• Forever 21 closing stores? Fashion chain could join list of retailers shuttering hundreds of locations this year
    www.fastcompany.com
    Fast-fashion clothing chain Forever 21 is reportedly getting ready to shutter hundreds of locations as it considers filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. If it does, it would be the second wave of mass store closings and second bankruptcy that the chain has undergone in less than six years. Heres what you need to know about Forever 21s reported closures.Forever 21 may close 200 storesor all of themThis week, Bloomberg reported that Forever 21 may close 200 locations in the United States as part of a potential second bankruptcy process that the retailer is considering. If Forever 21 cant find a buyer during the bankruptcy process, the chain would reportedly close all of its remaining U.S. stores. The situation mirrors whats been happening with the fabric-and-crafts chain Joann, which is in the process of trying to find a buyer and may be forced to go out of business if it is unsuccessful. A count on Forever 21s store locator tool reveals that is has 359 stores in the United States.Forever 21s intellectual property is owned by brand management firm Authentic Brands Group, while its operations are run by Catalyst Brands, a joint venture operated by retail group SPARC and, as of this month, JCPenney. Catalyst Brands owns other retailers including Aropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, and Nautica. Last month, it said publicly that it was exploring strategic operations for Forever 21.Fast Company reached out to Forever 21 and Catalyst Brands for comment. Catalyst Brands has not confirmed that it will initiate bankruptcy proceedings for Forever 21.In a statement provided to Bloomberg, the company said, Forever 21s operating company, which is the brand licensee in the U.S., continues to explore strategic options, including a potential sale, while also reducing costs and optimizing its store footprint. The efforts are ongoing and no final decisions regarding the outcome of the process have been made.Forever on the brinkForever 21 has been struggling for years with slowing sales, a weakening brand image, and increased competition from online retailers. In September 2019, the chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. At the time, the company said it would be closing about 350 of its 800 stores worldwide.Less than six months later, it was announced that two of Forever 21s biggest landlords, Simon Property Group and Brookfield Property Partners, were teaming up with Authentic Brands Group to buy the struggling chain for $81 million.But since then, Forever 21 has continued to face existential pressures, including declining foot traffic and the rise of online fast fashion retailers like Temu and Shein. In 2023, Forever 21 entered a partnership with Shein that allowed its clothes to be sold on the Chinese shopping platform and saw Sheins clothing being sold in Forever 21 stores.Still, the partnership doesnt seem to have been enough to turn Forever 21s fortunes around. Shein is more popular than ever, while Forever 21 still continues to struggle with much of the same pressures it has for years.Forever 21 did not respond to a request for more information about a potential bankruptcy timeline or which locations might be closed. We will update this post if we hear back.However, as Bloomberg notes, if Forever 21 does file for bankruptcy and go out of business it will not affect Authentic Brands Groups ownership of the brands IP. The publication reports that Authentic already plans to license the Forever 21 brand to other parties.
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  • An Alternative "Lo-Fi" Take on the Wallet
    www.core77.com
    This "Lo-Fi Zipper Wallet," a/k/a the Brat Wallet is by Archie & Dennis, a Tel-Aviv-based bag brand. The titular founders are brothers who draw influences from items you'd find in an old Army-Navy store. The wallets are made from vegetable-tanned leather that has been artificially distressed. The zipper is YKK, and a beefy "industrial-grade" grommet signals that the wallet is meant to be hung rather than stuffed in a pocket. The cardholder tucked inside has four slots. It comes in a number of finishes.That said, the object is limited edition; they're only making 100, each stamped with a serial number. The wallets run $165, and the strap is another $35.
