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Tragedy Strikes at Turkish Ski Resort: 66 Dead, 51 Injured in Hotel Fire

A devastating fire engulfed the Grand Kartal Hotel at the popular Kartalkaya ski resort in northwestern Turkey early Tuesday morning, claiming at least 66 lives and injuring 51 others. The fire, which broke out around 3:30 a.m. local time in the hotel's restaurant section, spread rapidly, trapping guests on the upper floors. Guests, many of whom were families on holiday during the school semester break, faced harrowing conditions as they tried to escape the flames. Some resorted to jumping from windows in a desperate attempt to flee the blaze, while others used sheets and blankets to climb down from their rooms. The hotel's fire detection system reportedly failed to operate, adding to the chaos and confusion. Emergency services, including 30 fire trucks and 28 ambulances, were dispatched to the scene, but the fire's intensity and the hotel's chalet-style wooden exterior hampered firefighting efforts. The Turkish government has launched an investigation into the incident...

Black Friday shoppers pulling back on spending

 

 According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, Black Friday sales in the U.S. dropped by 28% compared to 2019, as shoppers avoided crowded stores and opted for online shopping instead.

Here ate the main reasons cited for this trend:

  • Online shopping surge: Online sales on Black Friday reached a record $9 billion, up 21.6% from last year, according to Adobe Analytics. Cyber Monday is expected to be the biggest online shopping day in U.S. history, with sales projected to reach $10.8 billion.
  • Pandemic impact: The coronavirus pandemic has changed consumer behavior and preferences, as people seek convenience, safety, and value. Many retailers have extended their sales period and offered curbside pickup or free delivery options to attract customers.
  • Holiday season outlook: Despite the lower turnout on Black Friday, the NRF predicts that overall holiday sales will increase by 3.6% to 5.2% over 2019, reaching between $755.3 billion and $766.7 billion. However, the uncertainty around the pandemic and the economy could affect consumer confidence and spending.

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