#holiday retail is a layer of hell

[tattletale2020]

The Year According to Retail:

Marketing in DepartmentStoreLand 

The Marketing Schedule has a comforting rhythm, dependability, inevitability.

Something to look forward to. Or Dread.

Come Pandemic or Pestilence. Life goes on. The seasons change. And people buy stuff.

January:

Clearance Boring Christmas Hangover

Wedding Shows

February:

Yay! We can do something fun again and get in trouble with lingerie windows!

March:

Oft passed over for a longer Easter selling period, St. Paddy’s Day let’s us release our inner leprechaun.

Why do I keep seeing holographic sparkly shamrocks in my sleep.

Easter, Pastel Hell.

Aaaand Outdoor Set-Up!

Punctuated by New Spring Season’s Offerings

April:

Some Years the Pastel Hell Continues.

Focus on full launch of Spring Season. Fresh. Exciting.

May:

Mother’s Day. Bring on the Fragrance and Floral Prints sprinkled with Chocolate.

June:

Father’s Day. Bring on the BBQ Accessories and After Shave

July:

Canada Day! Yay! Oh, the things we can do with Red, White, and Maple Leaf.  And Mountie Souvenirs.

And then, Clearance again. Sooo Boring.

August:

Back to School. Super fun. Lockers. Back Packs. And Bright Kids Clothes.

Time to go wild and funky in the Junior and Denim Departments.

How we can we get in trouble here?

September:

The Big Fall Launch. In Every Department.

Most Important Fashion Season with all the warm and cozy big ticket Items.

October:

Thanksgiving. Halloween. Omg the Orange.

Christmas Street Décor Launch. What!

November:

Remembrance Day Salute

And Christmas. And Christmas. And Christmas.

And Trees and Garland and Lights and Gift Boxes and Ribbon and Snow.

December:

Coast and Upkeep

And closer to the big day, Change One Day Sales every morning.

Signage, Product, and Focal Points.

 And then there’s the Real Timeline:

January:

Set up Valentines

And Probs a Wedding Show or two.

February:

Set Up Easter and Spring Launch and Prep for Outdoor all at the same time.

March:

Throw up some Green

Full Tilt Spring Launch

April:

Layer Mother’s Day into Spring Deck

May:

Set Up Father’s Day and Hope Outdoor doesn’t sell out before it happens.

June:

Set Up Canada Day and Prep Clearance

July:

Plan how to do Back to School, Fall Launch, and Prep Christmas all at the same time.

Maybe get Holidays. Maybe Not.

August:

Full Tilt BTS and Fall Set Up.

September:

Thanksgiving Halloween Prep

Christmas Street Prep. Trees and Decor

October:

Christmas Prep in Earnest aaall behind the scenes.

November:

Elf Time. The Season Explodes.

December:

Take a deep Breath and Plan for Take Down and How to do it Better Next Year!

Now, the above is just a Skeleton List:

Factor in all the Fragrance and Cosmetic Launches, GWP’s, and Galas

Lingerie Events are almost as frequent.

Layer in Chocolates for every big event

Each Department has their own Huge Event: White Sale and Housewares, Suit Sale, the Furniture, Electronics and Appliance Events,

And then there’s the Big Sale of each Season, One Day Sales, Surprise Sales, Seniors Day and various Weekend Events

True Story: 

At Eaton’s every event even had its own Balloons! Fabulous!

Needless to say, we disliked have to spend time blowing up hundreds of themed balloons. So one day, just for fun, on the Store Manager’s birthday we filled his office with the leftovers. Surprise! But to our surprise, he wasn’t nearly as annoyed as we wanted him to be.

And then there’s the Window Schedule for 40 Windows.

So start your engines, the year has just begun….

Need Help Planning your Marketing, Media, and Merchandising Strategy for this Weird Year. Call me I do weird well. But not Balloons. I've totally blown it on that front. leslie.enns@gmail.com

Stay Tuned for a month by month look at life in DepartmentStoreLand. Up Next: Focus on February!

Loving the Wallpaper Calendar: Get yours here:

https://www.gearfuse.com/calendar-wallpaper-because-its-less-messy-than-painting/

[travelcenter-uk]

The Best Things to Do in London in Winter!

Ah, London – home to world-class restaurants, an unparalleled music scene, and some seriously rich history. Plus, tea. Who could forget the tea? London is definitely one-of-a-kind, and there’s absolutely no shortage of experiences all year round. However, we can’t deny the fact that it’s dramatically different during winter. So, we thought we’d take it upon ourselves to give you some of the best things to do in London in winter.

But first, let’s start off by touching on some of the frequently asked questions about winter travel/winter in London.

How do I get around London in winter?

Well, the best option would unarguably be the London Underground called the “Tube”, it’s one of the most popular ways to travel around London, and it’s not hard to see why! It’s fast, reliable, and most importantly, affordable, which is the cherry on top of the cake, considering a holiday in London does come with a hefty price tag.

But hey, if the Tube isn’t for you, taking the bus is your next most convenient shot at getting around. Many travellers also walk around the city since it’s decked out in fairy lights.

If you’re a first-timer or just short on time (because, let’s be honest, do any of us have free time?), we suggest taking advantage of the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour to get between some of the most renowned London landmarks.

Is December a good time to visit London?

Yes, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! December is one of the best months to visit London. From twinkling lights covering every inch to the vibrant buzz of people, there’s a palpable sense of holiday cheer in the air, and IT IS INTOXICATING.

But, we’re not going to tell you what you can & cannot do! So, if you’re looking for some other destinations to visit in December, feel free to click right here.

