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BBB: Must-know trends for Black Friday 2025 — small business edition

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Black Friday is quickly approaching, offering a valuable opportunity to connect with customers in meaningful ways. As you begin planning your holiday marketing, taking a look at last year’s trends and performance can spark stronger ideas and help you shape campaigns that truly resonate this season. What you’ll learn: • Key shopping and spending trends shaping Black Friday 2025 • How changing consumer behaviors can guide your sales strategy • Practical ways to use data and technology to boost efficiency and customer satisfaction this holiday season Because Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, it also offers small business owners the chance to generate a good amount of revenue BBB provides the following stats from 2024 to help plan your 2025 Black Friday strategy. Holiday online shopping surpassed $131 billion in 2024. Between November 1 and December 2, 2024, consumers spent $131. 5 billion online, up 9% from 2023. Mobile shopping made up over 50% of those sales. Consumers are spreading out their purchases across the full holiday season. Start advertising early and maintain consistent deals to capture both early planners and last-minute buyers. Remember the males. Seventy-three percent of men say that Black Friday is a great day for deals, compared to 67% of women. When people think of Black Friday shopping, most assume females will be the ones to take full advantage of getting up and heading out to save a few bucks. 73% of men stated that if presented with the right deal, they could be convinced to shop Black Friday deals compared to 67% of women. Shoppers are starting earlier than ever. 92% of consumers begin researching deals before the holiday season, and nearly half track discounts using wish lists or price alerts. Build anticipation with early teasers, email campaigns, and wish list features so potential customers include your products in their research phase. Brick-and-mortar retail is expected to grow to approximately $28. 3 trillion by 2030. Brick-and-mortar retail is expected to increase to over $28. 3 trillion by 2030. Even as online shopping grows, in-person retail remains a dominant force. Strengthening your in-store experience through excellent customer service, local promotions, and seamless integration with online options-can help you capture a larger share of the spending that still happens face-to-face. Gift cards ranked as the most popular planned purchase. Gift card purchases continue to rise, with 46% of baby boomers naming them as their top planned holiday purchase. This marks a shift toward flexible, practical gifting options that allow recipients to choose their own items which reflects consumers’ focus on value and convenience amid economic uncertainty. Offering branded or customizable gift cards can boost end-of-year sales, attract new customers, and encourage repeat visits after the holidays. Consider promoting gift cards as an easy, stress-free option for last-minute shoppers both in-store and online. Cyber Monday is forecasted to outperform Black Friday, with revenues forecasted to exceed 13 billion. While many businesses plan to include online sales as part of their Black Friday marketing strategies, Cyber Monday is, again, expected to outperform Black Friday sales. This is because Cyber Monday has earned its reputation for online holiday deals. However, with more shoppers still choosing to make online purchases this holiday season, the right deal could convince your audience to purchase on Black Friday instead of Cyber Monday, so you must perform the right research to see what your competitors are planning. Instead of focusing all your efforts on a single day, plan promotions that span the entire weekend or even the full week to keep momentum going. AI chatbots save retailers over 5, 000 hours of customer support time during November. Online retailers using AI-powered chatbots save over 5, 000 hours of customer support time during November alone: the equivalent of 213 workdays. These virtual assistants help manage the surge in inquiries during peak shopping periods like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Integrating AI chatbots can significantly reduce staff workload while improving response times and customer satisfaction. Automating routine questions frees your team to focus on complex issues and high-value interactions-helping your business maintain service quality during the holiday rush. Mobile purchases accounted for more than half of all online sales. Smartphones drove 55% of online sales on Black Friday in 2024, underscoring the importance of having a mobile-friendly website and checkout process. If your site isn’t optimized for mobile, you’re missing out on the majority of online shoppers. Test your pages, checkout forms, and loading times well before the holiday rush. Get ready for Black Friday with more tips from the BBB Black Friday is considered the most important retail day of the year and is a huge opportunity for small businesses to increase their sales and gain new customers. You can take advantage of the right approach and create a profitable holiday. BBB is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Most BBB services to consumers are free of charge. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles on more than 5. 3 million companies, 11, 000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. Visit bbb. org for more information. BBB Serving Central East Texas was founded in 1985 and serves 19 counties.
https://tylerpaper.com/2025/11/26/bbb-must-know-trends-for-black-friday-2025-small-business-edition/

