Ex-inventory clerk ticks off memories of counting merchandise

Jul 26, 2024
Before barcodes and electronic management systems, there were inventory clerks with pens and clipboards.
Before electronic inventory management systems came on line in the 1980s and '90s, retailers counted inventory by hand.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Members-only retailers are a status symbol in China

Sep 18, 2023
While regular supermarkets are struggling in China, aspirational consumers keep Sam’s Club, Costco and its Chinese competitor Freshippo X expanding.
A shopper walks out with a full shopping cart from a Sam's Club in Shanghai. Membership retailers are expanding in China despite traditional supermarkets struggling.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

No cashiers, no lines – Amazon debuts its new grocery store

Dec 6, 2016
The web retailer Amazon has just launched something sure to draw the attention of shoppers — a cashier-free grocery store. It’s called “Amazon Go,” and the big idea is that shoppers can just grab the items they want and leave. Kind of like Uber for grocery shopping. Analysts believe the concept has the potential to […]
A view of "Amazon Go."
Amazon/YouTube

Target seeks to reclaim cheap chic image

Aug 18, 2015
After a couple of corporate stumbles, Target hopes to get back on financial track.

You'll be amazed at how big Kroger is

Sep 11, 2014
Kroger, known for groceries, is one of the biggest retail chains in the world.

Will H&M make good on its "living wage" promise?

Nov 28, 2013
Clothing-retailer H&M has said it's drafting a plan to pay its textile worker a "living wage" by 2018.