The Street

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealOutdoor furniture used to be an afterthought. It was cheaply made with little concern for design or aesthetics. Things have changed drastically these days, and for the better. Patio sets are far more intricate and well-made than in decades past, and the world is more beautiful and comfortable for it. Now seems like the perfect time to stop worrying and relax with a cool glass of lemonade on the patio. Case in point, Walmart is currently selling one of its most beautiful patio sets with an outdoor sectional as a limited-time Flash deal. We’re in the waning hours of this discount, so we recommend putting one in your cart ASAP if you don’t want to miss out on this great buy.The Alpha Joy Wicker Sectional Patio Set is on sale for only $300. That’s a discount of 35% off the original price of $460. You’re unlikely to find such a sprawling patio set with such a reasonable price tag anywhere else online. Slashing prices for a limited time is Walmart’s bread and butter, so take advantage while you still can.Alpha Joy Wicker Sectional Patio Set, $300 (was $460) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at WalmartWhy do shoppers love it?This patio set has the perfect blend of comfort, beauty, and utility. The sectional is spacious and soft. The thick seat cushions and fluffy back pillows are ideal for long afternoons lounging in the sun. Each cushion has a zipper enclosure and is fully removable. All pieces are machine washable and can be tumble dried on the low heat setting as well. That means you can keep them as soft to the touch as on the first day you bought the set. The rear cushions are soft enough to be comfortable, but provide the perfect amount of support for those with lower back issues.Aesthetically, the entire set is a stunner. It has a sophisticated design built into the wicker that you don’t normally get at this price. It’s a complicated lattice pattern that elevates the whole thing, making it look far more expensive than it actually is. The set is available in both a light and a dark colorway, so there’s something for everyone, no matter your decor preferences. The wooden table legs and tabletop add a level of finishing to the table that might be the most impressive execution of all.Included with the set are a full-sized two-piece sectional and large coffee table. The sectional can be separated and rearranged in a modular format, so you’re not necessarily stuck with one floor plan. This combination set is moderately sized, so it can fill a medium space nicely, but still be small enough to be an accent option in a larger patio. In addition to the three-piece option, there is a five-piece model that includes an additional chaise lounge and loveseat so that you can create an extra large U-shaped sectional. Related: Walmart is selling an all-weather 3-piece patio set for just $66Walmart shoppers quickly fell in love with this patio set. One called it the “perfect set,” adding “This set is very well-made, sturdy, and comfy. It looks expensive.”Shop more deals Lacoo 3-Piece Patio Set, $85 at WalmartLofka 3-Piece Rocking Chair Patio Set, $63 (was $103) at WalmartMainstays Albany Lane 3-Piece Outdoor Bistro Set, $67 (was $78) at WalmartThe Alpha Joy Wicker Sectional Patio Set is a great buy at just $300. However, this Flash deal will end soon, so you’d be wise to click the buy button now, before it’s gone for good.

Apple isn’t just counting on customers to keep buying iPhones. It also expects them to keep paying every month long after they’ve bought one.While Apple built its reputation selling cutting-edge devices, its fastest-growing profit engine has become Services, the business that keeps generating revenue after customers leave the store.Despite its name, Apple’s Services segment is about far more than servicing devices.Apple’s Services segment is the catch-all for all the ways the company makes money after a device is already in a customer’s hands. That includes the commissions the company gets when you pay for something in the app store, or buy an in-app service from a downloaded app.It also includes subscriptions like Apple Music, TV+, and iCloud+, AppleCare warranties, the multibillion-dollar licensing payment Google makes to stay Safari’s default search engine, advertising, and Apple Pay. It’s a business that might not get a lot of media attention, but it provided roughly a quarter of revenue in fiscal 2025. More importantly, Services carries a gross margin north of 75%, more than double the 36% Apple earns on hardware, according to Apple’s fourth-quarter earnings release.Now, Apple has made a bold play to increase that revenue by raising the prices on a number of its subscription services.Apple bets you won’t cancelLike many Apple customers, I have a bundled Apple One Family subscription. Every Apple One tier includes Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Arcade, plus iCloud+ storage. The tiers differ in storage amount, whether you can share with family, and, at the top, two extra services.Apple One Individual runs $19.95/month and includes Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and 50GB of iCloud+ storage, for a single user.Family is $25.95/month and includes the same services but bumps storage to 200GB and lets you share with up to five other people via Family Sharing.Premier is the everything tier and adds the two services the lower plans don’t have: Apple Fitness+ and Apple News+, on top of 2TB of iCloud+ storage, shareable with up to five other people.
Source: Apple
Apple has raised the price of the Family and Premier Apple One tiers, while the Individual offering’s price has not changed.Individual: $19.95 (unchanged)Family: $27.95 (up from $25.95)Premier: $39.95 (up from $37.95)Apple did not announce the price change. Instead, it just changed the pricing on its website.The company also quietly raised the cost of its Apple Music subscriptions:Individual: $11.99 (up from $10.99)Family: $19.99 (up from $16.99) Student: $6.99 (up from $5.99)“As a result of rising licensing costs, Apple Music is increasing its subscription price beginning today,” the company shared in a statement to 9to5Mac. Apple’s move follows Spotify’s own subscription price increases earlier this year, narrowing the pricing gap between the two streaming rivals. Even after the latest increases, Apple Music still costs less than Spotify’s standard individual plan.Services have become Apple’s revenue driverRTM Nexus CEO Dominick Miserandino thinks Apple raised the price of Apple Music along with the One bundle price for a strategic reason.”By jacking up the price of Apple Music, they make the Apple One bundle look like a bargain by comparison, practically forcing you to upgrade. It’s sad, but because of the way the digital platforms are working, more iPhone users are going to be forced into this situation of paying for subscriptions,” he told TheStreet. The increase, assuming it does not cause people to drop their subscriptions, should add to Apple’s bottom line.”Services are no longer just a supporting character inside Apple. It has become a substantial portion of revenue and represents an even bigger share of profits — and it’s helping the company turn its massive device footprint into repeatable, higher-margin revenue,” according to The Motley Fool’s Daniel Sparks.Apple’s Services revenue stabilizes the company.Apple’s growing Services revenue makes it a more stable company that’s not as dependent on product replacement cycles.”This, in turn, improves Apple’s earnings potential and helps the tech company be less dependent on iPhone, which accounts for more than 50% of revenue,” Sparks added.Evercore ISI analysts believe that investors have ignored Apple’s Services business by focusing too much on its short-term prospects as a hardware company.”The firm recently raised its price target on Apple stock to $365 while maintaining an ‘Outperform’ rating, citing the company’s growing ability to monetize its massive installed base of more than 2.5 billion active devices through subscriptions, payments, cloud services, advertising, licensing, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven offerings,” according to Yahoo Finance.More Tech:Microsoft cuts thousands as Xbox faces rude awakeningSpectrum makes significant decision as customer losses mountGiant troubled satellite TV company files Chapter 11 bankruptcyThe company set a number of records in its most recent quarter with Services leading the way.”Apple Inc. is proud to report $111.2 billion in revenue, up 17% from a year ago and a March record, which was above the high end of our guidance range despite constraints. Customer enthusiasm for iPhone has been extraordinary, with revenue growing 22% year over year to achieve a March record. Services reached an all-time revenue record, growing 16% from a year ago, while EPS set a March record of $2.10, up 22% year over year,” the company shared in its second-quarter earnings release.

