Core Insights - The average consumer plans to spend $890 on holiday-related expenses this year, indicating a significant financial commitment during the holiday season [1] - The holiday season presents opportunities for side hustles, which can help individuals generate extra income to manage holiday expenses [2] Side Hustle Opportunities - **Gift Wrapping**: Professional gift wrappers in the U.S. earn an average of $18 per hour, with various service options available [4][5] - **Grocery Delivery**: Workers can earn between $15 to $25 per hour after tips by delivering groceries for services like Instacart and Amazon Fresh [6] - **Pet Sitting**: Pet sitters can connect with clients through apps like Rover and Wag!, with the potential for higher earnings by working directly with referrals [8][9] - **Seasonal Retail**: Retailers hire seasonal workers for increased demand, offering positions such as cashiers and stock associates, often with the possibility of full-time employment post-holidays [10][12] - **Selling Goods Online**: Crafty individuals can sell handmade items on platforms like Etsy or flip thrifted items on eBay and other marketplaces [13] Considerations for Side Hustles - Earnings from side gigs are taxable, and individuals should set aside 25% to 30% for estimated quarterly taxes [14] - It is essential to check for any noncompete clauses with primary employers that may restrict side hustle activities [15] - Individuals should assess the impact of a side gig on their overall situation, considering time management and potential upfront costs [16][17]

Core Insights - Instacart has announced a partnership with Pet Supplies Plus to offer same-day delivery from over 700 stores across the US, enhancing convenience for customers [1][2] - The partnership includes access to over 11,000 products from 400 brands at exclusive loyalty member pricing, aiming to provide value without sacrificing convenience [1][2] - Instacart is now the only online marketplace featuring all five of the top US pet retailers, strengthening its position in the pet category [2] Company Overview - Instacart is a leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with over 1,800 retail banners to facilitate online shopping and delivery services from nearly 100,000 stores [4] - The company enables approximately 600,000 shoppers to earn income by picking, packing, and delivering orders on a flexible schedule [4] - Instacart also offers enterprise-grade technology products and services to retailers, enhancing their e-commerce capabilities and providing advertising services [4] Pet Supplies Plus Overview - Pet Supplies Plus is the largest pet retail franchise in the US, with over 725 locations, focusing on making pet ownership easier [5] - The company ranked No. 20 in Entrepreneur's Annual Franchise 500 list and No. 33 on Forbes' list of 'Best Customer Service' brands in 2025 [5] Wag N' Wash Overview - Wag N' Wash is a sister brand of Pet Supplies Plus, specializing in self-wash and grooming services, along with natural pet food [6] - The franchise has 27 locations across the nation and has received recognition in various franchise rankings [6]

Core Insights - Shares of grocery-delivery app Instacart experienced a decline in afternoon trading due to increased competition from DoorDash and Kroger, which announced an expansion of their existing partnership to enhance grocery delivery services [1] Company Summary - Instacart's stock performance is negatively impacted by the competitive landscape, particularly from DoorDash and Kroger's strategic collaboration [1] Industry Summary - The grocery delivery industry is witnessing intensified competition as major players like DoorDash and Kroger seek to strengthen their market positions through partnerships [1]

Core Insights - Kroger is expanding its partnership with DoorDash to offer its full grocery assortment, including fresh food and exclusive products, to customers nationwide starting October 1, 2025 [1][3][4] Group 1: Partnership Expansion - Nearly 2,700 Kroger stores will be available on DoorDash, allowing customers to access groceries in as little as one hour [1] - The partnership aims to attract new households and increase shopping occasions by leveraging Kroger's store network [1][4] Group 2: Customer Convenience - Customers will benefit from on-demand delivery, affordability, and loyalty program discounts integrated into the DoorDash app [3][4] - The expansion is expected to reach tens of millions of DoorDash customers seeking fresh groceries and household essentials [4] Group 3: Market Position and Strategy - Kroger has been one of the most searched grocers on DoorDash, indicating strong consumer demand for its products [3] - The collaboration will also focus on joint innovation, including retail media and new delivery models to enhance customer engagement [4][5] Group 4: Market Trends - DoorDash has seen over 25% of its global monthly active users ordering from new verticals, including grocery, highlighting a growing trend in on-demand grocery delivery [5] - The integration of grocery delivery into everyday shopping experiences is a key focus for both companies [5]

Core Insights - Uber Technologies has established itself as the world leader in the crowdsourced ride-hailing industry since its inception in 2009 by Travis Kalanick [1] - The company has diversified its services beyond ride-hailing to include online food delivery, grocery, parcel delivery, and freight forwarding [1] Company Overview - Founded in 2009, Uber has expanded its business model significantly over the years [1] - The company operates in multiple sectors, showcasing its adaptability and growth potential in various markets [1] Investment Perspective - The article reflects a positive outlook on Uber's stock, indicating a beneficial long position held by the analyst [1]