Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

Unicorns, Gazelles, Cheetahs: What do these startup animal terms even mean?

Almost one in five of India’s future unicorns drop off the race as funding winter bites

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Adidas Yeezy is gone, but Adidas terrace shoes like the Samba and Gazelle can pick up the slack.</li><li>CEO Bjørn Gulden called the sneakers a very fast-growing "franchise" for the company.</li></ul>The Adidas Yeezy business is gone — minus the remaining inventory worth $1.3 billion in sales that the sportswear giant has yet to shed. And while Adidas still has some A-list celebrity partnerships, it believes its classic sneakers will go a long way in recouping some of the lost Yeezy revenue. According to TD Cowen, Yeezy <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/adidas-hasnt-decided-what-to-do-with-526-million-yeezys-2023-3">generated $1.2 billion in sales in 2022</a>, prior to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kanye-wests-turbulent-9-year-history-with-adidas-2022-11">Adidas cutting ties with Ye in October.</a>Adidas Sambas, Gazelles, and Spezial sneakers, what the company calls <a href="https://www.adidas.co.uk/terrace-shoes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Terrace shoes,</a> are having a moment. The sneakers have become a staple in retro <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nike-adidas-new-balance-hoka-sneaker-fashion-style-trends-1-2023">1990s clothing styles</a> that have been brought back by Gen Z consumers. The sneakers have a long history with the brand. Adidas first introduced Sambas in 1949. Gazelles were first released in the 1960s; Spezials came out in the late 70s."We currently have maybe the hottest shoe in the market, in the segment we call Terrace, and it's the Samba," CEO Bjørn Gulden told analysts on a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/adidas-ceo-worries-donated-yeezys-will-be-resold-2022-03">fourth-quarter earnings call</a> this week. "And you have seen it for a while, coming in on fashion shows and also on celebrities that have actually bought the shoes themselves."Gulden called Sambas, Gazelles, and Spezials a very fast-growing "franchise" for Adidas. The company launched a pop-up store in Shanghai this week dedicated to the Samba.<div type="image" title="Adidas Gazelle with Gucci pants" height="2214" width="2952" msid="98567013" hostid="261"></div>"And as you can see, people are lining up to buy only one product," Gulden said while directing analysts to a prepared visual presentation."It's hot in Asia, hot in Latin America, hot in Europe, and in America, and I can't remember the last time I saw that," he added, speaking of Terrace shoes. "So look for the Samba, look for the Gazelle, and ironically also the Spezial, which was actually a handball shoe that even I used when I was playing, which probably tells you how old I'm getting."In 2022, Adidas launched a collection with Gucci that <a href="https://www.gucci.com/us/en/pr/women/shoes-for-women/sneakers-for-women/adidas-x-gucci-womens-gazelle-sneaker-p-707868UWV207162" target="_blank" rel="noopener">included several new Gazelle</a> colorways. This year, Adidas is also partnering with fashion designer <a href="https://sneakernews.com/2022/11/29/jjjjound-adidas-samba/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JJJJound on at least two pairs of Sambas</a>. JJJJound has previously worked with brands like New Balance, Asics, and A Bathing Ape on sneaker collaborations."I think it's something that if we manage it correctly, can be millions and millions of pairs," Gulden told analysts. " And it's the first test to see if we can manage, now, a new franchise in the right way by keeping it alive, heating it up every quarter, without over distributing it, so we start to discount."

Forget Yeezys. Adidas' new CEO says Sambas and Gazelles are the 'hottest shoe in the market'

<div class="image-container float_right" style="width:480px"><div class="image">Ellis Hamburger/Business Insider</div></div>Gazelle is one of the preeminent players in the electronics trade-in space. 
It became that way in part because it walked away from a partnership with Walmart — the exact opposite tactic that most companies adopt.
<a href="http://www.gazelle.com/">Gazelle</a> lets consumers send in their old iPads, iPhones, laptops, and other electronics for cash. Since launching in 2008, Gazelle has paid out $100 million to 600,000 consumers. 
When Gazelle was thinking about how to grow the business, the biggest challenge was awareness among consumers that there is an easy way to trade in devices and get market value for them. 
"In the early days, one of the theories was if we could partner with retailers, OEMs, carriers, and operators, that would be a match made in heaven," Gazelle CEO Israel Ganot tells Business Insider. 
Consumers typically trade in their gadgets when they upgrade to a new one. Retailers are in the business of selling things, and Gazelle is in the business of buying them back, so that theory definitely made sense. 
Walmart launched a trade-in program online powered by Gazelle in late 2009. It was off to a great start, and the idea was to bring the trade-in program to Walmart's retail stores across America over the next couple of years. 
But that never happened. 
"When I reflect back and think about what went wrong, part of it was that we were a small startup trying to work with a large company," Ganot says. "For us, this was a high priority because it’s the only thing we do, trade-ins. With Walmart, it was different. We were one priority out of 100 different things."
Another issue, and not just with Walmart, was a lack of stability in terms of personnel. 
"You might have an excited champion working with you today and wake up tomorrow, and there is a reorg and a whole new leadership team. And you have to reeducate everyone about the service."
Other companies in Gazelle's partner program included Costco, Staples, and Office Depot. But the partner program just ultimately wasn't working for Gazelle. 
<div class="image-container float_left" style="width:400px"><div class="image">ScreenshotGazelle's direct-to-consumer business</div></div>"What was happening was we starving the direct-to-consumer business for resources because we were focused on developing the program for the retailers," Ganot says.
So around the same time Gazelle decided to part ways with Walmart in early 2012, it also shut down its entire partner business. 
There's a power in truly streamlining your business. Back then, Gazelle was doing well with about 60% growth in revenue year-over-year. By the end of 2012, it was growing close to 100%. 
Last year's revenue was $58 million, and Ganot expects that number to grow to $100 million this year. 
"At the end of the day [Gazelle's business] is going to be driven by innovation," Ganot says. "There will also be new categories, whether it's an iWatch, Google Glass, that's what's going to drive the business over the long term."
There are, of course, several competitors to Gazelle's business like Glyde, GreenCitizen, Best Buy, and BrightStar. 
Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-is-planning-iphone-trade-ins-to-increase-sales-2013-6">Apple is reportedly launching an iPhone trade-in program</a> in its retail stores to encourage people to upgrade to newer models of the <keyword id="6354606" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="iPhone">iPhone</keyword>. 
But Ganot isn't worried, even though more than half of the smartphones Gazelle receives are iPhones. Gazelle is focused on the online trade-in market while Apple seems to only be focusing on trade-ins at the time of a new purchase at its retail stores.