Apple has not raised iPhone prices yet.Shutterstock

Apple also recently raised hardware pricesApple raised prices on June 25, according to TheStreet’s Aparajita Chatterjee. The company raised prices on Macs and iPads, but has excluded the iPhone for now.The company raised prices on several Mac and iPad models by $200 or more, with the base MacBook Air rising $200 to $1,299 and the base MacBook Pro rising $300 to $1,999, according to the Wall Street Journal. The iPad Air and iPad Pro also saw price increases, according to the report.The increases come after Apple CEO Tim Cook told the Journal that price increases were becoming unavoidable due to higher costs for memory and storage chips.It’s likely that Apple will wait until its next iPhone release before it raises prices on its phone. It’s also possible that the company is willing to sacrifice margins on its phones in order to keep its customer base intact in order to support its Services revenue. Analysts expect an increase, but disagree on the amount.Some investors and consumers have worried that Apple could eventually need to raise iPhone prices by $200 or more to offset higher component costs.Bank of America recently raised its assumed price increase for some iPhone models, as covered by TheStreet.However, JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee reportedly sees a less dramatic outcome.According to Seeking Alpha, Chatterjee expects the iPhone 18 series to launch with a more modest price increase than some press estimates, closer to about $50 or a mid-single-digit percentage range.There are over 150 million active iPhones in the U.S., making it a core part of American life, according to Statista.Related: Discount chain shuts 75 locations, calls its stores ‘substandard’

In any competitive market, there comes a time when the field thins out. When that happens, of course, the strongest players quietly start doing the math.That moment is slowly arriving for T-Mobile US Inc. (TMUS). In the span of a few weeks, two of its rivals have made moves that could reshape the wireless landscape in ways that directly benefit the Un-carrier. One filed for bankruptcy. The other is selling off hundreds of stores.T-Mobile CEO Srini Gopalan called Q1 2026 “a strong start to the year” in a company statement.And that was before either development fully played out. Now, with fewer competitors fighting for the same customers, the question isn’t whether T-Mobile has an opportunity but how large that opportunity turns out to be.Dish Wireless bankruptcy ends Project Genesis and shrinks T-Mobile’s competitionThe first domino fell on June 30, according to TheStreet. Dish Wireless and its parent, Dish DBS, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, according to court filings reviewed on PacerMonitor.The trigger was a delayed spectrum sale to AT&T — a $23 billion deal covering Dish’s 3.45 gigahertz and 600 megahertz airwaves. That left EchoStar unable to meet roughly $2 billion in senior secured notes that came due July 1, according to Reuters.The bankruptcy eliminates Project Genesis, the flat-rate wireless plan Dish launched in 2022 to compete directly with T-Mobile (TMUS), AT&T (T), and Verizon (VZ). Customers had been promised a $30-per-month unlimited phone plan and a $20-per-month hotspot plan for life. Service ends Aug. 31, according to TheStreet.More T-Mobile:T-Mobile puts new limits on 2 wireless offers for customersTop wireless stock remains Wall Street favorite amid space riskT-Mobile faces backlash over new customer support restriction”Holders of more than 88% of DISH DBS’s secured and unsecured notes have signed the (restructuring support agreement) and have agreed to support the Plan,” EchoStar said in a company statement.Under the plan, Dish Wireless winds down as a network operator. Boost Mobile and Gen Mobile prepaid brands continue operating. DISH TV and Sling TV are not part of the filing.I think the practical effect for T-Mobile is this. The U.S. wireless market now has three primary national carriers instead of four — T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. With one competitor willing to undercut on prices, analysts say the remaining players have more room to adjust rates without triggering a race to the bottom.Verizon’s 274-store retreat hands T-Mobile a retail opening it didn’t have to createThe second development landed almost simultaneously.Verizon announced plans to sell 274 company-owned retail locations to franchise operators and eliminate roughly 500 corporate positions, affecting approximately 3,000 workers nationwide, according to TheStreet. The restructuring follows more than 13,000 layoffs Verizon executed last year as it battles intensifying competition on price and network quality. Verizon is not closing these stores. No, it is converting them from corporate-run to franchise-operated. That distinction matters, but it still creates a window for T-Mobile.Related: Comcast targets frustrated T-Mobile customers with free offerHere’s why. Franchised or authorized retailer locations historically face higher employee turnover, inconsistent promotional execution, and variable customer service standards compared to corporate-run stores. The transition period, when staff are changing, training is incomplete, and branding consistency dips, is exactly when customers are most likely to reconsider their carrier.Also Read: T-Mobile US Inc. Latest News and StoriesHere is what else I found. T-Mobile added more than one million net postpaid subscribers in recent quarters, according to company data, compared to Verizon’s far more modest growth. A disrupted retail footprint at a key competitor gives T-Mobile’s corporate stores and its T-Life app ecosystem a chance to intercept that foot traffic directly.T-Mobile also tends to move aggressively during rival restructurings, offering device buyouts and plan discounts timed to when competitor customers feel the most uncertainty.

