July sales are pressuring the shipping industry like it’s the holiday season

Jul 16, 2018
Today is Prime Day, Amazon’s annual day of discounts that the retail giant hopes will rack up sales and lure new subscribers to Prime. Walmart, Target, Macy’s and other retailers are also getting in on what’s being dubbed Summer Black Friday. With all those packages on the move, the shipping industry is ramping up to […]

Instagram entrepreneurs are searching vintage racks for you

May 25, 2018
A new breed of shoppers are snapping up vintage clothing on the social media platform.
ERIC BARADAT/AFP/Getty Images

Macy’s: Rewards for all, no card needed

May 16, 2018
Struggling to keep the customers coming to stores, Macy’s is expanding special deals by offering rewards and discounts to all shoppers, not just its credit card holders. Click the audio player above to hear the full story. 

For many, Chinese New Year is a time to splurge

Feb 20, 2018
Here is a look at what people in China are buying to mark the Year of the Dog.
The Year of the Dog was celebrated by millions of Chinese people around the world on Feb. 16.
Jack Taylor/Getty Images

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 […]

How new direct selling companies like LuLaRoe are benefiting from social media

Jan 8, 2018
Facebook groups and Facebook live videos are the new Tupperware parties when it comes to LuLaRoe, which is growing fast despite some criticism and lawsuits.
Brenda Reider shows off her favorite LuLaRoe products. 
Jana Kasperkevic for Marketplace

As retailers shutter stores, mall operators fight back

Jan 3, 2018
This year could see thousands of additional store closures in malls across the country, according to a new study from commercial real estate company Cushman & Wakefield. That’s on top of some 9,000 store closings last year. Mall operators are trying a variety of options to secure their own future. Click the audio player above […]

For public good, not for profit.

It’s the week of epic returns. And, stores hope, added sales

Dec 27, 2017
The National Retail Federation estimates that 11 percent of online purchases will be returned this year. Even though more people are buying online, they are more inclined to make in-store returns, which brick-and-mortar stores hope will translate into added sales.  Click the audio player above to hear the full story. 

Holiday shopping reflects our personal economy

When we feel secure with our finances, we're more likely to splurge on that hot new toy.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Holiday catalogs boost online sales

Dec 12, 2017
Most of us do our holiday shopping online, but those catalogs keep coming. That’s because stores see a role for the glossy catalogs. Click the above audio player to hear the full story.