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Marketplace has a new podcast for kids, "Million Bazillion!" EPISODE OUT NOW

Marielle Segarra

Senior Reporter

SHORT BIO

I cover retail, consumer psychology, and the economy. One topic I’ve been exploring: how we shop – and the emotions that come up as we do. Pride. Guilt. Frustration. I’m also following small businesses as they find their way in this pandemic. And I’m always trying to show people how the ins and outs of the economy are relevant to their lives.

What was your first job?

Summer camp counselor to a bunch of 5-year-olds.

In your next life, what would your career be?

I think I would still want to create things. Maybe I'd be a chef. Or an interior designer. Or I'd write for a TV show.

Fill in the blank: Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you ______.

Financial stability, which is a good start.

What’s the favorite item in your workspace and why?

My stash of chocolate.

Episodes Hosted by Marielle (12)

Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly | Episode 420

The pandemic all but killed privacy. It's not too late to bring it back.

Apr 27, 2021
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Marketplace Tech

The global chip shortage is hurting startups dreaming up new products

Apr 20, 2021
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Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly | Episode 412

The system is broken

Apr 15, 2021
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Marketplace Tech

Misinformation about COVID-19 planted a seed for online hate speech

Mar 23, 2021
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Marketplace Tech

Gig workers weigh in on Prop 22 passing

Nov 27, 2020
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Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly | Episode 329

DOW 30K IDK

Nov 25, 2020
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Marketplace Tech

Retail therapy is great, but returns can take the fun out of it

Nov 25, 2020
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Marketplace Tech

Retailers are turning to virtual storefronts this holiday season

Nov 24, 2020
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Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly | Episode 327

Another COVID-19 vaccine looks promising, but who will take it?

Nov 23, 2020
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Marketplace Tech

How soon some parts of the country get 5G depends on what the Biden administration does

Nov 23, 2020
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Latest Stories (418)

Back-to-school spending is hard to predict this year

by Marielle Segarra
Jul 23, 2021
This time of year is always a big moment in retail. But there’s a lot going on that makes this back-to-school season different.
Back-to-school shopping will soon be in full swing, but supply chain issues may make school supplies difficult to find.
Joe Scarnici via Getty Images for Target
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When economic predictions are wrong

by Marielle Segarra
Jul 22, 2021
When we tell you about economic news, we’re always saying things like "numbers were higher (or lower) than expected." How much, then, should we consider economists’ expectations?
A once-in-a-lifetime pandemic has thrown a wrench in economic forecasting, economists say.
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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Back to Business

Bonuses may be key to enticing people back to the workforce

by Marielle Segarra
Jun 29, 2021
At least 10 states have started offering return-to-work bonuses, as have many employers, as workers look for incentives.
A man fills out an application for a hospitality job during a Zislis Group job fair in Torrance, California, on June 23. Employers at the job fair offered hiring incentives, including a $500 signing bonus.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
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The Fed walks a tightrope: Stimulate the economy without causing a housing bubble

by Marielle Segarra
Jun 28, 2021
The central bank's been keeping interest rates low in part by buying up mortgage-backed securities. That has Fed officials keeping a wary eye on the housing market for signs of overheating.
The Federal Reserve building is seen January 22, 2008 in Washington, DC.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
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How We Shop

How we shop for clothes now

by Marielle Segarra
Jun 25, 2021
Apparel sales are up lately. But the kind of clothing many people want to wear has changed because of the pandemic.
Some consumers have opted for more comfortable clothing, and clothing that expresses comfort with who they are.
Christopher Furlong via Getty Images
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You may already be using "open banking." What exactly is it?

by Marielle Segarra
Jun 24, 2021
Open banking is where third-party apps, like Venmo, have access to your bank account.
Visa bought the Swedish fintech company Tink, an open banking platform. If you don't know what open banking is, there's a chance you're already using it via Venmo, PayPal or other apps.
Justin Sullivan/Marketplace
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Amazon, other retailers face tight supply chains for Prime Day

by Marielle Segarra
Jun 21, 2021
Retailers have been scrambling to build up inventory — and deals have been disappearing quickly as inventory sells out.
Amazon Prime packages ready to ship.
Leon Neal/Getty Images
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Microsoft CEO

At Microsoft, Nadella's role grows

by Marielle Segarra
Jun 17, 2021
Satya Nadella already had a big job: CEO of one of the world’s most valuable companies. Now he chairs the board, too. How does that work?
CEO and chairman of Microsoft Satya Nadella.
Stephen Brashear via Getty Images
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COVID-19

N.Y. businesses await details of "HERO Act"

by Marielle Segarra
Jun 15, 2021
It will require companies with more than 10 employees to implement a series of safety protocols to help prevent airborne diseases.
The law says that workers have the right to refuse to work in unsafe conditions and that it’s illegal to retaliate against them for raising safety concerns. It requires companies to allow workers to form safety committees.
Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images
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What happens to consumer demand when products are scarce?

by Marielle Segarra
Jun 11, 2021
Do you wait? Change your plans? Buy something else?
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
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