Briefs

Holiday Season Retail: Shoppers Will Make Up for Lost Time

JLL recently surveyed U.S. consumers to find out how they intended to shop for the holiday season … and the news is good for the retail sector.

Shoppers plan to spend 25.4% more this holiday season than in 2020. That’s a rise from an average $694 per person last year to an average $870 per person this year — getting us back to almost pre-pandemic levels.

Phoenix’s comparatively lighter COVID restrictions already had helped push our market further along the recovery trajectory than some other major metros. As we approach the holidays, the local retail sector can look forward to an additional boost, as 58% of shoppers plan to visit stores or conduct some form of shopping that involves a physical store. That includes 34% who plan to buy online but pick up in store, and 22.6% who will use curbside pick-up.

The top five retailers on shoppers’ list this year: Amazon, Walmart, Target, Macy’s and Kohl’s.

Pent-up demand has also accelerated “revenge shopping” — where consumers make up for lost time with increased spending and “self-gifts” that they buy for themselves along with the gifts they buy for others. According to our report, more than 70% of shoppers plan to self-gift this year, particularly with shoes and clothing that they need to support a return to the workplace.

Still, a top priority for holiday shoppers is saving money. Buyers will be paying close attention to the affordability of the goods they’re purchasing at mass merchandisers, online and in department stores.

JLL’s one caution: inventory. With the supply chain still facing pandemic-related challenges, there is an increased chance of inventory shortages and shipping delays — especially for the roughly 4% of survey responders who said they would wait until the week before Christmas to begin their shopping. The best way for shoppers to shop for success: start early! And this may be a phenomenon for retailers to keep in mind. —John Reva, vice president at JLL (www.us.jll.com/en)

Splitting the Homebuyer/ Agent Commission

Homie, a disruptive real estate technology company changing the way homes are bought and sold, recently implemented a 50/50 program that offers buyers an opportunity to get a rebate of up to 50% of the offered buyer agent commission when also using other Homie affiliated services such as Homie Loans, Homie Title and Homie Insurance.

“Our goal at Homie is to change the way homes are bought and sold by cutting high fees and commissions,” says Johnny Hanna, co-founder and CEO of Homie, whose company has reported tremendous growth locally since entering the Phoenix market in 2018. “Today’s market is more challenging than ever for buyers and we want to help ease that process. 50/50 allows buyers to get their dream home while keeping up to 50% of the commission.” These savings can be used toward closing costs or to make a higher offer to win the home.

Homie Loans also recently launched its Homie CashTM program that allows buyers to make cash offers to drastically increase their chances of winning the perfect home. The 50/50 and Homie CashTM programs give buyers the opportunity to land the house they want and save on commission while doing it. —Mike Hunter

Homie homie.com DAILIES TOP STORIES

‘In Business Dailies’ Most Views Last 30 Days

Here are the stories with the most views over the past 30 days (prior to press time) that were features in our In Business Dailies. The In Business Dailies hit email inboxes twice each weekday — at 9:30 a.m. and updated at 4:30 p.m. Sign up today at www.inbusinessphx.com/dailies-signup

Economy & Trends | Cover Story | November 2021

Is Every Company a Tech Company?

Technology is driving the economy – where do you fit in?

by RaeAnne Marsh Technology is indisputably an economic driver as a sector. Is it also a driver of successful growth in other sectors?

“The technology industry is critical to economic growth in any community today because it not only produces high-wage jobs, but also supports many other industries,” says Eric Miller, principal and co-owner of Phoenix Analysis & Design Technologies.

Economy & Trends | Feature | November 2021

Electric Vehicles Are Hot for Arizona

Showrooms and manufacturing facilities strengthen the industry here

by RaeAnne Marsh There was a time when going to the mall meant shopping for clothes and home knick-knacks – offering a lot of choices thanks to there being a number of stores conveniently in one place. Now, it can mean shopping for one of an individual’s biggest purchases: a car.

Economy & Trends | inbusinessphx.com | October 29 2021

Has the Government Created a Housing Crisis by Penalizing Fannie Mae?

inbusinessPHX.com There has been much discussion about the inflated housing market in recent months. But what about the continuing problems of high rent and low-income earners who need government assistance to find shelter?

