Experiential shopping doesn't seem to be helping malls

Apr 16, 2019
A new study shows that adding experiential stores to malls doesn't seem to be increase customer foot traffic.
An ornate lighting fixture hangs in the lobby connecting a parking structure to the main area of the Americana at Brand shopping community in Glendale, California.
Shea Huffman/Marketplace

Social media fury over Instacart pay scale raises industry-wide concerns

Feb 8, 2019
Instacart and other apps are competing for consistent customers, while worker pay is inconsistent.
This illustration photo taken on December 22, 2012, in Paris, shows credit cards in a miniature toy shopping cart.
JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images

Slow sales shed light on how jewelers make money via financing

Jan 17, 2019
Signet Jewelers, the company behind Kay Jewelers, Jared and Zales, is reporting weak holiday sales figures. Click the audio player above to hear the full story.

Digital Day discounts draw in consumers

Dec 27, 2018
Amazon’s third annual Digital Day officially launches on Friday — though some discounts have already been spotted on the website. The company is offering deep discounts on content — digital books movies and games — the sort of thing you can use on its Kindle, Fire TV and Echo devices. The race to get you to buy proprietary […]
An Amazon logo is seen inside the Amazon corporate headquarters on June 16, 2017 in Seattle, Washington.  
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Retailers offer online discounts because they want consumers to click to shop

Dec 25, 2018
And companies are getting more than just your money.
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What's that smell? A rise in "perfume culture"

Dec 24, 2018
Shakeups in the industry have given way to more niche, artisanal fragrances.
Photo by George Marks/Retrofile/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

The backstory of Hot Wheels, the most popular toy 50 years ago

Dec 20, 2018
Fifty years later, the toy cars are still going strong.
There are more than 20,000 variations of Hot Wheels, according to Mattel.
Renata Sago/Marketplace

Target's investments in online shopping are paying off

Nov 26, 2018
Target missed earnings expectations for the third quarter, yet the company is maintaining its forecast for the whole year. The reason? The retailer’s investments in its online segment are weighing down on its profit margins, but those investments are getting some traction as online sales jumped 49 percent in the latest quarter. Click the audio […]

Unclaimed Baggage Center turns one person’s lost stuff into another’s bargain buy

Nov 26, 2018
Some unique finds: A Christmas sweater with two neck holes, antlers, a taxidermied frog.
Shoppers at the Unclaimed Baggage Center shortly after doors opened at 8am. 
Gigi Douban/Marketplace