Hobby Lobby, a U.S. national crafts and goods store, is under scrutiny after recent outbursts caused by the company’s apparent lack of Jewish holiday merchandise. The story went public when New Jersey blogger Ken Berwitz found out that his wife’s friends, upon asking an employee in a retail store about bar mitzvah cards, were told that Hobby Lobby “doesn’t cater to [people like them].”

Berwitz was quick to write about the incident, and called the store at which it had occured in an attempt to find out the reason behind the exclusion of Jewish holiday products, only to be told that it was due to Hobby Lobby’s owner, billionaire Steve Green, who is of christian faith. When Berwitz contacted the company’s headquarters, he was given no explanation.

Hobby Lobby has over 560 stores nationwide in the United States.

The story grew quickly, as Berwitz used his position as a blogger to shine light on the issue; Hobby Lobby’s reputation has taken a serious hit as a result. Customer relationships are now strained as the Jewish community speaks out in outrage. The company must now perform damage control and take proper actions in order to move past this incident.

The company has since offered a public apology, as well as promising to sell Jewish holiday items in areas near large Jewish populations.

BlackBerry, the Ontario-based smartphone company, has been in a state of perpetual decline for some time now, due to increased rivalry in the industry and a lack of innovation on the company’s part.

On Monday, shares of the company rose near 4% following a report issued by Reuters late Friday that large corporations such as Google, Cisco, and SAP were interested in the partial or complete purchase of the fallen media mogul. Experts believe this interest can be attributed to the value of BlackBerry’s shares, which are approaching an all-time low.

Share price of BlackBerry since its inception.

Various sources have reported that technology giants such as Intel Corp, LG, and Samsung are being targeted by BlackBerry, who is seeking precursory expressions of interest. For now, the potential buyer is unclear, should there eventually be one.

BlackBerry has tremendous sunk costs, with losses now in the billions. Appropriately, they are reacting with an attempt to minimize the damage done by selling what’s still left. As it stands, they have intangible assets that are valuable and attractive to potential buyers, including their secure server network and patent portfolio.

Industry competitors Apple and Samsung have eclipsed the once-leader BlackBerry.

This strategic move could potentially spell the end for BlackBerry, who, in recent years, have come crashing down from great heights, exemplifying the powerful and unforgiving nature of industry competition and rivalry.

Hermes handbags exude style and luxury.

Hermes Birkin bags entered the market in 1984 and have since taken consumer demand levels to impressive heights. Originally named after actress Jane Birkin, the bags act as a symbol of wealth and fame due to their steep prices, which can range from $7000 to $10,000. Birkin handbags are renowned for their standard of quality; each bag is meticulously hand-crafted by expert French craftsmen, and can take up to 20 hours to produce. Currently, their popularity is through the roof, with demand being so backed up that it has led to waiting lists that span over several years!

Kim Kardashian is one A-lister who is often seen with a Birkin around her arm.

Hermes has become a leader amongst upper-scale designer bags due to its main point of difference: their master artisans who ensure a unique bag of the utmost quality. While their product diversity (exotic materials such as ostrich and lizard) and superior quality is what led to their initial success in the market, Hermes has been lifted to new heights by the power of their brand and its recognition. Worn today by some of the biggest names in show-business, Hermes is no longer just a brand – it’s a lifestyle.