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The World Bank raised its 2024 China growth forecast to 4.9%, from 4.8% previously. In summary from the Bank's report: Economic Growth Performance: China's economic growth was robust at 4.8% during the first three quarters of 2024. Growth has slowed since Q2 2024 due to subdued domestic demand and a prolonged property sector downturn. 2024 and 2025 Projections: Growth is estimated at 4.9% in 2024 and projected to moderate to 4.5% in 2025 . Policy easing measures are expected to provide moderate support. Key Challenges: Subdued household and business confidence. Continued headwinds from the property sector downturn. Structural constraints including: Low domestic consumption. High debt levels among property developers and local governments. An ageing population. Policy Efforts: The government is providing policy stimulus to balance short-term demand support with long-term financial stability. Emphasis on addressing the property sector crisis, strengthening social safety nets, and improving local government finances. World Bank Perspective: Mara Warwick, World Bank Country Director for China, Mongolia, and Korea , emphasizes the need for: Balancing short-term growth support with structural reforms. Implementing clear and specific policy measures to boost market and household confidence. Unlocking sustained recovery through structural adjustments. *** None of those "key challenges" highlighted in the report should come as any surprise. The 'World Bank perspective' )policy adive) is not surprising either.The Philadelphia Eagles are looking more and more like they're going to need to start back up Kenny Pickett on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. Starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is in concussion protocol, did not practice for the second day in a row. Meanwhile, Pickett (ribs) was a full participant in Thursday's practice after being limited on Wednesday. Linebacker Nakobe Dean (abdomen), wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee/rest), and defensive end Josh Sweat (ankle/rest) were limited on Thursday after being sidelined on Wednesday. A handful of other Eagles key starters, including left guard Landon Dickerson and running back Saquon Barkley, who rested on Wednesday as well without an injury returned to practice as full participants. Thursday’s Injury Report #DALvsPHI pic.twitter.com/zSwJpkix2w Eagles Week 16 Injury Report Observations Nick Sirianni has discussed resting his key players when they need it in order to keep them ready to go for their playoff run, which is why several players kicked off the week sidelined. Quarterback Jalen Hurts happened in Week 16's loss to the Washington Commanders . Head coach Nick Sirianni wouldn't rule him out yet but he will need to pass through concussion protocol and it's not looking good. Kenny Pickett was injured in Week 16 but finished the game. It's a good sign he was a full participant on Thursday. Pickett made it seem like he was starting vs. Dallas when he told reporters, "I’ve got a lot of family coming. It’s a surreal feeling having this opportunity. I’m doing everything I can to be prepared and get ready for it. I’m excited." The Eagles signed quarterback Ian Book to the practice squad on Thursday which also hints at Hurts' availability for Sunday. Wide receiver Britain Covey has now missed the last four games with a neck injury, despite practicing during the week. Rookie Cooper DeJean has done a good job stepping in for him on punt return. Wide receiver A.J. Brown injured his knee ahead of Week 16's matchup but played through the injury. The Eagles must activate Bryce Huff off Injured Reserve in order for him to return to action. He is still wearing a cast on his left hand. This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.
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Special counsel David Weiss's office on Monday appeared to push back on President Joe Biden 's claim that its prosecutions of Hunter Biden were politically motivated , calling such allegations "baseless." In a court filing challenging Hunter Biden's request to have the California indictment against him dismissed in light of his father's Sunday night pardon , Weiss noted that a number of judges had already rejected the younger Biden’s claims of vindictive prosecution. In a statement announcing the "full and unconditional" pardon, the president said "I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted," referring to the cases brought by Weiss that led to a guilty verdict on gun-related charges in Delaware and Hunter Biden's guilty plea on tax and fraud charges in California. "I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice," Biden said. In the court filing , Weiss's office did not directly mention the president's statement, but noted that Hunter Biden filed eight motions to dismiss the California indictment "making every conceivable argument for why it should be dismissed, all of which were determined to be meritless." "Of note, the defendant argued that the indictment was a product of vindictive and selective prosecution. The Court rejected that claim finding that '[a]s the Court stated at the hearing, Defendant filed his motion without any evidence.' And there was none and never has been any evidence of vindictive or selective prosecution in this case," the filing said. It noted that Hunter Biden "made similar baseless accusations" in the Delaware case, which were rejected by that judge as well. Three appeals court panels also rejected Hunter Biden's arguments, the filing said. "In total, eleven (11) different Article III judges appointed by six (6) different presidents, including his father, considered and rejected the defendant’s claims, including his claims for selective and vindictive prosecution," the filing said. In filings Sunday night, Hunter Biden's attorney Abbe Lowell argued the presidential pardon “requires an automatic dismissal of the Indictment" against his client. Weiss argued in the California filing and a separate filing in Delaware that courts typically "do not dismiss indictments when pardons are granted.” "The Government does not challenge that the defendant has been the recipient of an act of mercy. That does not mean the grand jury’s decision to charge him, based on a finding of probable cause, should be wiped away as if it never occurred," the Delaware filing said. "It also does not mean that his charges should be wiped away because the defendant falsely claimed that the charges were the result of some improper motive or selective prosecution. No court has agreed with the defendant on these baseless claims, and his request to dismiss the indictment finds no support in the law," it added. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Lowell responded to Weiss's filing late Monday and argued the judge has the right — and reason — to dismiss the underlying indictment. "Mr. Biden has not been sentenced and no judgment has been entered in this case. Because no judgment has been or will be entered in this case, the appropriate resolution is to dismiss the Indictment while noting that is due to a pardon," Lowell wrote. Hunter Biden had been scheduled to be sentenced in both cases later this month.
