About 360 MAGAZINE

360 MAGAZINE is an award-winning international publishing on popular culture and design. We introduce avant trademarks to efficacious architects. We are a LGBTQIA2S+ friendly publication--officially recognized by the NGLCC. Our core demographic ranges from 19 to 39-year-old college-educated trendsetters within their respective international communities. The pages in this art book satisfy their strong interests including music, art, travel, auto, health, fashion, tech, philanthropy, design, food and entrepreneurship. It's an introspective digital/print/tablet portrait series, which encapsulates artists/brands/entities who embody the true essence of our publication- empowerment, equality, sensuality and most important of all, humanity within a global society.

FREEBIRD FANS BLOCK AVENUE

Music City Embraces The First-Ever Freebird Honky-Tonk, Making 2nd Avenue Feel Vibrant Again

It was a honky-tonk grand opening for Freebird Stores in Downtown Music City to celebrate its nationwide retail footprint expansion. This marks its 19th location across the US, taking over the old B.B. King’s venue. As the first-ever Freebird Honky-Tonk-style boot store, the grand opening party featured free boot giveaways every 15 minutes, live music on the Freebird stage, signature cocktails served in the full bar, and a grand prize winner of Freebird boots for a year.

The footwear company hosted a unique fashion and music VIP experience for local industry professionals, artists, fashion stylists, and influencers in June. The special musical guest for the evening was rising country singer-songwriter Laci Kaye Booth.

Immerse yourself in shopping in Nashville, on 2nd Avenue, with Freebird Honky-Tonk’s vibrant experience as they lead the way in rebuilding the historic district famed for honky-tonk row downtown. Creating more than a brand, but a culture, the honky-tonk location stretching from Lower Broadway includes shopping, live music, coffee, beer, wine, and cocktails.

Led by owner and CEO of Freebird Stores, Mike Murphy, “It was a Grand Opening Party like no other! Thank you all for coming out and checking out the New Freebird Honky-Tonk. For all those who missed out, don’t worry; this party continues every day. Stop by and have a drink, listen to some amazing live music, and check out the exclusive boot collection. We couldn’t be happier with our new home in Downtown Nashville!”

Additionally, Freebird’s Honky-Tonk location features local bands and established artists seven days a week. A Denver staple since 2009, the one-of-a-kind leather company offers a wide array of rustic-inspired styles, including men’s and women’s boots, baby shoes, hats, accessories, and bags. Each pair of shoes is made with superior craftsmanship using original Goodyear welt construction, intricate details and metalwork, exotic materials, and the finest finish full-grain leathers.

Follow the neon lights to one of Music City’s hottest spots, Freebird Honky-Tonk, as they push the boundaries of fashion by creating high-quality products. Every style specializes in modern, rustic, handmade boots with authentic western-crafted materials that last for comfort and style. Freebird delivers an experience they are so well known for throughout the US, but this time with a honky-tonk and boho music city touch.

Stand out in the crowd as a brand like Freebird Honky-Tonk is dedicated to finding perfection in imperfection and offers something for everyone. In a city whose fashion industry has a great deal of influence, Freebird Honky-Tonk is the cutting-edge of 2nd Avenue and just the beginning of its future.

To shop at Freebird Stores, please visit FreebirdStores.com.

For more information and to connect with Freebird Stores follow

Website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

About Freebird Stores

Founded in Denver, CO in 2009, FREEBIRD is a luxury handmade footwear brand born out of a love for boots. Known for its signature boots and statement designs, each pair is made using the time-honored Goodyear welt craftsmanship to combine quality and fashion. Offering a variety of unique boots, booties, sandals, accessories, and more for men, women, and youth, all of FREEBIRD’s products are thoughtfully designed and crafted with intricate details, metal work, and the finest hand-finished full-grain leathers. With each pair of FREEBIRD boots, you will feel like you can conquer anything and be ready to stand out from the crowd.

