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10 Interesting Facts About Business During the Great Depression

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The Great Depression was a defining moment in global economic history, marked by unprecedented challenges and unexpected resilience. While it brought economic turmoil, the era also showcased the ingenuity and determination of businesses that adapted to the harsh realities of the time. Here, we uncover 10 fascinating facts about business during the Great Depression, revealing surprising insights into innovation, survival strategies, and enduring success stories.

The Great Depression: A Transformative Era for Businesses

The Great Depression (1929–1939) was one of the darkest periods in modern history, with widespread unemployment, plummeting stock markets, and shuttered companies. Yet, amidst the hardship, some businesses thrived, and others laid the foundation for future success. Understanding these stories sheds light on how resilience and adaptability can prevail in the toughest times.

Businesses That Started During the Great Depression

Surprisingly, the Great Depression was a breeding ground for innovation. Many companies we know today began during this era, including:

  • Disney: Walt Disney released “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” in 1937, proving that entertainment could flourish even in economic downturns.
  • Krispy Kreme: This beloved doughnut chain began in 1937 in North Carolina, catering to the comfort-food cravings of the time.

These businesses exemplify how necessity and creativity sparked opportunities amidst despair.

Consumer Spending Didn’t Completely Vanish

While consumer spending plummeted, certain industries saw consistent demand. For instance:

  • Cosmetics and Beauty Products: The “Lipstick Effect” describes how consumers still splurge on small indulgences during recessions, and this trend was apparent in the Great Depression.
  • Entertainment: Affordable forms of entertainment, like movies and board games, experienced a boom.

The Birth of Monopoly: An Iconic Board Game

One of the most surprising stories from the Great Depression is the rise of Monopoly. Charles Darrow popularized the game in 1935, offering families a form of escapism and fun during tough times. Monopoly’s success highlighted how entertainment provided solace in a bleak era.

The Rise of Thrift and DIY Culture

The economic hardship of the Great Depression forced businesses to adapt to consumers’ reduced purchasing power. Thrift stores became popular, and the DIY culture flourished. Companies pivoted to selling cost-effective or multipurpose products to cater to budget-conscious households.

The Role of Advertising in Keeping Businesses Afloat

Despite financial constraints, advertising became a critical tool for companies to stay visible and relevant. Brands like Procter & Gamble pioneered radio soap operas as a creative way to connect with audiences, giving rise to the term “soap operas.”

Bank Failures and the Business of Survival

The banking sector was one of the hardest-hit industries during the Great Depression, with over 9,000 banks failing. This collapse reshaped how businesses and individuals managed their finances. In response, new financial safeguards, like the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), emerged, restoring trust in the banking system.

New Deal Programs Boosted Small Businesses

President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal introduced programs that indirectly benefited struggling businesses. Initiatives like the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) provided employment, which increased consumer purchasing power and stimulated local economies.

Luxury Goods Survived in Unexpected Ways

While many might assume luxury goods industries suffered heavily, some segments thrived by shifting focus. For instance:

  • High-End Jewelry: Companies like Tiffany & Co. adjusted their marketing strategies to appeal to emotional purchases, like engagement rings, as symbols of hope and love.
  • Alcohol: Despite Prohibition (which ended in 1933), alcohol sales surged post-repeal, benefiting businesses ready to meet the pent-up demand.

Infrastructure Projects Created New Opportunities

The Great Depression spurred large-scale infrastructure projects funded by the government, including the Hoover Dam and the Golden Gate Bridge. These projects not only provided jobs but also created opportunities for businesses supplying materials and services.

Businesses Adapted to Changing Consumer Preferences

Companies that succeeded during the Great Depression often pivoted their products or services to align with consumer needs. For example:

  • Automotive Companies: Instead of selling new cars, manufacturers focused on spare parts and repairs, catering to customers keeping older vehicles running.
  • Retailers: Department stores introduced layaway plans, allowing customers to purchase goods over time without accumulating debt.

Lessons for Modern Businesses

The resilience of businesses during the Great Depression offers timeless lessons:

  • Innovation is Key: Companies that embraced change thrived.
  • Empathy Wins: Brands that connected with consumers’ emotions built lasting loyalty.
  • Diversification Matters: Businesses that expanded their offerings to meet shifting demands weathered the storm better.

