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2024 Is Shaping Up to Be the Smallest Black Friday Ever: GoDaddy Study

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71% of Consumers are Ready to Pay More to Shop at Small Businesses This Holiday Season

TEMPE, Ariz., Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Consumers are in a giving mood this year, not just toward their friends and families, but also to small businesses. According to a new GoDaddy survey, 71%* of U.S. shoppers are willing to pay more to support small businesses during Black Friday and this year’s holiday season, with an eye-popping 53%* of them willing to spend up to 10 percent more to do so. 

Despite 65%* of survey respondents agreeing that inflation will impact their shopping this holiday season, their desire to shop small is clear. More than 3 in 4 (78%)** people are as or more likely to shop at a small business this Black Friday and throughout the holidays compared to previous years, with Gen Z being the most likely to shop small (85%)** and Millennials following closely behind (83%)**.  

Of the reasons to favor small businesses, 30% of respondents cited wanting to support their local economy, while 18% claimed doing so led to better customer service, and 13% preferred unique or handmade products**. 

The Stakes Are Big for Small Businesses 

GoDaddy surveyed U.S. consumers to help small businesses understand their customers’ shopping priorities during the all-important holiday season. According to the survey results, 40%* of U.S. consumers plan to do most of their holiday shopping in the next four weeks, with almost 1 in 5 (19%)* planning to do the bulk of their shopping on Black Friday alone.  

“Black Friday has long been considered peak selling season for large retailers, but GoDaddy’s research makes it crystal clear U.S. shoppers are willing and eager to make this the smallest Black Friday ever,” said GoDaddy Small Business Trends Expert, Amy Jennette. “Despite inflation concerns and rising costs, consumers want to support their local businesses and economies.” 

Jennette continued: “To take advantage of this opportunity, small businesses should lean into the ‘shopping small’ experience that consumers value and are willing to pay more for. They can do this by focusing on unique holiday promotions and offers to attract traffic and provide superior customer service along with unique products and experiences they can’t find elsewhere.” 

Who Consumers Are Shopping for and How Much They’re Spending  

GoDaddy’s survey also shows consumers are embracing the spirit of giving. Nearly one-third (31%) of consumers purchase gifts for six or more people, and 10%* extend their shopping lists to more than 10 people. 

For many, the holiday season is a time to show their generosity, with about a fifth of respondents (22%)** typically spending more than $100 per person. Additionally, 32% of shoppers who participated in the survey reported spending between $51 and $100 per person during the holidays. That means over half (54%) of respondents plan to spend more than $50 on gifts per person this holiday season. 

Spreading holiday joy isn’t just about giving gifts to others. Two-thirds (67%)** of consumers intend to treat themselves to a holiday indulgence, as well. Gen Z is the most likely to do so, with 83%** planning to buy themselves a special item or experience. 

So Many Tools and Resources to Help Small Businesses This Holiday Season 

Small businesses looking for guidance on how to maximize their seasonal sales should visit GoDaddy’s Ultimate Guide to Holiday Campaign Planning. Valuable resources include holiday marketing advice by channel, do’s and don’ts for offering seasonal promotions, AI prompts that make it easy to manage and promote a business during the busiest time of year, and much more.  

Visit GoDaddy.com to learn more about the solutions GoDaddy offers small businesses, including the AI-powered GoDaddy Airo experience that TechRadar called “a game-changer for small businesses looking to establish their online presence, particularly because of how much time and effort it saves.”  

Methodology
The survey data referenced in this news release was collected via two surveys in which U.S. consumers were asked about their holiday shopping habits: one conducted in October 2024 with 1,247 respondents* and one in September 2024 with 1,520 respondents**. 

About GoDaddy
GoDaddy (NYSE: GDDY) helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a professional website, attract customers, sell their products and services, and accept payments online and in-person. GoDaddy’s easy-to-use tools help microbusiness owners manage everything in one place and its expert guides are available to provide assistance 24/7. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com

Source: GoDaddy Inc.

 

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SOURCE GoDaddy Inc.