T-Mobile reported that its total postpaid accounts reached 34.4 million with 217,000 net account additions in its first-quarter 2026 earnings report.https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/pedestrian-walks-by-a-t-mobile-store-on-january-14-2025-in-news-photo/2255691614?adppopup=true

T-Mobile Q1 2026 earnings show the machine is already running at full speedBefore either of these competitive shifts materialized, T-Mobile was already posting strong numbers.According to a company statement, key Q1 2026 numbers I noticed included:Total service revenues of $18.8 billion, up 11% year-over-year (YoY)Postpaid service revenues of $15.6 billion, up 15% YoYCore adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of $9.2 billion, up 12% YoYAdjusted free cash flow of $4.6 billion, up 5% YoYPostpaid net accounts of 34.44 million, with 217,000 net additions in the quarterThe company returned $6.0 billion to shareholders in Q1 alone — $4.9 billion in buybacks and $1.1 billion in dividends — and subsequently raised its 2026 total return authorization to a maximum of $18.2 billion, according to a Verizon statement.But net income dipped about 15% to $2.5 billion. That decline was driven by $476 million in merger-related costs tied to the UScellular integration. It’s a one-time drag, though, not a structural one.TMUS stock trails the market this year, but the competitive setup is shiftingBut there’s a little tension in the T-Mobile story right now. Despite the strong fundamentals and improving competitive position, TMUS shares are down about 4.25% year-to-date as of July 17, according to Yahoo Finance. That number is trailing the S&P 500’s roughly 8.94% gain over the same stretch. Over one year, the stock is down approximately 13.64%, compared to the index’s roughly 18.43% return.Related: T-Mobile shuts down a 35-year-old wireless serviceThat underperformance is notable, yes. But it also creates an interesting setup. My review of the data suggests the market has been pricing T-Mobile more as a mature utility than as a growth platform actively taking share from weakening rivals.The Dish bankruptcy and Verizon’s franchise shift is highly likely to change that calculus. A three-player national wireless market gives the remaining carriers more pricing power. T-Mobile, with the largest 5G network and faster fixed wireless home internet speeds than any peer, according to Ookla data cited in the company’s Q1 report, enters that dynamic from a position of strength.TMUS shares will reflect that opportunity in the months ahead, depending on how quickly customers in transition land on T-Mobile’s doorstep. The door is open, and the foot traffic is coming.Related: T-Mobile retires several cheaper wireless plans for customers

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealWhile the end of summer is weeks away, folks who love fall will have to wait for their pumpkin spice lattes. But depending on where you live, the hot days may not see themselves out just because the seasons have shifted. For instance, New Orleans, where this writer hails from, has seen many a hot Christmas, and it’s just as enjoyable as it sounds.If you’re fighting off sweat wherever you are, you might love this Amazon deal on the Kimguard Portable Fan. At 34% off, it’s an excellent way to keep yourself cool on hot days at an affordable price.Kimguard Portable Fan, $14 (was $22) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at AmazonWhy do shoppers love it?Weighing only 0.26 pounds, this portable fan is the perfect solution if you dislike carrying anything heavy. The seven-blade design and brushless motor combine forces to blast heat away at twice the speed of the average handheld fan. You can adjust the wind speed from one to 199 gears to get exactly the level of cooling you need. And thanks to the 5500 milliampere-hours (mAh) rechargeable battery, you can also get up to 20 hours of function before you need to power it back up.On top of being effective at destroying heat, this fan is versatile. You can either hold it in your hand, use the included lanyard to wear it around your neck, or adjust it to set it on a desk. You can use that same folding mechanism to make it a little smaller as well, so it can easily fit into a backpack or a purse.Related: Craftsman’s cordless fan that cools for 24+ hours is $59 at AmazonDetails to knowItem dimensions: This fan measures 1.97 inches deep, 6.97 inches wide, and 2.36 inches high.Colors available: Black Hot Pink, Gold Black, Grey Purple, Hot Pink, pink, purple, white, and eight more colors.Additional features: Includes a two-in-one detachable sound bar, dynamic RGB light, and LED light. More than 1,900 shoppers gave this powerful little gadget a five-star rating, calling it “powerful” and “impressive for its size.” One happy customer said, “This is like carrying a portable air conditioner with you.”Shop more deals Chifenchy Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $20 (was $30) at AmazonAnker Noise-Canceling Earbuds, $28 (was $40) at AmazonWaterfly Crossbody Sling Bag, $21 (was $25) at AmazonIf you want to stay cool during the hottest days, the Kimguard Portable Fan is an investment worth making. And at just $14, it’s an affordable one, too.

