of 2020, several credit card features and benefits designed to provide value during the pandemic are continuing as COVID restrictions lift. Her analysis finds a number of popular travel rewards cards are keeping everyday-geared benefits and features that were introduced during the economic shutdown.

“The credit card industry understandably held its breath during the height of the pandemic, waiting to see how the economy would fare and what existing customers would demand for cards in their wallets,” says Lowery. “Banks rolled out new features and benefits and customers responded positively, so banks are assessing what to keep long-term.”

Consumer credit card approvals slow and credit limits low: Anecdotal evidence suggests banks are continuing to exercise caution with card approvals and credit limits. As the economy has largely reopened, risk aversion has ebbed slightly, but it’s still common for consumers to wait for approvals or receive low credit limits. At this point, lending may continue loosening at a steady rate; that could depend on what happens with COVID variants and possible new restrictions going forward.

Small business credit cards bounce back: After 18 months of hardship, small business owners are receiving positive news – small business credit card approvals are bouncing back and businesses are having an easier time getting approved. Banks are marketing this card type again after largely stopping at the height of the pandemic.

Interest rates low – for now: Most credit card interest rates are shaped by the U.S. prime rate, and the Federal Reserve isn’t predicting a rate hike until 2023, so major changes in credit card interest rates seem unlikely for now. That said, issuers can increase interest rates apart from that federal rate and traditionally have done so as they introduce new features or benefits. Lowery believes the historically low interest rates will stick around for the next six months but predicts they’ll creep a bit higher in 2022 as banks continue rolling out new features and benefits to attract new cardholders. That means now is the time to pay down credit card balances.

“Peeking ahead to early 2022, I think we’ll see balance transfer offers make a comeback following the holiday season. Of course, everything here is dependent on COVID remaining under control and the economy remaining fully open. If any of that changes, all bets are off.”

ADAMVS Winery Welcomes Alberto Bianchi as Winemaker

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Bianchi Will Steward the Estate Vineyard and Winery Towards Vintners’ Old-World

Vision to be a Grand Cru of Napa Valley’s Howell Mountain

Denise Adams, co-owner of ADAMVS, a profound and geologically diverse Estate vineyard resting atop the legendary Howell Mountain, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Alberto Bianchi as Winemaker. The Adams are also proprietor/vintners of Château Fonplégade, a Grand Cru Classé Château and vineyard in St. Émilion, Bordeaux.

Bianchi was selected by ADAMVS owners, Denise and Stephen Adams, following an extensive, months-long search for a winemaker who would not only steward ADAMVS wines in the cellar, but rear them from the moment of their inception in the vineyard, working closely alongside Consulting Winemaker, Philippe Melka.

“During our extensive recruitment process for a new winemaker, we knew this special individual would have to share our passion for purity, balance, and a near-obsessive approach to careful and responsible farming,” said Denise Adams. “We knew he or she would have to speak our language; one of total commitment to wines of integrity, place, purpose and emotion. Alberto Bianchi was a perfect match for our philosophy and vision.”

Raised in Milan, Italy, Bianchi’s passion for the vine and wine began at the age of seven, while helping his grandfather craft Barbera wine in his cellar, wine that the family enjoyed throughout the year. It is not just the act of winemaking that has always been of interest to Bianchi, it’s also the “romantic and heroic” nature of viticulture in extreme sites that has ignited the passion and commitment to wine that drives him today. He believes that the vineyard is the heartbeat of a winery.

“I’m greatly honored to join the ADAMVS team. The first time I visited the property I felt an instant connection,” said Bianchi. “Wine is a synonym for culture: it is the pure expression of the land, the soil, the climate and the people. It’s with great pleasure that I start this amazing journey on Howell Mountain.”

Bianchi holds a bachelor’s degree in Winemaking and Viticulture from the University of Milan and a double master’s degree in Winemaking and Viticulture from the University of Turin and the University of Lisbon. After completing his studies, Bianchi travelled extensively throughout Italy, France, Australia, Argentina and New Zealand, experiencing a variety of cultures and characters and winemaking techniques with the different grape varieties, and honing his craft.

In 2012, Bianchi was selected for LVMH’s Estates & Wines Early Career Winemakers program, where three up-and-coming winemakers are sent to three countries for three years of intensive training and development. He began in Argentina, as Assistant Winemaker at Terrazas de los Andes, followed by a year at Newton Vineyard on Spring Mountain, Napa, before his final rotation at Cloudy Bay in New Zealand, where winemaker, Tim Heath, became a mentor. “He taught me the importance of being respectful of the wine you have in front of you,” Bianchi said.

