Latest news with #pricing
Fast Company
14 hours ago
- Business
- Fast Company
The housing market is shifting—here's where it's happening most rapidly
Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert's ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. A few days after I launched ResiClub in October 2023, I wrote an article titled 'The key housing market metric heading into 2024.' In it, I reaffirmed a point I had also made at Fortune in 2022: that some traditional rules of thumb—i.e., months-of-supply thresholds for what constitutes a buyers' market versus a sellers' market—could struggle in this post–Pandemic Housing Boom environment, where there's downward pressure on prices. For the time being, I suggested that an easy-to-create and useful metric for housing stakeholders to follow—one that helps gauge short-term pricing momentum and whether downside risk might manifest—is a local market's level of active inventory compared to that same market's inventory level in the same month of pre-pandemic 2019. The thinking was that markets where active inventory remains well below 2019 levels would still exhibit some tightness, while those where inventory has surged back to or above pre-pandemic 2019 levels would experience a shift in the supply-demand equilibrium more in favor of homebuyers. Heading into 2025, I recreated that analysis showing the dynamic was still holding true. Fast-forward to today, and this particular data cut still proves useful (overtime ResiClub believes its usefulness will diminish—just not right now). Generally speaking, housing markets where active housing inventory for sale has surged above pre-pandemic 2019 levels have experienced weaker or softer home price growth (or even outright home price declines) over the past 36 months. Conversely, housing markets where active housing inventory for sale remains far below pre-pandemic 2019 levels have, generally speaking, experienced more resilient home price growth over the past 36 months. Indeed, just look at the scatter plot below showing 'Shift in home prices since their local 2022 peak' Vs. 'active inventory for sale now compared to the same month in 2019' for the nation's 250 largest metro area housing markets. Below is the same scatter plot as the one above, only its color scheme is adjusted to show which markets have LESS active inventory now than in 2019 (BROWN) and which markets have MORE active inventory right now than in 2019 (GREEN). Click here for an interactive version of the scatter plot below. To see if this data cut still proves useful, let's swap out 'home price since their local 2022 peak' for 'year-over-year home price shift.' The answer is yes—the trend still holds. (Recently, both the Wall Street Journal and John Burns Research and Consulting created their own versions of this longtime ResiClub scatter plot.) Below is the same scatter plot as the one above, only its color scheme is adjusted to show which markets have LESS active inventory now than in 2019 (BROWN) and which markets have MORE active inventory right now than in 2019 (GREEN). The current regional bifurcation—greater weakness in Sun Belt and Mountain West boomtowns and greater resiliency in the Northeast and Midwest—shouldn't be surprising to ResiClub readers. Given that we cover that regional bifurcation frequently, we're not going to spend time in this piece discussing what's driving that bifurcation. Instead, let's discuss why this particular data cut is useful right now, and why overtime it could become less useful. This data cut's usefulness—right now—explained During the Pandemic Housing Boom, housing demand surged rapidly amid ultralow interest rates, stimulus, and the remote work boom—which increased demand for space and unlocked 'WFH arbitrage' as high earners were able to keep their income from a job in, say, NYC or L.A., and buy in, say, Austin or Tampa. Federal Reserve researchers estimate 'new construction would have had to increase by roughly 300% to absorb the pandemic-era surge in demand.' Unlike housing demand, housing stock supply isn't as elastic and can't ramp up as quickly. As a result, the heightened pandemic era demand drained the market of active inventory and overheated home prices, with U.S. home prices rising a staggering +43.2% between March 2020 and June 2022. At the height of the Pandemic Housing Boom in spring 2022, most of the country had 60% to 75% less active inventory than in 2019. Once mortgage rates spiked, national housing demand cooled off. While many commentators view active inventory and months of supply simply as measures of 'supply,' ResiClub sees them more as proxies for the supply-demand equilibrium. Large swings in active inventory or months of supply are usually driven by shifts in housing demand. For example, during the