Washington spent four years trying to convince the world’s most important chipmaker to build in America.On Thursday, July 16, it got a positive answer.Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM) confirmed an additional $100 billion for its Arizona operations.That lifted its total US commitment to $265 billion, which is the largest foreign direct investment in the country’s history.However, investors did something strange in response to the news. They sold TSM.For investors, that difference between the national win and the market reaction is worth assessing.How TSMC’s $265 billion Arizona plan reshapes the US chip supply chainThe White House and the Commerce Department announced the $100 billion increase on Thursday, saying it will fund four additional advanced facilities.That will bring TSMC’s American footprint to 12 advanced semiconductor and packaging plants.More AI Chip Stocks:Goldman Sachs turns its back on major semiconductor stockOverlooked chip ETF is beating biggest AI namesVeteran analyst drops massive Micron valuation predictionThe inclusion of packaging plants matters as much as the fabrication plants.Advanced packaging is the step that stacks a processor beside high-bandwidth memory so the two can move data fast enough to run large AI models.Until now, that final step has happened almost entirely in Asia.However, building both fabs and packaging plants in Phoenix means a Nvidia (NVDA) or Apple (AAPL) chip could be made one day from start to finish on American soil.The new plants will use 2-nanometer technology and below, which is TSMC’s most advanced production process.That detail is crucial because it indicates that America is no longer getting last-generation chips as a consolation prize.

TSMC’s Arizona buildout will grow to 12 facilities under the company’s record $265 billion US investment plan.BING-JHEN HONG / Getty Images

Tariff deal pulls Taiwan’s chip money to PhoenixThe TSMC commitment sits on top of a trade framework reached between the US and Taiwan in January.According to CNBC, Taiwanese chip and technology firms pledged at least $250 billion of direct US investment. Taipei’s government also added another $250 billion in credit guarantees.In return, Washington capped its reciprocal tariff on Taiwanese goods at 15%, down from the 20% Trump had imposed and well below the 32% first announced.Reuters reported that the final agreement was signed in February, adding that Taiwan’s schedule for cutting tariffs on nearly all American goods was included.The effort paid off. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said Taiwanese chip firms that decline to build in the US risk a 100% tariff.How the $265 billion stacked up:$65 billion: The original Arizona commitment, expanded under the Biden administration alongside a $6.6 billion CHIPS Act grant.$100 billion: Announced with Trump in March 2025, covering three fabs, two packaging plants, and an R&D center.$100 billion: Confirmed July 16, 2026, on the second-quarter earnings call.Why TSMC stock fell despite record profit, historic dealHere is the part that surprised investors.TSMC delivered one of its best quarters in history, yet the stock dropped anyway.According to the company’s SEC filing, second-quarter revenue reached $40.20 billion, up 33.7% from the previous year.Taiwan Semiconductor also reported a gross margin of 67.7% and net income of NT$706.56 billion. That’s roughly $22 billion, up 77.4%.Related: TSMC’s June revenue jump breaks a four-year seasonal patternThe company’s management also lifted full-year revenue growth guidance to slightly above 40% in dollar terms, up from more than 30%.However, shares closed on Thursday at $409.74, down 2.34%, and kept falling on Friday, trading near $397 in the premarket.The reason for the drop is the spending line, not the demand line.The capex bill investors are now pricing into TSM sharesTSMC raised its 2026 capital budget to between $60 billion and $64 billion, up from the previous $52 billion to $56 billion range.That’s roughly a 15% increase at the midpoint, arriving in the same report as a fresh $100 billion US commitment.Capital expenditure is money spent building factories, and it comes out of cash flow long before those factories produce a single sellable wafer.TSMC management predicted that overseas fabs will dilute gross margin by 2% to 3% in the early years and 3% to 4% later, since building in Arizona costs more than building in Hsinchu.So investors are not doubting AI demand; they are charging TSMC for the years of spending it takes to satisfy that demand outside Taiwan.The selloff was also sector-wide, following the same beat-and-fade pattern ASML saw a day earlier.What still has to happen before Arizona changes the AI mathThe $265 billion is a promise to spend, not money already spent, and the timeline is the least certain part of the announcement.TSMC attached no construction schedule to the four new fabs, saying the pace will follow customer demand.That flexibility protects the company if AI orders cool.Four things that must go right for the buildout to pay offCustomers commit volume. Wei has said construction and ramp for the new fabs depend on customer needs, so orders drive shovels, not the other way around.Arizona yields hold. The first Phoenix fab reached high-volume 4-nanometer production in late 2024, with yields comparable to Taiwan’s, according to TSMC. The second fab targets 3-nanometer volume production in the second half of 2027.Margin dilution stays inside predictions. Anything worse than the 3% to 4% later-stage drag would reset the earnings math.Free cash flow recovers. Cash generation is currently falling behind the factory bill, and that gap is what the market is watching.What the TSMC deal means for your chip stock holdingsFor investors holding semiconductor stocks, this week delivered two separate messages that are easy to mix up.The first is national. America secured the leading-edge capacity it has chased since 2020. Additionally, the supply chain risk concentrated in Taiwan gets smaller by the end of the decade.The second is financial. TSMC is paying for that security with its own cash flow right now, and shareholders are footing the bill years before they see the payoff.Practical takeaways:Treat the capex raise as a demand confirmation, since companies do not commit $64 billion into a slowdown.Watch free cash flow against capital expenditure in the third-quarter report, which is the cleanest read on whether the buildout is creating value faster than it consumes cash.Note that Q2 net income was inflated by non-operating items, including a gain tied to Vanguard International shares, so operating income growth of 65.4% is the more honest number.Remember, the concentration risk has not vanished yet, as more than 80% of advanced foundry revenue still sits in Taiwan today.The Arizona expansion does not affect TSMC’s results this quarter; it shows up later in 2030, and investors who need the payoff sooner than that are the ones selling this week.Related: IBM’s historic crash exposes AI spending trap

