Archives

A collection of articles from newspapers, magazines, and journals on the state of local businesses in New Orleans and across the nation.

Most Americans Want a Walkable Neighborhood, Not a Big House

GOOD

February 8, 2012

Filed under:

Archived Copy

The symbol of American success often involves having the biggest house possible, but our outsized fantasies seem to be shifting. According to a new survey, more than three quarters of us consider having sidewalks and places to take a walk one of our top priorities when deciding where to live.

Unified by the coin of their realm

LA Times

February 8, 2012

Filed under:

Archived Copy

Insular Bernal Heights — ‘this weird little borderline utopia,’ as one resident calls it — has updated ‘complementary currency’ in the form of a debit card.

When shops and services are within walking distance, we walk more and drive less.

Better! Cities and Towns

February 3, 2012

Filed under:

Archived Copy

New research from Southern California has found that residents of neighborhoods with a central core of shops and services – a pattern typically found in older, traditional communities – walk nearly three times more often than do residents of neighborhoods whose nearest shops and services lie along a major arterial roadway – a pattern typically found in newer suburban development. Residents of traditionally styled and centered neighborhoods also drive less than their counterparts residing in the newer pattern.

41 ABA Member Stores Open in 2011

American Booksellers Association

February 3, 2012

Filed under:

Archived Copy

*Forty-one ABA member bookstores opened in 2011, including seven branches of existing businesses and eight that sell primarily used books.

Is Walmart the Answer to 'Food Deserts"?

Mother Jones

February 3, 2012

Filed under:

Archived Copy

Walmart and other mega-retailers hold the key to bringing fresh, healthy food into low-income urban areas where grocery options are severely limited.

At least, that’s what some prominent observers argue.

“Killing the Competition: How the New Monopolies Are Destroying Open Markets”

Harper's Magazine

February 3, 2012

Filed under: Commerce

Archived Copy

Fear, in any real market, is a natural emotion. There is the fear of not making a sale, not landing a job, not winning a client. Such fear is healthy, even constructive. It prods us to polish our wares, to refine our skills, and to conjure up—every so often—a wonder.

Independent Businesses Report Strong Holiday Sales

New Rules Project

February 1, 2012

Filed under:

Archived Copy

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (Jan. 26, 2012) – An annual survey has found that independent businesses had strong sales growth over the holidays and appear to be benefitting from growing public interest in supporting locally owned retail stores, banks, restaurants, and other enterprises.

Food truck operators are hoping for change in city regulations

Nola.com

January 30, 2012

Filed under:

Archived Copy

Earlier this month, Rachel Billow, who runs the La Cocinita food truck, and Taceaux Loceaux owner Alex Del Castillo had a chance encounter at the city’s safety and permitting department, where they had gone to apply for one of the 100 mobile food vending permits that are distributed annually in Orleans Parish. Up first was Del Castillo. Bad news, he was told: No more permits are available.

Arc soup business provides job training for people with intellectual disabilities

Nola.com

January 20, 2012

Filed under:

Archived Copy

Perry Brelet packs a van with several ice chests every Wednesday about 9:30 a.m. to deliver freshly made soups to clients throughout Uptown New Orleans and Metairie. Most of the came in by phone the day before.

Local startup accelerator program ignites second year launch

Nola.com

January 20, 2012

Filed under:

Archived Copy

For those who think that our entrepreneurial community lags behind bigger markets like Silicon Valley or New York City, think again. The movement is spreading like wild fire in the New Orleans metropolitan area. Some might even say it has ignited a new era of potential for the growth and advancement of our city.