Pandemic Housing Boom, surging demand caused homes to sell faster—pushing active inventory down, even as new listings remained steady. Conversely, in recent years, weakening demand has led to slower sales, causing active inventory to rise in many markets—even as new listings fell below trend. For a market like Austin or Punta Gorda to surge from historically low active inventory levels in spring 2022 to now well above pre-pandemic 2019 levels, it has taken a significant shift in the balance of power—from sellers to buyers. That shift has also coincided with those markets experiencing outright home price corrections. Conversely, despite the affordability shock, markets like Syracuse and Milwaukee still have active inventory levels well below 2019 levels and continue to see slightly positive year-over-year home price growth. Inventory wasn't historically 'high' back in 2019—so why does climbing back to 2019 levels matter? During the Pandemic Housing Boom, housing demand overwhelmed the Denver metro housing market—pushing active housing inventory for sale down to just 2,288 homes by May 2021, down 69% from the 7,490 listings in May 2019. Since the Pandemic Housing Boom fizzled out, and mortgage rates spiked, active inventory for sale in Denver has spiked up to 12,354 active listings as of May 2025—65% above pre-pandemic May 2019 levels. While active inventory for sale in Denver today isn't necessarily that high by historical comparison, the sharp jump from 2022 inventory levels to 2025 levels in such a short window reflects a pretty big shift in the supply-demand equilibrium. On the ground that shift should feel jarring. That greater active inventory bounce up in Denver has coincided with a greater house price softening/weakening. Indeed, Denver metro area home prices as measured by ResiClub analysis of the Zillow Home Value Index are down 1.7% year-over-year, and down 7.3% since their 2022 peak. Why, over time, this data cut could prove less useful One of the common pushbacks I hear when comparing today's active inventory for sale to 2019 levels is that some markets—like Austin and Punta Gorda—have larger populations now than they did back in 2019. It's true that some of the markets with higher inventory today compared to 2019 are also the ones that have experienced notable population growth in recent years. However, that actual population growth—i.e., a larger population base—isn't the sole reason inventory has jumped so quickly in places like Austin and Punta Gorda. Rather, it's because those markets have experienced a sharper weakening in their for-sale market since the Pandemic Housing Boom fizzled out. And that has helped push up unsold inventory in those markets. That said, over time, changes in market size—specifically population and total households—will naturally affect what constitutes a 'normal' level of active inventory. By 2035, for example, comparing active inventory to 2019 levels will be far less meaningful than it has been in 2021-2025. Some traditional rules of thumb have fallen short this cycle A rule of thumb in real estate is that anything below a six-month supply of inventory is considered a 'seller's market,' while anything above a six-month supply is a 'buyer's market.' However, that hasn't always held true this cycle, and ResiClub's view is that this rule of thumb is a bit outdated. In many housing markets, including Austin's metro area, where house prices began to decline in June 2022 with only 2.1 months of inventory, that rule hasn't applied effectively. In fact, even though Austin's inventory only peaked at 5.2 months as of April 2025, according to Texas A&M University's Texas Real Estate Research Center, home prices in the Austin metro have already fallen 22.8% from their 2022 peak, based on our analysis of the Zillow Home Value Index. A better measure of this incoming pricing weakness was the abrupt active inventory jump that occurred in Austin in spring/summer 2022 (going from 0.4 months of inventory in February 2022 to 2.1 in June 2022), which quickly pushed active listings near/above pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Big picture: In today's post-Pandemic Housing Boom landscape, comparing a market's current level of active inventory to its same-month 2019 baseline remains a useful gauge for the shift in the supply-demand balance. While imperfect, this simple metric captures the degree of tightness or softening better than some traditional measures. Markets where inventory has surged well above 2019 levels—like Austin or Punta Gorda—are typically the ones that have seen demand weaken most, restoring buyer leverage and, in some cases, producing home price corrections. Meanwhile, markets where inventory remains far below 2019 levels continue to exhibit greater pricing resiliency.
