What will COVID-19 do to shopping malls?

May 6, 2020
They were struggling before the coronavirus pandemic. If anchor stores close, that could have a domino effect on smaller shops.
The Westfield Annapolis Mall is barricaded and closed in Annapolis, Maryland, in March.
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Is it ethical to shop the sales right now?

Mar 30, 2020
Shopping is vital for the economy. That doesn't mean folks feel great about discretionary purchases right now.
Feeling tempted to shop online during self-quarantine?
Ina Fassbender/AFP via Getty Images

Shopping in a pandemic: "Everything is gone but gluten-free pasta."

Mar 19, 2020
From empty shelves, to "help wanted" signs, listeners chime in about what they're seeing at the store.
"Shelves were totally empty," said Kelly Kaletsky, a Marketplace listener in Columbus, Ohio.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Costco stock sees remarkable growth. What's behind that?

Dec 12, 2019
Buying in bulk and the variety are some of the reasons, said consumers.
This photo taken on August 20, 2019 shows a staff member checking items at a Costco store during a media day in Shanghai ahead of its official opening on August 27.
STR/AFP via Getty Images

Turkey prices are down again this year

Nov 25, 2019
Consumers are paying the lowest prices they’ve paid in years.
Average turkey prices are down this year.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Holiday hiring is up despite economic uncertainties

Nov 15, 2019
But striking the right balance to meet demand is tricky this year.
Companies are offering higher wages, deeper merchandise discounts and more perks to attract seasonal workers.
Stephen Chernin/Getty Images

How We Shop: Frugality as a way of life

Oct 30, 2019
For MaryAnn McCarra-Fitpatrick, shopping is serious business.
Mike Petrie Jr./Marketplace

For public good, not for profit.

Experiential shopping doesn't seem to be helping malls

Apr 16, 2019
A new study shows that adding experiential stores to malls doesn't seem to be increase customer foot traffic.
An ornate lighting fixture hangs in the lobby connecting a parking structure to the main area of the Americana at Brand shopping community in Glendale, California.
Shea Huffman/Marketplace

Social media fury over Instacart pay scale raises industry-wide concerns

Feb 8, 2019
Instacart and other apps are competing for consistent customers, while worker pay is inconsistent.
This illustration photo taken on December 22, 2012, in Paris, shows credit cards in a miniature toy shopping cart.
JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images