About Dead Horse Branding

Dead Horse Branding is an award-winning public relations, management and branding agency with headquarters in both Nashville, TN, and Sydney, Australia. Dead Horse Branding creates, designs, and refines each component of a brand, ensuring that the brand will always hit the right chord on every level. Dead Horse Branding’s business model is a cutting-edge management and branding service all-in-house that spans multiple industries, including music, fashion, design, business, culinary, entertainment, fitness, and more. There are 7 primary formulas to branding and Dead Horse does them all under one roof, making them a very competitive branding agency.

Branding is an identity developed through our DH7 branding formula, which includes: strategic planning, logo and image design, photography and visual assets, website design, marketing and social media, publicity, licensing, and distribution. Dead Horse Branding’s brand-building technique has been implemented into the education system in the USA and Australia. Rick Caballo and Melissa Core-Caballo were instrumental in helping to lead Kennesaw State University’s Joel A. Katz Music and Entertainment Business program (MEBUS) as one of top curriculums ranked by Billboard Magazine 2022.

Baha Men, LOVING MARY (Steven Tyler’s solo band), Cyndi Lauper, Hachette Book Group, Buck johnson (Hollywood Vampires & Aerosmith) Simon and Schuster, Bo Diddley Estate, HENDRIX Music Academy, Grammy Winning Mark O’Connor Band, MTSU, Sony Music, ACPI Group, Gigi Butler of Gigi Cupcakes, TEDx, NAMM, Songwriting University, Marc Jordan, Music Producer Tony Brown, Jayne Denham, Average Joes Entertainment, Joel A. Katz MEBUS Program, The Today Show, Lionsgate, and Hallmark are some of the brands we have had the pleasure of working within the USA and internationally.

Visit deadhorsebranding.com for more information!

Rosevale NYC

Rosevale NYC is a chic, yet precocious bar with a lot of life from the 1920s. A reasonably gracious dining experience delicately decorated. As soon as you enter the vestibule, you are instantly teleported into the world of boutique glamour and regency motif. Dimly lit and comfortable – ideal for a custom cocktail.

Service is regal. Steak tartare first and crab cake second. Succulent and full of flavor. Cleansed our pallets with a Bloody Mary and a Spicy Encounter apéritif. Soon after, we were enthusiastically approached by someone in leadership, smartly dressed and prepared for supper service. After all, we are nestled in the heart of Broadway as well as enamored by the dinner theatre ritual.

One thing for sure, the adjourned hotel within arm’s length, matched its energy. The glazed glass separated us from seduction. Finally, a magnificent phantom lodge with a hot companion. Furthermore, there is absolutely nothing ‘pedestrian’ about the Civilian that is reminiscent of the Hollywood Roosevelt with guests preparing for their misdeeds.

Out came the piping hot Pork chops in tandem with a duck entree. Subsequently, a side of Mac and cheese, creamy and innocuous makes an appearance. Finally, a panna cotta slab of cheesecake designed by the best baristas rewarded by Sirha Lyon.

Afterwards, we embarked on a tour of the compact campus. Immediately confronted by a gigantic spiral staircase which spilt into a rustic yet contemporary bar on level two. Ultimately, we elevator climbed into an abyss of skyscrapers on the 28th floor, bearing a wraparound balcony with breath-taking panoramic views of Alicia Keys‘ former stomping grounds, Hell’s Kitchen.

In sum, it’s a perfect venue for a celebratory evening and/or a romantic rendezvous.

Articles in the Media

Introducing Kaden Olivier

ALEX MALI – DINNERTIME

Alex Mali, a soulful artist hailing from Brooklyn, is setting the tone with her unique blend of Dancehall R&B/Pop. Her latest single “DinnerTime,” (out today) is a song that emerged from the theme of self-confidence and empowerment and serves as a tantalizing taste of her upcoming debut album.

