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The pandemic restaurant trends that are here to stay

A Deloitte survey finds consumer preferences for things like ordering online and self-checkout aren't going anywhere.
David Becker/Getty Images

Pandemic exodus from big cities was short-lived

Mar 30, 2023
Census data shows fewer people are moving out of coastal urban centers, but Sun Belt states remain popular.
"One of the biggest things that landlords look at when they're deciding whether or not to rent to a tenant is their credit score," Chang said. A lower credit score can affect one's ability to move out and find a new place to live.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

China ends zero-COVID, but are consumers ready to spend?

Jan 12, 2023
Chinese officials have lifted the harshest restrictions of the zero-COVID policy, but consumers are still cautious amid surging infections.
A tourist district in Xiamen city in late December 2022 was quiet amid a surge of COVID infections.
Jennifer Pak/Marketplace

China's zero-COVID whiplash

Jan 5, 2023
China has abandoned its sweeping restrictions after nearly three years. Heads are spinning from the speed of the change, and infections are spreading quickly.
A disinfection squad enters a residential building in Shanghai, responding to a confirmed COVID case. Under China's zero-COVID policy, these teams could forcibly disinfect the homes of people who contracted the virus.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

Urgent care industry grows as need, business opportunity meet

Dec 12, 2022
The pandemic shone a light on urgent care's role in the health system. Private equity has taken notice.
A CityMD urgent care clinic in New York City. The chain is among several in the industry that are expanding aided by investment from private equity.
Cindy Ord/Getty Images

What it's like returning to China's zero-COVID bubble

Nov 17, 2022
China is simplifying some of the rules to enter its zero-COVID bubble, but many hurdles remain.
Passengers from Pak's flight from Toronto in November are welcomed by staff at Shanghai's Pudong airport in hazmat suits.
Jennifer Pak/Marketplace

Why are there so many auto insurance commercials?

Nov 4, 2022
Car insurance companies spend billions each year trying to reach TV viewers and keep ahead of the competition.
Drivers in nearly every state are required to have insurance.
Carl Court/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

How the pandemic pushed this nonprofit worker to start her own businesses

In addition to her day job, Jennifer Barton of Buffalo now sells mugs and other goods she makes, plus owns a community art studio.
Jennifer Barton at her studio in Buffalo, New York.
Brandon Watson

Locked out of China by its zero-COVID policy, their lives changed course

Oct 5, 2022
China’s borders shut in March 2020 to contain COVID-19. It's been rough for people who made a life in China but were forced to leave.
China's rigorous COVID restrictions have made it difficult for some residents to return. Above, a woman at Hong Kong International Airport makes her way to hotel quarantine on Sept. 23.
Isaac Lawrence/AFP via Getty Images

Macy's is expanding investment in strip malls with smaller stores

Aug 1, 2022
Outdoor shopping centers have become more popular as consumers look for convenience.
Macy's is building out its smaller-footprint concepts like Macy’s Backstage. They'll be located in strip malls, where consumers can make quicker shopping trips.
Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy's, Inc.