Alli Fam

Latest Stories (57)

For some small businesses, the uncertainties of reopening might be greater than lockdown

May 25, 2020
A vintage cafe and clothing store adapted to lockdown with a new business model. What will a partial reopening mean?
Heartfelt Vintage usually serves teas and cakes to its customers.
Courtesy Kate Ashwell

The new workflow for plumbers means turning some jobs down

May 20, 2020
The owner of a plumbing company won't serve clients who are ill, and both plumbers and clients must wear face masks.
Connie DePaepe, owner of American Drain Works & Plumbing. DePaepe's rules have changed since the pandemic hit.
(Photo courtesy of Connie DePaepe)

Libraries have spent years reinventing themselves. Will they have to do it again?

May 14, 2020
Just when libraries had figured out how to be a community space, they might have to change again.
Jennifer Pearson, director of the Marshall County Library in Tennessee, with a bag of books for curbside pickup.
Courtesy of Jennifer Pearson

How the coronavirus pandemic is influencing the influencer economy

How influencers make money might continue to change after the coronavirus pandemic.
Culinary influencers are enjoying a boom.
Courtesy of Keystone/Getty Images

GoFundMe CEO: "We're not yet seeing much around recovery"

Apr 28, 2020
Activity use on the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe may provide a window into where we stand on the road to recovery.
Tim Cadogan started as CEO of GoFundMe less than two months ago.
Andrew Toth/Getty Images for AWXI

Businesses adapt to the pandemic by moving online

Apr 23, 2020
We hear from a pair of children's entertainers and a doctor.
Susan Estes and Steve Brown, a clown duo from NYC.
Courtesy Susan Estes

A small gelato business confronts big questions

Apr 22, 2020
The owner of two Los Angeles stores shares her fears and hopes about surviving the coronavirus pandemic.
Courtesy of Uli Nasibova

Why so few Americans have the savings to weather this pandemic

Apr 22, 2020
Income inequality, combined with pressure to spend money on certain goods, is uniquely strong in the U.S.
Keystone/Getty Images

Venmo emoji use is changing in the coronavirus economy

Apr 21, 2020
The payment app's public transactions reveal consumer spending habits during COVID-19 restrictions.
Recent mask emoji usage has grown by 2000% compared to March 2017, according to Quartz's analysis of Venmo data.
Keystone/Getty Images

The future of agriculture may rest with the American consumer

Apr 10, 2020
Many farmers are facing reduced demand for their products as well as falling prices.
Keystone/Getty Images