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Experiential retail is making a comeback as brands pivot from traditional sales models to more engaging shopping experiences driven by consumers seeking more meaningful interactions with products and brands. Consider Mastercard , which launched an immersive shopping experience in Fort Langley, British Columbia, that runs through Dec. 15 as part of an initiative to support small businesses. The program features a Mastercard-created storybook, themed storefront displays, and in-store art installations, with participating customers receiving collectible wooden puzzle pieces depicting local landmarks. Meanwhile, to revitalize its century-old brand, La-Z-Boy recently unveiled a new 12,600-square-foot showroom in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood . The store features experiential elements like a Recliner Runway, lifestyle-themed sections and digital customization tools to build a recliner. Getting the Consumer Spend Merchants can stand out in a crowded marketplace by offering different experiences and ways to connect with brands. “I think it’s making a comeback because brands are looking at it as a way to differentiate and draw people in, not because consumers demand it,” Greg Zakowicz , senior eCommerce expert at Omnisend , told PYMNTS. “This difference is why it currently isn’t a standard part of the in-store shopping experience. Brick-and-mortar retail still works because consumers like the tactile experience. Combining that with entertainment and tools like VR that enhance the experience can be beneficial, but I’m not sure it’s sustainable. Stores have tried AR and VR but nothing has yet to really take off. “ While Zakowicz said AR and VR will become a part of the in-store experience for many brands, using that technology is “still a ways away from that. What we may see in the interim are these limited-time experiential stores or setups aimed at drawing people in at certain times of the year or for themed events. From there, brands can analyze what worked and what didn’t and make everyday adjustments accordingly. This concept also allows brands to adjust to constantly shifting consumer trends without being stuck in an outdated store design and concept.” Omnichannel Retail Consumers want unique and engaging shopping experiences, according to Sudip Mazumder , senior vice president and retail industry lead in North America at the digital consultancy Publicis Sapient . “Several key factors are driving this trend,” he said. “Even with the rise of online shopping, many consumers still crave the tangible, physical shopping experience. Experiential retail offers a way for brick-and-mortar stores to differentiate themselves from online competitors. Additionally, today’s shoppers want more than just products; they’re looking for meaningful experiences. ... Physical stores also provide a space for social connection, where community building and social interaction can thrive—something that’s highly valued in the digital age.” Mazumder pointed to pop-up shops, which generate buzz with their unique and temporary nature, and in-store events like workshops and product demonstrations that engage customers and build brand loyalty. “Retailers are also using technology to offer personalized shopping experiences and create immersive environments that transport customers to new worlds,” he said. Immersiv e Shopping A number of brands have implemented experiential retail strategies to capitalize on this trend, creating memorable and engaging customer experiences. Here are some notable examples : Prada has its pop-up café inside Harrods , offering a slice of Milan with its elegant design and high-quality Italia n cuisine. Similarly, H&M has transformed the fitting room experience in Barcelona with a digital holographic mannequin that allows customers to interactively customize outfits. In New York City, Lego’s flagship store showcases towering structures and augmented reality experiences that blend play with technology. Nike capitalizes on major marathons by creating store experiences and merchandise for local running communities. Walmart, Best Buy, and other retailers are also getting into more immersive shopping experiences, melding online and in-store shopping. Combining online and in-store experience dovetails with a growing desire among consumers to have digital shopping experiences in the stores, according to the PYMNTS Intelligence study “ 2024 Global Digital Shopping Index: U.S. Edition ,” created in collaboration with Visa Acceptance Solutions . A third of U.S. shoppers prefer a Click-and-MortarTM experience, blending online and in-store shopping. While 20% use digital tools to enhance in-store visits, 11% opt for online ordering with in-store pickup. Shifting Retail Landscape This focus on creating meaningful interactions aligns with the growing experiential retail trend. However, that’s a term often misunderstood or overused, according to Neil Saunders , managing director of retail at the research firm GlobalData . “Experiential retail is something of a buzz word that is now used very loosely to mean that some kind of value has been added into the process of selling,” Saunders said. “This is often used to differentiate, to drive brand affinity, or to make the customer feel a certain way. It arguably has always been a part of retail. What retailers need to do is align the experience with what the customer wants. Sometimes shoppers don’t want bells and whistles. They just want a reliable, convenient experience. Other times, consumers appreciate something more immersive. The thing to avoid is gimmicky tech or wizardry that isn’t relevant and is being used for the sake of it.”