Lisa Napoli

Latest Stories (306)

How to make it smell like a sale

Nov 22, 2007
Retailers know consumers can't negotiate with their nose when it finds something it likes. Lisa Napoli talks to Rachel Herz, author of "The Scent of Desire," about how some stores are using smell to seal the deal.

Lots of holiday congestion

Nov 20, 2007
When you travel during the holiday season, packed airports are part of the experience. But for many air travelers the crunch begins before they even get inside the terminal. Lisa Napoli reports on what goes on in the parking lots.

Shopocalypse now

Nov 16, 2007
Reverend Billy has a message for you: the end is near for our consumer culture. Marketplace's Lisa Napoli enters the fold of the Church of Stop Shopping to bring us the gospel.

Bhutan's falling happiness index

Nov 14, 2007
Once-isolated Bhutan glimpsed the rest of the world seven years ago with the arrival of TV and the Internet. Now happiness is an increasingly rare commodity, and young people dance in blue jeans.

FCC to make Sirius decision

Nov 13, 2007
The Federal Communications Commission is trying to decide if the XM-Sirius satellite radio merger would be harmful to consumers. But Lisa Napoli explains why the FCC will probably approve the deal.

Weekend for exclusive shoppers only

Nov 8, 2007
Best Buy is attempting to get an edge on holiday shopping by inviting its top customers to an exclusive sale this Sunday. Lisa Napoli tells us why this might help the retailer in an ultra-competitive season.

You're a cash cow, Charlie Brown

Nov 5, 2007
Charles Schulz's humble "Peanuts" strip grew into a $1.2 billion empire by the 1990's. Lisa Napoli talks to David Michaelis, author of a new Schulz biography, on the cartoonist's trailblazing efforts in merchandising.

Cheaper rates for using more power?

Oct 30, 2007
Differential pricing for utilities is nothing new -- paying less for electricity used during off-peak hours. But in Los Angeles, city officials floated a slight variation on that theme -- lower rates for people who use more electricity. Lisa Napoli reports that it's a growing trend.

For rent: Apt. w/ choice of TV service

Oct 29, 2007
For years, consumer advocates have been petitioning the FCC to strike down a rule that lets cable providers sign exclusive contracts with apartment buildings. A report says they will soon get what they wanted -- and telephone companies couldn't be happier.

Birthday present to myself: A will

Oct 26, 2007
Would you celebrate the anniversary of your birth by preparing for your death? Lisa Napoli learns how to get her affairs in order with some help from her family.