Upon completion of this three-year program, Bianchi returned to Newton in 2016 as Head of Winemaking. Today, Bianchi possesses the same boyish wonder that he felt as a child assisting his grandparents in Italy. His quest is to translate the beauty, nature and elements of ADAMVS’ profound and geologically diverse site into elegant wines that will evolve through time.

ADAMVS offers private tastings and experiences by advance appointment to allocation list members. For more information, and to join the waitlist, please visit the official website.

Sally Boy – Bad Habits

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**SALLY BOY ANNOUNCES HIS SIGNING TO LOUD ROBOT/RCA RECORDS, RELEASES NEW TRACK & MUSIC VIDEO FOR BAD HABITS FROM FORTHCOMING EP LIES I TELL MYSELF TODAY**

LISTEN/WATCH HERE

ANNOUNCES THE SALLY BOY SHOW SEASON 2 – WATCH THE TRAILER HERE!

Multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter Sally Boy announces his signing to Loud Robot/RCA Records today. In celebration of the announcement, he released his new track and music video Bad Habits (listen/watch here). Bad Habits is the third track to be released this summer and will be featured on his forthcoming EP Lies I Tell Myself coming later this year.

I’ve been keeping touch with my younger self the past few months and he’s hyped. This is what we wanted way back when I started making music, so it’s surreal to say I’m a signed artist. I’m ecstatic to work with a label like Loud Robot/RCA that can keep stride with my hyperactive energy — I’m glad we’re doing it together 🙂

Additionally, Sally Boy is excited to announce the second season of his variety show The Sally Boy Show. The 4-episode season will showcase a mix of talent from the singer/songwriter as he performs, writes and directs the musical performances, comedy sketches, monologues and more. Watch the trailer here.

Earlier this summer, Sally Boy released two additional tracks Chess & Checkers and Good At Being Lonely ft. Hong Kong Boyfriend both received several spots on playlists from Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music and have over half a million streams between the two. Early Rising said Good At Being Lonely is purely infectious and Variance Magazine said Chess & Checkers is addictive, and delivers just the perfect summer vibes.

Loud Robot, the record label from J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot, announced its partnership with RCA Records last month. Sally Boy is the second artist to be signed to the label.

About Sally Boy

The Philadelphia born, Los Angeles based singer songwriter hit the scene in 2020 with the release of his debut EP EREZ all while being a senior at USC majoring in popular music and minoring in philosophy. The EP garnered accolades including being listed as one of Pigeons & Planes Best New Artist in September, features in Wonderland Magazine, Flaunt Magazine, American Songwriter’s Bringing It Backward Podcast, One’s To Watch and more.

Follow Sally Boy via Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and website.

Fletcher – Healing

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**FLETCHER DEBUTS THE OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR EMPOWERED NEW SINGLE HEALING WATCH HERE**

FLETCHER debuts the official video for her new single Healing, a powerful anthem to reflect the times, one of self-awareness and discovery. Watch the video HERE and download/stream Healing HERE.

V Magazine said, In stunning new visuals co-directed by Fletcher and Ava Rikki, the rising artist enters a new era. Your next summer anthem has arrived… FLETCHER isn’t just a pop star but an artist and this music video is her testimony. A simplistic trap beat backgrounds (her) airy light vocals as she declares herself on the journey of self love and recovery, unlearning false self perceptions and entering the next phase of a glow-up journey.

Healing finds the acclaimed singer/songwriter reclaiming her interior resolve, making a natural progression from her critically-lauded EP THE S(EX) TAPES, a boldly personal project executive-produced by Malay (Lorde, Frank Ocean). Co-written with Scott Harris (Shawn Mendes, Khalid) and ALDAE (Justin Bieber, Kid Laroi), Healing is rooted in the raw emotional intimacy that FLETCHER is known for and offers her most gripping vocal performance to date.

NME said, ‘Healing’ (is) luminous…An ode to the reclamation of one’s inner strength, the new track shines with a soundscape of warm guitars and summery synth percussion, over which Fletcher boldly embraces her rawness and humanity. Variance declared, If purposeful pop is a thing, FLETCHER’s ‘Healing’ is absolutely it, and Uproxx named the soaring track, Best New Pop Music and said, leaning on a skittering beat, FLETCHER lilts powerful lines about the important of understanding there’s no such thing as a quick fix for your personal problems.

The process of making this song was really freeing, says FLETCHER. We’re all healing from something, she says. The world is healing right now. I can feel the collective energy of people waking up to their power and connecting to themselves in a way that humanity never has before. Healing isn’t a linear process, and it’ll take you on the most insane roller coaster ride of your life. But it’s worth the view at the top.

