When leaders wait, small problems compound. Discover why inaction quietly costs more than we think and how the smallest step can restart momentum.

For nearly two centuries, Baker & Taylor (B&T) was one of the most trusted names in publishing. Founded in 1828, the company built its reputation distributing books and media to libraries, schools, and bookstores across America. But in October 2025, B&T announced it would shut down operations, ending a 197-year run. Why?

A Slark Consulting Group Insight Brief by Rick Slark, Fractional Strategist Trend: The Numbers Beneath the Season The data this year tell a quieter, more disciplined story. Deloitte’s 2025 Holiday Retail Survey projects a 10% decline in planned consumer spending , bringing the average holiday budget to $1,595 per shopper —the sharpest pullback since 1997. More than half of consumers— 57% —believe the economy will weaken in the next year, surpassing the pessimism of 2008. Category breakdown:...