Geeky Gadgets
3 days ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Price, Silver Finish & Everything ELSE
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is poised to solidify its position in the foldable smartphone market. Combining advanced features, a refined design, and competitive pricing, it aims to appeal to both tech enthusiasts and everyday users. Below is a detailed look at its pricing strategy, design enhancements, performance upgrades, and durability improvements. The video below from TechTalkTV gives us more details on the handset. Watch this video on YouTube. Pricing: Balancing Innovation with Accessibility Samsung has opted to maintain the same pricing for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 as its predecessor, emphasizing value while incorporating hardware upgrades. This approach reflects a commitment to accessibility without compromising on premium features. Key pricing details include: The 256GB Galaxy Z Fold 7 is priced at €2000 in Europe and $1900 in the United States. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 sees a €100 price reduction in Europe, now available at €1099, with an estimated $1000 price tag in the US. A more affordable Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE has been confirmed, though its pricing remains undisclosed. This pricing strategy highlights Samsung's intent to remain competitive as rivals like Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold enter the market. By offering multiple models at varying price points, Samsung caters to a broader audience while maintaining its premium brand identity. The inclusion of a more affordable FE model further broadens its appeal, making sure accessibility for users seeking a foldable device at a lower price. Design and Color Options: Sleek and Stylish The Galaxy Z Fold 7 introduces a new 'Silver Shadow' color, enhancing its visual appeal and creating the illusion of slimmer bezels for a more modern and polished look. Samsung is also expected to offer exclusive online color options, including a green mint variant, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences. For the Galaxy Z Flip 7, the official color lineup includes Jet Black, Blue Shadow, and Coral Red, while the Flip 7 FE will be available in classic Black and White. These color options reflect Samsung's effort to provide a variety of styles, making sure there is something for every user. The focus on aesthetics complements the device's premium build, reinforcing its appeal to style-conscious buyers. Performance: Exynos Chips Take the Lead Samsung has made a significant shift by equipping both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 with Exynos processors globally, moving away from the Snapdragon 8 Elite chips used in previous models. This decision underscores Samsung's confidence in its in-house chip technology, which is designed to deliver robust performance and energy efficiency. However, this change may raise questions about performance consistency across regions, as Exynos chips have historically faced mixed reviews. To enhance the value proposition for early adopters, Samsung is likely to offer a free storage upgrade during pre-orders. This means buyers could secure a 512GB model for the price of the 256GB version, adding an extra layer of appeal for those seeking more storage without additional cost. This strategy not only incentivizes early purchases but also highlights Samsung's commitment to delivering value alongside innovation. Durability: Addressing Longevity Concerns Durability remains a critical focus for foldable devices, and the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to build on the IPX8 water resistance of its predecessor. While official confirmation is pending, rumors suggest Samsung may introduce dust resistance, addressing a key concern for foldable users and enhancing the device's overall reliability. The competition in this area is intensifying, with Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold rumored to feature full IP68 protection, offering both water and dust resistance. If these rumors are accurate, it could set a new benchmark for durability in the foldable market. Samsung's potential improvements in this area would not only meet but possibly exceed user expectations, reinforcing its reputation for quality and innovation. Pre-order Bonuses: Added Incentives for Early Buyers Samsung continues its tradition of offering attractive pre-order incentives to encourage early purchases. These bonuses are designed to enhance the overall value of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and may include: Credits or discounts on future Samsung purchases. Free storage upgrades, such as a 512GB model for the price of the 256GB version. Additional perks, such as accessories or extended warranties, to further enhance the user experience. These incentives not only provide tangible benefits but also help Samsung secure strong initial sales, reinforcing its position in the competitive foldable market. By rewarding early adopters, Samsung ensures a loyal customer base while maintaining its reputation for delivering premium products with added value. Refining the Foldable Experience The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents a thoughtful evolution in the foldable smartphone category. Its refined design, highlighted by the new Silver Shadow finish, combines