The title itself, “DinnerTime,” hints at a playful exploration of sensuality and self-confidence, as Alex expertly crafts catchy puns and wordplay throughout the track. With a sensual and poetic approach, she implies wanting to skip dinner and wanting to be the main course instead. Alex Mali explores the concept of women comparing themselves to “a snack” or “a meal,” delving into her own perspective and redefining what it means to be sexy. Through the song, she creates a sensual atmosphere that is both bold and delicate, showcasing her unique storytelling ability.

Alex Mali finds passion and solace in the power of music. It served as a grounding force during her struggle with depression in her first year of college and continues to be a source of comfort and expression. Through her music, she aims to provide a safe space for listeners to navigate their own emotions and find solace.

When it comes to her sound, Alex Mali describes it as Dancehall R&B/Pop, representing her Jamaican and Trinidadian roots. Her fusion of genres creates a distinct and authentic sonic experience that reflects her upbringing and influences.

One of the proudest moments in Alex Mali’s music career so far was being sampled by Dancehall artist Kranium. Being recognized and sampled by an artist she grew up listening to was a surreal and gratifying experience, highlighting her early success in the industry.

Alex Mali’s message to her fans and listeners is to embrace the journey of self-discovery, finding beauty in every phase, setback, and triumph. She urges her audience to appreciate their own evolution, trusting the process and staying resilient through the highs and lows of life.

“Finding yourself is a journey and you should allow yourself the grace to find the beauty in every phase, every setback and every triumph,” Alex Mali says. “Go through those emotions with confidence in knowing that all will be as it’s meant to be because you have appreciated the evolution and trusted the process. Keep going.”

To stay updated on Alex Mali’s musical journey, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Prepare to indulge in the enticing sounds and empowering messages of this rising artist.

Stream “DinnerTime” HERE.

Spotify

Apple

IMAGINE DRAGONS – HULU

Imagine Dragons proudly present a brand-new HULU Original Documentary film, IMAGINE DRAGONS LIVE IN VEGAS, exclusively streaming on HULU in the United States TODAY, July 14. To celebrate the film release, the band has shared the rapturous single and standout “Believer (Live in Vegas)”, available to stream everywhere now. Listen HERE.

Heralding the film’s arrival with a bang, Imagine Dragons will host the IMAGINE DRAGONS LIVE IN VEGAS, Hulu Watch Party on Roblox an unparalleled, groundbreaking virtual experience on Roblox July 15.

This exclusive immersive digital experience marks the first-ever music documentary event on Roblox, as well as Interscope Records’ first major event on the popular gaming platform. With a rich, vibrant Las Vegas-themed environment, players will embark on a journey filled with amazing battles, a massive interactive watch party, VIP experiences, and a virtual goods line, all inspired by the unique vibe and spirit of Imagine Dragons.

LIVE IN VEGAS traces GRAMMY®-winning, multi-Platinum band’s journey from humble beginnings in their native Las Vegas to headlining the biggest venue in their hometown—Allegiant Stadium—during the triumphant Mercury Tour. The film comprises candid interviews with the band as well as live concert footage from the Allegiant show on September 10, 2022. The latter notably boasts blockbuster performances of definitive smashes “Radioactive,” “Demons,” and “Thunder” in addition to anthems from the recent two-part opus, Mercury — Acts 1 & 2 (KIDinaKORNER/Interscope), including “Bones,” “Enemy,” and “Sharks.” To accompany the documentary, they will also unveil IMAGINE DRAGONS LIVE IN VEGAS Soundtrack Album later this month. Pre-order/Pre-save HERE.

IMAGINE DRAGONS LIVE IN VEGAS is directed and produced by Matt Eastin and executive produced by Mac Reynolds, Turner Pope, John Janick, and Steve Berman and features band members Dan Reynolds, Wayne Sermon, Ben McKee, and Daniel Platzman.

