Halifax West

We’re thrilled to introduce our Winter/Spring 2025 Interns! Each of these incredible individuals brings unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives to the table—and they’re all on the fast track to making a big impact in the world of finance. Armit Dhingra | Baruch College Major: Economics | Minor: Information Studies Armit has experience in wealth management and trading and is now focused on breaking into investment banking. He’s eager to apply his economic knowledge and technical skills in the industry. Outside of finance, he enjoys basketball and watching MMA. Eric Anderson | Lynn University Major: Investment Management Eric discovered his passion for finance during the early days of the pandemic. Now a senior, he serves as President and Co-Founder of the Lynn Investment Club, where he’s building his investment banking expertise. When he’s not focused on finance, he enjoys spending time on the beach or driving along A1A in Boca Raton. Jake Manning | Clemson University Major: Finance | Minor: Accounting Jake got his start with an internship at a middle-market private equity firm, sparking his interest in both investment banking and private equity. When he’s not deep in financial models, he enjoys MMA, golf, and spending time with family and friends. Joonseo Lee | Baruch College Major: Finance A first-generation college student, Joonseo is driven by hard work and perseverance. With experience in financial services, he’s looking to advance his career in investment banking. In his free time, he explores NYC’s food scene, creates videos, and hits the gym. Luke Hubbard | Fordham University Major: Finance Luke’s early interest in finance led him to intern in the roofing restoration search fund space before even starting his second semester. A dedicated Mets, Knicks, and Giants fan, he also values health and wellness, a passion influenced by his father’s career in medicine. Priyamvada Mehrotra | UCLA Majors: Economics & Statistics & Data Science Priyamvada is a double major balancing rigorous academics with hands-on experience in investment banking and private equity. Outside of finance, she enjoys dancing and spending time by the ocean. Ruolin Feng | Barnard College Majors: Economics & Mathematics Ruolin’s strong foundation in economics and mathematics fuels her interest in private equity and investment management. When she’s not working with numbers, she loves traveling and experiencing new cultures. We couldn’t be more excited to have these seven individuals join our team! #HalifaxWest #WinTogether #capitaladvisory #MandA #restructuring #operatingadvisory

With 23andMe filing for bankruptcy, many customers are rightfully concerned about the future of their genetic data. According to USA TODAY's Marc Ramirez, the company has announced it is entering Chapter 11 restructuring, continuing operations as usual, and ensuring its data management remains unchanged. However, with ongoing lawsuits and a significant data breach in 2023, what happens to this sensitive information if the company is sold to a new owner? Experts raised critical concerns about the legal protections in place for consumer data. Unlike health providers, companies like 23andMe are not subject to HIPAA protections, and their privacy policies allow data transfers in case of bankruptcy. This creates potential risks, as customers may have limited control over how their data is used or shared in the future. You can be proactive in protecting your data in various ways such as: Customers in California can request the deletion of their genetic data under state privacy laws. 23andMe allows users to opt out of data sharing via their account settings, but be aware that some information will still be retained for legal compliance. As privacy laws in the U.S. remain fragmented, it’s crucial to stay informed and proactive. Until comprehensive federal regulations are enacted, individual consumers must take control of their data. It’s a reminder of the importance of understanding how our personal information is being handled in the digital age. #GeneticData #Privacy #DataProtection #23andMe #Chapter11 #DataPrivacy #LegalTech #ConsumerRights https://lnkd.in/gn3nSk-p

The discount retail space is evolving, and it’s not just about slashing prices anymore. While traditional dollar stores still serve a segment of cost-conscious shoppers, a new wave of discount retailers, like 5 Below, pOpshelf, Ollie's Bargain Outlet, Inc., and Ocean State Job Lot, are reshaping the industry with a mix of affordability, trendiness, and discovery-based shopping. According to TheStreet’s Daniel Kline, as Big Lots exits the stage, its locations aren’t sitting empty for long. Competitors are strategically acquiring these spaces, keeping employees in jobs and giving consumers more options in the discount market. The Gordon Brothers’s restructuring efforts have enabled Variety Wholesalers to keep the Big Lots name alive in many locations, while others will transform into Ollie’s or OSJL stores. This shift highlights a broader trend: discount retail is beyond a necessity, is is genuine smart shopping. https://lnkd.in/gCuCzw5n

Retail media networks are on track to claim nearly a quarter of all U.S. media spend by 2028, yet advertisers are increasingly questioning the transparency of the joint business planning (JBP) process. According to Digiday’s Kimeko McCoy, some are even walking away, unwilling to commit to rising ad spend without clear ROI or standardized measurement. As brands navigate negotiations, many feel pressured to increase budgets year-over-year or risk losing valuable shelf space. This lack of transparency isn’t just a Walmart issue; advertisers are pushing back across multiple RMNs, including Amazon. However, with more than 250 retail media networks in the mix, the challenge is reshaping the industry to negotiate better deals AND prioritize accountability. https://lnkd.in/gVethB9F