European Shares Climb As US Senate Approves Deal To End Government Shutdown

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European stocks hit a two-week high on Tuesday following the U.S. Senate’s passage of a short-term funding bill aimed at ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The bill will now move to the House, where a vote could take place as early as Wednesday.

U.K. stocks outperformed the broader market as the British pound slumbled on growing hopes for a rate cut, spurred by weak labor market data. The unemployment rate rose to 5 percent, while wage growth slowed during the three months to September. These developments have strengthened the case for the Bank of England to reduce interest rates next month.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index jumped 0.6 percent to 576.35, following a 1.4 percent gain on Monday. Germany’s DAX edged up 0.2 percent, France’s CAC 40 added 0.5 percent, and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 rallied 1 percent.

Shares of Deutsche Wohnen rose 1.4 percent after the German real estate firm reported a profit in the first nine months of fiscal 2025, a turnaround from a loss in the prior year. Meanwhile, reinsurer Munich Re dropped nearly 2 percent after confirming its annual guidance of €6 billion for the 2025 financial year.

HelloFresh shares shed 1 percent as the company firmly rejected the arguments and alleged findings regarding its current performance, governance, and business outlook outlined in the Grizzly Research report.

In positive movements, U.K. scientific tools maker Oxford Instruments surged 9 percent following the return of order momentum in the second quarter. Vodafone jumped 6 percent after announcing the repurchase of 6,514,459 shares from Goldman Sachs as part of its efforts to enhance shareholder value.

*The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Nasdaq, Inc.*
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/european-shares-climb-us-senate-approves-deal-end-government-shutdown

Baptist Zionist group says ‘no need for another Palestinian state’, calls for Israeli sovereignty over Judea, Samaria

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**Baptist Zionist Public Affairs Committee Criticizes Trump’s Gaza Peace Agreement**

The Baptist Zionist Public Affairs Committee (BZPAC) has voiced strong criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace agreement, warning that it “risks repeating the failures of the past.” The statement, issued earlier this month via social media, reflects the organization’s concerns about the proposed framework.

“BZPAC honors the sincere intentions behind efforts to secure Israel and stabilize the Middle East,” the statement reads. “We commend contributions that have strengthened Israel’s sovereignty. Yet we must speak plainly: the U.S. 21-point peace framework risks repeating the failures of the past and undermines God’s covenant with His people.”

Claiming to represent over 20,000 Baptist churches and approximately 15 million supporters across the United States, BZPAC’s executive director, Dr. Doug Thompson, personally presented a copy of the statement to Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council.

**Call for Israeli Sovereignty in Judea and Samaria**

In the statement, BZPAC called for the application of Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. This is a direct response to President Trump’s announcement that the U.S. would not support a unilateral declaration of Israeli sovereignty in those disputed territories.

Under a section titled, “Why a Two-State ‘Solution’ is No Solution,” BZPAC argues that a two-state solution is unnecessary. The organization points out that Jordan is already majority Palestinian, citing the CIA World Factbook’s 2022 estimate that Palestinians comprise 55-60% of Jordan’s population.

“Jordan has both the land and the capacity to absorb the Palestinian population of Judea and Samaria,” the statement insists. “The internal concerns of its monarchy cannot dictate Israel’s survival.”

BZPAC further claims that the two-state solution plan is essentially a “one-state” plan intended to establish a ‘State of Palestine’ designed to erase Israel.

