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Consumer behavior

Years later, pandemic purchases trigger buyer's remorse

by Kristin Schwab
Feb 26, 2024
From outdoor heaters to exercise equipment to homes, people made purchases they now regret.
Purchases of exercise equipment, air fryers and outdoor heaters boomed. But now some of those purchases are collecting dust.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
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Thrifty customers boost Walmart as retail market share battles loom

by Meghan McCarty Carino
Feb 20, 2024
The giant chain reported strong quarterly sales. But for the first time in two years, shoppers spent less per visit.
Walmart's pricing attracts shoppers who feel strain on their budgets. The retail industry overall could feel strain on its margins.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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So when do we all start accepting that high inflation isn't a thing any more?

by Matt Levin
Dec 26, 2023
Businesses may not have an incentive to lower prices if consumers are still in an inflation mindset.
Spending on discretionary items can be tougher to cut back on when everything costs more. Some consumers see that extra spending as a way to cope with the stress of inflation, says Andy Manthei at GreenPath Financial Wellness.
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Consumers are finding ways to justify spending, even if it busts their budget

by Kai Ryssdal and Sofia Terenzio
Sep 5, 2023
The rebound from pandemic deprivation continues, says Adriana Samper of Arizona State, and the reasoning can get pretty creative.
Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images
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How New Year's resolutions boost the wellness business

by Savannah Maher
Jan 31, 2023
Lots of people make New Year's resolutions about wellness, but how does that affect businesses?
Companies peddling wellness can experience a boost in sales after the holiday season as people implement their New Year's resolutions.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
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Why the U.S. doesn't have the best sunscreens in the world

by Amy Scott and Anais Amin
Jul 13, 2022
The FDA hasn't approved ingredients that could make products more pleasing to use — and used more often, says Amanda Mull of The Atlantic.
People may be less likely to use sunscreen when it feels sticky, goopy or greasy, or leaves a white cast.
Mykola Sosiukin/Getty Images
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I've Always Wondered ...

What does it take to earn the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance?

by Janet Nguyen
Feb 17, 2022
A product has to go through a rigorous review, with companies proving that their facilities meet FDA standards. There's a fee involved too.
Boxes of Crest toothpaste boast the ADA seal. The product has to prove that it's legit.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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"Digital-first mentality" will accelerate for shoppers and sellers, Visa CEO says

by Kai Ryssdal and Daisy Palacios
Dec 1, 2021
Despite the omicron variant, "the recovery we're in has an awful lot of momentum," says Visa chief Al Kelly.
Visa has launched its own buy now, pay later service called Visa Installments. CEO Al Kelly advises small businesses to create effective websites and be adaptable.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
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How does the weather affect what we buy?

by Amy Scott and Minju Park
Sep 20, 2021
Some businesses are turning to weather analytics to proactively prepare for the potentially more volatile conditions resulting from climate change.
In 2020, the U.S. had a record 22 climate disasters with losses exceeding $1 billion each, government data shows. Bill Kirk, CEO of Weather Trends International, advises companies on adapting to changing conditions.
Money Sharma/AFP via Getty Images
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How we decide what to buy

by Andy Uhler
Jun 11, 2021
Do the rising prices of things like cars and homes actually affect how people are spending their money?
"No one thinks about how much I should spend on cereal in response to changes in gas prices," an economist says.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
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