Since the start of the pandemic, people have found alternate ways to stay active and fit even as many gyms implement restrictions or completely shut down. Running has emerged as one of the more popular hobbies people have taken up this year, according to Jim Weber, CEO of Brooks Running.
"We've seen, I think, 1.6 million new runners this year into our brand alone; so, there's no question that even with our sports shut down, we think more people are running than ever before," Weber told Cheddar.
The brand saw 49 percent global growth in Q3, a mark Weber attributes to new runners and its status as a subsidiary of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway.
The likelihood that the trend continues beyond the pandemic, according to the CEO, is promising. Weber pointed to the Great Recession of 2008 as a measuring stick after people picked up running as part of their daily exercise regimens and appeared to stick with it.
"So, we think this is actually the beginning of a new running boom. Next year, hopefully, when our sport opens back up from 5Ks to the Olympics and marathons and group runs, we think that's going to be a turbocharger to the growth that we're seeing now," he said.
While the broader retail industry took a major blow this year, Brooks only faced a small hiccup at the start of the pandemic and "saw signals starting in April that people were going out the door and running," Weber said. Though major events were put on hold, people were likely running to take advantage of the health perks it offers, he suggested.
"Now, I think what's keeping people out there is literally the mental benefits. We all know the physical benefits and the like but taking a part of the day and getting outdoors, getting some fresh air, and moving is just such a key part in staying healthy in this environment that we're in right now," he said.
After the 2021 boom, IPO activity slowed down significantly, in part due to monetary policy – but things are getting moving again with tech-friendly companies like Iboutta and Rubrik making a public debut.
With an increasing demand for mental health services, one person wanted to change the therapy game. In 2017, CEO Alex Katz founded Two Chairs, a company that uses technology to match patients with the right therapist.
Not only is April Financial Literacy Month, it’s also the kickoff of the spring homebuying season. So now is the time to make sure you have a financial plan in place – and why it might not be wise for that to include buying your first home.
While the U.S. may slowly be on the path to lowering inflation (and therefore interest rates), Europe has thoroughly trounced America, putting it on the path to lower rates by this summer.
April's release of the monthly Housing Starts and Building Permits reports by the Census Bureau provides crucial insights into the construction activity in the housing market. These reports are an economic indicator, shedding light on the current state of the housing market and its broader economic impact.
Caitlin Clark is heading to the Indiana Fever, the number one draft pick and the highest-scoring college basketball player of all time. And while she may not be getting millions from the WNBA, there's a few ways she'll net compensation for her generational talents.
Author of 'Clean Meat,' Paul Shapiro joins Cheddar to discuss how the cellular agricultural revolution helps lower rates of foodborne illness and greatly improves environmental sustainability. Plus, how his company The Better Meat Co. is bringing healthier food options to the table.
Recent headlines might make it sound like World War III is imminent, but when it comes to your finances, it's not the time to panic. The market is coming off its longest winning streak since 2011.
You may have noticed fewer new venture capital-backed startups (like Airbnb or Uber) lately. The market slowed to a crawl after 2021, but things are expected to take off again in 2025.