Feb 17, 2023

Meet the American consumer: anxious yet spend-happy

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

People are worried about inflation and a recession, but retail sales are strong. What gives? Plus, checking in on the FCC's broadband map.

Segments From this episode

The Weekly Wrap

Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal talks to Jordyn Holman of the New York Times and Kate Davidson of Bloomberg about corporate retail, so-called “bumpy data” and the rest of the week’s economic news.

Listen Now

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

by Kristin Schwab

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

LISTEN

EMBED

Valentine's Day chocolate sales were strong ... but it'd be helpful if you shopped earlier

by Sarah Leeson

Feb 17, 2023

"It's fun but it's difficult to know how much to make when everyone comes in on the same day," said Kristin Thalheimer Bingham, co-owner of Dean's Sweets in Portland, Maine.

Of all the holidays, Valentine's Day is the biggest chocolate-seller for Dean's Sweets.

Courtesy Melissa Mullen Photography

LISTEN

EMBED

Did telecoms overreport their broadband coverage in underserved areas?

by Savannah Maher

Feb 17, 2023

The federal infrastructure law provided $40 billion to bring internet access to every American. But some communities still have none.

The FCC's map of broadband service relies on telecom companies' data, which may be aspirational in certain areas, according to some experts.

trumzz/Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

Will that kitchen remodel pay for itself when you sell your house?

by Amy Scott

Feb 17, 2023

Most home improvement projects don't break even, a new study says. But the value of an upgrade may be more than financial.

A desire for dedicated office space "blossomed" into a major renovation at Matt Hampton's house in suburban Baltimore.

Amy Scott/Marketplace

LISTEN

EMBED

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Daisy Palacios Senior Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer

Sean McHenry Associate Producer

Andie Corban Associate Producer

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer

Latest Episodes From Our Shows

5:04 PM PDT