Developed through a partnership with Super League (Nasdaq: SLGG), a leading publisher of immersive experiences across the world’s largest metaverse gaming platforms, IMAGINE DRAGONS LIVE IN VEGAS, Hulu Watch Party enables players to enter a gamified Imagine Dragons mini-world set in a fantasy version of iconic fabulous Las Vegas. The creatively-inspired space is an homage to Imagine Dragons famous hometown and the city where the documentary performance was filmed. Players collect VIP badges in order to gain access to the band’s green room, which features a treasure trove of easter eggs for the discerning fan. Players also come together to jointly battle multiple boss demons based on Imagine Dragons songs, earning VIP points and climbing up the leaderboards. A countdown clock keeps the excitement building, leading to the interactive watch party on July 15th – an unprecedented social event involving three songs from the documentary performance – a first-of-its-kind musical digital experience. In this world, Imagine Dragons fans and players will be capable of thoroughly immersing themselves in a unique concert experience. Whether they choose to fight off their own demons, or shine bright and high in the watch party– there is something for everyone.

SI – The Golf Classic

On July 10th, Sports Illustrated Presented The Golf Classic featuring LA Lakers’ Austin Reaves as special guest. This was the return of The Golf Classic for its 19th year, held at Angeles National course.

Sports Illustrated presented ‘The Golf Classic,’ a highly-anticipated VIP golf outing, held on Monday, July 10th at the esteemed Angeles National Golf Club. The Golf Classic, an annual event with a 19-year history as one of the longest-running lifestyle golf events in the country, announced an inaugural partnership with Sports Illustrated to expand the reach of the tournament through the storied media enterprise. The annual event combines networking, comradery and competitive golf through a scrimmage-style tournament that raises funds for UCLA Children’s Hospital.

Talent attendees included special guest host Austin Reeves (LA LAKERS), who was joined by NBA star Metta World Peace, Joe Haden, Charles Oakley, Evan Ross, Brody Jenner, Brandon Thomas Lee, Gabriel Aubry, Tom Ellis, Skeet Ulrich, Jesse Lee Soffer, Paris Brosnan, Austin Mills, Blake Webber, Ryan Hansen, Jake Adams, Jesus of Golf, Chord Overstreet, Don Benjamin, Adam Senn, Kyle Schmidt, Erik Paladino, Nate Hill, DJ Politik, Beau Casper Smart, and Sports Broadcaster Ashley Haas who emceed the day, among many other players to comprise the 120 participants.

The Golf Classic was created in 2004 to provide an outlet for executives and entertainment industry VIPs, paired with celebrity guests to engage in networking and friendly competition for a good cause. Conceived by one of the nations’ premiere experiential marketing agencies, ENTER, founding creative Zev Norotsky has curated a tournament widely recognized as the originator of a new era of lifestyle driven golf event’ attracting key influencers, athletes, nightlife notables, celebrities, young creatives and entertainment industry elite.

Participants played on a championship-level course that offered unique challenges to golfing enthusiasts of every skill level, personal peer-to-peer networking, and all the while supporting deserving philanthropic initiatives. Angeles National Golf Club, located in Sunland, California is a Par 72 championship, 18 hole golf course, with four sets of tees to accommodate players of all skill levels, comprising two lakes, one creek and 54 bunkers.

“The Golf Classic has long been the originator in lifestyle golf events here in the US, we have ostensibly created the blueprint for what a celebrity and professional athlete driven golf experience can look like and as we look ahead to our 20th year it only made sense to partner with the leading authority in sports media to bring this event to a wider audience and continue to raise the bar for what a brand driven and culturally relevant golf event can look like.” – Founder, Zev Norotsky

For the 2023 Los Angeles outing, The Golf Classic welcomed exciting beverage partners including pouring stations throughout the course presented by Casamigos, plus Saint James Tea, Celsius Energy, Flying Embers Hard Kombucha and Hello Soju. Mezcla and Liquid Death were also offered to guests, along with Drip Hydration Protein shots and a Hyperice massage area on-site wellness relief. OOKA showcased their revolutionary new doseable pod device.

