The latest episode of the Speaking Startup podcast is a tale of two types of retail.

First, we visit with St. Louis entrepreneur Doug Spencer. He's co-CEO of Bold Xchange, an ecommerce startup looking to boost Black-owned businesses by providing them the exposure and connections they need to grow.

Then, we hear another story from our Outstate series on entrepreneurship in small-town Missouri. This installment takes us to an Amish community in eastern Missouri to learn about the entrepreneurs there — and how the pandemic has driven a surge in demand for their products.

Speaking Startup: A tale of two types of retail

Businesses are trying to cope with the holiday season crunch in an economic climate the likes of which they have never experienced. With some projections forecasting the biggest holiday season ever for retailers, business owners are facing high demand while contending with supply chain issues, labor challenges and other lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This week's episode of the Market Dives podcast looks at challenges facing Missouri businesses as the Christmas season approaches.

First, we hear how some local retailers are getting creative to survive this vital part of the year that contributes nearly half of all revenue for some businesses.

Then, we get a glimpse at the idiosyncrasies of the seasonal labor market and what holiday hiring looks like in 2021. At a time of the year when many companies are looking to staff up, how's that going with job openings still near record highs?

Market Dives: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas challenges

Missouri Business Alert’s Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state.

Speaking Startup: A tale of two types of retail

Missouri Business Alert

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