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365 Retail Markets Announces Modular Smart Store Combinations to Expand Operator Business Opportunities

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New Temperature, Size and Age-Verification Options add to 365’s AI and Computer Vision Product Line

TROY, Mich., May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 365 Retail Markets, the global leader in unattended retail technology, has launched new modular smart store options to complement one of its flagship products, the PicoCooler Vision.

Building on the success of the computer vision and AI-driven Stockwell and PicoCooler Vision, the new modular cabinets greatly enhance versatility and flexibility for food service operators looking to offer a better consumer experience through the use of AI. The technology opens doors to expanded market placement opportunities and the easy replacement of outdated vending machines.

Selectable build options leveraged with customizable settings create tailored placements for virtually any space. Of particular note is the ability to7 sell age-restricted items by enacting the new age verification feature. With adjustable day and time settings to align with local regulations, the feature will allow operators to offer a unique solution to hospitality spaces and beyond, reducing the staff burden of checking identification while delivering consumers the products they want in a self-service capacity.

Immediately available will be the Ambient Vision add-on, which connects to a PicoCooler Vision. The ambient cabinet is a controlled-access solution enabled through the existing payment terminal on the PicoCooler Vision. With one transaction, consumers can shop both the refrigerated and ambient sides of the smart store, with a seamless, no-scan, transaction enabled by computer vision.

In addition to the standard sized Ambient Vision add-on, 365 will be offering a larger model for expanded merchandising space. With a frame size nearly 40% larger than the base model, its spacious shelving allows for greater product offering capability.

“Data, AI, Computer Vision, Consumer Engagement— these are all technologies invested in and pioneered by 365. Our new products are a combination of these technologies and are already in high demand within our Convenience Services customer base and now being adopted by retail, hospitality and healthcare,” said Joe Hessling, Founder and CEO of 365 Retail Markets. “We believe that these new products will become mainstream tools to get products to consumers in a safe, secure and efficient way for years to come.”

Smart cabinets can be ordered now in custom combinations, with one cashless payment device managing up to three zones. Variable design layouts offer greater opportunities for optimizing available retail space. They also allow for multiple temperature cabinet combinations; ambient and cold products can be offered side-by-side in modular cabinets with variable sizing options, and 365 plans to add a vision-enabled freezer in the coming months.

The PicoAmbient Vision is also in development to be available in a standalone module, for both the standard and wide versions, creating more options to replace a standard snack vending machine while creating a more seamless and enjoyable customer experience.

CONTACT:  
Navreet Gill
VP of Marketing & Communications, 365 Retail Markets
navreet.gill@365smartshop.com

About 365 Retail Markets
365 Retail Markets is the global leader in unattended retail technology. Founded in 2008, 365 provides a full suite of best-in-class, self-service technologies for food service operators including end-to-end integrated SaaS software, payment processing and point of-sale hardware. Today, the company’s technology solutions autonomously power food retail spaces at corporate offices, manufacturing and distribution facilities, hospitality settings and more, to provide compelling foodservice options for consumers. 365’s technology solutions include a growing suite of frictionless smart stores, micro markets, vending, catering, and dining point-of-sale options to meet the expanding needs of its customers. 365 continuously pioneers innovation in the industry with superior technology, strategic partnerships and ultimate flexibility in customization and branding.

For more information about 365 Retail Markets, visit www.365retailmarkets.com and connect on LinkedIn and YouTube.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/365-retail-markets-announces-modular-smart-store-combinations-to-expand-operator-business-opportunities-302450258.html

SOURCE 365 Retail Markets, LLC

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Deadzone: Rogue Rockets to Steam’s Top 10 Global Sellers with 100K+ Players in Week 1 — Is this 2025’s Must-Play Roguelite FPS?

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ALPHARETTA, Ga., May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Deadzone: Rogue, a fast-paced roguelite first-person shooter, has officially launched into Early Access on Steam and the reception has been electric.

