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Help Me Hank: Closer look at Cyber Monday deals, online shopping safety
Read full article: Help Me Hank: Closer look at Cyber Monday deals, online shopping safetyCyber Monday is finally here, the biggest online shopping day of 2021. It’s expected there will be $11 billion in sales worldwide today alone with an estimated 188 million shoppers making purchases.
6 great holiday gifts with Black Friday savings for the active person on your list
Read full article: 6 great holiday gifts with Black Friday savings for the active person on your listStart your holiday shopping today and grab the perfect gift for your favorite golfer, hiker or outdoor adventure enthusiast and save with Black Friday discounts.
GM sales sharply decline in 3rd quarter due to part shortages
Read full article: GM sales sharply decline in 3rd quarter due to part shortagesSales have dropped significantly for General Motors this quarter due to part shortages and “historically low inventories” caused by issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.
WDIV-Local 4 Names Michele Aenlle-Hayes National Sales Manager
Read full article: WDIV-Local 4 Names Michele Aenlle-Hayes National Sales ManagerWDIV-Local 4/ClickOnDetroit announced today that Michele Aenlle-Hayes has been named the new National Sales Manager for the Graham Media Group-owned NBC affiliate in Detroit. Aenlle-Hayes most recently was a Sales Executive for LocaliQ, part of the USA Today Network.
Data: Used car prices up 20.8% in Detroit
Read full article: Data: Used car prices up 20.8% in DetroitUsed car prices are up 20.8% in the Detroit market over the past year. Nationally, used car prices have increased 16.8%, or $3,926, over the past 12 months, compared to most years when they remain constant.
Ann Arbor cafe owner launches effort to revive small businesses lost to pandemic
Read full article: Ann Arbor cafe owner launches effort to revive small businesses lost to pandemicDavid Lin had to close two of his Ann Arbor businesses during the pandemic. He's hoping a new crowdfunding effort will bring back small businesses across the U.S.
Help Me Hank searches for the best sales, deals for April
Read full article: Help Me Hank searches for the best sales, deals for AprilDETROIT – Stores all across Metro Detroit and online are holding huge sales. Consumer investigator Hank Winchester hit the shops on Wednesday to see what’s out there and to see what people should be looking for. Macy’s had huge deals, some prices slashed more than 70 percent. Metro Detroit retailers are also cutting prices, working to get foot traffic in their stores. Some Metro Detroit downtown districts will be offering new incentives to get people back to their local merchants.
Report: These were the fastest selling cars in Detroit in February 2021
Read full article: Report: These were the fastest selling cars in Detroit in February 2021LOUISVILLE, KY-OCTOBER 27: The all-new 2018 Ford Expedition SUV comes off the assembly line at the Ford Kentucky Truck Plant October 27, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)DETROIT – The Volkswagen Passat is the fastest selling used car in the Detroit area, according to data from iSeeCars. But the fastest selling new vehicle in the region is the Ford Expedition. According to ISeeCars, the average new car in Detroit took 46.5 days to sell in February 2021, while the average used car took 49.1 days to sell. To determine the fastest-selling cars in Detroit, iSeeCars said it analyzed 1.2 million new and used car sales in February 2021.
Angie Cady promoted to Local Sales Manager at WDIV
Read full article: Angie Cady promoted to Local Sales Manager at WDIVWDIV-Local 4, Graham Media Group’s NBC affiliate in Detroit, has named Angie Cady its Local Sales Manager. In this role, Cady will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the local sales team and strategy. “Angie is an energetic leader who has the respect and admiration of the WDIV-Local 4 leadership, our sales team, and clients locally and across the nation,” said General Sales Manager Gary Macko. She began her tenure at the station in 2008 when she joined as an Account Executive before taking over as the National Sales Manager two years later. Cady has been working in the Detroit media business for 25 years, including jobs at WKBD, WJBK, Comcast Spotlight and Fox Station Sales.
Experts share advice for selling old items you no longer use
Read full article: Experts share advice for selling old items you no longer useDETROIT – If you’ve spent some time organizing and decluttering your home you’re probably wondering what to do with all that stuff you’ve cleaned out. Experts have said that there are ways to make money from the things you no longer need. Some of the best-selling items in your home are old toasters, coffee makers and mixers. Other options are clothes you don’t wear, toys your children don’t play with, maybe older electronics. There are sites like Poshmark, eBay and Facebook marketplace where you can sell items.
Selling items online: How to spot scammers
Read full article: Selling items online: How to spot scammersJanuary is often a month people clear clutter from their homes, making room for new holiday gifts. A popular way to unload unwanted stuff is to sell it online on sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. However, the Better Business Bureau warns that there is an overpayment scam targeting people selling their goods. In this scam, a buyer will ask for the extra money back. The Better Business Bureau recommends never shipping an item before being paid for it, be wary of offers that are too good to be true and watch out for counterfeit emails.
