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—

How Google’s ROI-Driven AI Tools Are Helping Businesses of All Sizes Win Next-Gen Consumers

Artificial intelligence has changed how consumers search for products, and businesses in turn are using it to connect with high-value shoppers. Google exec Courtney Rose talks with CO— about AI-powered tools for businesses large and small.

How Any Business Can Make the Most of Small Business Saturday

This year, eligible businesses can apply for American Express’ $20,000 grants to help them grow.

How AI Can Help You on Small Business Saturday and Beyond

AI is dramatically changing how consumers shop, and how businesses sell. Here are key tools small businesses can use right now to save time and drive sales.

START » STRATEGY

Boost Small Business Saturday Sales With Tips From Big Retailers

Big retailers spent a lot of time, money, data, and manpower creating their holiday game plans. Here are five of their 2025 strategies small businesses can use to their advantage.

GROW » MARKETING

Expert Advice on How to Win on Small Business Saturday and Drive Holiday Sales

Small Business Saturday is a golden opportunity to grow your business. Here are tips on how to prepare financially, maximize your marketing messages, and turn new customers into repeat visitors.

START » STRATEGY

5 Consumer Insights to Maximize Small Business Saturday Sales

Key research findings on how, where, and why shoppers will spend to help businesses plan their holiday strategy.

Vimeo Exec on Why Video Is Crucial for Businesses Large and Small in the New Age of AI

AI platforms are redefining how consumers search for products and information. SVP Zoe Black talked to CO— about how Vimeo can help businesses get discovered in a new era of search.

How PayMore Is Reinventing Electronics Resale

The chain is enjoying explosive growth thanks to its ‘new age retail’ strategy, its founders told CO—.

YouTube Exec on Giving Brands AI-Powered Tools to Reach Targeted Audiences and Drive Sales

YouTube, leveraging the artificial intelligence investments of parent company Google, is offering businesses new ways to reach consumers and easily create tailored ad content, says Head of Creative Partnerships Kevin Babcock.

Wayfair CTO on AI’s Game-Changing Potential

The online furniture retailer is using AI to inspire customers and translate decorating ideas into actionable purchases.