**Mobilizing Support Against Two-State Solution**

To demonstrate opposition to any U.S. efforts to impose a two-state solution on Israel, BZPAC has encouraged its members and followers to print, sign, and send the statement directly to the White House. The organization aims to ensure President Trump is aware of their stance.

**Response from Israeli Leadership**

Yossi Dagan expressed gratitude to Dr. Thompson and BZPAC for their continued support. “I thank our friend Dr. Doug Thompson and all the members of the BZPAC organization for their steadfast stand with the people of Israel and the justice of our path,” Dagan said.

He added, “Their unwavering support for Israeli sovereignty in Judea, Samaria, and Jerusalem is an important and inspiring reinforcement.”

“At a time when political pressure on Israel is increasing, such courageous friendship is a source of encouragement and strength for the people of Israel and the settlers of Samaria. We will continue to work together for Israel’s security, the development of Samaria, and the strengthening of a united Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Together we will bring sovereignty to the land of the Bible,” he concluded.

**Context on Recent Developments**

Earlier this year, the Israeli Knesset passed a resolution expressing support for Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. However, this measure was largely symbolic and did not amount to an official declaration of sovereignty over the disputed territories.

President Trump’s Gaza peace agreement outlines steps aimed at moving towards a two-state solution but leaves the specifics of a Palestinian state to future negotiations between Israel and Palestinian leaders. The details of the peace framework remain subject to ongoing diplomatic discussions.
https://www.christianpost.com/news/baptist-zionist-group-says-no-need-for-another-palestinian-state.html

Upper body workout: 5 must-do exercises

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By Anujj Trehaan | Oct 07, 2025, 10:17 AM

**What’s the story?**

The trapezius muscle, commonly referred to as the trap, is an important muscle that spans the upper back and neck. It plays a vital role in shoulder movement and stability. Strengthening the traps can improve posture, enhance athletic performance, and reduce the risk of injury.

Here are five effective exercises to activate and strengthen the trapezius muscles.

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### Tip 1: Shrug Your Way to Stronger Traps

Shoulder shrugs are an easy yet effective exercise to target the upper traps. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand. Lift your shoulders towards your ears while keeping your arms straight, then lower them back down.

Repeat for 10 to 15 reps. This exercise can be done with or without weights, making it ideal for both beginners and advanced lifters.

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### Tip 2: Deadlifts for Full-Body Engagement

Deadlifts work multiple muscle groups, including the traps. Stand with feet hip-width apart, a barbell over your mid-foot. Bend at your hips and knees to grip the barbell, then lift by straightening your hips and knees simultaneously.

Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together at the top of the movement. Perform three sets of eight to 12 reps.

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### Tip 3: Face Pulls for Upper Back Activation

Face pulls are great for targeting both the upper traps and rear deltoids. Use a cable machine set at eye level or higher. Stand facing it with feet hip-width apart, grasping two handles with an overhand grip.

Pull the handles towards your face while keeping your elbows high and wide, then return slowly to the starting position. Aim for three sets of 12 to 15 reps.

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### Tip 4: Bent-Over Rows to Build Strength

Bent-over rows target mid-trap fibers, while also working other back muscles such as lats and rhomboids. With feet shoulder-width apart, hold a barbell or dumbbells with an overhand grip.

Bend forward at your hips until your torso is almost parallel to the ground, then pull the weights towards your abdomen, squeezing your shoulder blades together at the top of each rep. Do three sets of eight to 12 reps.

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### Tip 5: Upright Rows for Trap Focus

Upright rows specifically target upper trap activation when performed correctly, using either dumbbells or a barbell. Stand upright, holding weights with your palms facing you, close together at chin level.

Lift your elbows outward and upward, maintaining a slight bend in your knees throughout the movement. Lower back down slowly, completing the cycle. Repeat for three sets of eight to 12 repetitions.

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Strengthening your trapezius muscles through these exercises can significantly improve your posture, enhance your workouts, and help prevent injuries. Incorporate them gradually into your fitness routine for best results!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/trapezius-muscle-activation-5-exercises/story