Gazelle Killed Its Partnership With Walmart Last Year, And Now It's Growing Like Crazy 

<div class="image-container float_right" style="width:400px"><div class="image"></div>YouTubeThe <keyword id="6357395" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="eBay">eBay</keyword> store in 2005's "40-Year-Old Virgin" seems dated-but it may just be retro.</div>What keeps eBay's top executives awake at night?
CEO <keyword id="789080" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="John-Donahoe">John Donahoe</keyword> hasn't shared his dream diary with us. But we have a pretty good read nonetheless, based on eBay's actions: The company is terrified about losing its sellers.
And the companies with the best prospects of stealing them away aren't Google or Amazon, but a host of startups.
<h2>Good times for eBay</h2>
Right now, things look golden for eBay, with the stock up 400 percent from its $10 nadir in March 2009. It is now breathtakingly close to matching the high of $58 it set in late 2004. Its core marketplace, eBay.com, is growing again, having recently crossed 100 million active users. Holiday sales were up 20 to 30 percent over 2011, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/08/us-amazon-ebay-holiday-idUSBRE9070X620130108">by some estimates</a>.
One can and should credit Donahoe's turnaround of the company, with an emphasis on innovation and an early bet on mobile. But there are also phenomenal tailwinds behind e-commerce right now. The growth of an Internet-connected global middle class, the ubiquitous availability of broadband, and the adoption of tablets and smartphones have made a friendly environment for eBay.
<h2>An armada of competitors</h2>
That same friendly environment has birthed a host of potential rivals. Their strategies vary, but they generally involve peeling off sellers in a specific category, tackling frustrations in eBay's selling process, or both.
The largest and perhaps most threatening is <keyword id="279712" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Etsy">Etsy</keyword>, which <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/etsy-just-raised-40-million-2012-5">raised $40 million last year</a> and is expanding internationally, targeting makers of handicrafts and other homey goods. Where Etsy is particularly strong is capturing that feeling of personal commerce—buying something from a real human being, with a connection to the item sold—that characterized eBay's earliest years.
A far less known rival is <keyword id="27550" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="bonanza">Bonanza</keyword>, a Seattle-based company. CEO Bill Harding tells me that revenues are up 60 percent year over year, and it <a href="http://www.bonanza.com/">now lists 4 million items</a>—a fraction of eBay's <a href="http://www.powersellersunite.com/auctionsitewatch.php">estimated 180 million listings</a>, but enough to provide a meaningful level of inventory for shoppers.
"Our emphasis is on stuff that doesn't have a barcode on it: home &amp; garden, jewelry, health &amp; beauty, fashion, collectibles," Harding says. "Items where taste matters."
Taste matters to consumers, but fees and ease of listing matter to merchants. Bonanza charges lower fees, Harding says, which merchants typically pass on to shoppers in the form of lower prices. Bonanaza has also launched a one-page listing form, which Harding thinks spurred eBay to simplify its own listing process. But he's pushing the envelope with tools like the Background Burner, a photo-editing tool which eliminates backgrounds from photos of items for sale. (Just Google "eBay fail" to see why this matters.)
There's likewise <a href="http://modcloth.com/">ModCloth</a> in apparel, <a href="http://yardsellr.com/">Yardsellr</a> in collectibles, <a href="http://gazelle.com/">Gazelle</a> in consumer electronics, <a href="http://fab.com/">Fab</a> in high-design objects, <a href="http://onekingslane.com/">One Kings Lane</a> in housewares, and <a href="http://www.bstocksolutions.com/">B-Stock Solutions</a> in overstocked goods. Some of this competition is coming straight from eBay veterans: <keyword id="1737728" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Yardsellr">Yardsellr</keyword>, Gazelle, and B-Stock were started by former eBay executives, and <keyword id="1497560" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="One-Kings-Lane">One Kings Lane</keyword>'s CFO and CMO hail from eBay.
They all tackle very different categories and customer segments. But what they have in common is an emphasis on unique ways of sourcing merchandise, pulling potential inventory out of eBay's orbit.
<h2>Highly mobile challengers</h2>
Then there are the startups born from the mobile wave, which are trying to capture goods that might never have made it to eBay in the old days.
SellSimple, a <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sellsimple-sell-everywhere/id564844291?mt=8">freshly launched iPhone app</a>, is working on the listing process directly, promising to make it easier to list on eBay—or Etsy, or a long list of competing venues for sale, including SellSimple's own storefront.
<keyword id="1776597" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Poshmark">Poshmark</keyword> and <keyword id="1780249" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Threadflip">Threadflip</keyword>, for example, <a href="http://articles.marketwatch.com/2012-11-15/commentary/35120009_1_mobile-apps-ipad-and-android-apps-iphone-app">let you take a photo of your unwanted clothes</a> and sell them online—things that sellers probably would never have bothered to list on eBay.
Yardsale, a <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/meet-yardsale-the-startup-that-wants-to-give-you-an-easy-way-to-make-money-selling-your-old-stuff-2012-8">relatively new app</a> we profiled in August, is similarly photo-focused. Its founders say it's been successful at getting people to unload everything from motorcycles to office furniture.
"On mobile at least, it's a lot easier to get inventory than it is to get buyers," says cofounder Ed McManus. "One thing we realized is that many of the people who love Yardsale used to sell on eBay, but they left for a reason. They don't want to compete with the supersellers with feedback ratings and warehouses of cheap items. They want an easy way to sell and a fair price."
As a mobile app, aware of buyers' and sellers' locations, Yardseller is designed to broker sales between people near each other. That makes it more personal, too, says Yardsale CEO Ryan Mickle.
"People tell us they appreciate the people that they meet," Mickle says.
<h2>How eBay's firing back</h2>
eBay is not sitting back while these startups are nibbling at its edges. It's created a dedicated mobile fashion app, for example. And it recently <a href="http://www.ecommercebytes.com/cab/cab/abn/y13/m01/i09/s02">revamped its iPhone app</a> to allow direct photo uploads into listings.
It has also experimented with promotions where it's waiving listing fees in specific categories to encourage more selling. Right now, for example, it's <a href="http://announcements.ebay.com/2012/12/sellers-gear-up-for-next-year-list-free-in-outdoor-sports-winter-sports-and-golf-categories-from-january-1-february-28-2013/">running one for outdoor sports gear</a>.
More intriguing are its efforts to revive seller-focused initiatives it had tried and abandoned in the past decade.
We've noticed, for example, a wave of new job listings focused on seller management, including a position for a <a href="http://jobs.ebaycareers.com/silicon-valley/marketing-and-sales/jobid2630692-director-consumer-seller-marketing-ebay-jobs">director of consumer seller marketing</a>. (A former eBay executive tells us eBay eliminated many of its seller account management positions in the middle of the previous decade.)
eBay also appears to be reviving its long-neglected Trading Assistant program—sellers who register to operate storefronts or operate pick-up services to sell goods on consignment.
These drop-off stores once seemed to litter the urban landscape—remember the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qJ9yqFU_rI">scene in the "40 Year-Old Virgin"</a> where Jonah Hill's character attempts to buy something, only to be told that the goods in the store are only sold on eBay?
That was only seven years ago, but now they seem like remnants of a bygone era. San Francisco, for example, has one lone eBay drop-off store in operation.
Nevertheless, eBay appears to be pumping new life into the operation. In September, we heard rumors that eBay was approaching sellers to pick up goods for them. And sure enough, in its hometown of San Jose, Calif., and in Topeka, Kansas, eBay is running a formal trial where it's sending vans to pick up goods from buyers and take them to sellers.
As AllThingsD <a href="http://allthingsd.com/20130102/ebay-tries-two-new-ways-to-sell-drop-off-points-and-home-pick-up/">reported earlier this month</a>, eBay's also having sellers operate drop-off points in malls, where they're evaluating goods for sale on the spot.
These efforts seem like a seller-focused flipside to <keyword id="1176722" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="EBay-Now">eBay Now</keyword>, eBay's new <keyword id="1659698" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Same-day-delivery">same-day delivery</keyword> service operating in San Francisco and Manhattan.
It's fascinating to think how eBay might eventually combine the delivery infrastructure for its pick-up and delivery services, though for now they seem to be quite separate initiatives. (eBay Now delivers goods from big, brand-name merchants, not small sellers.)
<h2>Why eBay has to deliver for sellers</h2>
Every marketplace operates in a delicate balance of supply and demand. Right now, eBay has a few great strengths going for it: a well-known consumer brand; a highly liquid marketplace; and huge, organic demand from a population that's spending more and more of its budget online.
That growing demand means that eBay's risks have now swung to the supply side. And unlike Amazon, which can buy and stock its own inventory—or even create entirely new things to sell, like the Kindle tablet—eBay depends on sellers for supply.
In the past decade, eBay made the mistake of resting on the laurels of its brand, buyers, and volume. The result was stagnant growth and a punishing stock crash. eBay got boring, stocking the same stuff everyone else had, with a shopping experience leached of the personality that infused the site in its early days.
eBay's personality gap seems like the most intractible challenge for Donahoe and company. Mobile apps are easy enough to build, and eBay has gone on a shopping spree for design and engineering talent.
But a sense of community is the most intangible asset of all, and not one that can be bought or sold, only carefully built over time. That sense of fun, of delight, of human interaction is the ultimate thing eBay has to reinvent—not just for shoppers, but for sellers as well.
The post-2005 implosion of eBay's amazing growth story is a living memory for Donahoe, who joined eBay right as things started to come apart. We have to think he's determined not to let it happen again. But it may be a bigger challenge than it seems.