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  • Top 10 Tiny Tech Gadgets Designed To Pack A Punch & Optimize Your Everyday Tasks
    www.yankodesign.com
    Today space and efficiency are becoming increasingly important, and tiny gadgets have taken a central role in transforming the way we live, work, and play. These compact yet powerful devices pack a punch, making everyday tasks simpler, more efficient, and often more enjoyable. Whether youre striving to streamline your workflow, enhance your home environment, or just add a bit of convenience to your daily routine, the right gadget can make all the difference.We have curated a collection of the top 10 tiny gadgets that you need in your life. From innovative tech tools that boost productivity to nifty lifestyle accessories that promise to make life a little easier, each of these pint-sized wonders holds the potential to improve your daily experience in significant ways. Dive in and discover how these small wonders are making a big impact in todays fast-paced world.1. Samsung Galaxy Stick & Stick ProThe Samsung Galaxy Stick and Galaxy Stick Pro are unique innovations that merge style and functionality. These devices break conventional smartphone design molds, offering a fresh take with their ultra-narrow frames, measuring just one-third and one-half the width of regular phones. These sticks are perfect for influencers and tech-savvy users who appreciate compact, fashionable gadgets that stand out in a saturated market.Although they are slim and narrow, the phones run on Android, but a customized version. They feature a compact and petite size, which supports easier handling and portability. The non-Pro model has a 4-inch screen, which is ideal for social media scrolling, while the Pro models 3-inch screen is excellent for multimedia consumption. Both models boast practical photography features but with less powerful sensors.What we likeFashionable and compact design makes it highly portable.Innovative form factor appeals to tech-forward individuals.What we dislikeLimited camera capabilities due to smaller sensors.Customized Android version may not support all apps.2. PlanckSay hello to Planck the future of mobile storage in a compact and petite package. Planck is the worlds smallest phone-first SSD, and it is blessed with transfer speeds that can reach 1050 MB/s and a storage capacity of up to 2 TB. It is a tiny powerhouse that can fit perfectly in the palm of your hand while providing professional-grade performance that will be a boon and lifesaver for content creators and mobile filmmakers.Planck showcases a minimalist design that is practical, not merely aesthetic. The minimal and lightweight form factor ensures the SSD will seamlessly and harmoniously integrate with your pre-existing setup. You dont need to make any extra space for it its size and functionality make it a perfect companion for creators who need performance and portability in their gear.Click Here to Buy Now: $125$189 (34% off). Hurry, only 5/427 left! Raised over $249,618.What we likeThe combination of speed and portability makes it an excellent tool for content creators.Features reliable heat management that allows for smooth operation even during demanding tasks.What we dislikeSeems more directed towards the needs of content creators, making it a niche product.3. OrigamiSwift Folding MouseThe OrigamiSwift Folding Mouse, inspired by the art of origami, is a foldable Bluetooth mouse that effortlessly blends portability with the feel of a full-sized mouse. This makes it a perfect choice for professionals who frequently travel. With a swift transformation mechanism, it can adapt to different work settings, offering an ergonomic design and precise control.Whether you work in a traditional office or from the comfort of your home, the OrigamiSwift Mouse is well-suited to both environments. Its portability and precision make it easy to slip into your pocket or bag, allowing you to carry it anywhere. This ensures youre always prepared to work efficiently, whether youre in a caf or on the move in a taxi.Click Here to Buy Now: $79What we likeFoldable design facilitates easy portability and storage.Ergonomic shape provides comfort during prolonged use.What we dislikeIts compact size may not be ideal for users with larger hands.Occasional charging is needed, which could disrupt workflow if not planned.4. HubKeyIntroducing the HubKey, a versatile and tiny tool essential for working professionals. This multifunctional device combines vital ports with a user-friendly control panel, featuring intuitive buttons and a rotary knob. It supports various functions, including 4K display output, 100W fast charging, Ethernet connectivity, and SD/TF card reading.All these features are packed into a compact design, ensuring quick access to each function and promoting a more organized and streamlined workspace. This enhances productivity, enabling you to complete tasks effortlessly and maintain an efficient workflow. It is essential for those who need to tackle and juggle different tasks and may struggle to do so.What we likeCombines multiple ports and controls, helping to reduce desktop clutter.Improves workflow by providing quick access to essential features.What we dislikeFull functionality with all