Nike’s restructuring, which it launched in April 2026, has already led to several store closings, layoffs, and an exit from a business partnership.And now the popular sneaker company has closed two more locations on opposite sides of the country as part of its national retail strategy, according to the company.Nike closes two more store locationsNike abruptly closed its store in the Fenton shopping center at 4 Fenton Main St., Suite 140, in Cary, N.C., weeks earlier than expected, the shopping center told The News & Observer.”The store, which opened in June 2022, was originally expected to remain open through July 31 but closed earlier than planned as part of Nike’s broader national retail strategy,” the shopping center said in an email to The News & Observer on July 16.”Fenton appreciates Nike’s partnership and remains committed to providing guests with a strong mix of retail, dining, entertainment, and community experiences,” the email said.

Nike has closed its retail stores in Cary, N.C., and San Jose, Calif., as part of its national retail strategy.Shutterstock

Nike sends 7-day closure messagesNike’s website listing for the Fenton store location posted a message, “Closed for the next 7 days.” It did not say whether the store would reopen after 7 days. The shopping center has a strong leasing interest in the former Nike space and will share updates as they become available, a spokesperson said.Consumers in the Raleigh, N.C., area may still shop at a nearby Nike Factory Store at Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield, N.C., according to the company’s locator on its website.Nike also closed its store in the upscale Santana Row shopping district of San Jose, Calif., the Silicon Valley Business Journal reported. The sneaker company did not reveal its final day of operation at the San Jose store, but the Santana Row shop’s Nike webpage also posted the message, “Closed for the next 7 days.”Similar to its Cary message, Nike did not say whether the San Jose store would reopen after 7 days.”When a tenant’s needs change, it gives us the opportunity to refresh the property and bring in new, exciting concepts that reflect where retail and our guests are headed next,” said Collette Navarrette, senior director of marketing for Santana Row’s operator Federal Realty told the Business Journal.Nike has not revealed the number of stores it plans to close in its national retail strategy.Nike launched restructuring in April 2026 As part of a restructuring launched in April 2026, Nike has adjusted its business model, eliminating certain areas of its business. The company discontinued its Nike Fitness Studios venture, which it launched with gym partner FitLab in 2023, Athletech News reported.“After careful consideration, the majority of the Nike Studios locations will be transitioning to FitLab’s owned portfolio of fitness brands,” FitLab co-founder and co-CEO Brian Kirkbride said in a statement to Athletech News.Kirkbride said Nike Studios would transition to its brands, including yoga brand Y7, small-group strength training brand Racked, Mile High Run Club and XPT, a performance wellness brand founded by Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece.Retailer closes tech officesNike also closed its tech offices in three locations and consolidated operations into two hubs: its Oregon headquarters and the Nike India Technology Center, according to Inc. The closures were tied to about 1,400 layoffs across Nike’s Global Operations team, just under 2 percent of its global workforce.As part of the retail strategy, Nike’s sneaker chain permanently closed a 55,000 square-foot retail location in January which occupied the former 1853 Prescott House Hotel in New York, according to HypeBeast. The company said it planned to move the store to a nearby location, TheStreet’s Daniel Kline reported.Nike opened its first branded retail store Niketown in Portland, Ore., in November 1990. Nike town stores transitioned to Nike stores in the late 1990s and early 2000s.Latest Nike store closings:Fenton shopping center, 4 Fenton Main St., Suite 140, in Cary, N.C., July 2026. Santana Row, 333 Santana Row, Suite 1000, San Jose, Calif., July 2026.Related: Specialty candy company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealWith the summer heat on full blast, the last thing you want to do is wear hot and stuffy footwear. Wearing sandals during the summer months keeps your feet cool, and they’re versatile enough to wear from beach or pool days to weekend brunches. However, summer sandals range massively when it comes to comfort. There are basic flip-flops that are incredibly cheap, but often lack the support and comfort needed for long-term wear. Then, there are sandals that might feel like heaven, but can be a major blow to your wallet. Clarks offers the perfect middle ground between affordability and comfort, and Macy’s is taking it a step further with a big sale on select Clarks sandals.The Clarks Cloudsteppers Breeze Opal H Flip-Flops are a popular pick among shoppers, with over 1,100 pairs sold in just the last week. They were originally $60, but they’re currently on sale for just $25 with a 58% discount.Clarks Cloudsteppers Breeze Opal H Flip-Flops, $25 (was $60) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy’s