Insurgent Startups Are Attacking eBay From All Sides

<div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right click-to-enlarge"><div class="image on-image"><a title_source="AP" title_caption="Jeff Bezos" class="zoomin" href="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/52668bc469bedd3626ab2fc3-960/bezosjeff-2.jpg"></a>APJeff Bezos</div></div><keyword id="18635" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Amazon">Amazon</keyword> was so ruthless with small book publishers that its pursuit of new, more favorable contract terms with them was "sadistic," according to Brad Stone's books about the company, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Everything-Store-Bezos-Amazon-ebook/dp/B00BWQW73E">The Everything Store</a>."
Basically, small publishers leaped at the chance to get better distribution through Amazon in the early 2000s. But once they became dependent on Amazon for sales, Amazon turned the screws, Stone claims, demanding longer pay periods and lower discounts. Publishers who didn't "pay to play" would get unfavorable treatment on Amazon, making their books more expensive and harder to find.
CEO <a href="http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/22/a-new-book-portrays-amazon-as-bully/?_r=0">Jeff Bezos regarded the publishing business as a "sickly gazelle,"</a> Stone writes, according to a review in the New York Times:
The company's relationship with those publishers was called the Gazelle Project after Mr. Bezos said Amazon "should approach these small publishers the way a cheetah would pursue a sickly gazelle." A joke, perhaps, but such an aggressive one that Amazon's lawyers demanded the Gazelle Project be renamed the Small Publishers Negotiation Program.
Mr. Stone writes that Randy Miller, an Amazon executive in charge of a similar program in Europe, "took an almost sadistic delight in pressuring book publishers to give Amazon more favorable financial terms." Mr. Miller would move their books to full price, take them off the recommendation engine or promote competing titles until he got better terms out of them, the book says.
"I did everything I could to screw with their performance," Mr. Miller told the writer. The program was called Pay to Play until the Amazon lawyers changed it to Vendor Realignment.
<a href="http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/22/a-new-book-portrays-amazon-as-bully/?_r=0">Read more here</a>.Disclosure: Jeff Bezos is an investor in Business Insider through his personal investment company Bezos Expeditions.

Sadistic' Amazon Treated Book Sellers 'The Way A Cheetah Would Pursue A Sickly Gazelle

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Adidas posted strong third-quarter growth.</li><li>CEO Bjørn Gulden said the footwear giant is building momentum to become "a great company again."</li></ul><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/adidas-sells-more-yeezy-sneakers-made-millions-from-first-sale-2023-8">Adidas</a>' comeback is in full swing. The sportswear giant reported strong third-quarter growth on Tuesday, with currency-neutral revenues increasing by 10% across the group. Operating profit jumped to 598 million euros ($646 million) from 409 million euros ($442 million) the year before. While the company reported a 9% increase in revenue in China, there was a 7% fall in the US. Adidas attributed the dip to a Yeezy-related decline. The brand terminated its lucrative partnership with <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kanye-wests-turbulent-9-year-history-with-adidas-2022-11">Ye, formerly Kanye West,</a> in 2022 and was left with millions of dollars worth of Yeezy inventory. Adidas said Tuesday that it had reached an out-of-court settlement with Ye to end all legal proceedings between them.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bjorn-gulden-is-trying-to-save-adidas-after-yeezy-controversy-2024-3">Bjørn Gulden</a>, who took over as Adidas CEO in 2023, said the Q3 numbers were evidence that Adidas is "moving in the right direction."<div type="image" title="Bjorn Gulden, Adidas CEO." height="4000" width="6000" msid="114786945" hostid="261" sizebytes="944682"></div>"Our focus is now to continue this momentum and to build a solid platform for future growth and to make Adidas a great company again," Gulden said.Adidas stock dipped slightly on Wednesday but is up 20% since the start of the year, valuing the company at almost 40 billion euros ($43 billion).<h2 id="d5cd4734-2f29-4ab7-a853-a154556dbe5b">Success in a crowded field</h2>It is not easy to maintain momentum and capture consumer attention as a brand, especially in the sportswear sector.Adidas might be thriving, but its biggest competitors are facing headwinds. Gulden joined Adidas from Puma, whose stock is down 16% this year. The German company recently lowered its annual profit forecast, blaming factors including higher freight costs and muted consumer sentiment, especially in China.Nike's stock price is down nearly 30% year-to-date. The sportswear giant, which recently appointed a new CEO, has been trying to execute a turnaround after seeing declining sales in recent quarters. Matthew Quint, director of the Center on Global Brand Leadership at Columbia Business School, told BI the consumer landscape has also shifted and newer brands are taking market share."There's so much more choice. Nike has struggled for a range of reasons, as we know now, and part of it is the growth of a company like On and Hoka," Quint said, referring to these newer brands. But one of the reasons Adidas is finding success in the increasingly competitive athleisure and footwear industry is <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/adidas-sambas-and-gazelles-could-recoup-lost-yeezy-revenue-2023-3">the revival of retro styles such as the Adidas Samba</a>, coronated the "It Shoe" of 2023.When taking over the reins of the company last year, Gulden said that he would focus on wholesale and capitalize on the popularity of <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/adidas-new-ceo-came-out-swinging-during-first-press-conference-2023-3">its classic sneaker silhouettes.</a>He has ramped up production of the <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/adidas-sambas-and-gazelles-could-recoup-lost-yeezy-revenue-2023-3">Samba and Gazelle sneakers</a> — a <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nike-adidas-new-balance-hoka-sneaker-fashion-style-trends-1-2023">staple of the 1990s style</a> that has become popular with Gen Z.

