Farmers and small producers need to test new markets and products if they want to grow their bottom lines, and they can now tap into an audience of consumers hungry for fresh food by using online marketplaces like Farm To People. Co-founder Michael Robinov explains how the marketplace works, and how it can help both produce and specialty food businesses see growth.  Read More...

How can brands test-drive new concepts without the investment required for traditional brick-and-mortar stores? Retailers like Macy’s and brands like Glossier are introducing smaller pop-up shops — some just 1,000 square feet — that allow them to showcase items on flexible rent terms and create some buzz. Here's how they're already tapping into pop-up shops in Chicago and Los Angeles.  Read More...

In most cases, an automated process is an improved one for the consumer, or for the worker on the other end of it. A lot of manual interaction and intensive legwork is generally good for no one, after all. With more automation comes more opportunities for the wrong players, though — particularly those looking to slip inside the system and use the process for their own ends.Read More...