Currently at work on her debut album, Healing is FLETCHER’s first single since her 2020 hit Bitter, a track that’s amassed over 150 million streams to date. Hailed by Idolator as a breakup anthem for the ages, Bitter is a standout cut from THE S(EX) TAPES, a collection of magnetic and moody pop songs about finding your forever person before you find yourself and, as a result, needing to uncover the parts of you that remain unknown. Soon after arriving last September, the EP earned praise from outlets like Nylon, Teen Vogue, PAPER, SPIN (who noted there aren’t any rules when it comes to FLETCHER’s music) and more.

About FLETCHER

Praised by leading outlets like TIME, Wonderland, V Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Interview Magazine, GQ, The Guardian and more, FLETCHER hails from Asbury Park, New Jersey, where she cultivated her passion for music and her unforgettably candid storytelling. After graduating from NYU’s famed Clive Davis Institute for Recorded Music, FLETCHER carved out a distinct space for herself in pop music, and in 2019 released her debut EP you ruined new york city for me via Capitol Records. The widely lauded EP features her breakthrough hit Undrunk, a track that spent several weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, scored the #1 spot on Spotify’s Viral Chart, emerged as the fastest-rising song at pop radio from a new artist in the past five years, and earned FLETCHER a nomination for iHeartRadio’s Best New Pop Artist. Over the years, FLETCHER has sold out several headline tours and landed impressive slots at Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Life is Beautiful, and other major festivals. Released in September 2020, FLETCHER’s EP THE S(EX) TAPES hit No. 1 on iTunes across all genres and drew acclaim from outlets like Teen Vogue, SPIN, PAPER, and many others. An unfiltered look into FLETCHER’s world, the EP is a collection of magnetic and moody pop songs about feeling like you’ve found your forever person before you find yourself and, as a result, needing to uncover the parts of you that remain unknown. The EP’s lead single Bitter has now surpassed 150 million global streams. FLETCHER’s television performances include The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show and Ellen. An outspoken activist of the #MeToo movement throughout her career, FLETCHER released the 2018 track I Believe You in support of sexual assault survivors, garnering over 50 million streams to date. She was also recently nominated for a 2021 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist. One of FLETCHER’s latest tracks, Last Laugh is available now on the soundtrack to the Academy Award-winning film Promising Young Woman.

Follow FLETCHER via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Bendigo Fletcher Announces Addititonal Tour Dates

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Bendigo Fletcher have announced additional US tour dates in support of their forthcoming debut album Fits of Laughter. This November, the band will embark on a run of co-headline shows with Ona and Sylmar. Tickets for all dates are on sale now HERE. Fits of Laughter is due for release on August 13, 2021 via Elektra Records and is available for pre-order now HERE. Watch the band perform the album’s latest track “Astro Pup “ live from Louisville, KY ‘s Blackacre Farm HERE.

This Summer, Bendigo Fletcher will return to the road for a run of headline shows and festival appearances. In the Fall and Winter, the band will support labelmate Anderson East on both legs of his Maybe We Never Die Tour of North America. The 22-city trek kicks off on October 21, 2021 with two nights at Los Angeles, CA ‘s famed Troubadour, and wraps on February 02, 2022 at Toronto, Canada ‘s Danforth Music Hall. A complete list of live dates and ticket information can be found on their website.

Bendigo Fletcher announced their Elektra Records signing in an exclusive interview with American Songwriter, and previewed Fits of Laughter with the release of lead single “Evergreen “ earlier this year. In May, the band returned with the album ‘s groove-heavy opener “Sugar in the Creek“ and an accompanying animated music video. Last month, they unveiled the album‘s latest track “Astro Pup”. The album‘s early releases have been praised as “somewhere between the post-Woodstock folk scene of the band that decade‘s burgeoning hard rock movement“ (FLOOD Magazine), and “denser psych-rock with some remaining elements of Bendigo Fletcher’s drifting folk-Americana roots“ (American Songwriter). Additionally, The Bluegrass Situation premiered a live video of the band performing “Sugar In The Creek“.

Throughout Fits of Laughter, frontman Ryan Anderson crafts the patchwork poetry of his lyrics by serenely observing the world around him. When matched with the band’s gorgeous collision of country and folk-rock and dreamy psychedelic, the result is story-songs graced with raw humanity, wildly offbeat humor, and a transcendent sense of wonder. For help in forging the album’s ragged elegance, Bendigo Fletcher worked with producer Ken Coomer, laying down the album in nine frenetic days. The album bears an undeniable immediacy, thanks in part to the band’s decision to limit the tracklist to eight essential songs (a move largely inspired by extraordinarily lean and iconic albums like Television ‘s Marquee Moon).