style with functionality. The potential introduction of dust resistance and the shift to Exynos processors demonstrate Samsung's commitment to innovation and performance. Meanwhile, the pricing strategy and pre-order incentives ensure the device remains accessible and appealing to a wide range of users. As competition from devices like Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold intensifies, Samsung's strategic updates position the Galaxy Z Fold 7 as a strong contender in the foldable market. Whether you are drawn to its advanced hardware, stylish aesthetics, or value-added perks, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 offers a compelling package that caters to diverse needs and preferences. Advance your skills in Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 by reading more of our detailed content. Source & Image Credit: TechTalkTV Filed Under: Android News, Mobile Phone News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
National Post
4 days ago
- Business
- National Post
Revenue Analytics Acquires Climber to Expand Global Hospitality Footprint and Strengthen European & Latin American Presence
Article content ATLANTA & LISBON, Portugal — Revenue Analytics, a leader in smart, AI-powered revenue optimization, today announced its acquisition of Climber, a Portugal-based Revenue Management Software (RMS) company serving boutique, independent, and regional chains across Europe, the Americas, and Brazil, where it is the market leader. The acquisition marks a strategic step in Revenue Analytics' global growth strategy, expanding its product portfolio and accelerating its reach in key international markets. Article content Climber provides an intelligent, self-learning pricing platform that integrates directly with a hotel's reservation system and leverages market demand signals — including local events, city demand and market share, and competitors' data — to automate pricing decisions. With a focus on ease of use, fast deployment, and automation, they have been replacing time-consuming manual pricing processes and helping hoteliers capture incremental revenue with precision. In addition to its flagship RMS platform, Climber also offers Climber Market Strategy (CMS) — a powerful tool that delivers aggregated market share data across 40+ cities in Brazil and Portugal. Article content Climber has experienced rapid growth, expanding at a 30% year-over-year rate, and holds a strong market position in Brazil and Latin America, alongside its growing European footprint. Article content 'This is an investment in accelerated growth and global expansion,' said Bill Brewster, CEO of Revenue Analytics. 'Climber not only extends our reach in Europe and Latin America, but also brings us a talented team and a product that complements our mission to deliver pricing precision at scale. Together, we're creating a broader, more accessible suite of tools for the global hospitality market.' Article content 'We're thrilled to join the Revenue Analytics team,' said Mario Mouraz, founder of Climber. 'Our missions are aligned — we both believe in putting powerful, intelligent pricing tools in the hands of hoteliers. With the scale of Revenue Analytics, we can now deliver an even greater impact and build faster on our vision to democratize Revenue Management.' Article content As part of the acquisition, the full Climber team will join Revenue Analytics. The company, recently named a Built In Best Place to Work, is excited to welcome Climber's talent into its award-winning culture. This move strengthens Revenue Analytics' ability to serve a global customer base while expanding its presence across Europe and Latin America. The combined entity will a serve a portfolio of over 10,000 hotels across the globe — including some of the most iconic and respected names in hospitality — and will launch a new office in Portugal, reinforcing their strategic growth across Europe. Article content About Revenue Analytics Article content Revenue Analytics transforms complex data into a competitive advantage. As a leader in AI-powered revenue and margin optimization, its innovative solutions help businesses boost profits and drive sales performance through actionable insights and predictive analytics. Revenue Analytics empowers smarter pricing decisions that drive bigger profits. Learn how to unlock the full potential of revenue management at Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
What B2B Businesses Should Consider Before Absorbing Tariff Costs
Avy Punwasee is a Partner at Revenue Management Labs. We help companies develop and execute pricing solutions to maximize profits. When tariff announcements dominate headlines, leadership teams often default to a well-intentioned but flawed response: Absorb the cost. The logic feels noble. You shield the customer, maintain loyalty and ride out the storm. But in B2B markets, I've found this strategy frequently backfires. Not only can it distort long-term pricing expectations, but it also erodes a company's ability to invest in the very capabilities their customers rely on. We've seen companies like Home Depot publicly declare it won't pass along tariff-related increases to consumers. While announcing you won't raise prices may generate goodwill in the short term, in B2B environments where pricing precision, margin discipline and value alignment are essential, the costs of such a