Adidas is getting back on track after Yeezy woes

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The Gen Z TikTokers have spoken: Here are the back-to-school items that are in right now.</li><li>Looking cool for school has a steep price tag, with nine popular items totaling over $1,000.</li></ul>Back-to-school season is upon us, and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.tiktok.com/search?q=back%20to%20school%20haul&amp;t=1724305591924">Gen Z TikTokers</a> have decided which items to buy this year to look cool for school.Nine of the most popular items will collectively set you back about $1,000. Some of the most popular brands on the Gen Z's buying list include Lululemon, Adidas, Apple, Owala, and Garage."Viral trends have played a major role in defining the specific brands, styles, and aesthetics that students are excited about," said Brittany Steiger, a retail and e-commerce analyst from Mintel, a market research company."While brands like Lululemon, Nike, and Stanley have long been popular with Gen Z, competing brands such as Gold Hinge, Hoka, and Owala are also gaining traction," Steiger said.Here are some of Gen Z's top picks for back to school this year.<h2 id="dd443909-6ed0-45b8-bc72-9fcf5759c56e">Lululemon New Crew Backpack: $98</h2> It's no surprise that Lululemon is one of the most popular brands on the list, as athleisure continues to dominate.The one item that keeps popping up in the back-to-school hauls is the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=d7dc4d119836ec6a35a7e32c4959279f7f5dd2f8878b691e401fd749bef16d1d&amp;postID=66c6a55a71b62b11ae83f2d2&amp;postSlug=what-gen-z-is-buying-back-to-school-tiktok-hauls-2024-8&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fshop.lululemon.com%2Fp%2Fbags%2FNew-Crew-Backpack%2F_%2Fprod9370190%3Fcid%3DGoogle_DSA_US_NAT_EN_X_Hybrid_Accessories_ONLINE_GEN_Y22_ag-DSA_G_US_EN_DM_X_GEN_NO_Accessories-Bags%26color%3D0001%26gad_source%3D1%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwoJa2BhBPEiwA0l0ImNaMjaYgV4iDaVuCQl0Ovi3279xJfb7NaPnOifIrevdLBcAEwqrZcxoCjWUQAvD_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds%26locale%3Den_US%26sl%3DUS%26sz%3DONESIZE">Lululemon New Crew Backpack</a>, which retails for $98.Although it comes in five colors, the black variation appears most popular among Gen Z on TikTok.<h2 id="f91ec45c-48f4-4242-b68c-536ff4afae3e">Lululemon Hotty Hot Shorts: $68</h2> Another Lululemon fan favorite is the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=00ed10db90c8b713b011545508dcab61162c9ce2354f61c40d2352dcef015808&amp;postID=66c6a55a71b62b11ae83f2d2&amp;postSlug=what-gen-z-is-buying-back-to-school-tiktok-hauls-2024-8&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fshop.lululemon.com%2Fc%2Fwomen-shorts%2F_%2FN-7weZ1z0xstx%3Fcid%3DGoogle_PPC_US_NAT_EN_X_BrandIncr_Product-Names_ONLINE_GEN_Y23_ag-PPC_G_US_EN_DM_W_GEN_ALL_Bottoms-Shorts-HottyHot%26gad_source%3D1%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwoJa2BhBPEiwA0l0ImJp-GxmZa27jUgCLItDR5coWrw7vjO2Nn2h-UB14ofXv0Ulw8dawuRoC3HYQAvD_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds">Hotty Hot Shorts</a>.The breathable shorts, which come in different lengths and rises, retail for $68 a pop and are all over the back-to-school hauls.<h2 id="c3633f11-4654-45b2-ac0e-cecb7114cb96">Aerie Crossover Flowy Short: $54.95</h2> Another popular item this back-to-school season is the OFFLINE By Aerie Real Me <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=afe272645dcd625f21a59326d56bab60d8722c03773f11030e53c00335aef7c5&amp;postID=66c6a55a71b62b11ae83f2d2&amp;postSlug=what-gen-z-is-buying-back-to-school-tiktok-hauls-2024-8&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ae.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fp%2Faerie%2Fbottoms%2Fshorts%2Foffline-by-aerie-real-me-crossover-flowy-short%2F1706_1217_073%3Fmenu%3Dcat1090003%26ip%3Doff%26utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dpla%26utm_content%3Daerie%26utm_campaign%3Dnogender_bottoms_general%26utm_term%3Dnonbrand%26utm_id%3D20001158336%26gad_source%3D1%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwoJa2BhBPEiwA0l0ImBqFIKKCpC1__8TybkFeS8YdKf3E756d5PmvtHRbem5A1fnIQ3LvYBoCWWUQAvD_BwE">Crossover Flowy Short</a>.The flowy shorts with a v-shaped waistband retail for $54.95 and are touted as a closet essential for school.<h2 id="55616db0-4fee-49f1-8363-eb1404cc3735">Adidas Gazelles: $120</h2><div type="image" title="A model in Germany wearing Adidas Gazelle sneakers." height="683" width="1024" msid="112729717" hostid="261" sizebytes="37894"></div><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/adidas-sambas-and-gazelles-could-recoup-lost-yeezy-revenue-2023-3">Adidas Sambas</a> have stolen the show lately, but the Gazelles are not far behind. Gen Z has brought back the two retro-style sneakers.Breaking away from the white-sneaker uniform of millennials and older Gen Zs, younger TikTokers are opting for bolder colors like pink and red.The <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=596f53be946f3c0059de086c2b4a2d0b1f59b75d30e486347c8f9e9dd0cd073a&amp;postID=66c6a55a71b62b11ae83f2d2&amp;postSlug=what-gen-z-is-buying-back-to-school-tiktok-hauls-2024-8&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adidas.com%2Fus%2Fgazelle-indoor-shoes%2FIF6982.html">Gazelle sneakers</a> retail for $120. The price varies according to the color and pattern.<h2 id="13c1308a-a12d-4890-85bd-b8cac19e3f04">Airpods Max: $549</h2><div type="image" title="A model in Germany carrying a pair of Airpods Max." height="683" width="1024" msid="112729711" hostid="261" sizebytes="12354"></div>Here's where the list starts getting really expensive. According to some Gen Z TikTokers, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=442896c078d02ddc81590c6deafcd84345975eedbb8e745186c1a536d7549121&amp;postID=66c6a55a71b62b11ae83f2d2&amp;postSlug=what-gen-z-is-buying-back-to-school-tiktok-hauls-2024-8&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fshop%2Fbuy-airpods%2Fairpods-max%2Fsilver%3Fafid%3Dp238%257Cs5joihYJP-dc_mtid_1870765e38482_pcrid_494089399643_pgrid_113972681239_pntwk_g_pchan_online_pexid__ptid_pla-2289719647883_%26cid%3Daos-us-kwgo-pla-airpods--slid---product-MGYJ3AM%252FA">Airpods Max</a> are now a school essential.The sleek over-the-ear headphones cost $549. A <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/apple-airpods-max-review">BI review</a> found them to be heavy and not sweat-resistant, but their noise-cancellation quality was excellent. <h2 id="362a40f0-ddf5-47c4-bc85-58677fd4c0da">Owala FreeSip Water Bottle: $37.99</h2><div type="image" title="Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw (32-ounce)" height="600" width="600" msid="112729713" hostid="261" sizebytes="30616"></div>Stanley Cups have given way to the Owala FreeSip, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/kitchen/owala-freesip-water-bottle-review">new "it" water bottle</a>.The Owala <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://owalalife.com/products/freesip?variant=35724555518111">FreeSip</a> bottle is available in various color combinations and sizes. Its 40-ounce variation retails for $37.99.<h2 id="7793a94e-db93-4e1e-adc8-4238f014a4c2">Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm: $24</h2> The main makeup item that kept popping up on back-to-school hauls was the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://summerfridays.com/products/lip-butter-balm-iced-coffee?variant=40142143062093&amp;currency=USD&amp;utm_medium=product_sync&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_content=sag_organic&amp;utm_campaign=sag_organic&amp;tw_source=google&amp;tw_adid=&amp;tw_campaign=16405454081&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwoJa2BhBPEiwA0l0ImELVOcVxjmMX5ynSuBGHN2gd8FXLHzy2W4A6Zvqr2hiOhH_jPszVxhoCTB4QAvD_BwE">Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm</a>, a tinted lip balm retailing for $24.The balm has a glossy and slightly pigmented finish, ideal for an understated makeup look for class.<h2 id="85bdafde-d7d9-40c9-8908-24dc6dfa02e8">Garage Sweatpants: $59.95</h2><div type="image" title="A woman wearing a pair of grey sweatpants." height="1414" width="2121" msid="112729708" hostid="261" sizebytes="155604"></div>Sweatpants have been a longtime school must-have, and sweatpants from <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.garageclothing.com/us/p/fleece-cargo-sweatpant/1000810945GK.html?srsltid=AfmBOor-tX9b0K2prXJE8MPsv_T-vH_i2EYB183kO6pkM4ZzEDyhXA7j">Garage</a> are a Gen Z closet staple.The <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.garagechttps//www.tiktok.com/@elllileonard/video/7262827520154750251?q=garage%20sweatpants&amp;t=1724303717383lothing.com/us/p/fleece-cargo-sweatpant/1000810945GK.html?srsltid=AfmBOor-tX9b0K2prXJE8MPsv_T-vH_i2EYB183kO6pkM4ZzEDyhXA7j">Fleece Cargo Sweatpant from Garage</a> retails for $59.95.

