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Media Kit
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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.

Areas of expertise include:
• Company financial performance
• Technology deployments
• Supply chain strategies
• Product marketing, merchandising and procurement
• Retail real estate, design and construction
• Labor issues

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Scaling Vet Startups Vetster, Dutch, and Airvet Offer Telehealth to Appeal to Busy Pet Owners
Companies seek to expand a model that gained traction during the pandemic, appealing to pet owners, veterinarians, and employers alike.
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Cool Sips Founder Seeks Growth With (Non-Alcoholic) ‘Dirty Drinks’ Trend
Veteran restaurant investor Andrew Moger eyes opportunities for customizable beverages in New York City and beyond.
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How Small-Batch Uncle Jerry’s Pretzels is Outperforming the Market by Leaning Into The Better-For-You-Snack Trend
The hand-rolled pretzel company enjoyed a 35% increase in sales during the first few months of 2025.
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Women’s Sporting Goods Boom for Hot Startups Like Moolah Kicks and Round 21
Companies tap into a fast-growing niche with apparel and merchandise for fans and players ranging from basketballs featuring the artwork of Jean-Michel Basquiat to sneakers engineered for women’s feet.
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Restaurant Chain PDQ Exec on Using (Labor-Saving) Self-Ordering Kiosks to Drive Sales
Kiosk technology boosts average order size, improves efficiencies, and more, says Bryan Groc, Senior Vice President of Data Analytics for the fast-casual chicken chain.
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Trendy Startup PopUp Bagels’ New CEO on Its National Growth Strategy
The disruptor is betting on a highly efficient format for its “rip and dip” bagels that departs from typical quick-service chains as it expands, Tory Bartlett tells CO—.
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Fabletics President on Turning Online Shoppers Into Buyers
Social proof messaging boosts conversion rates for athleisure apparel brand, Ashley Kechter tells CO—.
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Salesforce, Intuit, and ADP Execs on AI-Powered Solutions Designed to Fuel SMB Growth in 2025
Streamlining everyday tasks using automated agents allows companies to focus on other areas of their business, executives told CO—.
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How Eco-Diaper Disruptor Kudos Landed Target as It Courts Millennial Parents
Founder and former Procter & Gamble Engineer Amrita Saigal discusses how the on-trend startup found the perfect partner to support its brick-and-mortar debut.
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How Retailers Are Tapping AI to Mitigate the High Cost of Product Returns
Technology is helping merchants cut costs by helping customers make more informed purchasing decisions, identifying “trusted buyers,” streamlining logistics, and minimizing fraud.
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