Shop at Macy’sWhy do shoppers love it?Clarks’ Cloudstepper collection is widely popular with the sandals being a hot commodity during the summertime, thanks to their breathable designs and cloud-like comfort. Even someone like me, who isn’t a huge fan of flip-flops, found myself buying a pair and absolutely loving how they feel with every step. The Breeze Opal sandals have soft uppers and soles with grip and traction. Even though there’s a slight 1.125-inch heel, it’s relatively flat compared to wedges, making them easy to slip on and comfortable enough to wear all day, every day. They’re a major upgrade from thin and flimsy flip-flops, with some shoppers saying they last for years.This style features an adorable flower detail on the straps, giving them an elevated look. Three of the four colorways available at Macy’s use contrast stitching, too, which is a subtle but stylish design feature. Related: Skechers slip-in sneakers that ‘feel like walking on a cloud’ are now $74 at AmazonDetails to knowSizes: From women’s 5 to 12.Colors: Four.Heel height: 1.125 inches.Macy’s shoppers praise the Clarks sandals for their comfort, with one shopper saying they feel “like walking on air” and that they can wear them all day. Another reviewer even claimed, “These are the most comfortable flip flops I’ve ever owned, and they are super cute!” In fact, shoppers loved them so much that many claimed they had purchased multiple pairs.Shop more dealsClarks Arla Glison Flip-Flops, $30 (was $33) at AmazonClarks Drift Buckle Sandals, $30 (was $70) at AmazonClarks Breeze Gem Flip-Flops, $35 (was $50) at WalmartIf you’ve been searching for stylish and comfortable sandals to wear this summer, the Clarks Cloudsteppers Breeze Opal H Flip-Flops are a fantastic choice. Right now, they’re on sale for only $25, which is a massive 58% off their regular price of $60. 

Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk, whom JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon once called “our Einstein”, has had plenty on his plate lately. SpaceX’s (SPCX) latest Starship launch was aborted, sending the stock tumbling below its IPO price to $123.99 on Friday, 45% below its post-listing peak, according to Barrons.But the stock market’s giving Musk little time to cry a river, with attention already shifting to Tesla’s looming second-quarter earnings report on July 22, 2026.In a surprising turn of events, though, Tesla is entering earnings with stronger deliveries, an expanding robotaxi footprint, and expectations around Optimus and energy storage.However, the headline figures might not be what matters most.In a note shared with me, Bank of America analysts suggest the important change is developing beyond the obvious earnings figures, raising the stakes for Tesla’s outlook.The big question is whether Tesla can turn those promises into numbers that investors can finally underwrite after multiple forgettable quarterly reports of late.

 Bank of America raises Tesla estimates before the company reports second-quarter earnings Leon Neal/Getty Images