The baseline price tag for looking cool for school is $1,000 for 9 hot items

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I visited five of Kenya's best <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/budget-vs-luxury-safari-africa-private-game-reserves-2024-3">safari parks</a> to see some of Africa's most famous animals in the wild.</li><li>There were many aspects of the safari that surprised me despite the research I did before my trip.</li></ul>Seeing some of Africa's most famous animals in the wild has been on my <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-its-like-seeing-lava-real-life-volcano-iceland-trip-2022-8">bucket list</a> for years. With <a target="_blank" href="https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/discover/get-inspired/global-travel-trends">adventure travel</a> on the rise, I decided to take the plunge and make the 20+ hour flight to Africa to visit some of Kenya's best safari parks.Masai Mara is arguably the most famous for big-cat sightings, but Amboseli <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/overrated-us-national-parks-according-to-frequent-traveler-2024-3">National Park</a>, Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, Nairobi National Park, and Hell's Gate National Park are also must-see reserves teeming with wildlife.I did lots of research beforehand but found I was unprepared for many things I experienced while on safari — and there are things I'll definitely do differently the next time I go.From what I should have worn to what seeing the animals was really like, here's what surprised me most about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mistakes-tourists-make-south-africa-safari-from-local-expert-2023-11">going on safari</a> in Kenya.<h2>I sat in the safari vehicle for about 8 hours every day</h2><div type="image" title="Elephants cross the road in front of a safari vehicle, as someone records a video on their iPhone." height="2872" width="3830" msid="108658264" hostid="261" sizebytes="511008"></div>Between a morning and afternoon game drive, I spent about eight hours in the car daily. It was shocking to see the low number of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/walking-10000-steps-every-day-trial-review">daily</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/walking-10000-steps-every-day-trial-review">steps</a> on my Oura ring.I <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/i-tried-yoga-every-day-for-a-month-pros-cons-2019-11">started doing yoga</a> at the end of the night to loosen up my hips. My airplane pillow also helped me stay comfortable, especially during the seven-hour drives to other parks.<h2>My shoes were off for most of the drives</h2>In hindsight, I should have worn sandals on my drives. Most safari vehicles have small windows and a top that lifts up, and you're frequently standing on the chairs to get a better view.We took off our shoes when we got into the car so we were ready to hop up on the chairs at a moment's notice.<h2>I had lots of early mornings and bedtimes.</h2><div type="image" title="The shadow of a building and trees at sunset with a purple-and-orange sky." height="3024" width="4032" msid="108658266" hostid="261" sizebytes="701904"></div>The best times for safaris are in the mornings and at dusk, and sometimes, we had 4 a.m. start times. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-know-if-you-sleep-enough-time-2018-5">lack of sleep</a>, paired with the heat, made me eager to get to bed early.I'm not a morning person, but I preferred the early drives for the animal activity (and incredible sunrises) we saw. We used the less-ideal safari hours during the day to nap, do other activities in the area, or drive to other parks.<h2>Many animals can be difficult to spot due to distance or camouflage</h2><div type="image" title="A lion walks across a grassy area. " height="2256" width="3008" msid="108658268" hostid="261" sizebytes="434370"></div>We had our fair share of close-up sightings, but many of the animals we wanted to see were far away and sometimes not immediately obvious to the naked eye.We ditched our iPhones and used binoculars and someone's camera viewfinder to get a closer look.A pair of binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens are essential for getting the best view (and pictures) possible.<h2>There were long periods of time with minimal animal sightings</h2><div type="image" title="Three giraffes walk in a grassy area at sunset." height="3024" width="4032" msid="108658270" hostid="261" sizebytes="434298"></div>Safari drives can be frustrating because you can't control what animals you'll see, how far away they are, and how long the sighting will last. But being patient can be rewarding.During one dusk drive, we spent three hours searching for a pride of lions without any luck. Finally, as the sun set in the last half hour, we stumbled upon three female lions napping, a leopard, and giraffes.<h2>Many of the animals are sleeping during the day</h2>I expected to see animals moving around or hunting, but many were resting during the day. It was only when dusk approached that they started to slowly stake out a spot by the grazing herds.If I go on safari again, I'll book a night drive so I can see how the lions and other animals act during their peak hours of activity.<h2>My view was largely out of my control</h2><div type="image" title="Safari vehicles drive down a dirt road, with gazelles grazing in the grass on each side." height="3024" width="4032" msid="108658272" hostid="261" sizebytes="1093518"></div>Whenever a less common animal like a lion or cheetah is spotted, a traffic jam of safari vehicles speed over and line up, vying for the best view.What you see — and sometimes, if you see anything at all — can depend on your driver and what vantage point they can get.<div type="image" title="People in safari vehicles hold up phones to take pictures of a giraffe." height="2268" width="3024" msid="108658274" hostid="261" sizebytes="332790"></div>Your view can also depend on your position in the car. I spent a lot of time scrambling around to catch a sighting (and a photo, if I was lucky).<h2>Prey is plentiful, but seeing any action is unlikely</h2><div type="image" title="A gazelle crosses a dirt road. Lots of animals are in the grass in the background." height="2475" width="3300" msid="108658275" hostid="261" sizebytes="678430"></div>Gazelles and impalas were everywhere, so it was surprising to learn that the lions might not eat for days.Our driver told us the best thing he's seen on safari was a cheetah hunting a gazelle, and then a pride of lions swooping in to steal his meal. However, these kinds of sightings are rare.Predators need to consider everything from the direction the wind is blowing to the length of the grass when trying to sneak up on their prey. Many hunts are unsuccessful, so seeing one in person is unlikely.