With over 200,000 wishlists, a Top 10 Global Seller debut, and over 100,000 players in the first week, Deadzone: Rogue has made a powerful entrance into Early Access. Steam reviews remain “Very Positive”, with praise for its tight gunplay, progression, and intense co-op.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/gzip4t7v2Rg

Set aboard a derelict spaceship overrun by rogue AI and biomechanical enemies, Deadzone: Rogue blends the adrenaline of modern FPS games with the replayability and progression of a roguelite. Players fight through hordes of enemies, collect powerful gear, and grow stronger with each run tackling missions solo or up to 3 players in co-op.

Early Access includes Zones 1 and 2, offering hours of content across different sectors of the spaceship through missions. Players will face dozens of unique enemy types, challenging boss fights, and fast-paced firefights that tell the story of the game and offer unique rewards. With 30+ weapons and a massive library of items, perks, and augments, no two loadouts or playthroughs ever feel the same.

Deadzone: Rogue captures the essence of what makes roguelites so addicting — fast action, constant progression, and meaningful player choice.

The Full 1.0 Release of Deadzone: Rogue for PC will come with Zone 3, containing new enemies, weapons, and gameplay features after Early Access ends. Deadzone: Rogue is actively in development for consoles, with release details coming soon.

Community feedback will play a key role in shaping the future of the game and content creators can claim a free key through this Keymailer link if they meet the requirements.

Deadzone: Rogue is available now on Steam and the Epic Games Store. Users can check out the Discord as well, it’s a great way to submit feature requests and feedback to the developers.

About Deadzone: Rogue
Deadzone: Rogue is a fast-paced roguelite first-person shooter developed by Prophecy Games. Set aboard a derelict spaceship infested with biomechanical threats, the game blends high-speed gunplay with deep roguelite progression. Players build and evolve their combat style using 30+ weapons, elemental affixes, perks, items, and powerful augments.

Launched in Early Access on April 29, 2025, Deadzone: Rogue is already receiving content updates and a full release of the game is coming very soon.

Contact:
Deadzone: Rogue
Prophecy Games
community@prophecygames.com

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SOURCE Deadzone: Rogue

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BCE announces election of Directors

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MONTRÉAL, May 8, 2025 /CNW/ – BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) today announced that shareholders voted in favour of all items of business put forth by BCE at the company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders today, including the election of the Directors by a majority of the votes cast by shareholders present or represented by proxy:

Nominee

Votes For

% For

Votes Against

% Against

Mirko Bibic

280,854,230

97.58 %

6,963,072

2.42 %

Robert P. Dexter

278,934,572

96.91 %

8,884,730

3.09 %

Katherine Lee 

279,198,941

97.00 %

8,620,292

3.00 %

Monique F. Leroux 

278,663,893

96.82 %

9,153,499

3.18 %

Sheila A. Murray 

275,977,442

95.89 %

11,840,086

4.11 %

Gordon M. Nixon

278,153,764

96.64 %

9,661,517

3.36 %

Louis P. Pagnutti

282,361,115

98.10 %

5,456,586

1.90 %

Calin Rovinescu

280,002,483

97.28 %

7,816,572

2.72 %

Karen Sheriff

280,208,791

97.36 %

7,609,333

2.64 %

Jennifer Tory

280,579,412

97.48 %

7,239,613

2.52 %

Louis Vachon

280,736,578

97.54 %

7,077,701

2.46 %

Johan Wibergh

281,936,122

97.96 %

5,882,873

2.04 %

Cornell Wright

279,100,995

96.97 %

8,715,003

3.03 %

Please visit BCE.ca for complete Director biographies. Information regarding all matters subject to a vote during BCE’s Annual Meeting is available on sedarplus.ca.  

About BCE

BCE is Canada’s largest communications company1, providing advanced Bell broadband Internet, wireless, TV, media and business communications services. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

Through Bell for Better, we are investing to create a better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and economic prosperity of our communities. This includes the Bell Let’s Talk initiative, which promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let’s Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

_______________________

1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

Media inquiries:

Ellen Murphy
media@bell.ca 

Investor inquiries:

Richard Bengian
richard.bengian@bell.ca

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bce-announces-election-of-directors-302450452.html

SOURCE Bell Canada (MTL)

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