Despite a lagging economy, Americans are buying smart phones over plain cell handsets, making the U.S. market a tough battleground for wireless carriers. Competitors strive to give the lowest price for the snazziest product. Dan Grech reports.

Wal-Mart will start selling beefier laptops for prices lower than the popular, and less powerful netbooks. They hope to attract the most frugal back-to-school shoppers. Rico Gagliano has more.

One advantage of shopping on Amazon.com is the lack of sales tax on purchases. But some states are trying to tack on a tax using local affiliates. Deborah Wang explores where this idea has backfired.

American restaurant chains are trying to lure customers with food discounts, but it doesn't seem to be working. Analysts say the move is hurting their bottom line. Bill Radke talks to professor Kit Yarrow at Golden Gate University.

Two firms that provide arbitration for credit card and cell phone companies are reportedly saying they'll stop taking cases after a lawsuit accused one firm of wrongdoing. Steve Chiotakis gets more details from Marketplace's Amy Scott.

Ikea's childcare center is seeing an almost 15% increase in drop-offs this year at some of its stores. The retailer is a cheap place to leave the kids for a short while and visitors don't need to shop to use it. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.

Starbucks is backing away from its brand in a few of its Seattle locations to blend in better with its locale. The company is also offering beer, wine and live music. Liz Jones explores what Starbucks hopes to get out of the move.

As part of its ongoing efforts to "go green," mega retailer Wal-Mart is looking to measure the social and environmental impacts of its products. Sam Eaton reports.

Taking advantage of cheaper real estate, 7-Eleven is aggressively expanding nationwide and adding 250 new stores. But the convenience store chain is not the only company hoping to come out ahead during the recession. Dan Grech reports.