A study led by University of Florida Professor Jieun Shin finds that clickbait headlines that withhold key facts tend to lower reader engagement on social media, as readers often feel the stories do not live up to the headlines. However, writes RCG's Tom Corfman, headlines that provoke emotions, especially anger, drive stronger engagement. The study suggests that communicators should focus on informative and emotionally resonant headlines rather than sensationalism, Corfman writes.

Episodic content gives brands like Argos, State Farm and InStyle a way to build long-term relationships on platforms like Instagram and TikTok by building communities and making it easier to predict engagement. Little Joy Coffee demonstrated the format's potential for small businesses by increasing sales 40% with an Instagram recipe-testing series, Argos' art gallery mockumentary raised engagement 230% and a 2024 survey found that 70% of brands and agencies planned more long-running content for this year.

Amazon Ads' "Gain the Edge" campaign, developed with Anomaly, demonstrates how small and medium-size businesses can compete effectively using Amazon Ads. The campaign, running across audio, digital, podcasts, streaming and social, features a sibling rivalry between car dealers, showing how both thrive after using Amazon Ads.

Choosing between Wix and Shopify depends on business size and needs. Wix is user-friendly and affordable, ideal for SMBs with basic ecommerce needs. Shopify, however, offers advanced features and scalability, making it better for larger businesses looking to grow. While Wix excels in ease of use and design flexibility, it has limitations in scalability and payment options. Wix offers a straightforward pricing structure with a free plan for testing and paid plans ranging from $17 to $159 per month, whereas Shopify starts at $29 per month after a short trial, with higher-tier plans and additional costs for apps and transaction fees.

Smaller businesses are struggling to keep up as larger firms embrace digital tools and AI, but policy and resource changes could help. Goldman Sachs and the Bipartisan Policy Center developed a playbook of policies to support small businesses, three of which directly address closing the technology gap. Recommendations include equipping resource providers to offer digital and AI training, promoting AI literacy and education and encouraging agencies like the SBA to adopt digital tools for better support.

Black-owned businesses have grown 45% over three years to nearly 195,000 in 2022, but they still represent just 3% of US companies. Accessing business funding remains a significant hurdle for these entrepreneurs, who often face stricter credit requirements and reduced bank presence in majority-Black communities. However, Community lenders, especially community development financial institutions, are stepping in to support Black business owners through flexible loan criteria and personalized guidance.

To create a financial plan for your small business, begin by assessing your current financial status through a review of income statements and cash flow reports to define measurable financial goals. Develop detailed revenue and expense projections, categorizing costs into fixed and variable to produce an accurate budget. Consistently track and manage your cash flow, using strategies like prompt invoicing and maintaining an emergency fund to ensure liquidity. Consulting with financial advisors can also provide valuable insights throughout the process. Don't be unrealistic or underestimate your expenses.

Small businesses may have gaps in retirement planning, creating a crucial opportunity for advisers to fill this need for the benefit of business owners and employees, writes Joel Schiffman of BidMoni. Over time, more opportunities may arise. "As businesses grow, they face new needs -- capital strategies, executive compensation, succession planning," Schiffman writes.

Drizzle Cheesecakes, founded by State Fair of Texas "best taste" winner Stephen El Gidi, is participating in a three-day trial sale during the grand opening of Costco in Allen, Texas, until Aug. 17. The pop-up will offer four-pack selections with El Gidi personally handing out samples. If he sells at least 8,000 slices, he may secure a long-term deal to stock his cheesecakes at more Costco stores across Texas. "We're looking to expand throughout" the Dallas-Fort Worth area, says El Gidi, who has grown the business from a State Fair stand to a year-round restaurant in Irving.

A recent Senate hearing spotlighted the growing threat of organized retail crime and the urgent need to pass the bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act. Lawmakers heard testimony from industry and law enforcement experts who emphasized how CORCA would empower agencies with tools for real-time data sharing, coordinated investigations and stronger enforcement. The hearing reinforced broad support for federal action to combat increasingly sophisticated and violent retail crime networks. Learn more.

Primark is #2 on the list of Hot 25 Retailers. Source: NRF's 2025 Hot 25 Retailers list, compiled by Kantar Retail.

NRF's 2025 Hot 25 Retailers list, compiled by Kantar, highlights the fastest-growing US retailers based on year-over-year domestic sales growth. This year's ranking showcases a mix of discount chains, international newcomers and mall-based brands reinventing themselves for younger consumers. Released annually in August, the Hot 25 reflects evolving consumer preferences and retail innovation, offering insights into which companies are gaining momentum in a competitive and shifting market landscape. See this year's list.