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Retail

Here’s why you can’t find 5-pound sugar bags anymore

by Janet Nguyen
Apr 24, 2023
The classic pantry staple can tell us a lot about competition in the grocery space and U.S. sugar policy.
Shed a tear for the 5-pound bag of sugar and make room for its lighter sibling.
Janet Nguyen/Marketplace
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Why are Ikea and Costco expanding as other retailers close stores and lay off staff?

by Kristin Schwab
Apr 21, 2023
Opening new stores may be a way for some retailers to position themselves for both a downturn and a recovery.
Someone who once shopped at Crate & Barrel may now feel more comfortable on an Ikea budget, which could partially explain the retailer's expansion plan.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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Layoffs signal retailers are adjusting to more sharp turns

by Savannah Peters
Apr 17, 2023
Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy are cutting staff as consumers pull back on discretionary spending.
Retail sales had a weak showing in March, and stores like Best Buy and Walmart are laying off workers.
Ken Betancur/Getty Images
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This small-business owner hopes she can stop keeping inventory in her garage

by Sean McHenry
Apr 13, 2023
Ahead of March retail sales numbers, a Seattle candlemaker shares how her economy is doing.
People create their own candles at Noir Lux Candle Bar in Seattle.
Courtesy Colina Bruce
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Water ruined his vinyl, but store owner gets by with a little help from his friends

by Sean McHenry
Apr 12, 2023
Phillip Rollins, owner of OffBeat, says people saw him on the news and supported his shop by helping to clean up and dry things off.
"We had a fire next door and then we had a lot of flood damage due to that fire," said Phillip Rollins. "So we lost a lot of our used records."
Courtesy Phillip Rollins
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No matter the economy, beauty sells

by Trina Mannino
Mar 15, 2023
Consumers can’t get enough of makeup, skincare and hair products even as inflation persists and a potential recession looms.
Stubborn inflation and the threat of a recession may lead some shoppers to cut back on nonessential items, but that doesn’t apply to their favorite mascara or face mask.
Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Sephora
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New location means smarter budgeting for Michigan retailer

by Nicholas Guiang
Mar 10, 2023
Annie Lang-Hartman, owner of Wild Lettie, just signed the lease on a new location, hoping to expand her product offerings.
As Wild Lettie expands to three stores, there is a lot of work to do to set up shop.
Courtesy Annie Lang Hartman
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Retailers say customers are focusing on essentials

by Kristin Schwab
Mar 6, 2023
Between inflation and a possibly looming recession, some big box stores are on edge.
Retailers are shifting focus to match inflation-weary customers' preferences for savings over slurging.
George Frey/Getty Images
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"New smaller size, same great price!" The products we buy are shrinking, and so is the value.

by Janet Nguyen
Mar 1, 2023
Less of a good thing: “Marketplace” listeners tell us about products they've seen that have undergone "shrinkflation."
At Dollar Tree, packages of Hampton Farms peanuts have decreased from 1 pound to 8 ounces. Many companies are dealing with inflation by recalculating price versus quantity.
Courtesy of Percy Wilson
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A Tulsa sneakers store plans for a year of uncertainty

by Sean McHenry
Feb 28, 2023
For Venita Cooper, owner of Silhouette Sneakers & Art, business is up. But will it last? "The big challenge is just trying to keep engagement," she says.
Venita Cooper, owner of Silhouette Sneakers & Art, at a Valentine's Day event for the store.
Courtesy Gary Mason
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