| March 21, 2012 | News for the franchise sector |
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- Seattle's Best aims to serve new markets
Seattle's Best opened the first store using its new drive-thru prototype as part of a makeover aimed at appealing to young working-class families. The Starbucks-owned brand took a hit when it lost 450 in-store cafes when the Borders bookstore chain closed. Chicago Tribune
(3/18)     
- McDonald's test could spell the end of polystyrene foam cups
McDonald's is testing a "double-walled fiber hot cup" in about 2,000 restaurants, with the goal of phasing out cups made with polystyrene foam, which is not typically recycled. "This is a great first step for McDonald's and we hope it will lead to a permanent switch to paper cups in all of its restaurants," said Conrad MacKerron, senior program director of the shareholder advocacy group As You Sow. Environment News Service
(3/20)
- IHG to launch upscale hotel brand in China
InterContinental Hotels Group plans to introduce a new upscale hotel brand to China. The Hualuxe Hotels and Resorts brand has features such as gardens and tea houses designed to appeal to Chinese customers. The first Hualuxe location is expected to open by late 2013 or early 2014. The Wall Street Journal
(3/19)
 | THE FRANCHISE YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR.
RadioShack has a global presence and a variety of innovative products and services. With reasonable investment levels and hundreds of potential markets, a RadioShack franchise represents an exciting opportunity for you to associate with a powerful retail brand. Click here to learn more. |
| Best Practices & Business Leadership |  |  |
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- How to fire someone with style and grace
Firing someone is the hardest task most bosses ever face, and that often leads them to hurry through the process with little regard for the long-term consequences, Ron Ashkenas writes. Leaders who are prepared, clear and compassionate are more likely to emerge with their reputations intact. "[I]t never gets easier," Ashkenas writes. "So if you have to do it -- do it right." Harvard Business Review online/HBR Blog Network
(3/20)
- Customers are clamoring for digital coupons
Digital coupons have become more popular, and your business might be able to benefit from them, John Jantsch writes. "Consumers are growing to expect [digital coupons], admit they help seal the deal and remain loyal to brands that offer them." Duct Tape Marketing
(3/20)
- Attractiveness of booking solo travel continues to increase
The solo travel trend continues to spread across demographics of gender, age, marital status and interests, catching the attention of travel agents and suppliers worldwide, this feature says. Experts are advising agents to seek out attractive destinations and packages that would help them seize this potentially lucrative market. "Agents must acquaint themselves with the needs and demographics of the singles market and the range of supplier products that cater to it in order to match their clients with the best itinerary," said Jerre Fuqua, president of Travcoa. TravelAge West
(3/17)
| Policy Update | |  |
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Learn more: Read IFA's news release praising House Majority Leader Eric Cantor for introducing the Small Business Tax Cut Act.
- IFA opposes proposed overtime rule
IFA opposes a Department of Labor proposal that would require companies to pay overtime to in-home care workers. The move would make in-home care more expensive for clients and would decrease pay for workers, according to IFA. About 50 franchise owners and caregivers planned to go to Capitol Hill. National Journal
(3/19)
| SmartQuote | | |
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| | Recent IFA SmartBrief Issues:
- Monday, March 19, 2012
- Friday, March 16, 2012
- Wednesday, March 14, 2012
- Monday, March 12, 2012
- Friday, March 09, 2012
| | | Lead Editor: Brooke Howell
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