Customers support Ferndale store through coronavirus pandemic
Read full article: Customers support Ferndale store through coronavirus pandemicOne Metro Detroit store decided to put safety first and the response from customers has been more than they ever imagined. Local businesses have had to make some tough decisions over the last few months, but one Ferndale store made the choice to close and customers are rewarding them for it. Emily and John Murray opened Modern Natural Baby on Nine Mile Road in 2009 after having a baby of their own. Their store was able to survive thanks to the loyal customers who shopped online and through social media. John Murray said they’ve been getting orders from customers that don’t have children or grandchildren because they want to support the store.
Sales and safety precautions: What to expect on Black Friday
Read full article: Sales and safety precautions: What to expect on Black FridayDETROIT – Malls and local stores across Metro Detroit are preparing for what is typically one of the biggest shopping days of the year -- Black Friday. Local stores have had to reinvent themselves with many limiting the number of customers inside, offering hand sanitizing stations, requiring masks and putting safety first. As far as the deals go, many stores and malls will still be offering sales on Friday. Help Me Hank toy test: Testing 2020′s top toys ahead of the holidaysThe Help Me Hank Toy Test went virtual this year to keep everyone safe. We asked two families, both previous Help Me Hank toy testers, to try out some toys at home and give us their opinions.
Detroit gets its first car vending machine -- Here’s how it works
Read full article: Detroit gets its first car vending machine -- Here’s how it worksDETROIT – Buying a used car normally gets pretty tedious. READ: A look at why used car sales are up despite COVID-19You go to a dealership, take a test drive and haggle before getting the keys. Detroit just got its first car vending machine and it’s a very different experience. Tim Pamplin takes a look at the vending machine in the video above
What will Black Friday look like amid the pandemic?
Read full article: What will Black Friday look like amid the pandemic?DETROIT – The 2020 holiday shopping season will be very different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sept. 11, 2020: Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 110,832; Death toll now at 6,578Black Friday is so last year. Home Depot is one of many retailers that are passing on Black Friday deals. Amazon will start offering deals Oct. 26. Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Target, Kohl’s and other retailers have said they will remain closed on Thanksgiving due to the pandemic and the growth of online shopping.
BBB warns of online face mask retailer Hyperfavor
Read full article: BBB warns of online face mask retailer HyperfavorBetter Business Bureau is warning consumers that it has received 61 Complaints and 56 negative Customer Reviews for online retailer, Hyperfavor. The business, which claims to be based out of Sheridan, Wyoming, operates the website, hyperfavor.com, where it sells themed and customizable apparel- including a wide assortment of cloth face coverings. Complainants also allege receiving tracking numbers that appear to be fraudulent or that never update. After reaching out to Hyperfavor, they received responses saying the order would be shipped in a few days. The company currently has an F rating based on the volume of complaints received and their failure to respond to the majority of them.
Target sales surge as Americans lean on big box stores
Read full article: Target sales surge as Americans lean on big box storesNEW YORK Comparable store sales at Target soared 24.3% in the second quarter, more evidence that big box retailers have turned them into essential points of supply during the pandemic. Comparable sales which include sales at stores opened at least a year and online sales - set a record for the three-month period that ended Aug. 1. Online sales surged 195%, while sales at established stores rose 10.9%. Americans have relied on big box retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, as well as Amazon, since the start of the pandemic. That trend accelerated to 97% in the second quarter.
Ann Arbor realtors weigh in on real estate during pandemic
Read full article: Ann Arbor realtors weigh in on real estate during pandemicANN ARBOR, Mich. Combined, Tammi Ebenhoeh and her daughter, Alexa Ebenhoeh, have 22 years of experience in real estate around Ann Arbor, but neither expected the changes theyve seen in the market during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this pandemic, it made me realize that real estate is essential. Housing is a need, not a want, said Alexa, a Charles Reinhart Realtor based in Ann Arbor. While people are rushing to buy homes, both Tammi and Alexa said that theyve seen a lot of deals be dropped. As for what the future of the Ann Arbor real estate market looks like, neither of the realtors is sure.
A look at why used car sales are up despite COVID-19
Read full article: A look at why used car sales are up despite COVID-19DETROIT The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the financial difficulties it created has made for some unusual trends. Heres why now may be the perfect timeThere has been a scramble for used cars all across Metro Detroit. He said his used dealership sales are 40 percent over their record year, each in the past two months. Szott said the second a leased car gets turned in, its already sought after by multiple buyers. Autotrader data shows right now used car sales are ahead of last year at this time.