I visited 5 of the best safari parks in Africa. The trip was filled with surprises, and there are a few things I wish I'd known before leaving.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Gen Z are wearing casual shoes to work and are not investing in "office-friendly" footwear. </li><li>Liz Teich, a stylist, suggests swapping out sneakers for more polished shoes. </li></ul>Gen Z are still learning the ins and outs of office workwear, and the biggest style mistake they’re making is not investing in "office-friendly" shoes, according to a stylist. <a target="_blank" href="https://thenewyorkstylist.com/press-and-media/">Liz Teich</a>, a stylist based in New York, told Business Insider that a popular shoe style young professionals are wearing alongside their workwear are white Nike Air Force 1 sneakers, but that they should look elsewhere if they want to impress."People need to really step up their shoe game," she said in an interview, pointing out that footwear has become more casual since the pandemic and work from home became a norm. "Now they don't know what kind of shoes to wear."Teich thinks you can’t go wrong with a classic pump but admitted it may not fit the vibe of every office. Instead, she suggested that Gen Z women should opt for loafers, booties, and fashion or retro-style sneakers. <div type="image" title="Liz Teich, a stylist based in New York." height="1600" width="1065" msid="107696903" hostid="261" sizebytes="78454"></div>These choices tend to look "a little bit more polished," according to Teich. Gen Z men can wear dress shoes, boots, or white court sneakers from brands like Veja, Common Projects, and Nisolo. Adidas Stan Smiths, Gazelles, and Sambas are other great options. Even if you are wearing the right shoes, taking care of your shoes and cleaning them is arguably even more essential — something younger generations tend to overlook. If your shoes are dirty, that is "a reflection of who you are at the office, so if you don't take care of your shoes, people will notice."Teich advises taking dress shoes to the cobbler for a repair or polish and investing in a magic eraser or shoe cleaner for sneakers. You can also revive old sneakers by swapping out the laces or bleaching them.Gen Z workers have been getting flak for showing up to the office in inappropriate workwear. One senior employee at a New York firm complained to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/expert-talking-to-employees-about-professional-appearance-and-dress-2022-8">BI’s work advice column</a> that a junior worker showed up in a crop top and that they were “weirded” out by it. Teich and a corporate stylist, Maree Ellard, previously offered some <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-work-fashion-tips-stylists-2024-2">work style tips for Gen Z, </a>including staying covered "from nips to knees," investing in good quality clothes over fast fashion, and keeping flashy designer logos to a minimum.

Gen Zers need to ditch the Nike Air Force 1 sneakers and wear more 'office-friendly' shoes to work, according to a stylist 