Fits of Laughter follows a trio of independent EPs that quietly amassed millions of streams and earned praise from Pop Matters, Atwood Magazine, and more. Converting audiences to fans on the road, Bendigo Fletcher has supported Mt. Joy, Nathaniel Rateliff, Rayland Baxter, Caamp, and Hiss Golden Messenger on tour. Bendigo Fletcher is: Ryan Anderson (lead vocals, guitar, banjo) – Andrew Shupert (backing vocals, lead guitar) – Evan Wagner (backing vocals, keys, guitar, auxiliary percussion) – Conner Powell (bass) – Chris Weis (drums).

Destiny Rogers – What I Like

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**DESTINY ROGERS RELEASES NEW SINGLE WHAT I LIKE WITH VISUALIZER**

Listen HERE

Watch HERE

Single Featured as part of Destiny’s Jordan Brand Campaign Delta of Destiny, as Part of Launch for the Jordan Delta 2 Shoe

What the press is saying about Destiny Rogers

Destiny Rogers is the new ‘It’ girl of alt-R&B. – NYLON

…an unapologetic uniqueness, a creative presence, and a strong voice. – V MAGAZINE’S NEXT GENERATION

Destiny Rogers marries a gift for personal storytelling with a sumptuous percussion palette… – Billboard

Beach Wave Sound / RCA Records artist Destiny Rogers releases a brand new single What I Like with a fun visualizer.

Listen HERE

Watch HERE

What I Like was produced by multi-Grammy Award winning and Producer of the Year nominated producers/songwriters The Stereotypes (Bruno Mars, Cardi B., Justin Bieber) who also co-wrote the song with Destiny.

Unapologetic but impossibly smooth, What I Like shares some crucial insight into Destiny’s personality, listing off what she loves (matte-black Mercedes-AMGs, men who don’t talk too much) and what she can’t stand (driving the speed limit, dudes who expect her to pick up the check).

The release of What I Like coincides with the launch of Destiny’s Jordan Brand campaign, titled Delta of Destiny for the release of the Jordan Delta 2 shoe. The month-long campaign will be featured on Jordan’s social pages and on the Nike app. Every week until August 11th, Jordan Brand will be releasing content featuring Destiny Rogers with What I Like as the featured track.

Check out the Jordan Brand campaign on Instagram HERE and on the Nike App HERE.

Comments Destiny, I am so thankful to the Jordan family for a giving me the opportunity and platform to share my story and to feature some new music! It’s a dream come true.

What I Like follows Destiny’s just released track West Like feat Kalan.FrFr on which Destiny pays loving homage to her West Coast and Latin roots, laying down a groove-heavy, talk-box-enhanced track inspired by the classic G-Funk records of the early ’90s. Check out the video premiere on COMPLEX, watch the official video HERE and a live performance that debuted last week HERE.

Since first breaking through with her boldly confident but carefree single Tomboy, which has generated 43 million views on YouTube (Watch HERE) and most recently covered by K-Pop super group Black Pink’s Lisa through a dance cover (Watch HERE) that has generated over 67 million views, Destiny Rogers has staked her claim as an artist to watch. Growing up in the Northern California town of Lodi, the 21-year-old multi-faceted musician taught herself to play guitar at age 10 and soon started writing and self-producing her own songs. Soon after the 2019 premiere of Tomboy, a track that recently hit #12 on Spotify’s Global Viral 50, Destiny’s spectacular rise has included touring the world and writing for heavy hitters such as Alicia Keys, Khelani and G-Eazy, all while discovering a new sound that transcends genres to irresistible effect.

Check out her Genius Verified piece HERE which explores her debut Tomboy.

Destiny Rogers is currently in the studio working on new material. Prior to West Like featuring Kalan.FrFr, Destiny released a reworking of Tomboy feat. Coi Leray, and linked up with Coi for a special TikTok to the song which was reposted on Instagram and praised by Kim Kardashian West. In addition, K-Pop superstar B.I released his global single, Got It Like That featuring Destiny Rogers with Tyla Yaweh which debuted at #1 on Spotify’s K-Pop X-Overs chart and has generated over 4 million views on YouTube (Watch HERE).

About Destiny Rogers

21-year-old Destiny Rogers is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who was born and bred in Lodi, a small Northern California town. At age 6, she became obsessed with skateboarding and even thought she wanted to pursue her passion professionally. She grew up in the church with her father who is a youth pastor who listened to AC/DC and Mexican mother who listened to Mariachi music — Destiny was pulled in by the power of music. At age 9, she received her first guitar and by age 10 taught herself how to play by watching Justin Bieber covers online and began singing.