ports may require an additional power supply.Some users may experience a learning curve with shortcut keys.5. GlamosGlamos revolutionizes screen interaction by transforming any surface into a virtual touchscreen. Utilizing advanced LiDAR technology, this small motion sensor projects an interactive interface, allowing you to easily control devices that are out of reach. By emitting infrared signals, Glamos can accurately detect and translate gestures into touch commands, making it an innovative tool for offices and homes demanding touchless technology solutions.Integrating Glamos into your life brings the future into your hands, literally. Its a perfect choice for presentations and interactive displays, enabling you to engage with technology without physical contact. Its small size belies its powerful functionality, consuming minimal power while delivering comprehensive touch capabilities. Glamos enhances productivity, offering versatility across various devices and fostering an environment where creativity and efficiency thrive.What we likeEnables touchless interaction with any screen, ideal for hygiene-conscious environments.The compact size ensures easy portability and minimal power consumption.What we dislikeDepending on lighting conditions, accuracy may vary.Initial setup required to calibrate with different devices.6. LUMILUMI is reshaping how music is learned with its innovative illuminated keyboard and interactive app. It caters to aspiring musicians who crave an intuitive, enjoyable path to mastering instruments without years of tedious practice. You need to follow the apps light-guided lessons, and you can quickly learn to play your favorite songs, reducing the learning curve significantly and making music accessible to all skill levels.Embracing LUMI as part of your learning journey promotes musical skills development through engaging and interactive methods. The brightly lit keys guide users through notes and chords, encouraging progress at an individual pace. Its gaming-like approach makes learning enjoyable, fostering motivation and passion for music.What we likeIntuitive, visual learning aids simplify music practice and theory.Bridges gaps between fun and education, perfect for all ages.What we dislikeMay not fully replace traditional music theory learning.Relies on technology with the potential for app malfunctions.7. SoundSlideEfficient control over your laptops volume is now possible with SoundSlide a tiny USB-C accessory that introduces a physical volume slider to your device. This tiny gadget is smaller than a USB-A port and only 3.5mm thin, and it addresses the common frustration of locating and remembering volume keys scattered across different laptop keyboards. It adds a touch of elegance by offering a tactile experience absent in typical keyboard shortcuts.SoundSlide is excellent for those who require seamless control over audio without the hassle of remembering key placements. It connects effortlessly via USB-C, providing instant physical control over your devices sound levels through sliding gestures. It also supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring broad compatibility. Users can adjust its sensitivity and even customize gestures through a web-based interface, making it a versatile addition to any workspace.What we likeCompatible with multiple operating systems without additional setup.Provides a tactile, intuitive interface for managing audio levels.What we dislikeRelies on USB-C, potentially occupying a vital port.Customization options are only accessible through a web interface.8. Unfolded Circle Remote 3The Unfolded Circle Remote 3 represents the pinnacle of convenience and integration in smart device management. This next-generation remote consolidates control across a myriad of devicesutilizing infrared, Bluetooth, and WiFiwithout tying users to subscriptions or cloud dependencies. A true master control unit, the Remote 3 serves as a standalone interface for smart homes, providing seamless integration with existing automation hubs.Incorporating Remote 3 into your household offers unmatched control over technology at your fingertips. Its fully offline operation ensures data privacy and reliability, crucial in todays increasingly interconnected world. Designed for versatility, the remote can expand its reach with Dock 3, allowing it to manage wired devices and add voice functionality.What we likeOperates fully offline, ensuring privacy and data security.Supports a wide range of connection protocols for extensive device compatibility.What we dislikeInitially complex to set up for users unfamiliar with device integration.The lack of an internal battery may limit usage time between charges.9. LoonaIf youre finding it hard to focus and need a well-deserved break to recharge your productivity, Loona might just be the ideal companion for your downtime. Say hello to Loona the most intelligent Petbot enhanced with ChatGPT technology. This playful little robot is so engaging and interactive that you might easily forget shes not a real pet.Loona is equipped to do a multitude of things that make her truly stand out. She will greet you enthusiastically when you arrive home, loyally follow you as you move around, and express delight when you pet her. This innovative Petbot