by U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  • Start

    Everything that you need to know to start your own business. From business ideas to researching the competition.

    Start
  • Run

    Practical and real-world advice on how to run your business — from managing employees to keeping the books

    Run
  • Grow

    Our best expert advice on how to grow your business — from attracting new customers to keeping existing customers happy and having the capital to do it.

    Grow
  • Good Company

    Entrepreneurs and industry leaders share their best advice on how to take your company to the next level.

    Good Company
  • Product Guides

    Let us help your business find the best tools and solutions to thrive and grow.

    Product Guides

Mark Hamstra

CONTRIBUTOR

About Mark

Mark Hamstra is a freelance business writer with experience covering a range of topics and industries, including food and mass retailing, the restaurant industry, direct/mobile marketing, and technology. Before becoming a freelance business journalist, Mark spent 13 years with Supermarket News, most recently as content director, where he was involved in all areas of editorial planning and production for print and online. Earlier in his career he also worked as a reporter and editor for other business publications, including Financial Technology, Direct Marketing News, Nation’s Restaurant News and Drug Store News. \nAreas of expertise include:\n• Company financial performance\n• Technology deployments\n• Supply chain strategies\n• Product marketing, merchandising and procurement\n• Retail real estate, design and construction\n• Labor issues

Latest—
GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

How Retailers Are Taking ‘Grab-and-Go’ Checkout to the Next Level
QuikTrip, Hudson Nonstop, Whole Foods Market among retailers testing advanced checkout solutions, including cashier-less technology and biometric scanners.
READ
GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Supermarkets and Startups Offer Big Lessons on Driverless Product Delivery
With robots and drones on the ground, grocers such as Kroger and food-delivery disruptors like Grubhub explore the business opportunity of autonomous merchandise deliveries.
READ
GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Execs from Big Brands on Wooing Inflation-Minded Holiday Shoppers
Retailers including Michael Kors and Kendra Scott are appealing to deal-seeking consumers with broad product assortments and special perks for the biggest buying season of the year.
READ
GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Business Leaders Share Success Tips for Entrepreneurs
Executives from major brands share their best advice and the moves they’ve found foundational to success.
READ
GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

How 3 Startups Generated Exponential Sales Growth on TikTok
Babylist, Eterneva, and Liteboxer share the secrets of their viral success on the short-form video platform.
READ
GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

5 Post-COVID Economy Tech Trends Driving Sales
Technologies from QR codes to virtual reality are providing companies tools to create new and more engaging experiences for their customers and unlock newfound sales.
READ
GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Supply Chain Tech Helps Businesses Drive Profitability
Rising costs highlight the need for deep data-driven insights around sales productivity of merchandise for Bells of Steel, Snow Cosmetics and Snap Supply.
READ
GOOD COMPANY » THE LEAP

How Chloe’s Pops Became One of The Fastest Growing Frozen Treats in the Grocery Aisle
Co-founders of the additive-free fruit — and now oat milk — treats on taking market share in the booming nondairy dessert category and expansion in national retailers.
READ
GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Food Companies Tap the Sales Potential of Plant-Based Eating Trend
Startups Mosaic Foods and jack & annie’s, and restaurant chain Native Foods, target ‘nutrition-engaged’ consumers seeking health and environmental benefits without sacrificing taste.
READ
GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Top Brands' SMS Text Messaging Sales and Marketing Strategies
Experts from tech companies that work with Airbnb, Michaels, Coach, and more share SMS strategies that personalize and monetize customer transactions.
READ