Shock’d Golf balls and Golf Tournament Solutions’ Golf Cannon activated immersive challenges on the course. Geometry provided commemorative branded towels for players, Crep Protect kept golfers’ shoes looking crispy clean out on the course and Palm Golf Co made sure each of the players had a fresh new pair of golfing gloves. Goodr outfitted their signature golf sport designed sunglasses on the bright, sunny day.

Beyond Meat once again kept tastes satisfied with an on-site food truck as well as the in-demand Yeastie Boys food truck, while Uncle Paulie’s served up their signature specialty cuisine favorites. Official hotel partner for the tournament this year was the L’ermitage Beverly Hills and The Golf Classic introduced an auto partnership with BMW.

Following Los Angeles, ENTER and Sports Illustrated will hit the road for a marquee golf event ahead of Big Game Weekend at TPC Summerlin. The second annual SI INVITATIONAL will be held on February 8th in Las Vegas, with more details to follow.

About Sports Illustrated

Sports Illustrated (SI) is an unparalleled and influential leader recognized for shaping modern culture and uniting athletes, teams, and fans worldwide. At the intersection of sports, lifestyle, and entertainment, Sports Illustrated is a 360-degree enterprise that delivers immersive content, innovative digital experiences, unforgettable events, and original products. Its award-winning media arm brings powerful storytelling to life through probing profiles and up-to-date news on SI.com, across social media platforms, and through the monthly print magazine. The most trusted name in sports transcends media through SI Tickets, a fan-first ticketing platform, SI Sportsbook, a digital sports betting platform, SI Studios, the brand’s home for film, TV, and long form audio adaptations of SI’s thought-provoking storytelling, and more. SI brings its unique and authentic perspective to marquee events and captivating brand activations, including The Sportsperson of the Year Awards, “The Party”, SI Swimsuit Launch Weekend, and the SI Circuit Series. For more information, visit SI.com.

About Authentic Brands Group

Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) is a global brand development, marketing and entertainment platform, which owns a portfolio of more than 40 iconic and world-renowned Lifestyle, Entertainment and Media brands. Headquartered in New York City, with offices around the world, Authentic connects strong brands with best-in-class partners and a global network of operators, distributors and retailers to build long-term value in the marketplace. Its brands generate more than $25 billion in global annual retail sales and have an expansive retail footprint in 150 countries, including 10,800-plus freestanding stores and shop-in-shops and 380,000 points of sale.

Authentic is committed to transforming brands by delivering powerful storytelling, compelling content, innovative business models, and immersive experiences. It creates and activates original marketing strategies to drive the success of its brands across all consumer touchpoints, platforms, and emerging media. Authentic’s brand portfolio includes Marilyn Monroe®, Elvis Presley®, Muhammad Ali®, Shaquille O’Neal®, David Beckham®, Dr. J®, Greg Norman®, Neil Lane®, Thalia®, Sports Illustrated®, Reebok®, Brooks Brothers®, Barneys New York®, Judith Leiber®, Ted Baker®, Hunter®, Vince®, Hervé Léger®, Hickey Freeman®, Frye®, Nautica®, Juicy Couture®, Vince Camuto®, Lucky Brand®, Aéropostale®, Forever 21®, Nine West®, Eddie Bauer®, Spyder®, Volcom®, Shark®, Tretorn®, Prince®, Airwalk®, Izod®, Jones New York®, Van Heusen®, Hart Schaffner Marx®, Arrow® and Thomasville®. For more information, visit authentic.com. Follow Authentic on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.

About Casamigos:

Brought to you by those who drink it. Casamigos was founded by longtime friends George Clooney, Rande Gerber, and Discovery Land Company CEO & founder Michael Meldman. Tequila-filled nights with friends is how Casamigos was born. Launched in 2013, these small batch, ultra-premium tequilas are made from the finest hand-selected 100% Blue Weber agaves grown in the rich red clay soil and cool climate of Mexico’s Jalisco Highlands for a minimum of seven years.