What is the weather like in London in winter?

Winter whisks you away, sweeping through the city and making it a winter wonderland. The average temperature is around 9°C, and the average low is around 5°C. However, freezing temperatures occur, and snowfall isn’t out of the picture.

What to pack for winter in London?

If you’re an avid traveller, you know the drill by now. But if you’re not, you should know that dressing in layers is the way to go, and the key is to stay comfortable at all times. Apart from the usual warm beanies, waterproof boots, jackets and gloves, you’ll find a detailed guide of what to pack for winter travel if you click right here.

Now, let’s get down to business!

Top things to do in London in winter

Skate, skate, skate away!

We’re sure this isn’t the first place you’ve heard this, and it sure as hell won’t be the last, but the ice rink in front of the Natural History Museum is one of the most show-stopping winter attractions in London.

You’ll be surrounded by shimmering fairy lights, and a towering Christmas tree as you effortlessly glide around the rink, hand-in-hand with your loved one, or just by yourself if you’re a bit of a single-pringle. Plus, to top it all off, you can head to the museum’s cafe & enjoy mulled wine once you’ve had enough of skating.

Soak in the sights of Oxford Street

Couldn’t get your shopping done? Well, say hello to your saviour! Oxford Street is London’s ultimate shopping haven, and it would be a rookie mistake not to pay a visit.

Lined with high-end retailers, renowned UK department stores, and candy shops, this is definitely worthy of making it on to one of the best things to do in London in winter.

Also, it just gets better as you approach Christmas! Lights & festive displays punctuate the street as sway-worthy harmonies shift through the air. So, no matter what you do, make sure you have Oxford Street on your itinerary.

Visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

You can’t be wondering about the things to do in London in winter and not think of visiting the daddy of all Christmas markets – that’s Blasphemy.

Now, of course, we understand if some of you decide to skip this since Winter Wonderland might be a little out of budget, but hey, it never hurts to window shop, right? Plus, there’s free entry!

Also, you’re in London, so this definitely won’t be the only overpriced thing you’ll do! So, we recommend saving up before your trip to get this experience on your bucket list – it really is worth it.

Let’s have a Harry Potter Christmas?

Okay, listen – we know this isn’t the traditional go-to activity that you’d expect to find on a list of things to do in London in winter, but – we happen to think it’s a good thing to stray away from the ordinary and be a little unique.

Also, what’s Christmas without a hint of nostalgia? Harry Potter was definitely a big part of our childhood (most of us, at least), and what better way to honour that memory than by visiting the Warner Brothers Studio!

Plus, to make things even better, the Harry Potter film sets that we (again, most of us) know like the back of our hand transformed for the winter season. From adorned Christmas trees lining the Great Hall to icicles and golden baubles hanging above, you’ll have time to remember.

Ride the London Eye

Of course, we’re talking about the London Eye. Why wouldn’t we? If you visit London and don’t visit the London, Eye then did you even experience London in the first place?

The London Eye may be stained by whispers of “oh, it’s SOOO overrated”, but we heavily encourage you to just take a chance & see for yourself.

It’s one of the city’s top attractions & you’ll be able to get a front-row seat to witness what the holidays bring to the city from the comfort of your enclosed capsule.

In addition to seeing the Christmas sparkle take over London, you’ll also get to see the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and other landmarks that some tourists claim they’re too cool for.

Curl up in a cosy cafe

Sometimes all you want is a little bit of your time, and there’s nowhere better to get some quality alone time than the cafes in London. Found in abundance, the cafes in London are the ideal place to take a deep breath and let your thoughts take a walk.

Also, if you think this doesn’t deserve to be one of the top things to do in London in winter, we suggest you don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. Each cafe has its own lively atmosphere, all you need is a warm drink, some fresh pastry and bam! Just like that, you’re all set to enjoy a bit of downtime.

We’re also looking to add more things to do in London in winter to our list, so if you have any suggestions, comment below.

Also, we’re dying to know: what do you think of winter travel in London? Have you ever experienced it? Do you plan on doing it anytime soon? Let us know in the comments below as well!

Read More:-  The Best Things to Do in London in Winter!

This Article, Information & Images Source (copyright):- Travel Center UK Blog

[whimsically-ominously-auspice]

We have an emergency sickness...

This will cause COVID to eradicate quicker despite hospital interventions.

This will cause vomiting of good people Only -- enough of one good meal then possible other random symptoms such as sweating and/or pain and nausea. And diarrhea and coughing. And sleepiness. It is very limited to one evening/part of day.

It will cause eradication of unheavenly and extreme evil.

This is due to Bobbys death yesterday. One hero down y'all. So we all gotta be heroes. The babies will be born in 80 days. And COVID simply doesn't have enough time.

It won't cause many long term symptoms except coughing or sneezing.

It will cause the "zombie outbreak" of people that have COVID which is a sleepy brainless feeling that we will also experience.

I felt the zombie first when I woke. Then Vomited (threw up). Steven vomited then felt the zombie effect. Just sleeping is fine.

This is how I explained the Corona from the beginning. So testing will show a false positive if it isn't an antibody and illness test like those in London England, Ireland, and other upper European countries.

So if you need/want off work then don't get the antibody test. If you have to get back to work, get the antibody test.

We will not obtain the tests that are done in Europe. Because this is the United States and the government will supply cash funds due to those being ill and needing to take off work. If they do not Then they will not obtain the tests in Europe without an extreme war taking place. Russia will stand in the way of the United States to protect that side of the world.

To mimic the way the blood steam does begin to dry out the intestines will empty for those of the good. It is a virus and as soon as they're empty both ways then you're fine and shouldn't test positive after two to four days.