How RV, camper sales are skyrocketing in Michigan
Read full article: How RV, camper sales are skyrocketing in MichiganMOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Rental and sales teams for RVs and campers say they’ve never been busier than this year. We visited General RV in Mount Clemens to learn why and how they’re dealing with the boost in demand. Interest in campers and RVs has jumped about 300 percent this year due to the pandemic. “My advice is call early,” said John Demick, of General RV. “If you want to do it next year, you want to do it in July, call me in January.”
Why the startling drop in auto sales may not be as bad as it looks
Read full article: Why the startling drop in auto sales may not be as bad as it looksDETROIT Two thirds of the Big Three have released their second quarter sales numbers and they are not good. GMs year-over-year-sales were down 34%, selling nearly 500,00 vehicles; and it was even worse for FCA with its second quarter sales falling 39%, selling 367,000 vehicles. Analysts expected numbers to drop amid COVID-19, but not this much. GM sold 17 million vehicles in 2019 and is excepted to be closer to 13 million in 2020. Autotrader analyst Michelle Krebs said fleet sales should pick up to make for a good year.
China auto sales up 14.5% in May, recovering after pandemic
Read full article: China auto sales up 14.5% in May, recovering after pandemicChinas auto sales surged 14.5% in May, a second straight month of growth as the global industrys biggest market gradually recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said Thursday. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)HONG KONG Chinas auto sales surged 14.5% in May, a second straight month of growth as the global industrys biggest market gradually recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. Sales fell 9.6% last year, their second straight annual decline. The downturn is squeezing brands that are investing billions of dollars to develop electric vehicles under pressure to meet government sales targets. Demand for electric vehicles weakened last year after Beijing reduced subsidies that helped to make China their biggest market, accounting for half of global sales.
Ann Arbor compost facility now open for drop-off, sales
Read full article: Ann Arbor compost facility now open for drop-off, salesANN ARBOR Ann Arbors compost facility reopened on Saturday for residents to drop off yard waste bags and materials for sale. Visitors will be able to use a temporary driveway and are encouraged to visit Friday and Saturday for drop-off or pick up. Sales are per cubic yard, and materials include:CompostNatural wood mulchPallet mulchWoodchipsCheck and credit cards accepted only. Residents can collect up to one cubic yard of free mulch or compost while supplies last. As is required for drop-off, a recent water bill or a valid city of Ann Arbor drivers license is required for pick up.
Despite unemployment, Metro Detroit real estate market booming
Read full article: Despite unemployment, Metro Detroit real estate market boomingDuring the COVID-19 crisis, weve all been forced to stay home a lot more and that has folks rethinking about where that home should be. Metro Detroit real estate agents claim business hasnt slowed down one bit. In the last two months, unemployment has been at an all-time high, so youd think people would stop buying homes like they did in past recessions -- but its actually the opposite. Real estate agent Nick Sloney said when the stay-at-home order was lifted, the market picked up immediately and that its a different kind of recession. Another reason people are eager to buy is the mortgage rates are at an all-time low.
Art Van stores close early due to traffic issues
Read full article: Art Van stores close early due to traffic issuesWARREN, Mich. – Lines of cars surrounded the Art Van Store in Warren on Saturday afternoon for the big ‘Going Out of Business’ sale, after the mega furniture chain recently announced they are shutting all Art Van Stores. READ: Art Van Furniture to close all stores: How did we get here? The parking lot is closed, they closed early I guess.”A spokesperson for Art Van said all of the stores had an overwhelming turn out, but they did have enough security and no altercations. READ: Art Van closure creates ripple effect from employees to Metro Detroit convenience storesAccording to the Art Van website, all Art Van Stores will open for customers 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, March 9, 2020. Customers can pick up their scheduled purchases at the freestanding stores at 6:00 pm today (Saturday, 3/7/2020) and Monday (3/9/2020).
Art Van customers line up looking for sales, answers about warranties
Read full article: Art Van customers line up looking for sales, answers about warrantiesWARREN, Mich. – After the major announcement that Art Van is closing its stores, customers are lining up at locations across Metro Detroit, looking for great sales or simply wanting answers about furniture and warranties. The Art Van store in Canton Township was only letting in 10 people at a time. Many people who had already placed orders before the announcement want refunds. If you have a warranty on your Art Van product, it’ll most likely be worthless. Customers who had previously placed orders told Local 4 they have since been canceled.
What to expect as Art Van going-out-of-business sales begin tomorrow
Read full article: What to expect as Art Van going-out-of-business sales begin tomorrowDETROIT – Art Van is closing all its stores, and the sales begin Friday. The furniture giant will begin marking down its inventory immediately, as it all must go. The furniture giant operates under the brands Art Van Furniture, Art Van PureSleep and Scott Shuptrine Interiors. Levin & Wolf Furniture in Ohio and Pennsylvania will be sold to Robert Levin, pending court approval. Eight Wolf Furniture stores in Maryland and Virginia will also be liquidated.