After a few years of busking in Los Angeles on the weekends and facing the trials and tribulations of the music industry, she connected with the Grammy-Award winning songwriter/producer team The Stereotypes (Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Justin Bieber). She signed to their label, Beach Wave Sound in 2018 and released her R&B and hip-hop inflected pop debut EP Tomboy via Beach Wave Sound/RCA Records the following year.

Destiny has performed at various festivals including Something in the Water, Lights On and Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw, as well as on a European and North American tour with Ruel.

Follow Destiny Rogers via Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.

FERRARO’S – TASTE AND LEARN

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FERRARO’S ANNOUNCES TASTE & LEARN EVENT AUG 21 FEATURING THE WINES OF MASTROBERARDINO

Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar invites guests to experience the next Taste & Learn on Saturday, Aug 21 from 6 to 8PM. Taste & Learn is Ferraro’s popular, monthly wine-tasting and education event that provides illuminating wine education along with a menu of expertly prepared, authentic Italian small plates crafted by Chef Mimmo Ferraro.

Every Taste & Learn offers a tour through Italy’s most esteemed wineries. August’s event spotlights the wines of Mastroberardino, the leaders in Italian viticulture. The Mastroberardino family has been farming grapes and producing wine since the mid-eighteenth century, dating back 10 generations. They are largely responsible for the revival and elevation of Irpinian and Campanian winemaking during the post-World War II era. Their efforts ignited a resurgence in quality red and white wine production across Southern Italy. Working primarily with Campania’s ancient, native varietals—Fiano, Greco and Aglianico—Mastroberardino has revived would-be extinct grapes into world-class varieties.

“We are always excited to teach our guests about Italian wines and look forward to our monthly Taste & Learn events,” said Gino Ferraro, owner of Ferraro’s. “With Chef Mimmo’s thoughtful pairings, it’s not only an incredible wine education experience, but also a wonderful culinary one.”

The full menu of wine and food pairings follows:

Mastroberardino, Falanghina Del Sannio
Polipo Alla Putanesca
Grilled Spanish octopus, cherry tomatoes, capers, anchovies, red onion

Mastroberardino, Irpinia Aglianico
Arancino Ai Funghi con Salsa Besciamella
Risotto ball with mushrooms topped with pecorino and parmigiano Reggiano reduction sauce

Marisa Cuomo, Costa Di Amalfi Rosso
Bucatini con Crema di Melanzane e Noci
Bucatini pasta with roasted eggplant puree, cherry tomatoes and walnuts

Mastroberardino, Radici Taurasi
Tagliata di Manzo
Sliced New York strip loin, arugula, shaved parmigiano Reggiano and roasted potatoes

Tickets for the all-inclusive experience are $90 and space is limited.

ABOUT FERRARO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT & WINE BAR
Founded in 1985, Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar is Las Vegas’ longest running, family-owned and operated restaurant offering authentic, five-star Italian cuisine in a fine-dining atmosphere. Specializing in freshly made pastas and sauces, legendary osso buco, savory risottos, expertly prepared all-natural meats, Safe Harbor® seafood, as well as an extensive award-winning wine list, Ferraro’s is famous for its attention to detail, welcoming environment and passion for food that runs in the family. The Ferraro family members devote themselves to ensuring each guest has a memorable experience, whether for lunch, dinner, late-night or private parties and events. Ferraro’s is open for dinner from 5 to 11 p.m., Monday through Thursday and Sunday and from 5PM to 1AM on Friday and Saturday. For reservations, call (702) 364-5300. For more information, find them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Survey Reveals Customers Prefer In-Person Shopping

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Beautyque NYC unveiled its consumer survey results assessing “Beauty Consumer Survey: Has the Pandemic Changed Beauty Retail Forever?”. Key results included concerns over safety in-store protocols with testers and sanitary issues, increases in online shopping, and a profound desire for in-store purchasing ability. To see full survey report, click HERE.

“Over the past year, the pandemic has changed the way we do almost everything—including shopping for our favorite beauty products. We were interested to see how beauty consumers have adapted their shopping habits, and gauge their overall opinions and experiences when it comes to shopping online vs. shopping in physical stores,” explains Beautyque NYC Founder & Owner Sonia Khemiri. “We asked our community of beauty lovers to complete a survey, and we were able to extract some interesting key insights using the data submitted by 229 respondents.”

One of the most interesting takeaways of this survey was learning the beauty consumer’s feelings toward being able to physically see, feel, and test a product before deciding to purchase it. An overwhelming 80.4% of respondents indicated that being able to physically experience a product before buying is extremely important to them.