Casamigos has garnered the highest accolades from the spirit industry’s most well-respected authority figures. The Casamigos family is available throughout the United States, UK, Canada, Australia, and expanding worldwide. CasamigosTequila 40% Alc./Vol. Casamigos Mezcal, 40% Alc./Vol. For more information, please visit www.casamigos.com. Follow us on social media @casamigos. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. Imported by Casamigos Spirits Company, White Plains, NY.

COTI’s Token Economics

A Deep Dive into COTI’s Utility and Value Proposition

COTI is a blockchain-based payment platform that aims to revolutionize the way transactions are made. Its unique token economics, which is centered around its utility and value proposition, has caught the attention of many investors and blockchain enthusiasts. If you are starting on crypto trading,try bitcoin 360 ai! It is an amazing online trading platform for a seamless trading experience. In this article, we will take a deep dive into COTI’s token economics and explore its unique features that set it apart from other blockchain-based payment platforms.

COTI Token Utility

COTI token is a utility token that is designed to be used within the COTI payment network. It is used to facilitate transactions, pay fees, and reward network participants. The token is also used to provide liquidity within the network, which helps to ensure that the payment system is always operational and efficient.

One of the unique features of the COTI token is its staking mechanism. Users who stake their tokens are able to earn rewards in the form of transaction fees. The more tokens a user stakes, the more rewards they are eligible to receive. This incentivizes users to hold and use COTI tokens, which helps to increase the overall demand and value of the token.

Another use case for the COTI token is as a means of payment for goods and services. Merchants who accept COTI as a payment method are able to benefit from lower transaction fees compared to traditional payment methods such as credit cards. This incentivizes merchants to accept COTI as a payment method, which helps to increase the overall adoption and use of the token.

COTI Token Value Proposition

The value proposition of the COTI token lies in its ability to provide a fast, efficient, and cost-effective payment system. Unlike traditional payment systems that rely on intermediaries and banks, COTI’s payment system is completely decentralized and operates on a trust-based consensus algorithm. This means that transactions can be processed instantly and at a much lower cost than traditional payment methods.

In addition to its fast and efficient payment system, COTI also offers a number of other benefits to its users. For example, users who hold COTI tokens are eligible to receive discounts on transaction fees. This incentivizes users to hold and use COTI tokens, which helps to increase the overall demand and value of the token.

COTI’s token economics also includes a number of features that help to maintain the stability and security of the network. For example, the network is designed to automatically adjust the difficulty of mining new blocks based on the amount of computing power available on the network. This helps to prevent the network from being taken over by malicious actors and ensures that the network remains secure and stable.

Conclusion

COTI’s token economics is a unique and innovative system that is designed to provide a fast, efficient, and cost-effective payment system. Its utility and value proposition make it a valuable asset for investors and users alike. With its fast and efficient payment system, low transaction fees, and innovative staking mechanism, COTI is poised to become a major player in the blockchain-based payment industry.

COTI’s Instant Settlement System

Reducing Transaction Times and Fees

As a leading financial technology company, COTI has developed an instant settlement system that revolutionizes the way transactions are processed. In today’s fast-paced digital economy, businesses need a payment processing solution that is not only reliable and secure, but also efficient and cost-effective. COTI’s instant settlement system offers all of these benefits and more, making it the perfect choice for businesses of all sizes. If you are starting on crypto trading,try BITCODE METHOD! It is an amazing online trading platform for a seamless trading experience.

The Problem with Traditional Payment Processing Systems

Traditional payment processing systems are slow and inefficient, often taking several days to complete a transaction. This is because these systems rely on a complex network of intermediaries, each of which takes a cut of the transaction fee. As a result, businesses end up paying high fees and facing long transaction times, which can be a major impediment to growth and profitability.

