CO

CO— is a digital platform aimed at supporting expanding businesses throughout the United States. Established in 2019 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, CO— shares valuable articles and resources to address the daily challenges faced by business owners. Our dedicated team, located in New York City, consists of experts in digital media and publishing who are passionate about fostering a thriving entrepreneurial community and empowering business owners to succeed.

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How & When to Conduct Employee Reviews: A Guide

4 days ago | uschamber.com | Emily Heaslip

Many merchants know the importance of delivering feedback but are less certain how to structure employee reviews to keep employees from leaving. How often should you host an employee review meeting? Who should be in the room for an employee review? What are the best ways to track employee performance? This guide will cover everything you need to know to keep your best workers engaged and productive. Why do good employees leave? There are myriad reasons why employees leave a job.
How Gen Z and Men are Stirring Up the Fragrance Market

4 days ago | uschamber.com | Faye Brookman

Fragrances are the fastest-growing category in the beauty business today, according to Circana. Gen Z, including teenage boys, are driving a perfume boom by curating “fragrance wardrobes,” just as sales of affordably priced “dupes” of upscale perfumes saw double-digit gains. You can’t smell perfumes online, but social media influencer endorsements have helped entice younger customers to enter the market. Thefragrance industry is booming.
Essiespice: The African-Inspired Spice Blend That Landed in 50 Whole Foods Stores

1 week ago | uschamber.com | Deborah Lynn Blumberg

The specialty food market has grown from $88 billion in 2013 to around $207 billion in 2023, an increase of 149%, evolving from niche products to a major driver of grocery sector growth. Essiespice owner Essie Bartels wanted to see more representation of African foods and flavors on supermarket shelves.
Small Business Day 2025: Innovative Strategies for Small Business Growth

1 week ago | uschamber.com | Miranda Fraraccio

2025 is shaping up to be a volatile year for small businesses, with a saturated market, fierce competition, and shifting regulations impacting how businesses operate. Many entrepreneurs are questioning how their small businesses can grow amid these challenges.
Small Business Update: Tariffs, Taxes & Workforce Challenges

1 week ago | uschamber.com | Nicole Fallon

From the ever-changing tariff landscape to the looming “tax cliff” and workforce shortages, small business owners have faced a lot of uncertainty in 2025 so far. During CO—’s 2025 Small Business Day, Editor-in-Chief Jeanette Mulvey sat down with Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer, and Head of Strategic Advocacy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to discuss these issues.
Q1 2025 Small Business Index: Key Insights

1 week ago | uschamber.com | Nicole Fallon

The Q1 2025 MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index (SBI) showed a noticeable dip in confidence among small business owners, driven by increased concerns around revenue and persistent inflation. The overall Index score fell to 62.3 this quarter, down from 69.1 in Q4 2024. While owners are still optimistic about areas like hiring and investment, there’s growing anxiety around financial stability, which means businesses may take a more cautious approach heading into Q2.
5 Trends Shaping Consumer Spending in 2025

2 weeks ago | uschamber.com | Joan Verdon

With consumers worried about inflation, and planning to cut back on discretionary spending, the competition for share of wallet is becoming more intense. While consumers are seeking value, they also are looking for uniqueness, and flexible and engaging shopping experiences. Pop culture tie-ins and other promotions are boosting in-store visits, and AI-powered tools are driving traffic to e-commerce sites.
True Religion's Gen Z Strategy: Nostalgia, Celebrities, and a Billion-Dollar Comeback

2 weeks ago | uschamber.com | Deborah Lynn Blumberg

True Religion has been cooking up a comeback that courts Gen Z via authentic cultural moments with celebrities like musical artist Megan Thee Stallion and buzzy content creators across sports, entertainment, and fashion at events ranging from Coachella to NBA games. As the denim brand enhanced the product design of its women’s assortment, it’s benefited from a TikTok-nudged, nostalgia-fueled consumer interest in an early 2000s apparel aesthetic.
Cooking Convenience: A Growing Trend for Food and Beverage Companies

3 weeks ago | uschamber.com | Denise Purcell

Products that create easy meals could reclaim some dollars younger consumers are spending on restaurant takeout, according to the National Restaurant Association. Packaged open, heat, and eat meals are a growing area of opportunity in at-home cooking convenience products. Consumers are turning to simmer sauces, bases, and other meal starters with global flavors to create interesting meals without complex recipes.
How to Build an Amazon Store: A Step-by-Step Guide

3 weeks ago | uschamber.com | Nicole Fallon

In the world of online retailing, few companies can compete with the size and reach of Amazon. In Q4 2024 alone, the company generated nearly $188 billion in net sales, thanks to the millions of retailers and individuals using the platform to sell products across the U.S. and globally.