Because it isn't speeding up the Mummyfication process, quarantine is still important world wide.

Because hospitals will begin to be overwhelmed.

When i have a sunburn over a tan then that will cause the Mummyfication process to be speeded up to where they will die within one to three days of contact.

Tree says 35 days that will begin to be noticed by health practitioners.

Good people will see they have a shade of a tan by one level. Some may not notice at all. But some may. Health benefits that would occur from a seasonal tan of a healthy style will be in the body naturally. And will continue to feed the body. For us that is when we know that quarantine should be over.

So look to girls whom wear make up. Beauty influencers that always have the perfect shade match and see the difference in that one level. So y'all guys and gals that wear a colored skin protecting layer over their faces for whatever personal reason and are like insta famous -- please do complain.

At this point its safe to go out and spread the disease and not over whelm hospitals.

They will have had the zombie effect or a shade of, people whom need to naturally die because they do not belong to the Earth and so they will not feel the need to go to the hospital and will actually feel absolutely fine but a bit sluggish in their minds or so on and will think sleep will help like it did for the Zombie effect.

And then they will die in their sleep them spontaneously combust into a gold glitter.

No hospitals should take them as the hospitals will see the combustions themselves and will realize that there's no cure nor any reason to treat.

But for now Quarantine 2020 is still mandatory for bodies as the hospitals will become overloaded.

Again this is a simple "gripe water" or Gatorade treatment.

Children will get this disease and they will vomit. In school. Not at home. Only in public school. And in private school. Home school children will not be effected except they will be sleepy more often. They should be allowed to sleep.

Schools doing online schooling with say zoom. Should have meetings no earlier than noon and no later than 10 pm. They should only expect 3 hours of schooling to be done per day. And they may find that is excessive for some k - 12.

Some may only be able to focus for 45 minutes of schooling per day especially of new material.

This is where you'll want to do "block" scheduling like Penn and Foster where they are only doing one class at a time. So you'll want to do only one class or subject per day. In some occasions 2.

So for reading and writing you'll want to combine it with Science, especially. From there you'll do grammer and comprehensive skills. As well as spelling and writing such as one or two sentences for questions.

It will be school time when people begin to spontaneously combust and the children that are of a double gene that is unearthly will begin to die first. This is so they are not left without parents.

182,061 in/from Valencia County total will spontaneously combust. Or die from regular COVID.

Ghosts are also spending 20 minutes with extreme neasua they will provide the Mummyfication aspect of the disease and they will begin to spread it as of now as soon as they get ill.

I am the Queen of the Planet and I have already contracted and spread the disease and King Byron has began to spread it in the ghost world.

So Zulululu. You're fucking welcome. You shouldn't had killed him. This is how and why we made this disease as it is.

There is no stopping it and if i am killed all occupants of the Earth that do not deserve to live on the planet will immediately die.

Bees sting once and die.

I do mass extinctions like I learned from you Zulululu from killing our dinosaurs, minute men and Great Trees.

So fuck off about that. You don't want to mess with me. Accept it and stay in your fucking houses. Hospitals will kill you with some extreme and obscene ways. Although they're not supposed to. But they have been because you've been working in them. And we've caught you hundreds of times and I know its been done millions.

And so patients should not be admitted but sent home to hydrate and take Advil and gas x. As well as heartburn medication. Some may take propranalol or other blood pressure medication for their comfort. 89% should be prescribed heart blood pressure medication despite any symptoms they show.

Any blood pressure medication is fine but propranalol and others tree will update with cause a calming mental effect and increases emotional stabilization.

Sinus pressure medication for some as they will feel like they are continuously being punched in the face. At up to 12 pills per day. One every hour they're awake. Some every two hours. It will only work up to 9 days so no point to prescribe past that amount. Some it will only work for 4. This can also be bought over the counter.

Again the shelves will be depleted of supplies at major retailers through September 2020 and only medication made in Ecuador saved slave ships will be available. The slaves human trafficked where stolen from Africa and Ecuador had saved them and returned them home.

So you white supremacy, those pills were all touched and breathed on by black people. And you should know.

So this disease is now spread by ghosts and good people will test positive in some locations as,they are carriers

We will all obtain a stomach/gastrointestinal virus that we must eliminate from our bodies immediately.

To remind you to keep evil people at bay and away from you and to remember they will be eliminated soon.

We have had to speed up the process. So the twins can be born.

I've chosen Sukkot Eve as their birthdate. I pronounce it Suck it. Although that isn't as it was originally pronounced which is Sock It. Now is sock-ought.

We are gonna sock these fuckers in the face and eliminate them.

Stay out of the hospitals if you're a good person they're too dangerous and you'll have to wait until Christmas to return to life.

Royals will return on the last day of Sukkot.

Google will tell you a good truth .... The end of the story was we kept all the BAD people in these structures then lit them on fire as they slept. And they died.

Which is why I chose this Jewish Holiday. For my children I've been pregnant with for 18 years to be born on.

By birthday does fall during the week of the Sukkot celebrations.

We did celebrate and drink and eat and party with them to say good bye. As they were all two faced and both of evil and good.

True earthlings are only capable of good and do not have the ability to be two faced.

Most of us have learned how to be in order to survive.

Most especially the Royals. And even Tree.

And it isn't right. And so we will take over the Earth and the governments and fix it. Includinf Crystal Lakes and rivers and oceans. Perfect hazy skies to block the UV of the sun (like Jupiter or Saturn) and clouds. And the world will again be paved with gold and we will have gardens of Eden all across the globe. No more deserts and no more suffering.