“Contrary to a lot of the buzz we’ve been hearing about how brick and mortar retail is dead, the consumers themselves are telling us otherwise,” says Sonia.

“The pandemic has caused me to enjoy shopping in a physical store more than before. I love being able to see, feel, smell and sample the products I purchase,” says survey respondent Jennifer G.

According to the Beautyque survey responses, the top 3 reasons why consumers like shopping for beauty products in physical stores include:

Being able to see, feel, and try on products in person before buying
Getting a product immediately rather than waiting for delivery
Requesting a product sample to take home

However, concerns were expressed about sanitary efforts of retail stores. A significant amount of people indicated that they would only use product testers if they were sanitized before their use.

Just over 40% of survey respondents said that they will only be using product testers if they are fully sanitized immediately before use; 33.5% said they will avoid using testers altogether for the foreseeable future; and 24% said they will continue using product testers as they always have.

“I don’t feel very safe/clean touching using testers. I am okay with sealed products. I still do like going in person so I can see how big the product is, the actual colors and just the overall environment,” according to survey respondent Jenny N.

Beautyque also assessed whether the pandemic changed the shopping habits of beauty consumers? And if so, will this change in habits outlast the pandemic and continue indefinitely?

“We asked beauty shoppers how often they shopped for beauty products in physical stores before, during, and after the pandemic,” Sonia outlines.

Approximately 62% of respondents indicated that before the pandemic, they shopped in physical stores often or all the time; by no surprise, that number dropped to 12% during the pandemic; and now, after the pandemic, that number has crawled upward to 27%.

“These results show us that people are definitely not shopping for beauty products in physical stores as often as they did pre-pandemic—maybe because the pandemic isn’t fully over, maybe because they found that they enjoy shopping online more, or maybe a combination of many factors—but the reality stands that consumer shopping habits have changed for the long haul,” Sonia believes.

The Beautyque survey also inquired about beauty shoppers who online purchased before, during, and after the pandemic, to compare the results. Just over a third (34%) of respondents indicated that before the pandemic, they shopped for beauty products online often or all the time; that number jumped up to 53% during the pandemic; and has decreased just slightly to 46% after the pandemic.

According to survey results, the top 3 reasons consumers like shopping for beauty products online include:

Being able to shop from anywhere, at anytime
Seeing product reviews and ratings
Searching for brands/products quickly and easily

Survey respondents also indicated their favorite features that have improved the online shopping experience for beauty products.

Personalized quizzes to find your perfect shade match, formula, etc.
Ability to live chat with beauty specialists or brand representatives
Virtual try-on technology

“I’ve grown to enjoy [shopping for beauty products online] much more. Being able to read reviews and engage with others online replaces the questioning that may occur in store,” survey respondent April P. says.

An interesting takeaway from the survey is that, although online shopping rose during the pandemic and although products bought online were more likely to be returned than those bought in-person, returns were still lower during the pandemic than before. Having said that, most people preferred to shop online than in physical stores, although the difference was slim. A significant amount of consumers also preferred to browse for products online, then buy them in-person, indicating a balance between the preferences.

“Many consumers feel there are elements of online shopping that retail shopping cannot compete with. The luxury of shopping from the comfort of their home, finding things through their keyboard and browsing other customers’ reviews — many consumers feel these affordances are more valuable than what in-person shopping allows,” Sonia says.

Beautyque NYC is a disruptive retail marketing platform conceived by US-based female entrepreneur and indie brand founder Sonia Khemiri. In addition to the first ever beauty 3D storefront, Beautyque NYC provides an in-depth and interactive marketing platform for its more than 25 brands and 10000 consumers.

In addition to taking its own polls with its beauty enthusiasts, Beautyque NYC also spearheads Brand Evaluation Programs for its brand members to provide them direct product feedback from a focus group testing process.

Survey respondents include 229 consumers, ages 18 and older provided insight to how and if their beauty shopping habits changed during the pandemic.

To learn more, click HERE.

ITALIAN WINERY LAUNCHES US COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM

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Botter S.p.A., Italy’s largest private wine producer in terms of revenue, has launched its first-ever integrated communications program in the US with Colangelo & Partners as its communications agency partner. The agency will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy targeted to key media, trade members, consumer stakeholders and industry influencers. Colangelo & Partners will focus on engaging new and current consumers through strategic media relations, events, partnerships and social media. The campaign will increase Botter’s portfolio visibility in the market and support sell-through opportunities, with particular focus on the brands Gran Passione and Brilla! Prosecco.