BofA revamps Tesla outlook ahead of earnings Bank of America just bumped its Tesla forecasts across 2026 through 2028 following the EV behemoth’s stronger-than-expected delivery performance.More Tech:Microsoft cuts thousands as Xbox faces rude awakeningSpectrum makes significant decision as customer losses mountGiant troubled satellite TV company files Chapter 11 bankruptcyThe bank also reiterated its Buy rating and $460 price target, implying nearly 17.6% upside from Tesla’s July 17 close of $391.06.BofA lifted its 2026 revenue estimate to $107.8 billion from $103.4 billion, raised its 2027 estimate to $126.2 billion from $120.4 billion, and raised its 2028 estimate to $144 billion from $137.2 billion. EPS estimates jumped to $2.13, $2.71, and $3.39, respectively, representing increases of nearly 7%, 4% and 4%.Clearly, BofA feels much more confident in Tesla’s near-term recovery as deliveries improve and robotaxi deployment expands. Its quarterly model also points to acceleration, with adjusted EPS reaching $0.51 in Q2, $0.54 in Q3, and $0.68 in Q4.The central thesis is that Tesla is entering the early monetization phase for robotaxis, FSD, Optimus, and energy storage.Robotaxi is the immediate catalystBofA analysts identified Robotaxis as the primary catalyst that is spearheading Tesla’s bull case.For perspective, Tesla currently has robotaxi operations in five core markets following its July 3 launch in Miami, with four additional markets reportedly in preparation. However, Tesla has fallen short of its original target of nine cities by the first half of 2026, so it technically reached only five of the nine markets by the deadline. On top of that, San Francisco also continues to use a safety driver, so all five markets aren’t operating at the same level of autonomy.Nevertheless, its Texas fleet surged by over 100 vehicles in one month, reaching 175, which is an impressive feat, but the absolute number remains modest. Investors will be focusing on repeatability and consistency as Tesla expands operations.Moreover, BofA highlighted 22 reported incidents through mid-June, with no serious injuries or fatalities. Though somewhat encouraging, the mileage isn’t comparable to that of Waymo, with 2,000 incidents occurring over more than 200 million miles.BofA’s pricing study found Tesla was 21% cheaper than Waymo, Uber, and Lyft in San Francisco, but Tesla’s estimated arrival times were three to four times longer.Though one interpretation is that demand is exceeding supply, it could also reflect limited fleet density, geographic coverage, or dispatch efficiency. Automotive results are improvingNaturally, the most obvious bright spot for Tesla was its surprising beat on Q2 deliveries as reported by TheStreet.It reported roughly 480,000 deliveries, about 18% above the roughly 406,000 consensus estimate and up 25% year over year. BofA compared the numbers with the estimated global battery-electric vehicle growth of 15%, suggesting Tesla gained around 95 basis points of global BEV share.Also, Tesla’s share of the U.S. EV market reportedly rose 50 basis points year over year to 46.1%, and that share is expected to hold up as legacy automakers scale back lower-margin EV production. Also, what’s heartening is that the increase in deliveries didn’t require another major round of price reductions, although pricing remains well below its 2022 peak.On top of that, Tesla’s bull case gets additional support from the humanoids.Musk gushed about them during the Q1 earnings call, saying, “I think Optimus will be our biggest product, not just Tesla’s biggest product ever, but probably the biggest product ever.” Tesla plans initial Optimus production at Fremont by late July or August, with Texas output expected in 2027.BofA sees a gradual ramp, with meaningful volumes unlikely before then. Meanwhile, Tesla’s 25-GWh NatPower Megapack deal reinforces energy storage as a more established growth engine. Tesla’s upside case comes with expensive assumptionsOne of the big conundrums I’ve had over the years with Tesla is that it’s impossible to value it as a car company anymore.BofA’a own $460 price target isn’t anchored to just Tesla’s auto earnings. The bank values the automotive business at 8-times long-term enterprise value (equity value + net debt) to EBITDA, then applies separate DCF models running through 2040 to Robotaxi, FSD, Optimus, and Energy.That builds a valuation story around assumptions investors can’t really test at this time. Additionally, BofA uses a 10.2% WACC (weighted average cost of capital) and 4.5% terminal growth rate for Robotaxi. Its FSD model assumes 4% long-term vehicle growth, 3% annual subscription growth and an international opportunity equal to the U.S. market.Optimus carries even more aggressive inputs at 40% penetration of U.S. manufacturing and 35% of U.S. households. Energy is modeled with an 11.2% WACC and 3% terminal growth.Particularly with the DCF analysis, the more it’s stretched out, the more the output depends on small changes in discount rates, terminal growth, and long-run margins. As my colleague Vuk Zdinjak noted, conventional DCF work focuses on roughly five to 10 years. Extending Tesla’s model through 2040 makes the $460 target harder to audit, especially since BofA doesn’t disclose the values for each SOTP component.Furthermore, the operating forecast is much less forgiving than the headline upside suggests.Margins recover 4.6% in 2025 to 8.2% by 2028 but are still behind their 2024 levels until the final year. Another major concern is that the company’s free cash flow figure is expected to swing from a positive $6.2 billion in 2025 to a negative $10.3 billion in 2026 and remain negative through 2028.Related: Top analyst resets Apple stock price target ahead of earnings

The U.S. cosmetics industry has faced growing competition from the Korean cosmetics market since 2020, as the Asian country’s products have grown in popularity.As Korean product sales have risen, certain American beauty companies have battled economic issues, in some cases filing for bankruptcy protection.A U.S.-based company marketing Korean cosmetics products, Pine Cosmetic Inc., is even having difficulties, leading it to bankruptcy court.New York-based cosmetics and beauty company Pine Cosmetic Inc., which specializes in high-quality Korean skincare products, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, according to PacerMonitor, with plans to reorganize its business.

Pine Cosmetics Inc., the operator of Pine Beauty Mall, seeks to reorganize its business in Chapter 11 bankruptcy.Shutterstock

Pine Cosmetic files for bankruptcyThe debtor, which operates Pine Beauty Mall, LeBody USA, La Noubelle, Somisome, and the Daly Glow brands, filed its petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York on July 17, listing $100,000 to $500,000 in assets and $1 million to $10 million in debts.The cosmetics company, which was incorporated in August 2013, plans to reorganize and restructure its debts, according to a person who answered the company’s phone on July 17. The company is operating as normal, the unidentified person said. No specific reason was given for filing the petition.The company’s Pine Beauty Mall website is still operational as of July 17.Pine Cosmetic’s largest unsecured creditors include Chase Bank, owed over $229,000; CESC-Covic EIDL Servicers, owed over $218,000; First Bank, owed $150,000; TD Bank, owed over $132,000; Forward Financing LLC, owed over $122,000; Lendistry, owed over $107,000; and PayPal, owed over $55,000, according to court documents.Korean cosmetics gain popularityThe Korean cosmetics industry has skyrocketed in the U.S. since 2020, as exports almost tripled from $641 million in 2020 to $1.91 billion in 2024, according to Korean Economic Institute of America research. This rising trend was worldwide, as total Korean cosmetics exports rose from $7.57 billion in 2020 to $10.23 billion in 2024.Korea’s largest cosmetics market, China, however, declined during that period from $3.81 billion in 2020 to $2.5 billion in 2024.North America’s emerging frontier”This striking reversal reflects deeper dynamics in global demand, where China once served as the single-largest growth engine for K-beauty, North America has now emerged as a principal frontier market particularly for skincare,” according to Korean Economic Institute of America.Financial difficulties led Dallas-based Adwoa Beauty to file for Chapter 11 protection in October 2025 with a Subchapter V petition, seeking a reorganization to continue operating. Adwoa subsequently converted the bankruptcy to Chapter 7 liquidation in May 2026 after a financing agreement deteriorated and the company could no longer continue to operate.Expensive litigation forced Miyoshi America Inc., a leader in surface-treated pigments and powders for major cosmetics brands, to file a prepackaged Chapter 11 plan of reorganization on April 27, 2026, seeking to resolve alleged talc- and asbestos-related liabilities asserted in lawsuits against the company and continue operating in a business-as-usual manner. Under the plan of reorganization that needed court approval, the Dayville, Conn.-based debtor would create a $20 million trust to pay claims related to litigation, according to a declaration by Miyoshi Vice President Edward Houlihan.Miyoshi would create a 524 (g) trust, funded by a $19 million cash contribution by the debtor and a $1 million promissory note.The debtor listed 25 law firms in its petition with pending talc personal injury claims against the company.Pine Cosmetic brands:Pine Beauty MallLeBody USALa NoubelleSomisomeDaly GlowSource: PetitionRelated: American sneaker brand closes more stores