Government & Compliance | inbusinessphx.com | October 25 2021

Governor Ducey Announces $3.5 Million to Assist Arizonans, Small Businesses

State of Arizona Office of the Governor Governor Doug Ducey today announced $3,575,000 to support programs that help Arizonans and small businesses recover financially from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Franchise Brings Personalized Fitness to Differently Abled

A new fitness franchise recently opened its doors in the West Valley, bringing the latest scientific approach to fitness to individuals with physical and mental challenges, including those diagnosed with conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy.

The Special Strong franchise is growing rapidly, demonstrating the emerging business trend toward targeted fitness training for special populations generally overlooked and underserved, which is part of what made this franchise opportunity attractive to us. Also, we believe that Special Strong outshines the competition in that the company provides a robust training experience and certification for new owners.

We are proud to bring Adaptive Fitness and Strength Training to the health and fitness industry. Having received a warm welcome from both the community and local gyms that are partnering with us and our clients, it confirms for us that we’re bringing a needed service. Likewise, existing gym members are intrigued and excited about the training services we provide. They are encouraging to us and our clients, and glad to be supporting a facility that embraces the inclusivity of those with adaptive needs.

As health and fitness is important to everyone, we had no reservations that our fitness program would significantly benefit those individuals currently not being served by the existing health and fitness industry. In the short time leading to our grand opening, our clients already training with us have become more confident in their abilities and comfortable in a gym environment.

Special Strong clients are overcoming their challenges, striving to become healthier and stronger all while, simultaneously, being an encouragement to others.

Overall, it seems there are limited opportunities for fitness and health by certified personal trainers for those with adaptive needs. Special Strong provides what has been missing to individuals with physical, mental and cognitive challenges — a holistic approach for a more independent and abundant life. —Fran Poloni, co-owner with wife Jayde of the new West Valley franchise of Special Strong (www.specialstrong.com/west-valley-az)

Colorado Fast-Casual Expands into Phoenix for Its First Franchise Foray

Mici Handcrafted Italian, a family-owned, fast-casual concept based in Denver, has expanded into Phoenix with its first franchise deal — which will be Mici’s first locations outside Colorado. Founded in 2004 by siblings Jeff, Kim and Michael Miceli, the brand has positioned itself for growth since bringing on CEO Elliot Schiffer in 2017.

To lead Mici’s expansion and growth trajectory, the team welcomes industry leader, Matt Stanton, who will join the business as partner and chief growth officer. Stanton, who was an early investor in Mici, is moving on from his role at WellBiz Brands, where he has been chief development officer since 2017. Of the Miceli’s and Schiffer, Stanton says, “While this team is highly talented, what really sets us apart are our shared values about doing good for our customers, employees and franchisees. I’m certain that this combination of business competence and family values will make the brand a success as we grow nationwide.”

The newest of such exciting growth plans include Mici’s first official franchise deal — a 30unit agreement in Phoenix. The deal’s principals are Lucas Farnham and David Doty. Farnham, a longtime operator of Black Bear Diner and Smashburger franchises, will move to Scottsdale with his family and will spearhead the Phoenix developments. Doty, also a former Black Bear Diner and Smashburger franchisee, has been on Mici’s board of directors since Schiffer joined as CEO in 2017.

Of the Phoenix deal, Doty says, “My association and involvement in the brand since partnering with Elliot and the Miceli family in 2017 fueled my desire to get back into the operations side of the business. With my experience in the Phoenix market and longtime connection with Lucas, it just seemed like a no brainer.”

Mici’s menu features generations-old Italian recipes from sibling founders Jeff, Michael and Kim Miceli. Mici’s pastas, handcrafted pizzas, salads and gelato are available for dine-in, carryout, catering and delivery. —Mike Hunter

Mici Handcrafted Italian miciitalian.com

Migration and the Pandemic – 1-800-JUNKPRO Sees Growth

An emerging franchise brand, 1-800-JUNKPRO identified Phoenix for its plans to develop and expand into Arizona after the market was recently voted one of the top 10 best places to live after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The junk removal and dumpster rental company has four locations available in the metro and surrounding areas and has reported a 16% average increase in same-store revenue during the pandemic.

The attractive thing about our business model is that every market in the country needs it. Our customers are mainly homeowners, and we are here to literally take the load off families as they navigate stressful situations like moving, renovating or simply a deep fall cleaning. All of these things take time and an unbelievable amount of energy, so we are here to make things easier.

The locations do require a brick-and-mortar presence, but not an expensive buildout. When the business first launches, each location will bring four to 10 jobs to the Phoenix community; after a two-week training period, a location can open in about 90 days. The typical initial investment ranges from $78,750 to $247,500. It requires minimum liquid capital of $50,000 and a net worth of $200,000.

