• The New York Stock Exchange was closed for a historic two consecutive days following Hurricane Sandy. The last time the Exchange closed for that long because of weather was in 1888 following a blizzard that hit New York City, according to CNN.
• Gov. Chris Christie signed an executive order on Friday, Nov. 2 that says, in an effort to conserve fuel and reduce lines at gas stations, 12 counties will move to odd-even rationing of gasoline. The calendar day and the final number on a license plate determine odd and even days and vehicles, according to the Office of the Governor.
• Gov. Chris Christie signed an Executive Order on Nov. 4 suspending Sunday sales restrictions in Bergen County due to the State of Emergency caused by Hurricane Sandy. Normally Bergen County has a blue law that restricts stores from opening on Sunday, according to the Office of the Governor.
• Disney bought Lucasfilm on Oct. 30 for $4 billion. Disney plans to release the first of a new “Star Wars” series in 2015. George Lucas will still serve as a creative consultant for Disney as they continue the legendary saga, according to NPR News.
• The lumber market experienced a jump as devastation from Hurricane Sandy creates a new need for lumber and building materials, according to the Wall Street Journal.
• Starbucks’s new promotions including holiday drinks and the return of the treat receipt gave a significant boost to Starbucks’s earnings this quarter, according to the Wall Street Journal.
• Retail sales were up 2.7 percent when compared to last October, a positive sign for the upcoming holiday season. Some of the top earning companies were Nordstrom, Costco Wholesale Corp. and Macy’s, according to the Los Angeles Times.
• Homes that had previously been housing projects in London during the ’70s and ’80s are now some of the most desirable pieces of real estate in London. Prices in London are soaring as foreign investors see London real estate as a safer alternative to other European cities, according to the Wall Street Journal.
• Businessweek will send emails asking business students at the College to participate in the undergraduate business survey starting Nov. 7. The results will be published in March, just months before graduation. Response codes are a factor in being ranked. As compenstation for time that could be spent in others ways, the School of Business is awarding iPads to two students chosen at random from among those who complete the survey. To be included, email Patty Karlowitsch at karlowit@tcnj.edu.