The Solution: COTI’s Instant Settlement System

COTI’s instant settlement system is designed to overcome the limitations of traditional payment processing systems by using a blockchain-based architecture that eliminates the need for intermediaries. This means that transactions can be processed instantly, with no delays or additional fees.

COTI’s instant settlement system is also highly scalable, meaning that it can handle large volumes of transactions without slowing down. This makes it ideal for businesses that need to process a large number of transactions quickly and efficiently.

Another key feature of COTI’s instant settlement system is its low transaction fees. By eliminating intermediaries and using a streamlined blockchain architecture, COTI is able to offer transaction fees that are significantly lower than those of traditional payment processing systems.

Benefits of COTI’s Instant Settlement System

COTI’s instant settlement system offers a number of key benefits for businesses, including:

Instant Transactions: With COTI’s instant settlement system, transactions are processed instantly, with no delays or waiting periods.

Low Transaction Fees: COTI’s instant settlement system offers transaction fees that are significantly lower than those of traditional payment processing systems.

High Scalability: COTI’s instant settlement system is highly scalable, meaning that it can handle large volumes of transactions without slowing down.

Enhanced Security: COTI’s instant settlement system uses advanced blockchain technology to ensure that transactions are secure and tamper-proof.

Simplified Process: With COTI’s instant settlement system, businesses can enjoy a simplified payment processing process that eliminates the need for intermediaries and reduces complexity.

How COTI’s Instant Settlement System Works

COTI’s instant settlement system is built on a blockchain-based architecture that uses a unique consensus algorithm to ensure that transactions are processed quickly and securely. The system is able to handle large volumes of transactions simultaneously, making it ideal for businesses that need to process a high volume of transactions quickly and efficiently.

When a transaction is initiated, it is verified by a network of nodes that work together to ensure that the transaction is legitimate. Once the transaction is verified, it is added to the blockchain, where it is recorded permanently and cannot be altered.

Because the blockchain is distributed across a network of nodes, it is extremely secure and virtually impossible to hack or manipulate. This ensures that transactions are processed quickly and securely, with no risk of fraud or data tampering.

Conclusion

COTI’s instant settlement system is a game-changer for businesses looking for a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective payment processing solution. By using a blockchain-based architecture that eliminates intermediaries, COTI is able to offer instant transactions, low transaction fees, and high scalability. This makes it the perfect choice for businesses of all sizes that need to process a large number of transactions quickly and efficiently.

Reebok + Sneeze

Reebok and SNEEZE Unveil Classic Leather Collaboration

Reebok, the iconic and irreverent sports culture brand and SNEEZE Magazine, a street culture publication, today announced its next installment of Reebok x SNEEZE. The brands have again teamed up to launch the SNEEZE x Reebok Classic Leather. An evolution of understated design language that kicked off the partnership three years ago, the Reebok x SNEEZE Classic Leather ($130, IE9215/100069719, unisex) is available July 14 exclusively on SNEEZE before its wider global release on July 21 on Reebok.com and select retailers.

Within its picture-heavy pages, SNEEZE Magazine offers an authentic guide to modern street and skate culture. The brand’s continued pursuit of inclusive storytelling, ‘good vibes,’ and irreverence makes SNEEZE an ideal partner for Reebok. This time around, with Reebok’s iconic Classic Leather running shoe as the centerpiece, SNEEZE carries forward a minimalistic yet elevated color and design story that’s been the signature of the collaboration since its inception in SS20.

“Everything about this shoe’s inspiration and execution is a direct reference to SNEEZE’s first shoe with Reebok, the Club C, released during the summer of 2020,” commented SNEEZE. “The materials and color story first utilized on the Club C have become a signature combination for SNEEZE — one that we want to revisit and evolve over time, across different models, and even across different brands.”

Notable design elements for the forthcoming SNEEZE x Classic Leather include a white nubuck leather upper, a black technical nylon tongue and collar lining, and a patent leather heel notch, while an embossed two-dimensional SNEEZE sidewall logo replaces the shoe’s classic window box.