In order to do so we must remove those that destroyed it in the first place as well as their families and friends.

Many Earthlings are genetically half human and half alien. The human half does take presidency if in fact the SOUL inhabitant is of Original Earthling status.

Such as my children that chose to be born in order to help the world fight to survive and were created in a lab that is of half alien and half human. Human is the main component.

Now the last day of Sukkot the DNA will change of those that are half human and half alien and The alien partition will remove and they will become full human. Then their bodies will revive as they should look. And so basically the body removes an exoskeleton of hell.

This is caused for the human ghosts to now be allowed to spread the disease. So that the schedule can remain steady.

99% of alien inhabitants will be dead by Sukkot Eve 2020.

The rest will fall away on the last day of Sukkot. As the 1% are Just half alien genetic codes.

So hospitals you must prepare to write prescriptions and send people home or you will be overwhelmed.

Im not gonna sit here and warn and discuss it.

Its a fact. These fuckers are gonna die and they need to die at home.

There's nothing anyone can do. Bodies will not traditionally bloat and stink. They will begin to mummify themselves regardless if they're alive or not until they are able to spontaneously combust on their own.

This is because 36 ghosts came back to life only to be cremated and assist in a suicide of one of the worlds greatest military combat veterans.

Semper Fi

Hoorah. And hip hop hooray!

Morgues I wouldn't even bother. Just load them up in trucks and let them sit.

[atomairbus1-blog]

Where to Go Food Shopping for Thanksgiving in Philly

Food & Drink

Where to get the goods for your turkey day table, from the bird to the cranberries to the pumpkin pie.

Devoted foodies and restaurant newbies love Foobooz. Sign-up now for our twice weekly newsletter.

Essen | Facebook

Sure, you can source ingredients for a serviceable Thanksgiving feast from Acme or Trader Joe’s — but for us, the biggest food holiday of the year is the perfect time to spend a little more time and effort on ingredients from Philly institutions, local farmers, and specialty spots. Here’s our guide to the best places to shop for your Thanksgiving ingredients in Philadelphia.

The Turkey

First things first: the bird. It’s the centerpiece of your meal, quite possibly the priciest item on your table come dinnertime next Thursday, and the metric by which your friends and family will judge your holiday feast. As for technique, we like to spatchcock and dry brine our turkey for a few days before roasting — or, if you’ve got the equipment and the outdoor space, try smoking your bird on the grill.

Though the Fair Food Farmstand, long the discerning home cook’s one-stop shop for local and heirloom birds, is no longer in business, you still have some great options. Be Well Philly outlined some local sources for organic birds here — but we also love the pasture-raised local options offered by Kensington Quarters and Primal Supply Meats.

Pre-order your Primal bird (raised on pasture on non-GMO feed by Gobbler’s Ridge Farm in Lancaster County) by Wednesday, November 14th to pick it up at their East Passyunk shop between Monday the 19th and Wednesday the 21st. You can also ask to pick up your Primal bird from Riverwards Produce in Fishtown on Tuesday the 20th.

At KQ, they’re taking pre-orders for pasture-raised birds sourced from Keiser’s Pheasantry in York County through Sunday, November 18th (unless they sell out first — so get those orders in). Pick up your bird at their Frankford Avenue shop on Monday, November 19th, with farmer Earl Keiser and executive chef Matt Harper on hand with recipes and cooking tips. You can also arrange to get your turkey custom cut (they’ll spatchcock it for you!) or for an early pickup by calling 267-314-5086.

Looking for a heritage breed bird with richer, more flavorful meat? They’re tough to find around here, but the extra effort and cost are worth it. You can preorder pasture-raised Red Bourbon turkeys from Princeton’s Griggstown Farm (plus extras like sides, breads, and their ultra-flaky pies) to pick up at their Headhouse Square Farmers’ Market stand at 2nd and Lombard on Wednesday, November 20th.

Riverwards | Facebook

Fruits and Veggies

You can’t go wrong with Iovine’s, the produce institution at the southeast corner of Reading Terminal Market. With their wide selection, good prices, and towering mountain of collard greens, it’s a great place to check things off your shopping list. Problem is, literally everyone in Philadelphia descends on Reading Terminal in the days before Thanksgiving — it’s not for the faint of heart. To beat the crowds, order through Instacart or get there early — like before 10 a.m. — and try to do your shopping on Sunday or Monday when the crowds are a little lighter.

Riverwards Produce in Fishtown has done a pretty decent job of filling the void left after Fair Food, sourcing lots of local along with an extensive mix of well-priced produce along with a solid selection of pantry goods, snacks, bulk items, breads, dairy, cheeses, and meats from local farms and makers. Proprietor Vince Finazzo totally reworks the store layout for the holiday. He’ll have all your fall favorites, plus local cranberries, cool heirloom squash and pumpkin varieties like the great-for-soup Thai Kang Kob, and a literal ton (as in 2,000 pounds) of organic sweet potatoes in white, garnet, and purple.

And finally, two of the best farmers’ markets in Philly are still going strong, despite the cold: the Clark Park Farmers’ Market in West Philly will be held on Saturday the 17th and Wednesday the 20th, and Headhouse Square Farmers’ Market in Society Hill has their usual market on Sunday and a special Thanksgiving market on Wednesday.