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Consumers are constantly shifting their buying patterns. There are a lot of factors at play, but economic changes are at the forefront. As inflation remains high, buyers are being more thoughtful with their purchases to have more wiggle room in their budget. We’ve seen it in furniture and home decor trends, as shoppers have a keen interest in faux-heirloom furniture, buying pieces that have the looks and quality to last for decades. Now we’re seeing it in fashion, with a massive surge in buyers seeking podiatrist-approved sneakers. The hype behind podiatrist-approved sneakersPodiatrists are specialists in all things foot health, whether it’s alleviating heel pain from plantar fasciitis or treating flat feet that constantly feel achy. When it comes to knowing what shoes will provide the support and comfort for a full day on your feet, no one could provide better advice. Shoppers have been prioritizing comfort since the pandemic, considering both what looks good and what feels good. But consumers are more aware of foot health in general, increasing the demand for footwear that provides adequate arch support or corrects structural issues. Podiatrist-approved sneakers, once a niche, have boomed in popularity. As a result, the market has exploded, and these orthopedic shoes now come in a fashion-forward package that looks no different from regular sneakers or sandals. How to find podiatrist-recommended shoesFootwear brands may say their shoes are comfortable and supportive, but the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of approval is only given to shoes that promote good foot health. You’ll most commonly find this stamp on higher-end sneaker brands, including Hoka, Brooks, and New Balance. The one downside to buying these premium running and walking shoes is that they’ll often cost $150 or more. Affordability is often a main selling point for many shoppers, and if you want to keep things under $100, you’ll often find the most affordable podiatrist-approved shoes at Skechers, a brand frequently worn by tastemaker Martha Stewart. Podiatrist-approved sneakers and shoes starting at $25Currently, the retailer is hosting its Summer Favorite Sale, where you can get up to 40% off select shoe styles and an extra 20% off most others with code SUMMER at checkout. You’ll need to be a Skechers Plus member to access these savings. If you’re not a member of this free loyalty program, you can sign up now for a free $5 reward and other useful perks, like an extended return window.Not all of Skechers’ shoes are podiatrist-approved, but by shopping the APMA-Accepted Shoes page, you’ll find the complete line-up. The most affordable pair is Skechers Foamies: Arch Fit Horizon Sandals, which have been discounted from $40 to just $25. These sandals feature Skechers Arch Fit, the podiatrist-certified arch support system that took 20 years to develop. The supportive insole cushioning contours to your foot for superior comfort. If you want a slide that will stay more securely on your foot, the slip-resistant Work: Arch Fit Riverbound Clogs are discounted to just 56% with the coupon code. If you’re going to be doing a lot of walking, a podiatrist-approved sneaker is the way to go. Sneakers stay secure and snug on your feet when tied properly. Skechers takes it up a notch with a removable insole for improved cushioning that molds to your foot, providing shock absorption and better weight distribution. If you love the look of a classic canvas sneaker, the Arch Fit Arcade Arcata fits the bill and comes in six chic colors. For those who just want an everyday shoe they can walk in all day without missing a beat, the Skechers Slip-ins: Arch Fit 2.0 come highly rated by shoppers, and they have a convenient hands-free slip-in design to easily take them on and off without bending over.Skechers Foamies: Arch Fit Horizon Sandals

Courtesy of Skechers

Check price at SkechersSkechers Work: Arch Fit Riverbound Clogs

Courtesy of Skechers

Check price at SkechersSkechers Arch Fit Arcade Arcata

Courtesy of Skechers

Check price at SkechersSkechers Slip-ins: Arch Fit 2.0

Courtesy of Skechers

Check price at SkechersSkechers Slip-ins Relaxed Fit: Viper Court Reload

Courtesy of Skechers

Check price at SkechersSkechers Slip-ins: Go Walk Arch Fit 2.0

Courtesy of Skechers

Check price at SkechersSkechers Waterproof: Go Golf Max 3

Courtesy of Skechers

Check price at SkechersTheStreet Shopping is your guide for shopping insights and advice. We look beyond the price tag to find the best value in home, tech, and wellness gear based on product features and real-world use. Read more about our Editorial Standards and How We Choose Our Shopping Deals.