Barbara Thau

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, FEATURES CO—

About Barbara

Barbara is a longtime business reporter and editor specializing in the retail and consumer sectors, whose coverage includes fashion, food, beauty, technology and more. Her coverage at consumer publications like Forbes, CNBC and AOL.com and trade outlets such as Home Furnishings News ranges from market trend analysis features to CEO profiles of the nation’s biggest public companies, as well as buzzy new disruptors. Thau aims for CO—'s features to demystify the business landscape for the business community, with exclusive stories that keep readers ahead of the trends, identify emerging opportunities and offer actionable insights for growth.

Latest—

Marimekko CEO on How the Finnish Design House Is Betting on Its 73-Year-Old ‘Anti-Fashion’ Ethos to Win Over Nex-Gen U.S. Consumers

The global brand is tapping influencers, a Nordstrom deal, and its first-ever denim line to woo millennials and Gen Z — who happen to share its brand values, Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko says.

Brands Building Wellness into Marketing Plans

The post-pandemic-fueled wellness economy finds everyday brands from Ulta Beauty to dating app Bumble adding self-care to their businesses to boost customer engagement and brand loyalty.

Experts on the Success of the Stanley Tumbler: What Businesses Can Learn From the Sales Phenomenon

How a 113-year-old water bottle brand with working-class roots became millennials’ ‘quiet luxury’ must-have item, and drove up sales tenfold to $750 million — serving up actionable insights for SMBs.

How Mark Cuban and Amazon's Online Pharmacies Unlock Growth Opportunities for All

Execs from the e-commerce giant and startups Cost Plus Drugs and Hims & Hers, on driving growth via partnerships, an expanded range of healthcare offerings, and digital convenience.

Amazon Solves Top Small Business Pain Points

Amazon's expanded supply chain function and AI-driven product listing tools aim to help SMBs drive sales on its site and beyond, says Claire O’Donnell, Director, Selling Partner Empowerment.

How Meta's Messaging Apps Help Businesses Drive Growth

Nikila Srinivasan shares how Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp messaging platforms are helping both SMBs and big companies deliver customer service, spread marketing buzz, and drive sales.

Google Pushes to Help Small Businesses Sell More With Generative AI

How the search engine giant is weaving (free) content creation tools into its shopping ecosystem to level the playing field between big brands and SMBs.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Execs From Major Brands Discuss Monetizing Big (Post-Pandemic) Growth Opportunities

How the trio of brands are leaning into the rise of SMBs, wellness, and the work-from-home economy to drive business.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Women Executives Discuss Imposter Syndrome

Despite professional success, VP of Global DEI Rosanna Durruthy, VP of Creative Xanthe Wells, and CMO Angela Hsu reflect on grappling with self-doubt, and the path to recognizing, ‘you’re OK.’

GOOD COMPANY » THE LEAP

How GetYourGuide Reached $1 Billion ‘Unicorn Status’

CEO of the digital marketplace on wooing vacationing consumers — particularly millennials — with day tours and activities from thousands of SMBs worldwide.