While Amazon and Walmart have opened their marketplaces to hundreds of thousands of sellers, Target is taking a different approach by curating its third-party marketplace, Target Plus, to prioritize customer experience and brand alignment. By keeping Target Plus invitation-only, the retailer aims to provide a more relevant and seamless shopping experience, focusing on categories like home goods, essentials, and food. According to Modern Retail’s Mitchell Parton, the strategy appears to be paying off, with food sales on the marketplace growing by over 170% and essentials by 60% in the past year. Unlike other marketplaces that prioritize ad revenue, Target is focusing on long-term consumer trust. Its partnership with Shopify is accelerating the onboarding of emerging brands, and for many sellers, Target Plus is seen as a potential gateway into brick-and-mortar stores. However, entry isn’t easy because brands must prove differentiation and viability. As Target pushes to grow its marketplace from $1B to $5B in GMV over five years, the key challenge will be scaling while maintaining quality and improving data transparency for sellers. https://lnkd.in/graUFbVH

The last country on Earth to form a soccer team is gearing up to play their first 11-a-side fixtures! Halifax West is so grateful to partner with Anna Barbara Films to continue to share the story of the Marshall Islands Soccer Federation! Making history! ?? love this video from BBC News https://lnkd.in/gPs67_U2

For many emerging brands, landing in big-box retailers like Target or Walmart is the ultimate milestone that comes with operational challenges. Scaling up production, securing the right suppliers, and adjusting pricing strategies to compete on retail shelves takes years of preparation. Modern Retail’s Gabriela Barkho explores how brands like Jupiter and Nimbi Supply navigated these hurdles. Jupiter, for instance, spent years refining its supply chain before rolling out in 1,100 Target stores, making critical changes to packaging, manufacturing, and pricing to ensure success. Meanwhile, Nimbi had to convince manufacturers to take a chance on its innovative razors before securing a nationwide launch. Some brands are choosing to say no to big-box opportunities, opting for more sustainable growth in today’s unpredictable economic and fundraising environment. Expanding too quickly can stretch supply chains thin, introduce unexpected costs, and even backfire if margins aren’t carefully managed. https://lnkd.in/g7jhcFWN

Yesterday’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations were a reminder of how important traditions are to local communities and small businesses. The National Retail Federation predicted Americans to spend over $7 billion this year. averaging nearly $44 per person. However, only 26% planned to go out to a bar or restaurant making it even more crucial for local spots to create an experience worth showing up for. Madden’s Lounge in Davison is a great example of a local business thriving on this tradition. Even with the holiday falling on a Monday, they expected 300 to 500 people to come through, with strong crowds all weekend long, according to WJRT, Inc. ABC12’s David Sackrider. Madden’s keeps the crowds coming with live bagpipes, Irish meals, and a community-driven celebration that has kept them going for 58 years! For a small business, days like Saint Patrick’s Day are about community and legacy! https://lnkd.in/g8nbGXaj

Forever 21 is now set to close all U.S. stores as it files for bankruptcy for the second time since 2019. The brand, which peaked at $4 billion in sales, struggled to adapt to shifting consumer trends, rising costs, and the rapid dominance of online competitors like SHEIN. This highlights the dangers of over-reliance on traditional retail models and the risks of failing to evolve with market trends according to CNBC’s Rob Wile. Even after being acquired by Authentic Brands Group, operational inefficiencies and declining consumer interest made a turnaround nearly impossible. Reguardless of past success, sustainable growth in retail demands continuous innovation, strategic financial planning, and agility in responding to market shifts. https://lnkd.in/gRX5HYd2

Inditex, the fashion powerhouse behind Zara, has seen years of rapid expansion, but its latest sales update has raised some concerns. With first-quarter sales up just 4%, a sharp slowdown from last year’s 11%, investors responded with an 8% drop in share price. CEO óscar García Maceiras points to ongoing trade tensions and unpredictable economic conditions as key challenges, especially in the U.S., Inditex’s second-largest market. However, according to Reuters Helen Reid and Corina Rodriguez Pons, the company remains confident, citing strong investments in logistics, store upgrades, and digital expansion. Despite the weaker start to 2024, Inditex is pushing forward with new market entries, tech-driven efficiencies, and even in-store experiences like the “Zacaffe” coffee shop concept. #RetailTrends #FashionIndustry #GlobalMarkets https://lnkd.in/eQEf_YFM