Valley Milk House | Facebook

The Cheese Board

While traditional sides like stuffing, green bean casserole, baked mac ‘n’ cheese, and Brussels sprouts are all well and good, there’s something to be said for glamming up your holiday table a bit with some special, nontraditional goodies. One of our favorite ways to add variety, impress your guests, and (most importantly) save valuable prep time and stove space is to kick things off with a cheese board. Just select a few choice wedges and accompaniments like olives, pickles, honeys, and jams, give your cheeses an hour to relax unwrapped at room temperature before serving, and voila — your first course or cocktail snacks are taken care of.

Di Bruno Bros. is a great place to go for cheeses from all over the globe. But for local wedges from the likes of Birchrun Hills Farm, Valley Milkhouse, Conebella Farm (they make the best raw milk cheddar), and goat cheeses from Shellbark Hollow Farm, hit up the fridges at Riverwards, Primal Supply, Mariposa, or Weaver’s Way Co-op, or visit the aforementioned farmers’ markets.

Lost Bread | Official

Breads, Baked Goods, and Sweets

Philly is full of amazing bakeries, but Lost Bread Co. is the one that makes us swoon with just about everything that comes out of their ovens. Stock up on their loaves, rolls, and pastries at these retailers and farmers’ markets and at their Kensington retail space. They’re also making blue corn preserved lemon and a Three Sisters pie (that’s a blue corn crust with spiced sweet bean and pumpkin layers) plus chocolate cherry panettone special for the holiday. Preorder on their new website, which is set to go live this weekend, or email your order to info@lostbreadco.com.

Our city is truly #blessed to have an entire restaurant turning out amazing sweet and savory pies all year round. South Street’s fantastic Magpie is offering pre-ordered pies in pumpkin, caramel apple, chocolate coffee cinnamon pecan, and butterscotch bourbon. Order yours here for pickup by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 21st.

Li’l Pop Shop is a sleeper hit amongst Philly’s pie spots, with a pastry program that amped up last year. Pre-order pies or their decadent piecaken, a Morello cherry pie baked into a chocolate ganache cake, here (use the code MOREPIE for 10 percent off an order of two or more). The deadline is Sunday, November 18th to pick up at their shop in West Philly or Rittenhouse on Wednesday the 21st.

For a dessert that’s a little different (or for something sweet the morning after), we love Wild Flour Bakery’s pumpkin eclairs, flaky pastry filled with pumpkin custard and topped with a cream cheese icing. Pre-order their pastries, pies, or loaves to pick up at one of their farmers’ markets (details and instructions here).  Essen Bakery’s gorgeous fresh fruit tarts and babka in cinnamon hazelnut or chocolate halva can also seamlessly transition from dessert to breakfast. Call them at 215-271-2299 to preorder with at least three days’ notice.

There’s no wrong season for ice cream — something the good folks at Weckerly’s know well. That’s why they make a special line of Thanksgiving-themed mini ice cream sandwiches and pints in your favorite fall flavors, with cute-as-hell ice cream tarts in apple à la mode and pumpkin pecan new this year. Order yours here and specify your pickup date at checkout — you can grab your goodies at their scoop shop in Fishtown before the holiday.

Source: https://www.phillymag.com/foobooz/2018/11/12/thanksgiving-turkey-ingredients-philadelphia/

[gyrlversion]

Indian cashew processors on £2 a day left with burns from superfood

The pain is usually worse in the evening, when angry, weeping sores start to appear. 

Washing does little to alleviate the agony, it just opens old wounds.

And there are plenty of those — six years’ worth, mapping her hands like scorch marks. She winces as she prepares dinner for her husband, daughter and two sons.

Chopping onions and chillies is torture. And because she eats with her hands — there are no knives and forks here — the spicy curry can make her cry out in pain. 

This is the life of Pushpa Gandhi, 30, in southern India, who supports her family as a cashew nut sheller. She’s an unseen face of the industry feeding the UK’s voracious appetite for the nuts — we ate 17,000 tonnes in 2016, 35 per cent up on 2012.

Cashew nut processors in India have been left with burns on their hands from the superfood

The rise in veganism is thought to have played a part in our increasing consumption. Cashews are in energy bars, butters and salads as well as vegan alternatives to milk, cheese and creamy puddings.

A good source of protein, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc, the monounsaturated fats they contain help protect against heart disease.

But there’s a catch to cashews. The nuts — nearly all processed in India or Vietnam — are difficult to extract and are therefore shelled by hand. A cashew has two layers of hard shell, between which lie caustic substances — cardol and anacardic acid — that can cause vicious burns.

Burns are a fact of life for up to 500,000 workers in India’s cashew industry, nearly all women. They are employed without contracts, with no guarantee of steady income, no pension or holiday pay.

Many don’t even get gloves, and if they did, they probably couldn’t afford to wear them. Gloves would slow their shelling down, and they are paid by the kilo. When their pain becomes unbearable, they need medicine — and, of course, they must pay for it. So they soothe the acid burns with ash from their fires.

I was horrified when I found out my diet might be funding this misery. I’m a vegan, and the dairy-free ‘cheeses’ I love typically use cashews. The creamy sauces I love in pasta bakes do, too.

Cashew nut shells have cardol and anacardic acid — that can cause vicious burns. Burns are a fact of life for up to 500,000 workers in India’s cashew industry, nearly all women. They are employed without contracts, with no guarantee of steady income, no pension or holiday pay

Cashew nut production in India. Yashoda Arumurugan, 48, shells cashews in a processing unit in the village of Pudhukuppam in the southern state of Tamil Nadu

Pushpa Gandhi, 30, in southern India (pictured right with Femail reporter Emily Clark), supports her family as a cashew nut sheller. She’s an unseen face of the industry feeding the UK’s voracious appetite for the nuts — we ate 17,000 tonnes in 2016, 35 per cent up on 2012

The youngest girl at the unit: Suganthi Ramalingami, 13. She is taking time off school to shell cashews

But I had no idea about how they were being produced. And so I travelled to the village of Pudhukuppam in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu to meet the nut shellers.