The Midwest, Southern and Southeastern locations of our Wichita, Kansas-based company have done extremely well, so we are excited to take our footprint further west in Arizona. —Mike Davis, president and CEO of 1-800-JUNKPRO (1-800-junkpro.com), which was initially founded as Better Hauling Company in 1999 by husband-and-wife team Mike and Misty Davis as a way to earn some extra money and rebranded in 2007 in response to its success and then selling its first franchise in 2016

Hiring the Right Fit Right Away

What a difference a year makes. During the pandemic, many people lost their jobs, but a tight labor market in 2021 is making it hard for employers to find top talent.

There is a need for niche recruiters in fields such as finance, IT, engineering and construction, driven by the explosive growth these industries are experiencing in Phoenix. According to November 2021 data from Specialized Recruiting Group of Central Phoenix, there are 7,351 finance and accounting jobs, 4,800 construction jobs, 5,100 IT positions and 2,700 engineering jobs open in the city.

With the sheer number of specialized jobs available, internal HR specialists or standard recruiters are overwhelmed trying to find the right candidates. Recruiters who know these industries intimately, understand the needs of front line managers and use their extensive network of passive candidates are positioned to deliver ideal matches.

According to Gallup, the cost of replacing an employee can range from one-half to two times the employee’s annual salary, not to mention the effects high turnover has on the culture of an organization. With so much hinging on hiring correctly the first time around, outsourcing the recruiting process to an organization like SRG, which is dedicated to making matches that result in happy client and a happy candidate is imperative, especially during the current tight labor conditions.

Specialized Recruiting Group (SRG) of Central Phoenix is a professional and executive search firm helping companies find specialized employees in finance, IT, engineering and construction.

Named one of Forbes’ top recruiting firms, SRG, part of the Express Employment Professional company, puts the focus on relationship building with candidates and clients.

“We like to meet face-to-face with clients when possible, to not only learn about their needs, but also to get a feel for their work environment,” said Demetrius Warren, Managing Director of SRG. “Cultural fit with a candidate is crucial for a happy match for both the employer and the employee.”

Once SRG identifies a prospective candidate they spend time getting to know the person, understand their experience and skills and learn what kind of work environment and opportunity they are seeking. —Demetrius Warren, managing director for the new Phoenix Specialized Recruiting Group (expresspros.com/ PhoenixCentralAZsrg) of Express Employment Professionals (expresspros.com/phoenix), which is expanding in the Greater Phoenix area LOOKING GOOD

Local Standouts Recognized for Achievements and Philanthropy

ACHIEVEMENTS

Delta Dental Recognized for Customer Service Excellence

Delta Dental of Arizona recently picked up its sixth (in consecutive years) Center of Excellence certification from BenchmarkPortal. The Center of Excellence recognition is one of the most prestigious awards in the customer service and support industry, demonstrating Delta Dental’s dedication to providing superior customer care. Delta Dental of Arizona has worked for nearly 50 years to improve oral health by emphasizing preventive care and making dental coverage accessible to a wide variety of employers, groups and individuals. deltadentalaz.com

PHILANTHROPY

FirstBank and Phoenix Mercury Award $5,000 Scholarship

FirstBank, one of the nation’s largest privately held banks with a focus on “banking for good,” recently presented a $5,000 check to local high school graduate Dei’Jonae Moore to assist with college expenses. Moore, a graduate of Mesa High School and a two-time East Valley Defensive Basketball Player of the Year, is preparing for the start of her academic career at Scottsdale Community College. “Students can learn so much about teamwork and other important life skills by participating in student athletics, and it’s great to see students like Dei’Jonae excel in both sports and school,” said Sophie Cunningham, Phoenix Mercury guard. efirstbank.com

Silver Lining Wealth Advisors Personalizes Its Charitable Donations

Donating more than $30,000 to Valley charities this fall, Silver Lining Wealth Advisors, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. in Scottsdale, allowed each member of its team individually to choose a nonprofit organization to donate to that resonates with their unique passions, giving them the ability to impact the community in their own personal way. The generous donations were distributed among The Pet Knot, The Tommy Nuñez Foundation, Hospice of the Valley, St. Mary’s Food Bank, Clearwater Free Clinic, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association, Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Bosom Buddies. This is the company’s second year personalizing donations to charities throughout Arizona. silverliningwealth.com