Malls embrace pop-up stores, local flair
It is no secret that the American mall is facing a crisis. Rising competition from online retailers has put pressure on the stores that typically set up…
Author: The Smart Reader Staff
Briefs and quick reads selected and edited by The Smart Reader's editorial team of Rick, Allyson, and Ryan Good.
Shopping malls selling more fun
Arcades once brought foot traffic into malls and entertainment is, once again, becoming important in retailing. Alongside movie theaters, malls are…
Finding and using a small-business mentor
As a small-business owner, learning how to create and manage a successful business can be an overwhelming task. One way to help mitigate those challenges…
The return of the Polaroid
Camera phones have incredible quality but you don’t get the photos instantly on paper. To get that, you have to go retro. Polaroid and its 1977 OneStep,…
Drones might be the next medical transporter
From breathtaking videos to Amazon deliveries, people have been finding more and more uses for drones. Because they are small, unmanned, and able to cover…
Smart Textiles: Even your shirt will be online
Clothing usually revolves around either extreme utility or fashion and the recent introduction of smart textiles hopes to help improve both of those…
Bringing water to rural Africa
A British startup is attempting to do what billions of dollars and dozens of donors have not: Bring a reliable source of water to rural sub-saharan…
Hurricane Harvey highlights small business risk
The devastation left by Hurricane Harvey is a good reminder to small business owners that preparing for disaster is essential. Catastrophic hurricanes…
Small business risk: Fire ranks high
Going into business is heavy with financial risk but, once in business, natural disasters or unforeseen problems can create catastrophe. Fire ranks high…
The robo-calling epidemic riles millions
Telemarketers have been a nuisance to phone owners for nearly as long as landlines have been in existence and today there are more than ever. According to…