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My Economy: Leaving the big city life behind

May 8, 2018
One former journalist left the newsroom for the family business. The reason? A lower cost of living.
Matt Schewel traded a job in Washington, D.C., interviewing senators and congressman for work in the family furniture business. 
Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

How do you define the American dream? Ikea wants to know

Sep 21, 2016
Can a company built on selling stuff help Americans achieve sustainable, happy lives?
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Why are there so many mattress stores?

May 2, 2016
It's not your imagination. Mattress stores are popping up everywhere.
A recently opened Mattress Firm in Chicago's South Loop. After a wave of acquisitions, Mattress Firm now has 3,500 stores in 48 states and controls one-third of the market.
Derek L. John/Marketplace

Reclaiming wood from an unexpected place

Mar 30, 2016
Iconic symbols of the New York City skyline are being given new life.
The organization Tri-Lox sources wood from water tanks.
Tracey Samuelson/Marketplace

Delivery companies add white gloves and extra fees

Dec 22, 2015
The in-home delivery market is now a $13 billion-a-year business.

Missing from the mattress store: Salespeople

Jan 22, 2015
One Wisconsin retailer is experimenting with zero employees on showroom floor.

Your cherished antique may not be very valuable

Feb 27, 2014
Antique American furniture has lost its appeal, and prices for anything not the best have plunged

For public good, not for profit.

Furniture comeback draws attention of politicians

Sep 4, 2012
Lincolnton Furniture is hailed as a success story for bringing jobs back to the U.S.

Will Clint Eastwood's RNC speech cause a boom in chair sales?

Aug 31, 2012
A furniture maker talks about the empty-chair hoopla surrounding Clint Eastwood's speech at the Republican National Convention.

Furniture sales growth strongest since 2000

Mar 14, 2012
Furniture sales last month were 8.3 percent higher than a year earlier, and that could mean good news for the overall economy.