Botter was founded by Carlo Botter and his wife, Maria, in 1928, in a small town in the Veneto region. The company started as a small business selling local wines. The 1980s saw the start of the brand’s multi-territorial approach to wine production that now covers Italy from north to south. Today, one out of 20 bottles of Italian wine exported is produced by Botter.

Imported by Winesellers, the Gran Passione brand includes wines from Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, two of the leading Italian regions for viticulture and quality wine production. Featuring a white, a rosé, two sparkling wines and a red—the brand’s masterpiece, a blend of Corvina from Veneto and Merlot from Friuli—Gran Passione is a complete and rich collection, perfect to enjoy from aperitif to dessert, sure to please any palate.

Brilla! Prosecco, imported by Three Sixty Five Wines, was born from the idea of combining Prosecco with one of Italy’s greatest expressions of style and elegance: jewels. With a bottle design that is textured to be reminiscent of diamonds, this brand is the epitome of Italian sensibility. Brilla!, exuberant, fresh, cheeky and suitable for any occasion, is produced both as traditional Prosecco DOC and Prosecco DOC Rosé, a blend of Glera and Pinot Nero.

“We are looking forward to bringing more awareness to our family brand as well as our two wine lines, Gran Passione and Brilla! Prosecco,” said Annalisa Botter, head of marketing communications for Botter. “The United States market is a key part of our export strategy, and we’re excited to amplify our presence here through our partnership with Colangelo & Partners.”

Four Seasons Hotel Boston Launches Summer Experiences

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Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston launches four Boston Experiences, designed for guests and travelers to authentically discover Boston and beyond.

“When people think of Massachusetts, they think rich history, beautiful coastlines and picturesque brownstone lined streets. With this in mind, we have created some one-of-a-kind memorable experiences for our guests to enjoy. No matter how long or short their visit is, we want our guests to have an authentic but elevated adventure, and there’s no better time to enjoy these than summer in New England,” says Reed Kandalaft, General Manager.

City of Art

Expertly curated by world-renowned art consultants Kate Chertavian and Lucy Rosenburgh, the One Dalton Art Collection permeates every guest room, residence and public space. Guests are invited to embark on a discovery of Boston’s art scene starting with a self-guided tour of the Hotel’s art collection referencing the dedicated catalogue. Guests are invited to sip on a glass of Champagne while walking through the Hotel’s spectacular collection learning about works from Duke Riley, Yinka Shonibare, Tacita Dean and more.

Following the Hotel exploration, guests can choose to be whisked away by private car to an exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art in the Seaport District where Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston serves as the Official Hotel Partner. The concierge team can arrange for tickets to the current exhibition on display.

End the day at the Hotel’s new cocktail lounge Trifecta, where guests will witness artistry of another kind – a cocktail handcrafted just for them. Trifecta’s stunningly creative cocktail menu pays homage to the city of Boston as an artistic hub. Designed by Julia Casale, Assistant Director of Food and Beverage, the menu features an eclectic mix of contemporary, stylised cocktails, drawing inspiration from the characters and cultural institutions that were pivotal in Bostonian history, and subsequently helped shape the future of the city. In addition to cocktails, guests will enjoy a light menu of local seafood and New England fare crafted by Chef Daniel Burger.

Discover Oyster Country

Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston is just a short drive to the Massachusetts coastline. Located just south of Boston in Duxbury and affectionately known as “The Napa Valley of Oysters,” Island Creek Oysters is one standout farm that raises the bar in sustainable luxury seafood.

Guests are invited to spend a day at Island Creek’s historic 11-acre (4.5 hectare) oyster farm, where they will get an interactive lesson in farming – from how the oysters start their lives in the hatchery to how farmers harvest them from the ocean waters. A captain will guide guests aboard the Nathaniel Winsor, a 27-foot (8 metre) Carolina Skiff boat and out on to the water for an up-close and hands-on oyster farming experience. Guests can then retreat to the farm’s bayfront raw bar for chilled wine, oysters and caviar while taking in the sweeping coastal views.

Should guests require transportation, a private car can be arranged by the Hotel’s Concierge to transport guests to and from the farm. Guests are also welcome to bring back fresh oysters and caviar, which can be enjoyed in the privacy of their room with a bottle of chilled Champagne.

Boston Photography Tour

Boston is home to some of the most picturesque spots and charming neighborhoods in the nation. To encourage guests to capture every moment of their visit, Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston has created the ultimate guided “photo walk” tour around Boston’s most Instagrammable spots with a professional local photographer and guide.