When Pushpa was younger, she wanted to study English at university and become a teacher. Her parents didn’t approve, so she married at 18 and started work — first as a farm worker, then here.

Sitting on the ground among heaps of cracked cashew shells, she says her life is over. It’s not just the repetitive work that has worn her down. Her face and arms bear similar scars to her hands, caused by the cashew acids.

‘It’s already starting to burn,’ she says, five hours into her day. ‘Today when we go home and wash, we will see the boils on our skin. It takes about a week for them to heal. But as the old ones heal, new ones keep coming.’

The charity Traidcraft Exchange blames these conditions on the way European buyers — including UK supermarkets — aggressively push down prices, forcing cashew companies to hire cheap labour.

Follow cashew supply chains back and you will find women and children in unregulated shelling units all over India. 

Many don’t even get gloves, and if they did, they probably couldn’t afford to wear them. Gloves would slow their shelling down, and they are paid by the kilo

The charity Traidcraft Exchange blames these conditions on the way European buyers — including UK supermarkets — aggressively push down prices, forcing cashew companies to hire cheap labour

A tub of cashew shells and cashews ready to be separated at the production plant in India

The youngest working with Pushpa was 13. There are regulated factories where conditions are better — for example, in the adjacent state of Kerala. 

But when buyers squeeze suppliers, shelling is outsourced over the border to unregulated units. Pushpa earns just 200 rupees a day, or £2.15. A broker pays her 7p per kilogram of unshelled nuts, and she produces 10kg of shelled cashews a day.

A 200g packet of cashews in Tesco is £3, so had the nuts Pushpa shelled been destined to go there, at this price, just 1.4 per cent of the money we pay would go to her.

The salary is meagre, but enough to survive — when work is available. The women at this unit say there can be breaks of up to two months when crops suffer.

Competition from Vietnam, where the whole industry has been automated, has seen hundreds of Indian factories shut.

The Vietnamese designed and built all their own cashew machinery to cut labour costs, but India just doesn’t have this machinery, because most growers haven’t had the chance to invest in it.

The youngest working with Pushpa was 13 (pictured). There are regulated factories where conditions are better — for example, in the adjacent state of Kerala

Pushpa earns just 200 rupees a day, or £2.15. A broker pays her 7p per kilogram of unshelled nuts, and she produces 10kg of shelled cashews a day. The salary is meagre, but enough to survive — when work is available 

Pushpa’s husband is a builder, whose income is also unstable. When they struggle to pay bills they take out a loan with an interest rate of 3 per cent per month. So far, they owe £550.

This puts pressure on workers like Pushpa to shell faster to earn extra cash — meaning accidents are more likely. Pushpa has caught her fingers several times in the blades of the shell cutter.

Uma Jayamurthi, a nurse at the local Cuddalore medical centre, says she has seen several patients in the past year who have chopped off the top of a finger.

Around 40 per cent of patients at the centre have cashew-related injuries. ‘The main reason people come here is when the cashew acid goes under their nails and it gets infected,’ says Uma.

But she adds they only come when the pain is ‘unbearable’, because of the cost.

There would be fewer infections if shelling units had basic washing facilities, but many do not. At Pushpa’s, there is neither a toilet nor a sink with soap and water. 

Co-worker Yashoda, 48, who has asthma, says: ‘As children, we questioned why the hell we were born into such poverty. Every day we live our lives without any kind of financial stability and that is always weighing down on me.’

Uma Jayamurthi, a nurse at the local Cuddalore medical centre, says she has seen several patients in the past year who have chopped off the top of a finger. She said: ‘The main reason people come here is when the cashew acid goes under their nails and it gets infected’

The hands of Yashoda Arumurugan, 48 as she uses a pebble to crack the cashew shell, instead of a cutting machine

Pushpa Gandhi, 30, a cashew sheller at the unit in Pudhukuppam. She wears an old shirt to cover her arms and sari. It is covered in dark spots where the cashew acid has squirted out from the shells

Pushpa Gandhi has cut the shells in two with a machine and now has to pick out the nuts from a shell. She wears two gloves, or one for better dexterity, and has cut the fingertips off

We play our part in this cycle of despair. So, how can we change it? Boycotting cashews is not a solution — women like Yashoda and Pushpa would lose their jobs. 

Fairer pay from supermarkets would be a start — as would a transparent supply chain. The ‘country of origin’ on Sainsbury’s cashews says ‘packed in France’ — hardly enlightening.

British supermarkets should also better police their supply chains. All the major UK supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s, Asda and Tesco, have voluntarily signed up to the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI). 

In order to do so, they had to say nine ‘base code’ rules — including safe and hygienic working conditions, no child labour, living wages and regular employment — were already in place.

The British Retail Consortium, which represents supermarkets, said they have ‘robust safety and welfare standards and support suppliers in meeting these through audits, training and in-depth interviews with workers’.

A spokesman added: ‘Retailers are conscious of the problems that exist in parts of India’s cashew industry and therefore are careful to work with suppliers who provide decent working conditions.’

A spokesperson for The British Retail Consortium said: ‘Retailers are conscious of the problems that exist in parts of India’s cashew industry and therefore are careful to work with suppliers who provide decent working conditions’

But Fiona Gooch, of Traidcraft Exchange, says producers ‘are under too much [price] pressure’ to comply with the agreements.

