What is ‘dynamic pricing,’ and why are Oasis fans furious about it?

What is ‘dynamic pricing,’ and why are Oasis fans furious about it?

Thousands of Oasis fans waited long hours in virtual queues this weekend to get their hands on tickets for the British band’s reunion shows next summer, only to find that prices had been hiked as part of a “dynamic pricing” scheme. Many fans who waited for more than three hours thinking they would pay the … Read more

Canada banning sales of flavoured nicotine pouches in convenience stores, gas stations

Canada banning sales of flavoured nicotine pouches in convenience stores, gas stations

Starting next week, the federal government will impose new restrictions on nicotine pouches to make it illegal to sell them anywhere but from behind a pharmacy counter. Beginning August 28, the pouches, which go by the brand name Zonnic, will be completely banned from convenience store and gas station shelves. Berry Frost and Tropic Breeze flavours … Read more

U.S. suing Ticketmaster owner Live Nation

U.S. suing Ticketmaster owner Live Nation

The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) and a group of 30 states and the District of Columbia on Thursday sued to break up Live Nation, arguing the big concert promoter and its Ticketmaster unit illegally inflated concert ticket prices and hurt artists. “It is time to break up Live Nation,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. Concert fans … Read more

U.S. eases vehicle emissions rules, but overall reduction targets remain unchanged

U.S. eases vehicle emissions rules, but overall reduction targets remain unchanged

The Biden administration on Wednesday slashed its target for U.S. electric vehicle adoption from 67 per cent by 2032 to as little as 35 per cent after industry and autoworker backlash in the political battleground state of Michigan. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) instead adopted a “technology neutral” regulatory scheme that allows automakers far more freedom … Read more

From cult status to closure fears — what happened to The Body Shop?

From cult status to closure fears — what happened to The Body Shop?

It’s a store you know by scent. For decades, the sometimes-overwhelming aroma of The Body Shop’s satsuma soaps and coconut body butters have wafted through mall concourses, as much a staple to the culture as the food court. The U.K.-based beauty and cosmetics shop has more than 3,000 retail locations in 70 countries, including 110 standalone … Read more

B.C. health minister says he expects Ottawa to protect Canadians from drug shortages

B.C. health minister says he expects Ottawa to protect Canadians from drug shortages

British Columbia’s health minister says potential exports of Canadian drugs to U.S. states would be a devastating blow — but he doesn’t believe it will come to that. In an interview airing Sunday on Rosemary Barton Live, Adrian Dix said a decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow Florida to import millions of dollars worth … Read more

In the market for a diamond? Stones that are manufactured, not mined, are gaining in popularity

In the market for a diamond? Stones that are manufactured, not mined, are gaining in popularity

When Evelyn Schaffer first saw her engagement ring, she was speechless. It was a 0.76-carat, oval-cut stunner — and she said no one has been able to tell that the diamonds were created in a lab. “I’ve never seen anything like it and it’s gorgeous,” Schaffer said. “The lab-grown diamonds are actually more sparkly in my … Read more

Mastermind Toys customers warned to use gift cards by Dec. 24 as company is set to change hands

Mastermind Toys customers warned to use gift cards by Dec. 24 as company is set to change hands

Mastermind Toys shoppers have less than a week to redeem store gift cards.  The Canadian toy retailer announced earlier this month that it had signed an asset purchase agreement with Unity Acquisitions Inc.  Mastermind filed for creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCCA) on Nov 24. Customers are now being told their gift cards will not be honoured … Read more

Ottawa expected to release promised EV sales regulations Tuesday

Ottawa expected to release promised EV sales regulations Tuesday

Automakers are set to get a jolt Tuesday when Ottawa unveils its promised electric vehicle regulations. CBC News has learned that Ottawa will release final regulations it says will ensure that all new passenger cars sold in Canada by 2035 are zero-emission vehicles, a senior government source said. The source — who was not authorized to speak publicly — … Read more