Dec 19, 2022

Those inventory issues just won’t let up

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Retail inventories are up 17% since last year. Today, what it means for consumers. Plus, Colorado River basin states weigh farmer subsidies as a water-conservation strategy.

Segments From this episode

With retail inventories up 17% since last year, expect sales

by Sabri Ben-Achour

Dec 19, 2022

Retailers' inventories in October were nearly 17% higher than a year before.

Inventory levels are 17% higher in October than a year earlier, according to the Commerce Department. That means retailers will likely discount goods to move merchandise.

Brandon Bell/Getty Images

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Homebuilder confidence drops for 12th straight month

by Meghan McCarty Carino

Dec 19, 2022

High mortgage rates are causing homebuilders to pull back. A measure of sentiment has dropped to its lowest level since 2012.

With mortgage interest rates nearly doubling this year, homebuilders are pulling back on new projects.

Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

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In U.K. 4-day work week trial, companies see happier employees — and higher productivity

by Stephen Beard

Dec 19, 2022

70 U.K. companies have just completed a 6-month experiment with a shorter week with full pay – and early results are promising.

While some companies that partook in the U.K.'s 4-day work week experiment saw benefits, labor experts are skeptical that it could be replicated at all businesses. Above, London commuters in December 2021.

Chris J. Ratcliffe/Getty Images

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Water managers float idea of paying farmers to reduce use of Colorado River

by Savannah Maher

Dec 19, 2022

The seven states have until late January to agree on massive water conservation measures or the feds say they’ll impose cuts.

Officials have proposed using federal money to pay Colorado River basin farmers between $100 and $400 per acre-foot of water conserved. Above, a stretch of the waterway in Arizona.

Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

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How 'Ivy' clothes became a century-spanning fashion mainstay

by Kai Ryssdal and Sean McHenry

Dec 19, 2022

"Ivy was a huge clothing phenomenon in the mid-20th century," said Avery Trufelman, host of the podcast "Articles of Interest." "And over time, it evolved into what was in the '70s and '80s called 'preppy style,' and what I argue now almost has no name at all."

"In the 20th century, we went from wanting to look rich to wanting to look cool," said Avery Trufelman. "And the weird thing about it is preppy clothes have changed with all of these trends."

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Get By Talib Kweli

Conduction Mocky

Can I Kick It A Tribe Called Quest

Its Only (feat. Zyra) ODESZA

Tol You So Paramore

Green Eyes Arlo Parks

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer I

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

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