strategy can compound over time. The Hidden Risks Of Absorption Absorbing tariff costs may seem like a customer-first strategy, but it can introduce several risks: In sectors like industrial manufacturing, agriculture and technology, margins are often already thin. Tariffs on raw materials or components can push up costs; in some cases, these increases might be 10% or more. If suppliers absorb these increases without adjusting prices, they put their sustainability at risk. This can lead to deferred innovation, quality compromises or service disruptions. When companies fail to raise prices to reflect real cost increases, they could inadvertently teach customers that prices are arbitrary. Over time, this can devalue your offering and undermine future price negotiations. Walmart's tariff stance is telling: It said customers could see price hikes 'within weeks.' That signal helps the entire supply chain adjust. In contrast, when B2B suppliers mask cost changes, they can create misalignment across distributors, partners and customers who aren't incentivized to manage costs or explore alternatives. How Price Transparency Builds Trust Rather than hiding cost increases, B2B companies should adopt a principle of transparent, value-based pricing. This means clearly communicating the rationale behind pricing shifts, especially when they stem from external forces like tariffs or currency fluctuations. In my experience, customers, particularly those in procurement or finance roles, respect logic. A well-documented cost increase tied to tariffs, backed by data, has better odds of being accepted if communicated properly and framed within the broader context of partnership and shared goals. To do this effectively, there are a few do's and don'ts to keep in mind. • Be upfront and frame it as a partnership. Let customers know you're working with them to manage the business together (e.g., customer needs, competition, costs, etc.). • Be transparent. Let them know the drivers of the price change, but do not provide granular or proprietary costing information. • Educate customers on the value you provide and why it makes sense to continue doing business with you vs. the competition. • Be clear that this is affecting all customers. • Give notice when you can. A heads-up goes a long way. It gives customers time to plan and shows you're thinking about their side of the equation too. • Overcomplicate the message. Stick to the key points. The goal is clarity, not a crash course in macroeconomics. • Be vague. Generic statements like 'due to rising costs' usually don't land well. • Allow your sales representatives to undertake ad hoc negotiations. Instead, have clear pre-agreed guidelines in place. Strategic Alternatives To Blanket Absorption There are alternative ways to navigate tariffs without compromising relationships: 1. Segmented Pass-Through: Not all customers are equally sensitive to price changes. Use data to determine where you can pass on tariff-related increases with minimal pushback. 2. Value Repackaging: Introduce bundled offerings or tiered service levels that provide flexibility while preserving margin. 3. Collaborative Planning: In some cases, co-developing mitigation plans with customers (e.g., shifting to alternative materials or redesigning specs) creates shared ownership of the challenge. The Lesson: Long-Term Loyalty Requires Long-Term Viability The instinct to absorb costs may be rooted in customer empathy, but true loyalty is built on sustainable value. Businesses that take a disciplined, transparent and strategic approach to tariff-related pricing can not only protect their margins but also strengthen customer trust in the process. As I see it, absorbing costs might feel like the right thing today, but pricing with clarity and confidence is what earns trust tomorrow. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
CBS News
5 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Starbucks is changing how it charges for matcha and syrups. Here's what to know.
Starbucks said Tuesday that the coffee chain is changing how it charges for beverage add-ins like matcha and syrups as it moves to standardize pricing across the company's stores. Starbucks will now charge 80 cents for any combination of syrup or sauce that modifies an unflavored drink, instead of charging for each addition. But the company noted that it won't charge customers to substitute a sauce or syrup in a pre-flavored drink, such as adding vanilla syrup to a Caffè Mocha. Starbucks also plans to charge $1 for adding a scoop of matcha powder to non-matcha drinks, and will charge 50 cents to include dried fruit in a beverage. The changes were reported earlier by Bloomberg News. The change is the latest under CEO Brian Niccol, who wants to overhaul the coffee giant's image as it looks to drive growth. As part of that effort, Niccol wants to improve customer service and ensure that Starbucks cafes are "inviting places to linger," among other goals and initiatives. The company on Tuesday also said it's conducting a limited customer test of a new feature in the Starbucks app to show pricing updates in real time when a consumer is ordering food or drinks. The goal is to provide better pricing transparency when people place an order, a Starbucks spokesperson said. Starbucks said customers can add its classic syrup, a liquid sugar akin to simple syrup, to any drink at no cost.
