🔋 Transformers

Tick tock, tick tock.

Time is Money – and the New York Stock Exchange knows it, announcing plans to transform to extended trading on its all-electronic exchange to 22* hours a day.

There’s also a countdown clock to retirement, and what Americans want from the workplace is shifting. Gen Z, more than any other generation, ranks financial advice among the most important employer benefits (42%), according to Empower research.

— The Editors

📮 You’ve got mail, modified: The U.S. Postal Service is ready to post big numbers, with shopping and sending season approaching. As part of its $40 billion* transformation, the service can now process 60 million packages a day – nearly triple the volume from 2020 – and has added 106,000 new vehicles for a reenergized, integrated mail and package network. The changes are a welcome addition for the impending demand; Americans are expected to spend more than $240 billion online shopping from now through the end of the year.

🧂 A salty switch up: For the first time in 15* years, Pringles is swapping the iconic cylinder canister for a mixed bag. The new bow-tie and air-puffed chips, Pringles Mingles, blend two different flavors in each combo: cheddar and sour cream, sharp white cheddar and ranch, or dill pickle and ranch. CPI data for September found that the cost of 16 ounces of chips fell 1.5%* compared to last year. While prices may be dropping, consumers don’t want to get short-changed: 79% of people think there are less chips in the bag these days, according to Empower research.

💸 Converting to cash: Just in time for an end-of-year spending rush, Americans are sitting on a treasure trove of $27 billion* in unused gift cards, around $244 per person. In 2023, sales of gift cards rose 6%* year-over-year, with $25 denomination cards being the most popular. Keeping track of gift cards is another way to clean up your finances to avoid leaving money on the table.

🐭 Change is in the air: Make way for a new balloon on the block – this year, Minnie Mouse will get her own 60-foot-tall* spotlight in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 28, making her historic debut. A Mickey Mouse and Pluto balloon debuted in 1934, Donald Duck’s balloon appeared in 1935 and Goofy’s in 1992. Last year, a record audience of 28.5* million viewers tuned in for the event. 

The chicken or the TV?

Chick-fil-A’s famed cows are getting more time in the spotlight. In addition to its chicken shops (which drove $21.6 billion in sales in 2023), the fast-food chain is launching an entertainment app that will feature original animated programming centered on its cow mascots, as well as family-friendly podcasts and games. Read more on The Currency about how animals delight businesses and consumers alike.

The move from intern to CEO

Nike’s newest CEO, Elliott Hill, has transformed from intern all the way to CEO, spending 32 years* climbing the corporate ladder at the sports giant. His jobs have included an entry-level apparel sales rep, to management and vice president roles. Nike stock rose 8%* after his latest leadership move was announced.

Getting hands-on experience across a company’s core business is at the center of Home Depot’s latest change. The home-improvement retailer will require corporate staff (including remote employees) to work an 8-hour* shift each quarter at one of its stores. Its 450,000 employees help drive over $150 billion in revenue each year.

Many Americans are aligned with the value of staying power; 40% of people find work satisfaction from their loyalty and longevity at a company, according to Empower research.

Mall makeover

“One-stop shop” is the phrase getting malls back on the map, as many shopping centers are leaning into “retailtainment,” or themed attractions to entice spenders. Over 9 million* square feet will be transformed across North America by 2025.

New Jersey’s American Dream mall has found fun in games, with 50% of its square footage dedicated to entertainment, including a gaming center* built around big Hasbro names. The mall spans 3 million* square feet and made nearly $150 million in gross sales from April through June, a 12.4% year-over-year increase.

Digital companies are putting down a physical footprint, as well. Two “Netflix House” locations will launch in Texas and Pennsylvania* malls in 2025. The spaces will feature goods, food and drinks tied to streaming shows across more than 100,000 square feet.

Cold turkey transformation

Want to save time this Thanksgiving? Butterball has cooked up a new bird for this year’s menu: A turkey that goes from fully frozen straight into the oven, skipping the traditional long thaw.

The “Cook from Frozen Premium Whole Turkey,” will sell for around $2.49* to $2.99 per pound, tipping the scales at around 10 to 14 pounds.

Here’s one other thing to be thankful for this holiday season: The cost of turkey has dropped for the second year running. According to the Consumer Price Index, the price of turkey (and some other uncooked poultry) is down 2.24% versus last year.