This two-hour experience will take guests through iconic districts including Back Bay, Fenway and the South End, allowing participants to hone their photography skills and marvel at attractions at the same time. The photographer will make unscripted pit stops to sample his or her favorite local brews and food along the way. By the end of the experience, guests will have lived like a local and raised their Instagram game at the same time.

The photographer will take care of everything and including providing photography equipment (upon request) and following the tour, will share all of the images captured on the walk so guests can remember their adventure. If there’s any bucket list locations that guests simply must visit, the Concierge team can help design the perfect custom itinerary for the group.

Boston By Bike

Boston is the perfect city to navigate on two wheels. Hotel guests are invited to borrow a complimentary One Dalton Biria Bike during their stay and head out for a morning or afternoon of adventure. Take a ride down Commonwealth Avenue and explore the Commonwealth Avenue Mall with its stunning selection of trees and shrubs. Explore the Emerald Necklace, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (who also designed Central Park in New York City), which comprises more than 1,100 acres (445 hectares) and includes Boston Common, The Public Garden and The Fens, all of which are a short ride from the Hotel. Another great destination for a picturesque ride is the Charles River Esplanade, which runs for 3 miles (close to 5 kilometres) in the Back Bay area, all along the Charles River. It’s the perfect place to stop and take pictures along the way.

To make bike reservations, call the Concierge team on 617 377 4888. Guests are also invited to refer to the Insiders’ Guide to Spring, Summer and Autumn with suggestions on where to go near and far.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL ONE DALTON STREET, BOSTON ACHIEVES LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (LEED) SILVER CERTIFICATION

The One Dalton team proudly celebrates this accomplishment as designated by the US Green Building Council

As a leader in the Boston community, Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston is committed to sustainability and improving the quality of life and overall health and wellness of Hotel guests, residents and team members. By developing and implementing proactive sustainable practices, the Hotel team proudly celebrates achieving the internationally recognized Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

Launched in 1998 and first certifying projects in 2000, the USGBC created LEED to measure and define what a green building meant and to provide a metrics-based system to develop sustainable buildings. Through transforming how buildings are designed, constructed and operated to support sustainability, the goal is to reduce overall environmental impact and create a more sustainable life, consequently improving the quality of life for generations to come.

“We are delighted to have achieved this certification from the US Green Building Council and truly value our partnership. We are committed to practicing sustainability, preserving our planet’s limited resources and enhancing the lives of all that enter our building including guests, residents and team members. We will strive to implement measures that continually propel us forward as a leader in sustainable practices and the Boston community overall,” says Reed Kandalaft, General Manager.

While Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston is now Silver LEED certified, the Hotel will continue to strive for Gold and then ultimately Platinum certification in the future. A concerted effort around recycling, eliminating single use plastics and styrofoam, and a keen focus on implementing sustainable material for meetings will largely dictate the way forward. The team is also committed to tracking and reporting Hotel-specific energy data to measure the carbon footprint and to completing annual energy audits and collaborating with energy experts to continually be at the forefront of innovations in the energy field.

As a 61-storey skyscraper in Back Bay and the third tallest building in Boston, Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston opened in May 2019 and seemingly overnight, transformed the city skyline. Designed by Henry Cobb of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners in collaboration with Gary Johnson of CambridgeSeven Associates, the glass skyscraper soars above the city at 724 feet (220 meters) in height. Surrounding the elliptical “guitar pick” shaped building are streetscapes by landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh. Design mastermind, Bill Rooney of Bill Rooney Studio Inc, is the visionary behind the design aesthetic of the Hotel’s public spaces and guest rooms. The luxurious interior design exemplifies a cutting-edge modern aesthetic, ultimately creating the premier hotel experience in Boston.

Designed to appeal to both leisure and business guests, the Hotel features 215 guest rooms and suites; The Wellness Floor at One Dalton featuring a spa, fitness centre and indoor heated lap pool; Zuma, the internationally-acclaimed Japanese izakaya-inspired restaurant and bar; Trifecta Lobby Lounge; breakfast restaurant One + One; more than 11,000 square feet (1,000 square metres) of dedicated meeting and event space across two floors; a world-renowned art collection curated by Kate Chertavian; and 160 private residences.

LEED for Building Design and Construction, the category through which the Hotel received the coveted designation, provides a framework for building a holistic green building and gives developers a chance to create a healthy, resource-efficient and cost-effective building that also enhances the lives and experiences of everyone who walks through its doors. LEED certified buildings use less energy and water, avoiding waste and saving on maintenance costs, improving indoor air quality and creating less environmental burden on their community. Green building has subsequently grown into a trillion-dollar industry and LEED has become the most widely used green building program in the world.