HPU economist predicts a stronger holiday sales season for most retailers
High Point University economist Michael McCully is expecting holiday spending to be higher this year than last.
retail
What our shopping choices say about the U.S. economy
Here's what we learned from a hectic spate of financial report cards shared by top U.S. retailers.
Binders, backpacks... and inflation are on this year's back-to-school shopping list
This year's back-to-school shopping season lands in the middle of the highest inflation in four decades — how will this affect spending?
What happens when people want all the air fryers and then, suddenly, they don't
Big box stores are working through an unexpected glut of inventory: TVs, kitchen appliances, hoodies and other hot pandemic items. Part of the problem is the bullwhip effect.
Too many slices in a full loaf of bread? This program helps find half-loaves for sale
Prashant Baid created halfloafnear.me for himself; he hates throwing out bread that's gone bad. But now, he says, the program has struck a chord with other people seeking to reduce food waste.
From living rooms to landfills, some holiday shopping returns take a 'very sad path'
It's peak season for returns, which are setting a new record. Some end up back on shelves or get resold to other merchants, and some wind up in landfills or sail overseas.
Starbucks and Costco raise wages in the nationwide competition for workers
Costco pays $17 an hour after a second raise this year. Starbucks is raising hourly pay to $15 amid a union effort. Major chains are pushing to draw workers, who have shunned a million retail jobs.
Santa's sleigh is looking emptier. Fewer toys, higher prices loom for holiday season
Toy-makers are warning of emptier shelves and pricier toys this holiday season. Their supplies are ensnarled in floating traffic jams of container ships wallowing near key U.S. ports.
Retail Jobs Are Treated As A Temporary Bridge To Something Better. But Why?
At any moment, some 15 million Americans work in retail. Many stay for years. Now companies face a labor crunch, and workers wish these jobs were designed as durable careers.
More Retail Workers Are Quitting Than Ever, But More Stores Are Opening Than Expected
The U.S. retail industry is setting records: workers quitting and workers hired. Wages are finally growing. And despite the pandemic devastation, brand-new stores are still opening.