Effective immediately Apple is closing all stores outside China. Online and app stores still remain open. CEO Tim Cook says the most effective way to “minimize risk of the virus’s transmission is to reduce density and maximize social distance.”

Ongoing coronavirus-related concerns prompted two companies to temporarily halt fan-favorite activities. Coffee chain Tim Hortons will not feature its yearly Roll Up the Rim promotion while Costco Wholesale Corporation won’t offer food samples. Click for full article.

Consumers have become intoxicated by information, making it increasingly difficult for brands to cut through the noise.

Brands that cultivate meaningful emotional connections with customers are known as intimate brands, and their benefits are impressive – many of them outperform companies listed on the S&P 500 and Fortune 500 across revenue and profit. Click here to see infographic.