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Consumers are finding ways to justify spending, even if it busts their budget

Sep 5, 2023
The rebound from pandemic deprivation continues, says Adriana Samper of Arizona State, and the reasoning can get pretty creative.
Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images

How New Year's resolutions boost the wellness business

Jan 31, 2023
Lots of people make New Year's resolutions about wellness, but how does that affect businesses?
Companies peddling wellness can experience a boost in sales after the holiday season as people implement their New Year's resolutions.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

Why the U.S. doesn't have the best sunscreens in the world

Jul 13, 2022
The FDA hasn't approved ingredients that could make products more pleasing to use — and used more often, says Amanda Mull of The Atlantic.
People may be less likely to use sunscreen when it feels sticky, goopy or greasy, or leaves a white cast.
Mykola Sosiukin/Getty Images

What does it take to earn the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance?

Feb 17, 2022
A product has to go through a rigorous review, with companies proving that their facilities meet FDA standards. There's a fee involved too.
Boxes of Crest toothpaste boast the ADA seal. The product has to prove that it's legit.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

"Digital-first mentality" will accelerate for shoppers and sellers, Visa CEO says

Dec 1, 2021
Despite the omicron variant, "the recovery we're in has an awful lot of momentum," says Visa chief Al Kelly.
Visa has launched its own buy now, pay later service called Visa Installments. CEO Al Kelly advises small businesses to create effective websites and be adaptable.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows

How does the weather affect what we buy?

Sep 20, 2021
Some businesses are turning to weather analytics to proactively prepare for the potentially more volatile conditions resulting from climate change.
In 2020, the U.S. had a record 22 climate disasters with losses exceeding $1 billion each, government data shows. Bill Kirk, CEO of Weather Trends International, advises companies on adapting to changing conditions.
Money Sharma/AFP via Getty Images

How we decide what to buy

Jun 11, 2021
Do the rising prices of things like cars and homes actually affect how people are spending their money?
"No one thinks about how much I should spend on cereal in response to changes in gas prices," an economist says.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

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Have we become more patient during the pandemic?

Mar 17, 2021
"We don't find that patience in one context is necessarily related to patience in another context," said one expert.
After a year of standing in line to enter stores, pick up groceries, have our temperature checked, we may be getting better at waiting. But will it last?
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Retailers get creative to handle expected crush of online sales

Nov 13, 2020
Walmart is converting 42 warehouses that normally ship products to its stores so they can also fulfill online orders.
An employee prepares boxes for shipment at a warehouse in Draper, Utah. Retailers are preparing their warehouses for a surge in online orders.
George Frey/Getty Images

Yelp will flag businesses where customers and employees report racism

Oct 9, 2020
The labels could change consumer behavior, but they could also run into a number of problems.
Yelp's new racism label could change consumer behavior, but not necessarily for the better, one expert said.
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