Category: Business and Real Estate

The last weeks have brought immense change, which has left many wondering if prospects for workers and businesses may finally be looking up amidst COVID. Initially, the most promising news has been that of a potential vaccine after positive results and announcements from Pfizer and Moderna. There are hopes that initial vaccination could begin in…

As the country waited to see who the next President would be, gig economy companies like Uber and Lyft picked up a big win in California on election night. The companies, and others, poured millions into Proposition 22, and it was an investment that paid off. Ever since California passed AB5, gig economy companies began their…

As states like California have seen a new surge in COVID cases, a second round of shutdowns is taking away some of the hope businesses may have had for an economic rebound. As businesses try to adjust, the changes range from the basic to the extreme. On the simple end, Walmart announced it will begin requiring customers to wear…

On the heels of a historic drop in consumer spending in March, the US saw a correspondingly historic surge in retail sales in May, with sales increasing 17.7% month over month. The surge comes, of course, with many states beginning reopening plans and with some expected business seeing upticks, including grocers. However, clothing stores like Macy’s have also…

As states start to ease pandemic restrictions, most businesses are figuring out what their new normal will look like, not just in reopening in the short term, but long term as well. A move to online anywhere possible and the ability to be flexible both seem to be necessary tools for any company going forward.…

With social distancing rules well into month two, some states are either beginning or contemplating strategies for re-opening business, as they struggle with the impact of the virus that, in many places, still hasn’t seen enough progress to allow great re-opening that so many are hoping for. As the necessary closures continue, we are seeing…

Coronavirus abruptly and completely changed our lives. From a business perspective, this has caused tremendous difficulty across all sectors with furloughs, layoffs, and unemployment skyrocketing almost overnight. While many businesses struggle to get through these times, many technology companies and apps are primed to work as resources, especially for businesses looking to stay running and…

Larson & Gaston, LLP is committed to supporting our clients and community in responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Our office remains operational as our attorneys and staff are working remotely following the orders of our County and State governments. While we are working remotely as part of the effort to slow the spread of this…

As discussed previously on this blog, the question of whether Dynamex applies retroactively is a fascinating one that will have significant ramifications on all industries using independent contractors. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal initially determined Dynamex could be applied retroactively in Vazquez v. Jan-Pro Franchising International but later withdrew that opinion and referred the question to the California Supreme Court, which…

The holiday season is upon us and for retailers that means the busiest and most important time of year. How things go over the next month could in some cases determine whether or not the year can be considered a successful one. As the season kicks off, it appears there are positive trends for at…

As covered on this blog, online sellers and brick and motors continue a back and forth struggle for business. Recently, large retail sellers Amazon and Walmart have looked to add a new level of convenience to online shopping that could provide a breakthrough, if consumers are in fact open to the idea. The companies have, and continue to work…

After Lyft’s rocky IPO, Uber hoped for better but found itself in just as much difficulty after recently going public. Unfortunately for the company, the trouble didn’t stop there as Uber then posted a billion dollar quarterly loss. Unsurprisingly, Uber doesn’t plan to sit back as losses mount. While the company’s IPO was disappointing, it is still highly valued,…

It has been a little over a month since Lyft’s trading debut, which after a strong start quickly struggled and continues to decline. Now Uber looks to avoid the same fate is it prepares for its upcoming debut. Uber recently announced an initial valuation of between $80 and $91 billion dollars, a number that towers over Lyft’s…

As discussed on this blog, the retail industry, specifically brick and mortar stores, have found some perhaps unexpected good signs and wins as of late in their bid to maintain a model that looks to be displaced by online retailers. However, recent events indicate brick and mortars may not be taking an upward swing, as the planned closings of retail…

As discussed on this blog recently, gig economy companies have been changing the face of employment with more and more people being employed and impacted by the rising industry. On March 29, Lyft added to this evolving story with its successful trading debut. Lyft’s shares rose 8.7%, rising to $87.24 from its $72 offering price. This, it’s noted, makes…