Set in the trans-Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh, <keyword id="20259244" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Spiti-Valley" source="keywords">Spiti Valley</keyword> is a haven for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and spiritual seekers alike. Characterised by barren landscapes, ancient monasteries, and serene villages, Spiti offers a unique blend of awe-inspiring beauty and cultural richness. Here's a detailed guide to the top places and unmissable experiences in Spiti Valley. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Best places to visit in Spiti Valley" comment="subhead" text="Best places to visit in Spiti Valley">Best <keyword id="21701570" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Places-to-visit-in-Spiti-valley" source="Orion">places to visit in Spiti Valley</keyword></cmsannotation> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Key Monastery" comment="subhead" text="Key Monastery"><keyword id="21701571" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Key-Monastery" source="keywords">Key Monastery</keyword></cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="1" msid="110210958" hostid="261" sizebytes="1951281" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A serene sanctuary atop the Himalayas, where ancient whispers echo through the halls.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Perched atop a hill at an altitude of 4,166 meters, Key Monastery is one of the most iconic landmarks in Spiti Valley. This centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist monastery, also known as Ki Gompa, boasts a remarkable collection of ancient murals, thangkas, and scriptures. You can partake in meditation sessions, interact with the resident monks, and witness captivating rituals. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Chandratal Lake" comment="subhead" text="Chandratal Lake"><keyword id="21701572" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chandratal-Lake" source="keywords">Chandratal Lake</keyword></cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="2" msid="110210976" hostid="261" sizebytes="1905455" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Nature&amp;#39;s masterpiece, where the sky meets the crystal-clear waters in a harmonious embrace.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Dubbed as the "Lake of the Moon," Chandratal Lake is a breathtaking high-altitude lake located at an elevation of 4,300 meters. Surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks, the pristine blue waters of Chandratal offer a mesmerising spectacle, especially during sunrise and sunset. Camping by the lakeside under a star-studded sky is an experience of a lifetime. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Dhankar Monastery and Fort" comment="subhead" text="Dhankar Monastery and Fort">Dhankar Monastery and Fort</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="3" msid="110210988" hostid="261" sizebytes="2400566" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Perched on the edge of time, where history and spirituality merge into a breathtaking panorama.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Perched precariously atop a steep cliff, Dhankar Monastery is an architectural marvel that dates back to the 12th century. Besides its religious significance, Dhankar also houses an ancient fort that once served as the residence of the rulers of Spiti. The panoramic views of the Spiti Valley from Dhankar are truly awe-inspiring. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Tabo Monastery" comment="subhead" text="Tabo Monastery">Tabo Monastery</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="4" msid="110211303" hostid="261" sizebytes="2323878" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A timeless treasure trove of art and faith, preserving the soul of Spiti&amp;#39;s ancient heritage.&amp;lt;span class=&amp;quot;redactor-invisible-space&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Known as the "Ajanta of the Himalayas," Tabo Monastery is one of the oldest and most revered monastic complexes in the region. Dating back over a millennium, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its exquisite frescoes, ancient scriptures, and sacred relics. The serene ambience and spiritual aura of Tabo make it a must-visit destination for cultural enthusiasts. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Pin Valley National Park" comment="subhead" text="Pin Valley National Park">Pin Valley National Park</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="5" msid="110211312" hostid="261" sizebytes="1724724" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Where the elusive snow leopard roams amidst pristine wilderness and rugged beauty.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>A haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, Pin Valley National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the endangered snow leopard. Trekking through the rugged terrain of Pin Valley offers the opportunity to spot Himalayan ibex, Tibetan gazelles, and elusive wild cats amidst stunning Himalayan vistas. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Langza Village" comment="subhead" text="Langza Village">Langza Village</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="6" msid="110211328" hostid="261" sizebytes="2162641" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A tranquil oasis cradled by majestic peaks, where fossils whisper tales of ancient epochs.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Perched at an altitude of 4,400 meters, Langza is a picturesque village renowned for its stunning vistas and fossil-rich terrain. The towering Buddha statue overlooking the village adds to its charm, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can also interact with the warm and hospitable locals to gain insights into their traditional way of life. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Komic Village" comment="subhead" text="Komic Village">Komic Village</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="7" msid="110211349" hostid="261" sizebytes="1639466" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Among the clouds, a Himalayan haven where tradition meets tranquility at the rooftop of the world.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Located at an altitude of 4,587 meters, Komic holds the distinction of being one of the highest-inhabited villages in the world. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and barley fields, Komic offers a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Don't miss the opportunity to savour traditional Tibetan cuisine at the local homestays. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Kunzum Pass" comment="subhead" text="Kunzum Pass">Kunzum Pass</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="8" msid="110211379" hostid="261" sizebytes="1795875" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Gateway to the heavens, adorned with fluttering prayer flags and panoramic vistas of eternity.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Situated at an altitude of 4,590 meters, Kunzum Pass is a high mountain pass that connects the Spiti Valley with the Lahaul Valley. Offering panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, Kunzum Pass is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and photographers. The pass is also adorned with colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, adding to its mystical allure. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Here’s what you can do in Spiti Valley" comment="subhead" text="Here’s what you can do in Spiti Valley">Here’s what you can do in Spiti Valley</cmsannotation> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Trekking" comment="subhead" text="Trekking">Trekking</cmsannotation> Spiti Valley offers a plethora of trekking opportunities for adventure enthusiasts of all levels. Whether it's the rugged trails leading to high-altitude lakes like Chandratal and Dhankar Lake or multi-day treks through remote valleys and passes, trekking in Spiti promises breathtaking landscapes and memorable adventures. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Attend Monastic Festivals" comment="subhead" text="Attend Monastic Festivals">Attend Monastic Festivals</cmsannotation> Witness the vibrant culture and spiritual fervour of Spiti by attending colourful monastic festivals such as the Hemis Festival, Losar Festival, and Gustor Festival. These festivals, marked by traditional music, masked dances, and religious ceremonies, offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Experience Yak Safari" comment="subhead" text="Experience Yak Safari">Experience Yak Safari</cmsannotation> Go on a thrilling yak safari through the rugged terrain of Spiti Valley. Ride atop these majestic creatures and traverse through remote valleys, meadows, and ancient trails while soaking in the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas. It's a unique and unforgettable way to explore the pristine wilderness of Spiti. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Rafting on Spiti River" comment="subhead" text="Rafting on Spiti River">Rafting on Spiti River</cmsannotation> For adrenaline junkies, white-water rafting on the Spiti River offers an exhilarating adventure amidst stunning landscapes. Navigate through rapids and gorges while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and pristine valleys. Rafting expeditions are available for both beginners and experienced rafters. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Meditate and Reflect" comment="subhead" text="Meditate and Reflect">Meditate and Reflect</cmsannotation> Find inner peace and spiritual solace amidst the serene surroundings of Spiti Valley. Whether it's sitting in silent contemplation at ancient monasteries, practising yoga amidst nature, or simply soaking in the tranquil ambience of the Himalayas, Spiti offers the perfect setting for meditation and self-reflection. From ancient monasteries perched atop lofty cliffs to pristine high-altitude lakes shimmering amidst snow-capped peaks, Spiti Valley is a treasure trove of natural and cultural wonders waiting to be explored. Whether you're a devout pilgrim, an intrepid adventurer, or a curious traveller, Spiti Valley offers something for everyone. So pack your bags, embark on a journey of discovery, and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Spiti Valley. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Frequently asked questions" comment="subhead" text="Frequently asked questions">Frequently asked questions</cmsannotation> 1. Is Spiti Valley accessible year-round? While Spiti Valley remains accessible throughout the year, the best time to visit is typically from May to October when the weather is relatively pleasant and most of the tourist attractions are open. During winter months (November to April), heavy snowfall often leads to road closures, making it challenging to access Spiti. 2. What are the altitude sickness precautions to take while travelling to Spiti Valley? Given its high altitude, travellers to Spiti Valley are susceptible to altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). To minimise the risk, it's advisable to acclimatise gradually by spending a day or two in lower-altitude destinations like Shimla or Manali before ascending to Spiti. 3. Are permits required to visit Spiti Valley? Yes, Indian nationals and foreign tourists visiting certain areas of Spiti Valley, such as the areas near the international border with Tibet, are required to obtain Inner Line Permits (ILP) from the district administration office in Reckong Peo or Kaza. These permits are aimed at regulating entry and ensuring the safety of visitors in sensitive border areas. It's advisable to check the latest permit requirements and procedures before planning your trip. 4. What are the accommodation options in Spiti Valley? Spiti Valley offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Travelers can choose from guesthouses, homestays, budget hotels, luxury resorts, and camping sites scattered across various towns and villages in the region. 5. How can I travel within Spiti Valley? Public transport options within Spiti Valley are limited, with few buses and shared taxis operating between major towns and villages. Hiring a private taxi or renting a self-drive vehicle is the most convenient way to explore the region at your own pace.

