Marketplace for Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Dec 25, 2013

Marketplace for Wednesday, December 25, 2013

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Happy Holidays! Chances are you or someone you know bought something online this year. And, it makes sense, since you can buy everything from electronics to groceries with the click of a button. Many online retailers have policies that make it inexpensive to return what you don't like, but online buying returns are becoming so frequent, they're starting to eat into profits. There's another group of holiday spenders who aren't watching their pennies quite so closely. A look at how the other half spends Christmas Immigration reform has been in the news a lot this year, and unfortunately, that creates an opening for scam artists. They'll tell immigrants they can help them get green cards, even when they aren't eligible under current law. Many Syrians are leaving the war-torn country for Germany, but what's it like to start a new life in one  of the wealthiest countries in Europe?

 

Segments From this episode

My first job: Working at the local mall

Aug 16, 2013
Michael Price, writer and co-executive producer of "The Simpsons," talks about his first job.

Need a last-minute gift? How about $13,000 in chocolate?

Dec 25, 2013
Mansion owners can spend five figures on Christmas decorations and gifts, without asking, "How much?"

Leaving Syria's war zone to start a new life

Dec 25, 2013
Many Syrians are making new lives in Germany. The excitement and the reality of starting anew.
Unidentified Syrian refugees at the registration office of the refugee center on December 10, 2013 in Friedland, Germany. Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have fled Syria to neighboring countries as well as to Europe. Germany is accepting up to 5,000 Syrian refugees, though German church leaders recently called on their country to take at least 10,000.
Jens Schlueter/Getty Images

Scam artists target hopeful immigrants

Dec 25, 2013
While the possibility of immigration reform raises hope for undocumented immigrants, it has also created a business for scammers who tell clients they can help them get green cards, when they really can’t.

'The Prince of Risk' and financial thrillers

Dec 25, 2013
Marketplace host David Gura talks to author Christopher Reich about his novel Prince of Risk.

Returns help retailers play for keeps

Dec 25, 2013
No retailers like returns. But they generate a lot of data, that retailers are starting to use to make purchases stick.
Moving product at the Amazon Swansea fulfillment center in Swansea, Wales
Matt Cardy/Getty Images

A 'Weird Wednesday' Christmas for the economy

Dec 25, 2013
When Christmas falls on a Wednesday--as it does about every seven years--it can be complicated for employees and employers, and difficult for retailers.

So much for express shipping

Dec 25, 2013
Some UPS customers are unhappy that their deliveries still haven't arrived.

Happy Holidays! Chances are you or someone you know bought something online this year. And, it makes sense, since you can buy everything from electronics to groceries with the click of a button. Many online retailers have policies that make it inexpensive to return what you don’t like, but online buying returns are becoming so frequent, they’re starting to eat into profits. There’s another group of holiday spenders who aren’t watching their pennies quite so closely. A look at how the other half spends Christmas Immigration reform has been in the news a lot this year, and unfortunately, that creates an opening for scam artists. They’ll tell immigrants they can help them get green cards, even when they aren’t eligible under current law. Many Syrians are leaving the war-torn country for Germany, but what’s it like to start a new life in one  of the wealthiest countries in Europe?

 

Music from the episode

Christmas In Harlem Kanye West, CyHi The Prynce, Teyana Taylor
Christmas in Las Vegas Los Straitjackets
Christmas Eve/ Sarajevo Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Mele Kalikimaka - Remastered Don Ho