She says finance experts should cross-check wage slips with a sample of workers, and super-markets should send health and safety teams to inspect factories.

However, factory visits can only do so much as workers cannot always speak freely.

As customers, we can act too. By contacting supermarket head offices by email, phone or letter we can demand that they are meeting their obligations.

So this morning, as you dig into porridge with pomegranate seeds and cashews, or spread cashew butter on toast, think of Pushpa and Yashoda. It’s time our major supermarkets did, too.

The post Indian cashew processors on £2 a day left with burns from superfood appeared first on Gyrlversion.

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[marisolleffler]

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up

While the most daring body-con LBDs we're familiar with usually feature a plunging neckline, Gwyneth Paltrow's is more extraordinary than that. The businesswoman and actress paid a visit to Jimmy Kimmel at his studio and talked all about her wedding, for which she wore a Valentino Couture gown followed by a more surprising Stella McCartney romper.

Speaking of surprising, our jaws were practically on the floor when Gwyneth appeared from behind the curtain in this velvet Christopher Kane dress with two crystal buckles strapped across the chest. She accessorized with deep teal pumps, also in velvet, and some layered necklaces, just to play up the sparkle. Here, Gwyneth proves the holiday dress has a shelf life way beyond Christmas and New Year's. While her own design retails at $1,195, we found plenty of similar options to impress the onlookers.

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Gwyneth Paltrow Is Rocking the Hell Out of This White Bikini, and I'll Have What She's Having

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up published first on http://wholesalescarvescity.blogspot.com

[marisolleffler]

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up

While the most daring body-con LBDs we're familiar with usually feature a plunging neckline, Gwyneth Paltrow's is more extraordinary than that. The businesswoman and actress paid a visit to Jimmy Kimmel at his studio and talked all about her wedding, for which she wore a Valentino Couture gown followed by a more surprising Stella McCartney romper.

Speaking of surprising, our jaws were practically on the floor when Gwyneth appeared from behind the curtain in this velvet Christopher Kane dress with two crystal buckles strapped across the chest. She accessorized with deep teal pumps, also in velvet, and some layered necklaces, just to play up the sparkle. Here, Gwyneth proves the holiday dress has a shelf life way beyond Christmas and New Year's. While her own design retails at $1,195, we found plenty of similar options to impress the onlookers.

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Gwyneth Paltrow Is Rocking the Hell Out of This White Bikini, and I'll Have What She's Having

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up published first on http://wholesalescarvescity.blogspot.com

[marisolleffler]

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up

While the most daring body-con LBDs we're familiar with usually feature a plunging neckline, Gwyneth Paltrow's is more extraordinary than that. The businesswoman and actress paid a visit to Jimmy Kimmel at his studio and talked all about her wedding, for which she wore a Valentino Couture gown followed by a more surprising Stella McCartney romper.

Speaking of surprising, our jaws were practically on the floor when Gwyneth appeared from behind the curtain in this velvet Christopher Kane dress with two crystal buckles strapped across the chest. She accessorized with deep teal pumps, also in velvet, and some layered necklaces, just to play up the sparkle. Here, Gwyneth proves the holiday dress has a shelf life way beyond Christmas and New Year's. While her own design retails at $1,195, we found plenty of similar options to impress the onlookers.

Related:

Gwyneth Paltrow Is Rocking the Hell Out of This White Bikini, and I'll Have What She's Having

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up published first on http://wholesalescarvescity.blogspot.com

[marisolleffler]

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up

While the most daring body-con LBDs we're familiar with usually feature a plunging neckline, Gwyneth Paltrow's is more extraordinary than that. The businesswoman and actress paid a visit to Jimmy Kimmel at his studio and talked all about her wedding, for which she wore a Valentino Couture gown followed by a more surprising Stella McCartney romper.

Speaking of surprising, our jaws were practically on the floor when Gwyneth appeared from behind the curtain in this velvet Christopher Kane dress with two crystal buckles strapped across the chest. She accessorized with deep teal pumps, also in velvet, and some layered necklaces, just to play up the sparkle. Here, Gwyneth proves the holiday dress has a shelf life way beyond Christmas and New Year's. While her own design retails at $1,195, we found plenty of similar options to impress the onlookers.

Related:

Gwyneth Paltrow Is Rocking the Hell Out of This White Bikini, and I'll Have What She's Having

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up published first on http://wholesalescarvescity.blogspot.com

[marisolleffler]

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up

While the most daring body-con LBDs we're familiar with usually feature a plunging neckline, Gwyneth Paltrow's is more extraordinary than that. The businesswoman and actress paid a visit to Jimmy Kimmel at his studio and talked all about her wedding, for which she wore a Valentino Couture gown followed by a more surprising Stella McCartney romper.

Speaking of surprising, our jaws were practically on the floor when Gwyneth appeared from behind the curtain in this velvet Christopher Kane dress with two crystal buckles strapped across the chest. She accessorized with deep teal pumps, also in velvet, and some layered necklaces, just to play up the sparkle. Here, Gwyneth proves the holiday dress has a shelf life way beyond Christmas and New Year's. While her own design retails at $1,195, we found plenty of similar options to impress the onlookers.

Related:

Gwyneth Paltrow Is Rocking the Hell Out of This White Bikini, and I'll Have What She's Having

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up published first on http://wholesalescarvescity.blogspot.com

[marisolleffler]

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up

While the most daring body-con LBDs we're familiar with usually feature a plunging neckline, Gwyneth Paltrow's is more extraordinary than that. The businesswoman and actress paid a visit to Jimmy Kimmel at his studio and talked all about her wedding, for which she wore a Valentino Couture gown followed by a more surprising Stella McCartney romper.