Conclusion

The Great Depression was a crucible for innovation, resilience, and strategic adaptability. While the era presented immense challenges, it also unveiled opportunities for businesses willing to think differently and connect with the evolving needs of their customers. Today’s entrepreneurs can draw inspiration from these remarkable stories, proving that even in the darkest times, perseverance and creativity pave the way for success.

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Resset Group Launches ‘Proxima’ – A RERA-Approved Residential Landmark in Shela Extension with Seamless Sanand Connectivity

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Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], May 14: The Resset Group, a trusted name in Gujarat’s real estate development landscape, has officially launched ‘Proxima’, a visionary residential project strategically located in the rapidly emerging Shela Extension corridor in the extension of Link-in Road Fully RERA-approved, Proxima is designed to cater to the evolving lifestyle aspirations of urban families and the housing demands driven by industrial growth in the Sanand region.

Proxima is not just another housing project–it’s a well-planned community positioned at the junction of residential comfort and industrial opportunity. Located in close proximity to Sanand, the industrial powerhouse housing multiple MNCs and major semiconductor companies, this project is expected to draw attention from both end-users and investors alike. Apartment price start with 38 lac plus expense to 45 lac Rs with AA Quality construction and material.

“Shela Extension is the next big growth node in Ahmedabad. With direct access to Sanand, proximity to Sardar Patel Ring Road, and emerging social infrastructure, Proxima is strategically placed for long-term value,” said a senior spokesperson at Resset Group during the launch event.

The project offers a mix of thoughtfully designed 2 BHK apartments and Commecial shops enriched with lifestyle amenities like landscaped gardens, clubhouse, children’s play area, indoor games, gym, yoga deck, and dedicated senior citizen zones.

Key Highlights of Proxima:

  • Prime Location: Excellent connectivity to Sanand, Shela, and SP Ring Road
  • RERA Approved: Transparency and buyer protection assured
  • Future-Ready Infrastructure: Located amidst upcoming schools, hospitals, and commercial hubs
  • High Rental Yield Potential: Ideal for professionals working in Sanand MNCs and upcoming tech parks

With Gujarat emerging as a semiconductor and manufacturing hub, residential demand is steadily rising in the Shela-Sanand belt. Proxima is poised to become a preferred address for professionals, business families, and investors seeking long-term appreciation and quality living.

The Resset Group, known for their commitment to construction quality and timely delivery, adds Proxima to their portfolio of trusted developments across Ahmedabad.

Bookings for Proxima are now open, with attractive pre-launch pricing and easy financing options available through leading banks.

About Resset Group:

Resset Group is a new-age real estate development company focused on creating quality housing and value-driven communities across Gujarat. With a vision rooted in trust, innovation, and customer-centricity, Resset continues to redefine urban living for the modern Indian family.

For media inquiries or project details, please contact:

Email: info@resset.in

Phone: 999 888 1278

Website: www.resset.in

Ahmedabad

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EZ Rankings Opens New Office in Bengaluru to Support Local Businesses with Digital Growth

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Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 12: EZ Rankings, a leading digital marketing agency, has launched a new franchise office in Bengaluru, bringing its trusted digital solutions closer to one of India’s fastest-growing business hubs.

Known for working with over 12,000 clients across 28+ countries, EZ Rankings is now ready to support startups, SMEs, and large enterprises in Bengaluru with services like digital marketing, performance marketing, SEO, Google Ads, Social Media Marketing, Website Design & Development, and more.

“Bengaluru is a city full of innovation and energy. We’re excited to help local businesses grow online using our proven strategies,” said Mansi Rana, Managing Director at EZ Rankings.

The new office is headed by Siva Prasad T, a digital marketing professional with years of experience in helping Indian businesses succeed online. The team will work closely with local brands, offering personalized service, fast support, and result-oriented marketing campaigns tailored to the Bengaluru market.

“We’re here to make digital marketing simple and effective for Bengaluru businesses. Our focus is on transparency, results, and building strong relationships,” added Siva Prasad, Franchise Owner – EZ Rankings Bengaluru.

EZ Rankings has built its reputation by delivering measurable results and a strong return on investment (ROI) for clients across industries. With this local presence, the agency plans to engage directly with the Bengaluru business community through consultations, workshops, and knowledge-sharing events.

