How are consumers spending their money?

Jul 16, 2018
The U.S. Census Bureau will release June retail sales data this morning. We already know that consumer spending is strong right now due in part to a tight labor market and inflation. But how are consumers financing their current spending spree and what are they spending on, exactly? Click the audio player above to hear the […]

Does data mean retailers are pulling back?

Feb 14, 2018
We got some number today hot off the keyboards of the folks at the Commerce Department. They show that retail spending in January was lower than December by 0.3 percent. That dip was notable because the consensus was actually that it would be slighter higher. A drop when you’re expecting an increase, that turned some […]

More than 60,000 retail workers lost their jobs since January

Apr 19, 2017
Seems like every time you turn around, another department store chain is closing locations and laying off people – Macy’s, Sears, J.C. Penney — and these are just the biggies. Since January, nearly 61,000 jobs have been eliminated in the retail sector. What kinds of jobs are being lost? And where are these workers going?  Click […]

More trouble for iconic retailer Sears

Mar 22, 2017
In a financial filing on Tuesday, Sears said “substantial doubt exists related to the company’s ability to continue as a going concern.” The announcement hit the company’s shares hard. Sears reported a loss of more than $2 billion in 2016. What does this disclosure mean for the retailer and is there any hope of a […]

Nostalgia is driving up sales for Polaroid

Nov 23, 2016
Tech correspondent Molly Wood talks to Polaroid CEO Scott Hardy about his company's resurgence in the age of retro aesthetic.
Visitors check out the Polaroid stand at the 2014 IFA home electronics and appliances trade fair on September 5, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. 
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Commerce Department set to release retail sales

Aug 12, 2016
Though big brick-and-mortar stores aren't doing that well, consumers are spending.
Job gains are having an effect on consumer confidence, according to one expert.
Kevin Hagen/Getty Images

All eyes on U.S. consumers as retail sales soften

Apr 13, 2016
Retail sales were down unexpectedly in March.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Retail sales beat expectations, but so what?

Feb 12, 2016
Not bad, but not outstanding either.
According to a new report, retail spending numbers aren't bad — they aren't great either.
Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images

Consumer economy holding up...so far

Feb 12, 2016
Consumer spending and sentiment have not suffered much from recent market turmoil.

Ever wonder why you bought that ugly sweater?

The way a store looks, sounds, and even smells has a major impact on your spending.
Stores and malls make a conscious effort to create an aesthetic that draws in customers.
John Macdougall/Getty Images