Speaking of surprising, our jaws were practically on the floor when Gwyneth appeared from behind the curtain in this velvet Christopher Kane dress with two crystal buckles strapped across the chest. She accessorized with deep teal pumps, also in velvet, and some layered necklaces, just to play up the sparkle. Here, Gwyneth proves the holiday dress has a shelf life way beyond Christmas and New Year's. While her own design retails at $1,195, we found plenty of similar options to impress the onlookers.

Related:

Gwyneth Paltrow Is Rocking the Hell Out of This White Bikini, and I'll Have What She's Having

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up published first on http://wholesalescarvescity.blogspot.com

[marisolleffler]

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up

While the most daring body-con LBDs we're familiar with usually feature a plunging neckline, Gwyneth Paltrow's is more extraordinary than that. The businesswoman and actress paid a visit to Jimmy Kimmel at his studio and talked all about her wedding, for which she wore a Valentino Couture gown followed by a more surprising Stella McCartney romper.

Speaking of surprising, our jaws were practically on the floor when Gwyneth appeared from behind the curtain in this velvet Christopher Kane dress with two crystal buckles strapped across the chest. She accessorized with deep teal pumps, also in velvet, and some layered necklaces, just to play up the sparkle. Here, Gwyneth proves the holiday dress has a shelf life way beyond Christmas and New Year's. While her own design retails at $1,195, we found plenty of similar options to impress the onlookers.

Related:

Gwyneth Paltrow Is Rocking the Hell Out of This White Bikini, and I'll Have What She's Having

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up published first on http://wholesalescarvescity.blogspot.com

[marisolleffler]

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up

While the most daring body-con LBDs we're familiar with usually feature a plunging neckline, Gwyneth Paltrow's is more extraordinary than that. The businesswoman and actress paid a visit to Jimmy Kimmel at his studio and talked all about her wedding, for which she wore a Valentino Couture gown followed by a more surprising Stella McCartney romper.

Speaking of surprising, our jaws were practically on the floor when Gwyneth appeared from behind the curtain in this velvet Christopher Kane dress with two crystal buckles strapped across the chest. She accessorized with deep teal pumps, also in velvet, and some layered necklaces, just to play up the sparkle. Here, Gwyneth proves the holiday dress has a shelf life way beyond Christmas and New Year's. While her own design retails at $1,195, we found plenty of similar options to impress the onlookers.

Related:

Gwyneth Paltrow Is Rocking the Hell Out of This White Bikini, and I'll Have What She's Having

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up published first on http://wholesalescarvescity.blogspot.com

[marisolleffler]

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up

While the most daring body-con LBDs we're familiar with usually feature a plunging neckline, Gwyneth Paltrow's is more extraordinary than that. The businesswoman and actress paid a visit to Jimmy Kimmel at his studio and talked all about her wedding, for which she wore a Valentino Couture gown followed by a more surprising Stella McCartney romper.

Speaking of surprising, our jaws were practically on the floor when Gwyneth appeared from behind the curtain in this velvet Christopher Kane dress with two crystal buckles strapped across the chest. She accessorized with deep teal pumps, also in velvet, and some layered necklaces, just to play up the sparkle. Here, Gwyneth proves the holiday dress has a shelf life way beyond Christmas and New Year's. While her own design retails at $1,195, we found plenty of similar options to impress the onlookers.

Related:

Gwyneth Paltrow Is Rocking the Hell Out of This White Bikini, and I'll Have What She's Having

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up published first on http://wholesalescarvescity.blogspot.com

[marisolleffler]

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up

While the most daring body-con LBDs we're familiar with usually feature a plunging neckline, Gwyneth Paltrow's is more extraordinary than that. The businesswoman and actress paid a visit to Jimmy Kimmel at his studio and talked all about her wedding, for which she wore a Valentino Couture gown followed by a more surprising Stella McCartney romper.

Speaking of surprising, our jaws were practically on the floor when Gwyneth appeared from behind the curtain in this velvet Christopher Kane dress with two crystal buckles strapped across the chest. She accessorized with deep teal pumps, also in velvet, and some layered necklaces, just to play up the sparkle. Here, Gwyneth proves the holiday dress has a shelf life way beyond Christmas and New Year's. While her own design retails at $1,195, we found plenty of similar options to impress the onlookers.

Related:

Gwyneth Paltrow Is Rocking the Hell Out of This White Bikini, and I'll Have What She's Having

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up published first on http://wholesalescarvescity.blogspot.com

[marisolleffler]

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up

While the most daring body-con LBDs we're familiar with usually feature a plunging neckline, Gwyneth Paltrow's is more extraordinary than that. The businesswoman and actress paid a visit to Jimmy Kimmel at his studio and talked all about her wedding, for which she wore a Valentino Couture gown followed by a more surprising Stella McCartney romper.

Speaking of surprising, our jaws were practically on the floor when Gwyneth appeared from behind the curtain in this velvet Christopher Kane dress with two crystal buckles strapped across the chest. She accessorized with deep teal pumps, also in velvet, and some layered necklaces, just to play up the sparkle. Here, Gwyneth proves the holiday dress has a shelf life way beyond Christmas and New Year's. While her own design retails at $1,195, we found plenty of similar options to impress the onlookers.

Related:

Gwyneth Paltrow Is Rocking the Hell Out of This White Bikini, and I'll Have What She's Having

There's Only 1 Way to Prepare Yourself For Gwyneth Paltrow's Sexy LBD: Buckle Up published first on http://wholesalescarvescity.blogspot.com