Kristin Schwab

Latest Stories (402)

Extra fees have conquered the airline industry. But there may be fewer going forward.

Feb 22, 2023
Customer and airlines like them better than higher airfares.
United Airlines moved recently to ease some of its fees after President Biden criticized the industry's fee practices in his State of the Union address.
Getty Images

Consumers say they're worried about the economy, but retail sales are strong

Feb 17, 2023
Data released this week shows there’s a disconnect between what people say and what they do.
"Affordable luxuries" — like an afternoon treat from Starbucks — "can actually increase in sales because of the stressful moments that people have in their lives," said Yale's Ravi Dhar.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Big layoffs grab our attention, but plenty of hiring is happening too

Feb 16, 2023
The hospitality industry, for example, is on a hiring binge.
Leisure and hospitality was the leading sector for jobs growth in January, and employment in those industries is still below what it was pre-pandemic.
Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images

Why "eat the rich" storylines are taking over TV and movies

Feb 15, 2023
Society's evolving views of the wealthy have brought dark humor to pop culture.
Jennifer Coolidge, seen here at "The White Lotus" season 2 premiere, became a fan favorite for her performance in the "eat-the-rich" series.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Initial public offerings fell sharply last year. Are things looking up?

Feb 10, 2023
The number of companies debuting IPOs in 2022 hit its lowest level in years. Just 181 companies went public then compared to over 1,000 in 2021. Experts say this year looks a little brighter.
When confidence wanes, "the IPO window narrows or shuts for a period of time," said Gregory Rice at Boston Consulting Group. Above, the New York Stock exchange.
Ramin Talaie/Getty Images

Bed, Bath, Beyond, bankruptcy? A look at the retailer's bid to avoid Chapter 11

Feb 1, 2023
The troubled retailer has been struggling for a decade now. But is there still hope?
Experts think bankruptcy is likely for BB&B but not necessarily liquidation. Though Seth Basham, a retail analyst at Wedbush Securities, said the company needs to become a unique brand and create value that goes beyond those blue 20% off coupons.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Adieu to the Boeing 747, the first jumbo jet

Feb 1, 2023
The iconic plane, which ushered in the era of long-haul air travel, will no longer be produced as of this week.
Artist Jeff Barlow of Boeing's creative department shows off his sketch of the last Boeing 747 aircraft in a ceremony to mark its delivery, at the Boeing Future of Flight Museum in Everett, Washington.
Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images

How much have prices increased over the past year? It depends on where you live.

Jan 30, 2023
Inflation's been running hotter in areas that people have been moving into — and cooler where they're moving out.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices in Miami, seen above, have ticked up more than 10%. Housing costs are partially to blame.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Inside the booming business of reselling returned merchandise

Jan 27, 2023
Everyone from publicly traded companies to individuals working out of their garages are buying and reselling liquidated items.
American Liquidations buys up to 60 truckloads of overstock and returns merchandise every month from retailers like Target, Macy's and Sam's Club.
Kristin Schwab/Marketplace

Inside the hectic post-holiday "returns season" at a Costco warehouse

Jan 26, 2023
A good portion never make it back to store shelves.
Costco is famous for its return policy: unlimited returns despite condition or purchase date, with some exceptions.
Eric Thayer/Getty Images