Spiti Valley guide 2024: Stunning locations & interesting things to do

<ul class="summary-list"><li>New Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden on Wednesday hosted his first call with reporters. </li><li>Gulden leaned into the company's history and hinted at a shift in the company's direct-sales focus.</li></ul>Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden participated in his first earnings calls with analysts and journalists on Wednesday. Gulden touched on a wide range of topics, such as a renewed focus on wholesale, the company's Yeezy inventory dilemma, and the pending release of the company's much-anticipated Fear of God line with Jerry Lorenzo. He also took some candid shots at Nike. Gulden arrived at Adidas in January after nine years at Puma, where he <a href="https://www.voguebusiness.com/companies/he-steered-a-big-comeback-at-puma-could-bjorn-gulden-do-the-same-for-adidas#:~:text=Gulden's%20departure%20from%20Puma%20after,the%20brand's%20history%20in%202022." target="_blank" rel="noopener">led a widely recognized sales comeback</a>. Gulden's hoping to play that tune again at Adidas, even daring to say he thinks Adidas could chase down Nike and become No. 1 again. Here are six highlights from Gulden's first interaction with analysts and reporters as Adidas' top executive.<ul><li>DTC is going to decelerate. </li></ul>For years, industry giants Nike and Adidas have been focused on direct sales. In 2021, Adidas said it wanted 50% of revenue from direct sales by 2025. On Wednesday, Gulden signaled a shift away from the DTC obsession of recent years, a view <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nike-betting-on-dtc-but-itll-be-battle-analyst-warns-2022-9">increasingly shared by Nike analysts</a>. "I still believe this is a wholesale-driven business," he said. "We need to show up at wholesale as the best partner for the retailers so they can make money from us. You cannot own the consumer. You can only earn the consumer." <ul><li>He stood up for Adidas' performance innovation pipeline while taking a shot at Nike</li></ul>Adidas is always compared to its larger rival Nike. But Gulden took issue with criticisms that Adidas is not innovating enough in its performance business. He highlighted Adidas' new <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=4bd85b2e39b67dc0130738a6a3211fb7e1f5ca02b5f40c5f5c7c011d11a8be7b&amp;postID=64092027ba7556368819dd33&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adidas.com%2Fus%2Fadizero%3Faf_channel%3DSearch%26af_click_lookback%3D30d%26af_reengagement_window%3D30d%26c%3DCollections-SB-Exact-2-Mobile_New%26cm_mmc%3DAdieSEM_Google-_-Collections-SB-Exact-2-Mobile_New-_-Collections-adizero-X-General-Exact-_-43700034594738024%26cm_mmca1%3DUS%26cm_mmca2%3D%26ds_agid%3D58700004177314661%26gclid%3DCj0KCQiAgaGgBhC8ARIsAAAyLfF5WvfvIiFzIr4gJoVohKjWjyJStjdCFVA7LjkLz18PIQmVDqZCTgQaAn6pEALw_wcB%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds%26is_retargeting%3Dtrue%26pid%3Dgoogleadwords_temp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adizero running shoes</a> and <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=2860f05ec389aacdfe1b1445acc99f6a67875b046783ec7a0abe4e890c7dc6ff&amp;postID=64092027ba7556368819dd33&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adidas.com%2Fus%2Fpredator%3Fcm_mmc%3DAdieSEM_Google-_-Soccer-B-Exact-2-Mobile_New-_-Shoes-Predator-X-General-Exact-_-43700033456187529%26cm_mmca1%3DUS%26cm_mmca2%3D%26ds_agid%3D58700004078758892%26gclid%3DCj0KCQiAgaGgBhC8ARIsAAAyLfFe0gymF1Een2mqaEFId2wijR0toW0PNgyGXr217nlTji5SViiWIa8aAiQWEALw_wcB%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Predator" soccer cleats</a>. "The criticism that Adidas hasn't brought innovation in performance is not true. Again, I always ask, so what was the last innovation that Nike brought because you're always comparing it to that," he said. I look at the Adizero, I look at the Predator or I look at the soccer shoes that I know, but you don't know about, I do think that the Performance side is actually in good hands."<ul><li>The Yeezy business is not coming back </li></ul>Adidas <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/adidas-hasnt-decided-what-to-do-with-526-million-yeezys-2023-3">has not made a decision</a> on what to do with its stockpile of Yeezys. The company has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/adidas-ceo-worries-donated-yeezys-will-be-resold-2022-03">multiple options on what to do with the inventory</a>, but none are particularly favorable. One option seemingly not on the table is working with Ye again. Despite rumors swirling online in recent weeks about a new Yeezy deal in the works to salvage remaining inventory, Gulden said the business is pretty much lost. "You have the Yeezy business, which again, in my opinion, Ye is maybe the most creative, I would say, person that has ever been in our industry. The combination with an excellent go-to market job by Adidas in the product, in the manufacturing, and not least the way they went to market digitally with the different applications, and the way they were actually utilizing the heat, in my opinion, was next to nothing. And of course, losing that is a very tough thing. But anyway, we have lost it and we have to deal with that." <ul><li>Get ready for Jerry Lorenzo, finally.</li></ul>In December 2020, Adidas <a href="https://news.adidas.com/basketball/adidas-and-fear-of-god-reimagine-the-future-of-adidas-basketball/s/84063cec-6fd8-46c4-9dea-951732fceb33" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced a long-term deal</a> with the fashion label Fear of God and owner and founder Jerry Lorenzo focused on performance basketball and lifestyle products. Given Lorenzo's popularity, the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/beyonces-adidas-line-struggling-underscoring-post-yeezy-problems-2023-2">underperformance of the Ivy Park line</a>, and the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/adidas-hasnt-decided-what-to-do-with-526-million-yeezys-2023-3">end of Adidas' Yeezy business</a>, Lorenzo could give the company a needed spark. On Wednesday, Gulden said basketball is critical to the brand's US business."I would mention Fear of God with Jerry Lorenzo, as probably a game-changing thing, which we are close to go-to-market with," he said. <ul><li>There's serious momentum in Sambas, Gazelles, and Spezial sneakers</li></ul>Adidas' billion-dollar Yeezy business may be gone, but classic silhouettes like the Adidas Samba and Gazelle are skyrocketing in popularity around the globe. The sportswear giant this week launched a very successful pop-up store in Shanghai dedicated specifically to the Samba. "Look for the Samba, look for the Gazelle, and ironically also the Spezial, which was actually a handball shoe that even I used when I was playing, which probably tells you how old I'm getting. I think it's something that if we manage it correctly, can be millions and millions of pairs. And it's the first test to see if we can manage, now, a new franchise in the right way by keeping it alive, heating it up every quarter, without over distributing it, so we start to discount."<ul><li>The Adidas birthright?</li></ul>When Phil Knight founded what became Nike in 1964, Adidas was the industry goliath. Before long, Nike zoomed past Adidas. Although it was briefly dethroned by Reebok, Nike's been the industry leader ever since. It's now nearly double the size of Adidas. Gulden took the stage Wednesday in front of a backdrop that featured Jesse Owens and Muhammad Ali, two sports icons and former Adidas athletes. Both harkened back to Adidas' days at the top. While <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/adidas-problems-run-deeper-than-yeezy-analysts-say-2-2023-2">Adidas is struggling</a>, Gulden wants to get Adidas back there, noting it's got all the ingredients, including history, an archive filled with classic products, global distribution, decades of institutional knowledge, and technology. "We will again be the best sports brand," Gulden said. "There is no doubt that that is our destiny and that is how you need to judge us. We have all the ingredients, and I'm convinced that we will make it."

You Searched For "Gazelles" and got 12 results

Unicorns, Gazelles, Cheetahs: What do these startup animal terms even mean?

Ankush Banerjee

Almost one in five of India’s future unicorns drop off the race as funding winter bites

Katya Naidu

Forget Yeezys. Adidas' new CEO says Sambas and Gazelles are the 'hottest shoe in the market'

Danni Santana

Gazelle Killed Its Partnership With Walmart Last Year, And Now It's Growing Like Crazy

Megan Rose Dickey

Insurgent Startups Are Attacking eBay From All Sides

Owen Thomas

Sadistic' Amazon Treated Book Sellers 'The Way A Cheetah Would Pursue A Sickly Gazelle

Jim Edwards

Adidas is getting back on track after Yeezy woes

Maria Noyen

The baseline price tag for looking cool for school is $1,000 for 9 hot items

Aditi Bharade

I visited 5 of the best safari parks in Africa. The trip was filled with surprises, and there are a few things I wish I'd known before leaving.

Lara Walsh

Gen Zers need to ditch the Nike Air Force 1 sneakers and wear more 'office-friendly' shoes to work, according to a stylist

Sawdah Bhaimiya

Spiti Valley guide 2024: Stunning locations & interesting things to do

Ayush Mehrotra

Adidas' new CEO came out swinging during his first press conference, calling out Nike's lack of innovation and defending the three stripes

Danni Santana,Matthew Kish

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides