MKR Blog
Key Takeaways: Customers judge prices relative to context, not in isolation — comparison and framing shape perceived value. Honest scarcity (real low stock, real deadlines) motivates buyers; manufactured urgency erodes trust. Transparency about why prices are what...
The retail landscape has been reshaping since the pandemic, and what seemed like temporary changes have now solidified into permanent shifts in how consumers shop and what they expect from retailers. Here are the key trends shaping retail this year. Value-Oriented...
Small retailers have a rough go competing against big chains and e-commerce giants, but there’s one thing these smaller stores have that Amazon doesn’t: community. Local stores have the opportunity to build connections with their customers. Building partnerships...
After a period of workforce reductions and aggressive cost-cutting measures, major retail companies are shifting toward optimization strategies—investing in technology, process improvements, and operational efficiencies that enhance productivity without sacrificing...
Effective positioning is crucial for brands seeking to connect with their target audiences and drive sales. But what exactly is positioning, and why does it matter? This article will explore the fundamentals of positioning and practical steps for retailers to develop a compelling positioning strategy.
Mastering the art of marketing is a required skill to reach and engage target audiences effectively. Two powerful strategies to accomplish this are push and pull marketing. Understanding the distinct roles of these approaches can make all the difference in driving...
Consumer trust and loyalty are paramount in the competitive retail industry, and brand transparency is a powerful catalyst for unlocking sales growth and building long-lasting connections with customers. In this article, we explore the various ways retailers can use...
Small retailers often find it challenging to compete and thrive in markets driven by big stores and retail chains. However, with the right strategies and a focused effort, small retailers can carve out a niche and strongly compete with larger stores. Here are some key...
The retail industry has experienced considerable changes in the past few years, and 2023 is on track for continued transformation. Retail companies can expect to see several key trends impacting businesses this year, including the growth of e-commerce, the focus on...
Both small and big companies have been impacted by the labor shortage that has spanned the country since the pandemic. A short-staffed company can lead to overworked and burnt-out employees, dissatisfied customers, and even a decline in sales. Below we’ll discuss how...
Indianapolis, IN - Daniel L. Kittell, CPA, Managing Partner of MKR CPAs & Advisors, has been named a 2026 Five Star Investment Professional, an honor that recognizes only a select group of financial services professionals in the Indianapolis market for their...
It happens to even the most organized taxpayers; a missed deadline, a late payment. The IRS just rolled out a program that can automatically clear certain penalties without you lifting a finger. See who qualifies and what to do if a notice still slips through.
AI can spot an abnormal finding buried in a routine scan — but what happens next often falls through the cracks. See why detection alone isn’t enough, and what practices need to actually close the follow-through gap.
A 401(k) is a start, not a finish line. Once you’re out of the workforce, you’ll need a plan for turning savings into income, managing taxes, covering healthcare costs, and protecting your legacy. Here’s what a complete retirement plan actually requires.
Key Takeaways: Winning new clients matters, but firms that can't retain them must keep replacing lost revenue before growth is possible. Reliability and follow-through, not just expertise, are what build or break client trust over time. Proactive, consistent...
Key Takeaways: Keeping a gap between income and spending, even as income grows, is the foundational habit behind long-term wealth building. High-interest debt quietly drains money that could otherwise go toward saving and investing — paying it down is one of the best...
Key Takeaways: A Roth conversion moves money from a traditional account into a Roth, taxed now in exchange for tax-free growth and withdrawals later. Converting during a temporarily lower-income year, such as between jobs, can let you convert at a lower tax rate. A...
Key Takeaways: RMDs become mandatory at age 73, and missing one can trigger a penalty of up to 25% of the required amount. A new temporary $6,000 deduction ($12,000 for joint filers) is available for taxpayers 65+ through 2028. Investment gains, pension income, and...
Key Takeaways: Customers judge prices relative to context, not in isolation — comparison and framing shape perceived value. Honest scarcity (real low stock, real deadlines) motivates buyers; manufactured urgency erodes trust. Transparency about why prices are what...
Key Takeaways: The OBBBA made most 2017 TCJA tax cuts permanent, avoiding a scheduled tax increase in 2026. New "no tax on tips" (up to $25,000) and "no tax on overtime" (up to $12,500) deductions are now in effect. The Child Tax Credit rose to $2,200 per child, and...