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Consumers

Walmart's newest growth market? More affluent shoppers

by Nancy Marshall-Genzer
May 16, 2024
"I’m not embarrassed to say I bought something from Walmart anymore," says one such shopper.
The company has been trying to lure more high-end shoppers with new, trendier products and faster delivery of online orders.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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How new China tariffs could affect prices for U.S. business owners, consumers

by Samantha Fields
May 14, 2024
When tariffs increase, costs often go up for business owners, who often then pass some of those increased costs along to consumers.
The Biden administration worries that importing Chinese EVs will hurt U.S. manufacturers, said Howard Gleckman with the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
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The "wealth effect" could affect consumer behavior — and U.S. politics

by Mitchell Hartman
Apr 19, 2024
While sizable gains in the value of stocks and real estate has likely boosted spending, it's done less to improve sentiment.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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Diners aren't going to steakhouses just for the steak anymore

by Kristin Schwab and Sofia Terenzio
Feb 19, 2024
Some steakhouses are changing their menus and venues to accommodate new consumer preferences.
Some people like going to steakhouses for the vibe or ambiance, not just the steaks, says journalist Alina Dizik.
Andrew Toth/Getty Images for Harv
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Low inflation doesn't relieve pain of high prices

by Mitchell Hartman
Feb 15, 2024
Consumers' inflation expectations are falling. But they say the high prices imposed by inflation are still eroding living standards.
A Little Griddle eatery in Portland, Oregon, where co-owner Judd Harris has struggled to balance the prices he pays for supplies with the prices he charges customers.
Mitchell Hartman / Marketplace
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"The Store"

The problem of "sameness"

by Ellen Rolfes
Jan 31, 2024
Why department stores struggle to retain relevancy.
Can you tell whether this photo was taken inside of a JCPenney? A Dillard's? A Macy's?
Jeenah Moon/Getty Images
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TV ads speak directly to consumers' economic anxiety

by Kimberly Adams
Jan 30, 2024
Advertisers are using people not having enough money for some things — college, a house — to encourage them to spend on other things — chicken wings, anybody?
A screenshot from a recent SoFi ad, where a comically large backpack represents a bride's student loan debt.
SoFi
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How you could get compensated for future delays on Southwest

by Stephanie Hughes
Dec 19, 2023
The majority of the record fine levied this week by the U. S. Department of Transportation will go towards vouchers for passengers who are held up beginning April 30.
Starting April 30, if Southwest passengers arrive at their destination three or more hours late, they can request a voucher if the issues were caused by something under the airline’s control.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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What's the difference between disinflation and deflation?

by Elizabeth Trovall
Dec 18, 2023
Inflation has fallen sharply in the last year and a half, but prices haven't come down. Economists say that's not a bad thing.
You can compare changes in consumer prices to driving a car. Disinflation is like reducing your speed, but still moving ahead. Deflation, however, would be driving in reverse.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
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The long-expected consumer pullback may finally be materializing

by Kimberly Adams
Nov 29, 2023
We spent more over the holiday, but we bought less — thanks to inflation.
While consumers spent a couple percent more this Black Friday weekend than last, they didn’t necessarily buy more.
Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images
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