is for companionship, and she also entertains herself by scratching imaginary spots, effortlessly roaming around your home, and even letting out an adorable sneeze now and then.What we likeOffers a delightful and much-needed break from the monotony of work.What we dislikeAppears somewhat fragile, so she should be handled with care, especially in households with actual pets.10. ChargieChargie presents an innovative solution for extending your laptop batterys lifespan by intelligently managing the charging cycle. This compact device, roughly the size of a USB stick, ensures your laptops battery remains in optimal health by controlling the charging levels and schedules. Managed via a user-friendly companion app, Chargie is easily plugged into your laptops charger, where it silently works to prevent overcharging, thereby minimizing battery wear and tear.This smart device ensures smooth performance throughout the workday without needing continuous charging. Its quite beneficial and a good pick for those who often work from varied locations and may forget to unplug their laptops once charged.What we likeProlongs battery life by effectively preventing overcharging.Features a straightforward setup with its compact design and intuitive app.What we dislikeCompatibility is limited to specific charging protocols.Optimal use requires its app, which may not suit users looking for a minimalistic setup.The post Top 10 Tiny Tech Gadgets Designed To Pack A Punch & Optimize Your Everyday Tasks first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • Manhattan Mist Living Room: Board with Shopping List
    www.home-designing.com
    Style:Manhattan MistColor Combination:Cloud white, charcoal gray, misty gray, burgundy wineWho is it for:For the high-rise dreamers who drink their espresso with a side of skyline. Those who appreciate the poetry of city lights through rain-streaked windows, and find comfort in the juxtaposition of plush serenity against urban energy.Budget:$-$$Manhattan Mist Living Room Shopping ListBelow we present a curated list of products presented on the board:1. Modular Sectional Sofa with Ottoman2. Acrylic Glass Coffee Table3. Kennemer Iron End Table4. Bridgeton Gray Area Rug5. Decorative Pillow Covers6. Short Glass Vase7. Recycled Glass Ribbed Vase8. Faux Foliage Plant9. Davita 3-Light Chandelier10. Voile Curtain Panel11. 6 Piece Gallery Wall Set12. Whitfield Marble Tray13. Pamplona Bar Cabinet14. Rose Arrangement in VaseTips and suggestionsColors That Work Together:Soft white upholstery creates an ethereal base that mirrors morning fog, while charcoal accents echo the citys steel bones. Burgundy pillows add warmth like distant sunset reflections on glass towers.Window Treatment:Floor-to-ceiling smoky gray sheers frame Manhattans iconic skyline, creating a cinematic backdrop while softening harsh city light.Furniture Foundation:The oversized sectional in ribbed cream fabric offers cloud-like comfort while maintaining metropolitan sophistication. The black bar cabinet with gold hardware brings nightclub elegance to home entertaining.Art Curation:A carefully composed gallery wall mixes abstract forms with architectural sketches, creating a personal story that complements rather than competes with the window-framed city art.Lighting:Minimalist pendant lights with globe diffusers float like morning mist, while the articulating sconce adds targeted illumination for evening ambiance.Accent Pieces:The brass-framed glass coffee table reflects light like rain-slicked streets, while vintage-inspired vessels add collected sophistication.The Final Note:This living room feels like Manhattan in the early morning peaceful yet powerful. With its mix of soft colors and city views, it creates a calm space that still captures New Yorks energy. The room proves you can have both comfort and city sophistication in one space.
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  • 7 reasons the iPhone 16e is a huge improvement on the iPhone SE 3
    www.creativebloq.com
    With the launch of the iPhone 16e, Apples most affordable phone just got a whole lot more appealing to creatives.
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  • Did a Rock Hit Your Windshield, or Did Your Windshield Hit a Rock?
    www.wired.com
    Either way, it sucks. But at least theres some fun physics to ponder while youre sitting in the repair shop.
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  • The US Is Considering a TP-Link Router BanShould You Worry?
    www.wired.com
    Several government departments are investigating TP-Link routers over Chinese cyberattack fears, but the company denies links.
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  • Coinbase Says S.E.C. Will Drop Crypto Lawsuit
    www.nytimes.com
    The end of a court fight with the largest U.S. crypto company would be a big win for an industry that financially backed President Trump.
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  • Trump Dismantles Government Fight Against Foreign Influence Operations
    www.nytimes.com
    Dozens of employees who had been working to fight foreign interference in U.S. elections have been reassigned or forced out, according to current and former officials.
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