Joan Verdon

CONTRIBUTOR

About Joan

Joan Verdon has been covering business and retail news for the past 25 years. She has covered trends in tech, manufacturing, real estate and retail, first for The Record of North Jersey and USA Today, and now for CO—. She is a senior contributor, retail, for Forbes.com. Her passion is reporting on how Americans buy and sell. She has covered the birth of billion-dollar companies and the evolution of 100-year-old brands. Previously, she has been an education, general assignment and investigative reporter for The Grand Rapids Press and Buffalo Courier-Express. She spent a year working on Capitol Hill as an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow.

Latest—
GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

How Staying True to Core Values Can Guide Brands During a Crisis

Plus-size fashion startup Henning and emergency prep brand JUDY had to react quickly to the unexpected when the pandemic changed their plans.

GOOD COMPANY » THE LEAP

Moosejaw Aims to Drive Growth With a Broader Base of Outdoor Enthusiasts

The company believes inclusivity is the key to welcoming and supporting the next generation of campers, hikers, backpackers and climbers.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Facebook Creates New Social Selling Tools for Small Businesses

The Facebook Shops platform lets merchants leverage social media connections to drive sales, and also fuels the site’s long-term growth strategy.

GOOD COMPANY » THE LEAP

Hippie Snacks Takes a Measured Approach to U.S. Expansion

The natural foods company hopes to stand out in a crowded marketplace by creating new categories of better-for-you snacks.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Pandemic Boosts Digital Gifting This Holiday Season

The gifting industry has been viewed as ripe for digital disruption for the past decade, but the pandemic and shifting consumer needs are helping these companies gain traction.

GOOD COMPANY » THE LEAP

JibJab’s Responds to Pandemic With Quarantine Birthday Card

The viral video pioneer is returning to its roots with more timely content, but users remain the stars of its funny messages.

GOOD COMPANY » THE LEAP

Fernish CEO Discusses Successful Pandemic Pivot

The rental startup revamped its supply chain to double its home office and décor items while adding TVs and plants, as Americans began spending more time at home.

GOOD COMPANY » THE LEAP

Self-Care Trend Fuels Growth for Amazing Lash Studio

The demand for above-the-mask beauty and the desire for affordable luxury — even during a pandemic — are driving one of the fastest-growing franchising trends.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Holiday Shopping 2020: Consumer Trends & Retailers’ Response

This year the holiday season will start earlier and require merchants to overcome shipping and supply challenges and find new ways of connecting with shoppers.

GOOD COMPANY » THE LEAP

Gemist Partners With De Beers to Disrupt Jewelry Industry

Customers can design their own rings and other bling online, and test drive a low-cost replica before committing to the real thing.