The new office reflects EZ Rankings’ larger mission: to make quality digital marketing accessible to businesses across India’s major cities — and empower them to grow in a digital-first world.

About EZ Rankings

EZ Rankings is a full-service digital marketing agency founded in 2010. Headquartered in India and serving clients in more than 28 countries, the agency offers performance-based marketing solutions including SEO, PPC, social media, content marketing, and web design development. Known for its transparent approach and focus on ROI, EZ Rankings helps businesses of all sizes grow their digital presence.

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Premas Life Sciences and Sphere Bio Unite to Advance Single-Cell Research in South Asia

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New Delhi [India], May 6: Premas Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. (PLS), a pioneering enabler of life science innovations in India, has announced a strategic collaboration with Sphere Bio, a global leader in picodroplet-based microfluidic technologies for functional single-cell analysis. This partnership represents a significant leap in bringing transformative, next-generation platforms to scientists and researchers in India and Bangladesh. The collaboration is rooted in a shared vision: empowering biopharma, biotech, and academic communities with cutting-edge tools that accelerate discovery and drive impactful science. With this alliance, Premas will bring Sphere Bio’s high-performance solutions – including their flagship Cyto-Mine® platform and a growing assay portfolio – closer to researchers in South Asia, supported by localized technical expertise and seamless implementation support.

Sphere Bio, formerly known as Sphere Fluidics, is widely recognized for its innovations in single-cell and picodroplet microfluidics. Their technologies enable ultra-high-throughput analysis, sorting, and isolation of individual cells – critical for applications such as antibody discovery, cell line development, and advanced cell therapy research. These platforms are currently used by leading pharma companies and research institutions around the world to enhance the speed and accuracy of biologic development.

For Premas Life Sciences, this partnership is a natural extension of its mission to democratize access to advanced life science tools. Over the last 18 years, PLS has built a strong legacy of introducing globally benchmarked technologies to India’s scientific ecosystem – spanning genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, and diagnostics. Their ability to not only introduce but also embed technologies through technical training, application support, and long-term scientific partnerships makes them uniquely positioned to amplify the impact of Sphere Bio’s offerings.

“India is entering a new era of biomedical innovation, with increased investments in biosimilars, vaccines, and cell and gene therapies. This collaboration with Sphere Bio allows us to deliver the kind of scientific capabilities that can transform how research is done in this region–faster, more precisely, and with greater reproducibility. With the government’s strong push through initiatives like the Bio-E3 policy, PRIP scheme, and its vision for bio foundries, we believe technologies like Sphere Bio’s Cyto-Mine® will play a crucial role in accelerating antibody discovery and cell line development, further strengthening the ‘Made in India’ biotech ecosystem. We’re excited to co-create a future where access to such platforms is not a barrier but a baseline.” said Praveen Gupta, Managing Director of Premas Life Sciences.

Sphere Bio echoed this optimism. “We see South Asia as a region with enormous scientific potential. Our partnership with Premas is about more than market access – it’s about long-term impact. Premas brings deep local understanding, technical know-how, and a genuine commitment to enabling discovery. Together, we aim to catalyse the next wave of breakthroughs in biologics and personalized medicine.” said Dale Levitzke, CEO of Sphere Bio

“Our partnership with Premas Life Sciences is a key milestone in our mission to make cutting-edge single-cell technologies more accessible across the APAC region. India and Bangladesh represent rapidly growing innovation hubs, and we see immense potential in empowering local researchers with tools that meet global standards. Premas brings deep market understanding, strong scientific engagement, and a track record of successful technology integration–making them an ideal partner to drive regional adoption and impact.” said Jay Manikandan, VP Commercial (APAC), Sphere Bio

This alliance comes at a pivotal time, as the biotech landscape in India and Bangladesh rapidly evolves with government backing, rising R&D investment, and a growing scientific workforce. As demand for next-gen therapeutics increases, so does the need for high-resolution, scalable tools–precisely what Sphere Bio delivers. Together, Premas and Sphere Bio are building a scientific bridge between global innovation and regional potential. Beyond product access, the partnership offers localized support, training, and tailored solutions aligned with international standards. It sets a new benchmark for how advanced technologies can be effectively introduced and scaled in emerging biotech markets.

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