“This treatment reflects the SNEEZE mentality in a shoe: it’s not try-hard, it’s got ease, chill factor, yet it has elements of surprise and is elevated in a humble way,” continued SNEEZE. “This ties back to our mentality with the magazine itself, and our philosophy towards product and collaborations in general. Whatever we’re working on, we try to elevate within the parameters we’re given.”

SNEEZE and Reebok first came together in spring of 2020 for a subtle rendition of Reebok’s iconic Club C from which all sales benefitted #BlackLivesMatter.

Protected: The Latest AT&T Home Phone Deals and Discounts: A Buyer’s Guide

Merchants + Chargebacks

Merchants, Chargebacks, and the IRS: Navigating the Complexities of False Profits

Article: Monica Eaton, Founder of Chargebacks911

Chargebacks take a toll on retailers year-round, and when tax season approaches, the IRS is ready to collect. The proliferation of friendly fraud has put merchants on defense and their profits in limbo. The best defense is a good offense; merchants need to create their own chargeback playbook.

Chargebacks and Friendly Fraud

In a quest for the quickest route from point A to point B, dissatisfied retail customers are bypassing merchants and airing their grievances with their banks to secure a refund, known as a chargeback. First-party misuse occurs when the consumer makes a legitimate charge but may not recognize it and mistakenly assumes it to be a merchant error or fraud.

And the simplicity of it all has led to the abuse of the chargeback system, with customers viewing the process as the same as requesting a refund from a merchant, along with a growing trend of consumers knowingly gaming the system, also referred to as “friendly fraud.” Merchant Fraud Journal predicts chargebacks will cost retailers over $100 billion in 2023.

While banks deposit chargebacks into their customer’s accounts almost instantly, the chargeback process to validate or invalidate the dispute can take months. Win or lose, merchants still contend with the quandary of how to report unpredictable chargebacks and their associated fees to the IRS.

Proactive Planning

Firstly, chargebacks should be treated differently than refunds. Chargebacks cannot be reported as “cost of goods sold” (COGS); however, they can be listed as “accounts receivable.” They should be logged in a separate account designated for chargebacks as funds owed to the business. If the retailer wins their dispute, the amount will be applied against that account. If they lose or elect not to challenge a chargeback, the accounts receivable balance should be written off as a “bad debt expense.”

Secondly, Chargeback fees should be considered operating expenses or bank fees; a subaccount is recommended for high-volume chargebacks.

Thirdly, retailers who receive payments through payment card processors, such as PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo, must fill out IRS Form 1099-K, which will be sent directly to the retailers from the payment networks. It is essential for merchants to note which chargebacks come from third-party networks. Payment transaction services do not account for refunds, chargebacks, or associated fees when reporting their gross monthly and annual payments. If not properly accounted for, this can lead to a higher income being reported to the IRS than was actually received.

In the 2024 tax season, the threshold to report payments and transactions from third-party payment platforms and apps will drop from $20,000 for more than 200 transactions to $600 for any number of transactions on a given platform.

Prevention Strategies

To prevent chargebacks before they happen, retailers can implement two key strategies throughout the year — collaboration and confrontation.

Collaborate with financial institutions and take advantage of the products they offer that alert retailers to a potential chargeback before it is filed. This allows merchants more time to review the transaction and take the appropriate action to avoid a chargeback.

Confront and challenge illegitimate or fraudulent chargebacks, not only to recover lost revenue, but to open up communication with issuing banks to help both sides recognize current patterns and the latest trends in friendly fraud and its abuse.

About Chargebacks911

Chargebacks911 is the global leader in chargeback management and remediation technology. As a provider or supplier to financial technology companies and financial institutions, Chargebacks911 safeguards more than 2.4 billion transactions per year on behalf of clients in 87 countries around the world. For details on Chargebacks911’s comprehensive dispute management solutions, visit https://chargebacks911.com.